Hidden deep within the dense rain forest foliage of the Kibale Forest National Park, The Primate Lodge is a supremely eco-friendly forest lodge, which offers the perfect gateway for gorilla trekking and primate spotting while enjoying a Uganda safari. Accessed by winding forest paths, The Primate lodge features a central reception area with spacious dining room and bar, while within the forest are eight luxury safari tents, which are raised on wooden platforms so as to blend into the tree canopy. Awarded the Chimp Award 2008 for Investment in Eco-Tourism by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, The Primate Lodge offers a unique experience in this magical tropical rainforest, which stands at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains and is home to 325 species of birds. 

Location

The Primate Lodge is 35km from Fort Portal. 

Accommodation 

The Primate Lodge offers eight luxury safari tents, which are raised on a wooden platform and covered by a grass-thatched roof that perfectly blends with the natural environment. The interior of each tent is tastefully decorated in African style, with comfortable queen size beds, brightly coloured bedspreads and large windows that offer superb views over the rain forests of Kibale Forest National Park. The en-suite bathrooms are finished with natural local stone and bamboo. The intimate cottages are privately situated in the forest, each with its own private verandah, and each with its own ensuite bathroom finished in local stone and bamboo. The Primate Lodge also offers  seven intimate cottages privately situated in the forest. Each cottage offers a bedroom, ensuite bathroom, sitting area and outside verandah. 

The Sky Tree House: Adventurous travellers are welcome to spend an exciting night high up in the trees in the remote Sky Tree House, which offers a simple bedroom and basic washing facilities at the foot of the tree. Located 10 minute’s walk from The Primate lodge, it overlooks the elephant wallow and is often visited by elephants during the night. 

Campsite

The Primate Lodge also offers its own campsite with shared washing facilities for guests who wish to bring their own tents.

Dining and bars

The dining room of The Primate lodge is in the central reception area and offers a wide range of local and international cuisine. There is also an adjacent bar with panoramic views across the forest. An open lounge area is furnished with comfortable chairs, sofas and soft cushions, making it the ideal place to unwind and listen to the chattering of the red-tailed monkeys in the dense branches, a fire is also lit nightly and traditional dance and song is offered.

Conference and event facilities

While this forest lodge does not have specific conference facilities, the management of The Primate lodge will be delighted to accommodate small working groups or team-building retreats.

Child-friendly Uganda Travel

Children are welcome at The Primate lodge. 

What to see and do 

The Primate lodge offers guided forest walks, a night spent under the stars at the forest tree house, elephant viewing at the adjacent elephant wallow, ornithological tours and chimp tracking walks. Tours can also be made of the Kibale Forest National Park’s beautiful volcanic lakes and guided hiking tours are hosted in the Rwenzori mountains.  There is also a souvenir shop featuring local handicrafts.

Sustainable tourism at The Primate lodge

Being situated in the protected area of Kibale Forest National Park, The Primate lodge is highly committed to the conservation of nature and culture. The lodge is constructed with local materials and makes use of solar powered electricity in order to minimize the impact on the environment. Moreover, the accommodation contributes to the livelihood of the surrounding communities by involving the local families in different service areas, ranging from employment and the supply of locally grown products to providing handmade crafts and cultural performances.