Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Chimapanzee Forest Lodge

Chimpanzee Forest Lodge is one of the best affordable midrange and budget lodges near Kibale National Park, Uganda’s famous home of wild chimpanzees. The lodge sits on about 100 acres of beautiful lawns, colorful gardens, tea plantations, and patches of natural forest. From the lodge, guests enjoy wonderful views of the Rwenzori Mountains, the nearby crater lakes, and the edge of Kibale Forest.

The lodge has a long and interesting history. It was first built in the 1950s as the home of the British District Commissioner during the colonial period. Later, it became the home of John Switzer, son of the well-known tea grower C. W. Switzer. In 2003, the Switzer family renovated and turned the property into a comfortable safari lodge. It is still locally owned and managed by a Ugandan family, who make every guest feel at home.

The main house is filled with character. You can relax in a cozy lounge decorated with old African books and colonial photographs. The feeling of history mixes beautifully with the green gardens and natural setting outside. Chimpanzee Forest Lodge is quiet, friendly, and full of charm, offering true Ugandan hospitality and great value for money.

Access & Location

Chimpanzee Forest Lodge lies just outside the boundary of Kibale National Park, about a 30-minute drive from the park’s visitor center where chimpanzee treks begin. The lodge is also close to the scenic crater lakes of Nyabikere, Nyinabulitwa, and Nyamirima, which can easily be explored on foot.

Travelers can reach the lodge in about 5 to 6 hours by road from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala, passing through the pleasant town of Fort Portal, which is only about 20 kilometres away. Guests coming from other safari destinations can also fly to Kasese Airstrip and continue by car for about 2 hours.

Accommodation At Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Chimpanzee Forest Lodge offers different types of accommodation to suit both midrange and budget travelers.

Cottages (Bandas)

The lodge has several self-contained cottages, known as bandas, built in a beautiful natural style. Each cottage has comfortable double or twin beds, a private bathroom with a hot-water shower, and wide verandas that overlook the gardens, tea plantations, and the forest beyond. From your veranda, you can often see colorful birds flying past or hear the distant calls of chimpanzees in the forest. The cottages are spacious, bright, and simple, giving guests a peaceful and relaxing stay surrounded by nature.

Main Guest House

For guests who like a bit of history, the old colonial house offers two self-contained rooms. These rooms were once part of the District Commissioner’s home and have been carefully restored to keep their old-world charm. The rooms have wide windows with lovely views of the tea plantations and crater lake, comfortable beds, and private bathrooms with modern fittings.

Camping

For travelers on a tighter budget or those who love the outdoors, the lodge has a grassy campsite set slightly away from the main buildings. It’s quiet, safe, and shaded by trees. Guests can pitch their own tents and enjoy the sounds of the forest at night. There are shared bathrooms with hot showers, and meals can be arranged in the main dining area.

Facilities At Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

The lodge provides hydroelectric power, constant running water, and free Wi-Fi in the main area. There is also a stand-by generator, well-trained security staff, and a warm, welcoming team ready to help with any need.

Guests can relax in the comfortable lounge, enjoy a drink in the garden, or read from the small collection of books about Uganda’s wildlife and history. In the evenings, a campfire is often lit outside where guests gather to share stories from their day’s adventures.

Meals at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge are freshly prepared using local ingredients. Expect tasty Ugandan dishes, homemade soups, fruits from the garden, and vegetables from nearby farms. The dining area looks out over the crater lake and offers a peaceful place to eat while enjoying the view.

Activities At Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Chimpanzee Forest Lodge is perfectly located for exploring Kibale National Park and the surrounding region. With the help of the lodge’s experienced guides, guests can join several exciting and educational activities.

Chimpanzee Trekking

The highlight of most visits is chimpanzee tracking inside Kibale National Park. The park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, making it one of the best places in Africa to see these amazing animals in the wild. Treks start each morning and afternoon from the Kanyanchu Visitor Center, just a short drive from the lodge. Watching chimpanzees feed, play, and communicate in their natural home is an unforgettable experience.

Bird Watching

The area around the lodge and the nearby crater lakes is rich in birdlife. Guests can go on short guided walks to spot species such as hornbills, kingfishers, turacos, sunbirds, and weavers. Birding walks usually take two to three hours and are suitable for all ages.

Crater Lake Exploration

A popular activity is the Crater Lake Walk, which takes visitors through local villages, tea plantations, and forest patches to see three beautiful lakes — Nyabikere, Nyinabulitwa, and Nyamirima. The walk takes about two to three hours, offering great views and chances to meet local people.

Top of the World Trek

For more adventure, the Top of the World Trek is a longer hike through tea gardens and hills. From the top, you can see three crater lakes lined up in a straight line and, on clear days, even the crater lakes of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This walk usually takes about three to four hours and is one of the best ways to appreciate the area’s stunning landscape.

Tea Plantation Visit

Guests can walk with a guide through the nearby tea plantations to learn how tea is grown, harvested, and processed. Local farmers often invite visitors to join in picking tea leaves and explaining the different types of tea produced in Uganda.

Community and Market Visit

The lodge can arrange visits to the nearby Rwaihamba Market, a lively open-air market that takes place twice a week. Here, visitors can see local people trading bananas, fruits, vegetables, handmade crafts, and colorful fabrics. It’s a great way to experience everyday Ugandan life.

Mahoma Falls Hike

For guests who enjoy longer walks, the Mahoma Falls hike is a full-day adventure through villages, gardens, and forested hills. The waterfalls are a beautiful reward at the end of the trail, and the walk gives travelers a closer look at rural Uganda and its friendly people.

Why Stay at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Chimpanzee Forest Lodge offers everything a traveler could want from a stay near Kibale National Park — comfort, nature, and affordability. Its location is perfect for chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, crater lake walks, and cultural visits. The setting is peaceful, the staff are friendly, and the atmosphere feels like home.

Unlike many lodges in the area, Chimpanzee Forest Lodge welcomes guests of all budgets — whether you prefer the comfort of a cottage, the history of the old colonial house, or the adventure of camping under the stars. Every guest enjoys the same warm hospitality, tasty food, and excellent service.

The lodge’s connection to Uganda’s history adds something special to your stay. You can relax on the veranda where colonial officers once looked over the tea fields, read old African books in the lounge, or walk through gardens planted more than half a century ago.

With its mix of midrange comfort and budget-friendly options, Chimpanzee Forest Lodge is an ideal base for exploring the beauty of western Uganda. It combines nature, culture, and history in one peaceful place — making it not only a good value lodge but also a memorable part of your Uganda safari.

In summary:

Chimpanzee Forest Lodge is a warm, family-run lodge offering affordable comfort on the edge of Kibale National Park. Surrounded by tea gardens, forests, and crater lakes, it provides guests with a true taste of Ugandan nature and culture — at a price that suits every traveler. Whether you come for chimp trekking, hiking, or simply to relax and enjoy the scenery, this lodge is a perfect choice for anyone looking for both adventure and peace.