OVERVIEW:
Primate Lodge is an excellent option for travellers who would like to go on chimp treks and all sorts of walking expeditions from a luxurious base. Of all the properties in the park, Primate Lodge is closest to the starting point for chimpanzee treks.
ACCESS & LOCATION:
Primate Lodge may be accessed by light-aircraft flight followed by road transfer, or by road transfer alone. The drive from Kampala is approximately 5 hours, including the stretch of road from the centre of Fort Portal to the lodge, which is 36 kilometres.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT PRIMATE LODGE:
The communal buildings are located close to the Kanyanchu Visitors’ Centre in Kibale. Constructed from timber and stone, with either thatch or metal roofing, they provide many comfy spaces where travellers may relax and enjoy the forest scenery. The lounge contains plenty of well-cushioned seating as well as a small library, while the restaurant has elegant upright chairs flanking wooden tables and incorporates the lodge’s bar. There are charging facilities for electronic equipment and free Wi-Fi. There is also a craft shop and the grounds include a big stone fire-pit – perfect for gatherings with fellow travellers to swap stories about your days out in Kibale!
The ten Luxury Cottages of Primate Lodge are found nestled into the forest surrounding the main buildings. Each is made out of timber, glass, stone, and thatch, blending beautifully with the natural setting. A ramp leads to the glass-panelled door, which opens to reveal a very spacious sleeping and living area. There is either a king-size bed or two double beds, with mosquito netting, bedside tables and lighting, snug rugs, a separate seating area, and ample storage space. An extra bed may be added to accommodate a child aged 3–12 years. En-suite facilities comprise a flush toilet, a large vanity unit with washbasin and mirror over, and a walk-in shower. The main room has sliding double doors out onto a veranda set with a couple of campaign chairs and a small table -this is ideal for enjoying a drink while marvelling at the forest surrounds.
ACTIVITIES AT PRIMATE LODGE:
- The trailhead for chimp tracking is close to the lodge, and the experience of coming face to face with man’s nearest relative is absolutely incredible!
- In all, the rainforest is home to 13 species of primate, among them chimps, black-and-white colobus monkey, red colobus monkey, blue monkey, and L’Hoest’s monkey.
- Forest and primate walks offer amazing opportunities to see all these remarkable creatures, in addition to bird highlights such as black-capped apalis, collared apalis, blue-headed sunbird, purple-breasted sunbird, dusky crimsonwing, and red-faced woodland warbler.
- You can head out to the park’s crater lakes too, for breathtaking vistas across the water as far as the Rwenzori mountains beyond, while the Bigodi swamplands are also well worth a visit, for their wealth of wildlife.
Staff members at Primate Lodge are glad to help arrange all these activities for you. All chimp treks are led by very experienced guides, who are happy to answer all your questions.
*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.