Crater Safari Lodge

Crater Safari Lodge is a beautiful luxury eco-lodge set high on a green hill overlooking a large crater lake called Nyinabulitwa. From here, guests enjoy breathtaking views of the calm blue waters below and the endless green forests beyond.

The lodge is only a short drive from Kibale National Park, famous for its chimpanzee tracking safaris. This makes Crater Safari Lodge one of the best places to stay for anyone who wants to explore the forest, meet Uganda’s chimpanzees, and experience nature in comfort. Designed to blend perfectly into its natural surroundings, the lodge offers a mix of luxury, peace, and eco-friendliness.

Thatched chalets with private balconies look out over the crater lake, and hammocks swing gently in the gardens. The air is cool and fresh, and the only sounds are birds singing and monkeys calling in the distance.

Whether you are here for adventure or relaxation, Crater Safari Lodge offers the perfect escape for families, couples, and honeymooners. It has even won awards as one of Uganda’s best eco-lodges, offering a truly natural and sustainable wilderness experience.

Access & Location

Crater Safari Lodge is located just 5 km from Kibale Forest National Park and about 22 km from Fort Portal town in western Uganda.

The lodge sits on the banks of Lake Nyinabulitwa, surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests. Getting here is easy and scenic. You can travel by road or air. From Entebbe International Airport, it takes 5–6 hours by road to reach the lodge. You can also fly from Entebbe to Kasese Airstrip and take a 2 hour drive to the lodge.

The drive passes through charming Ugandan villages, tea plantations, and beautiful green landscapes — it’s a journey full of color and life. Though the road is long, it’s very rewarding once you reach the peaceful setting of the lodge.

Accommodation & Facilities At Crater Safari Lodge

Crater Safari Lodge has a total of 23 rooms, made up of 14 deluxe thatched chalets and 9 standard pool-facing cabanas. All are designed for comfort and built using local materials like timber, stone, and thatch to blend naturally with the environment.

Deluxe Thatched Chalets

The deluxe chalets are spacious and luxurious, each with its own wooden balcony. Some overlook the crater lake, while others have partial lake or garden views.
Each chalet includes:

A comfortable double or twin bed with mosquito nets
A private bathroom with either a large shower or bathtub
A balcony with chairs, couches, or hammocks for relaxing
Wardrobe, bedside tables, lamps, and plug points for charging
Bathrobes, towels, and toiletries provided

There are also family chalets with interconnecting rooms — perfect for guests with children. The honeymoon suite is especially romantic, offering the best views of the lake and total privacy.

Standard Pool-Facing Cabanas

These cabanas are located near the lodge’s swimming pool and are ideal for guests who prefer a simpler, budget-friendly option. They are split-level, with either double, twin, or single beds. Each has:

A small lounge area
Mosquito nets and bedside lamps
Private bathroom with shower
Outdoor seating with views of the gardens or pool

Whether you choose a chalet or cabana, every room offers comfort and charm, making guests feel close to nature without giving up modern conveniences.

Main Lodge & Dining

The main lodge building is the heart of Crater Safari Lodge. It includes:

A restaurant and dining area where guests enjoy delicious meals
A bar serving a range of local and international drinks
A comfortable lounge with sofas and large windows overlooking the crater lake
A boma area (campfire circle) for evening relaxation under the stars
A sparkling swimming pool surrounded by green lawns and deck chairs

Guests can enjoy breakfast while listening to the sound of giant kingfishers on the lake, or sip coffee as the sun rises over the hills. In the evening, the campfire becomes the perfect place to share stories and watch the night sky.

The restaurant serves freshly prepared meals using local ingredients. The lodge offers both Ugandan and international dishes, and the chefs can cater to special dietary needs when informed in advance. Romantic bush dinners can be arranged on the shores of the lake — a truly special experience for couples and honeymooners.

Facilities & Services

Crater Safari Lodge is fully equipped to make your stay comfortable and memorable. Facilities include:

Free Wi-Fi in the main area (connection may be slow due to the remote location)
Laundry service on site
Tea and coffee station
Hairdryer and plug points in the main area
Solar power throughout the property (eco-friendly energy)
Babysitting services available at extra cost
Swimming pool with deck chairs and drink service
Swinging chairs and hammocks scattered around the gardens

Every detail is designed to help guests relax, unwind, and feel at home in nature.

Activities At Crater Safari Lodge

Crater Safari Lodge is ideally located for a wide range of activities — from wildlife adventures to cultural experiences. Whether you want to explore, relax, or learn about local life, there’s something for everyone.

Chimpanzee Tracking

The main attraction near the lodge is chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park. Guests can book permits through the lodge and join guided walks to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The forest is home to 13 species of primates, making it one of the best places in Africa for primate lovers.

Top of the World Hike

Take a hike to the “Top of the World” viewpoint, where you can see up to nine crater lakes at once. The scenery is spectacular, with views of rolling hills, forests, and villages below.

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Join a guided birding walk at Bigodi Wetland, a community-run sanctuary famous for its monkeys, birds, and butterflies. This is also a great way to support local conservation projects.

Water Activities

Guests can hire canoes for a peaceful paddle on Lake Nyinabulitwa or go fishing from the lakeshore. The lodge can provide fishing rods and organize a romantic lakeside dinner for two.

Cultural Experiences

Visit local villages, schools, and markets, or learn basket weaving from community artisans. You can also visit nearby tea and coffee plantations to see how Uganda’s famous crops are grown and processed.

Cycling & Nature Walks

For active travelers, the lodge offers guided cycling trips around the crater lakes and Kibale forest. Mountain bikes and gear are provided. Guests can also take gentle nature walks around the lake to enjoy the quiet beauty of the area.

Family & Child Policy

Crater Safari Lodge welcomes children of all ages. Families can stay in large chalets or interconnecting rooms. Please note: only children aged 12 years and above are allowed to join chimpanzee tracking activities (as per Uganda Wildlife Authority rules).

Weather

Crater Safari Lodge enjoys mild weather all year round. Daytime temperatures average around 25°C, and nights can be cool at about 10°C. The area is generally green and fresh, with heavier rains between March–May and September–November. Bring a warm jacket for evenings and light clothes for daytime activities.

Why Stay at Crater Safari Lodge?

Crater Safari Lodge offers the perfect mix of comfort, adventure, and natural beauty. You can watch the sunrise over the crater lake from your balcony, swim under the African sun, explore the forest with chimpanzees, and end your day by a warm fire with new friends.

With its eco-friendly design, friendly staff, and prime location near Kibale National Park, this lodge is ideal for families, honeymooners, and nature lovers. For anyone dreaming of a true Ugandan jungle experience with a touch of luxury, Crater Safari Lodge is the place to be.