Primate Lodge - Kibale
Kibale National Park Uganda
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About
#4 of 9 Specialty lodging in Kibale National Park
Location
4.8
Cleanliness
4.1
Service
4.4
Value
4.1
Travelers' Choice
Experience the world renowned Ugandan hospitality amidst unrivaled nature, scenery and serenity in the heart of Kibale rainforest National Park, Uganda’s primates’ paradise; Primate Lodge Kibale’s principal edge is our location, right next to the starting point for Chimpanzee Tracking excursion as well as the incredible Chimpanzee Habituation experience, really, two of the most genuinely breathtaking wildlife experiences on the planet. Primate Lodge Kibale Offers a range of options to accommodate all our guests. Our most recent addition, the brand new 9 luxury cottages of a superior design are bound to blow your heart away. Far more spacious and airy, with luxurious bathrooms, really huge glass windows and full size glass paneled sliding doors- they let in a lot of natural light and affording 180 degree views of the beautiful rainforest surroundings from your bed. Our seven mid-level forest cottages are en-suite with spacious bathrooms, 2x twin size beds or 1x king size bed, lounge chairs and a spacious verandah overlooking the rainforest. For our adventurous guests, we offer a secluded Sky Tree House (not self-contained) about 200m deep in the forest. Elevated about 18-feet above ground and overlooking a meadow, it enjoys excellent views over the forest canopy and is regularly visited by black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, forest elephants, even chimpanzee sometimes.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Fitness / spa locker rooms
Free breakfast
Hiking
Airport transportation
Photo copier / fax In business center
Spa
Internet
Sauna
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast in the room
Snack bar
Car hire
Foot bath
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Neck massage
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Picnic area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
Butler service
First aid kit
Umbrella
Express check-in / check-out
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
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Room features
Blackout curtains
Bathrobes
Desk
Fireplace
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Bath / shower
Sofa
Wardrobe / closet
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Wake-up service / alarm clock
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Charming
Languages Spoken
English, Swahili
Location
Full view
Contact
Kibale National Park Uganda
Getting there
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Stayed for two nights, and wish it could have been longer. I cannot fault this place at all. The rooms are huge, and nicely decorated, lovely bathroom, and they have toiletries etc. The beds were amazingly comfy. And a great location of course! We were lucky enough to watch red tailed monkeys playing in the trees while we ate lunch. The food is also excellent. Most importantly, the staff are so friendly and helpful, and make the stay even better.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We absolutely loved our experience. The chimpanzee tracking was incredible. Our lodging, food and service were excellent. Would highly recommend making this one of a kind trip. It is totally worth it!!
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
Absolutely outstanding. Best food chef, service rooms, huge bathrooms, this is in the middle of the jungle…best staff. Cannot say Enough great things about this place everything is perfectly laid out everything is exceptional and he will be extremely is overly surprised by how wonderful this large is. It is a must visit and I would suggest staying three days. Also the walk that I had with JOCKUS was absolutely amazing he took a lot of time with me… when it was only supposed to be 15 minutes and we did an hour. Here are some pictures as well he was wonderful and show me things I never seen. Such a great walk.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
The interior design of this lodge is stunning- it goes so well with the environment. the main areas are completely open which is wonderful as you just want to keep looking at the trees etc Gravel paths lead to the cottages. We had Kingfisher Cottage #1 and I loved it as it was fairly isolated even "though close to the main areas.The cottage was very spacious with beautiful understated design. We had a patio with chairs and a table with large glass sliding doors separating it from the rest of the cottage so you never felt cut off from the environment even when you were inside. In fact, I was inside and heard a noise. When I turned around, there was an Olive Baboon just on the other side of the glass. He or she scurried off to a nearby log when I approached the glass. Please note, 'though, that Baboons are notorious for destroying room interiors so Don't leave doors open. Off the patio were trees and I was able to see Monkeys occasionally, especially the Red Tailed Monkey. You have to be still and patient. I even spotted Chimps in the trees near a gravel path to other cottages early one morning. I could hear people talking at cottages farther away so you really do have to be quiet if you want to see the wildlife that visits. The lodge's location is perfect; you're surrounded by Kibale forest.. Chimp Trekking departure point is just down the road from the lodge. I also spotted monkeys in the trees across the road from the lodge. As for meals, there are set time windows for meals which was never a problem. The food was delicious and I am a picky eater. The staff will fill your water bottle and provide one if needed. As for the staff, Vincent was our waiter and became our go-to person. He would let me know if there were any monkeys around and was always checking on us. He had that wonderful gift of being discrete but always present for any need or request. He just made our stay so comfortable and enjoyable. That said, we found everyone wonderful and always ready to help. The manager, Grison, has obviously created a great team. I would love to return. Just an amazing lodge in the middle of a jungle.…
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Date of stay: June 2022
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
It's hard to find the words to describe this incredible "camp" that's the only one located in the actual Kibale Park and is just steps from the ranger HQ where the chimp treks begin. We spent my husband's 70th birthday here, and I can't say enough about the beauty of the lodge - surpassed only by the beauty of its very special team. Each "room" is secluded but just a short walk away from the main areas which are beautifully laid out to take advantage of the extraordinary forest location. The lodge allows for activities like chimp trekking to be topped off with a cold drink and relaxation in comfortable yet luxurious surroundings. We simply can't say enough about a very special team who catered to every desire, but most especially was fun to be around and helped us learn so much about Uganda, the chimps and their culture (and a few local words, too). I won't ruin the surprises for anyone, but have to say that Jockus, our waiter/butler/valet, kept finding new ways to "surprise and delight" us throughout our stay. We loved talking to him throughout dinner and were honored to have him join us by the campfire to tell us more about himself and his family. He came running to find us when chimps came right to the camp to cross (amazing!), and was a friend throughout. Not to mention, the best wake up "calls" ever! Vincent was lovely and managed to be everywhere at the same time, like Jockus always anticipating and suggesting ways to enjoy ourselves (an easy feat)! The manager, Grison, has done an amazing job in every way at Primates Lodge, and we were honored to have him join us on a Chimpanzee Trek and to see his awe and wonder despite years living there. He also organized - together with the full staff - the most special birthday dinner and surroundings for my husband, with everyone joining in to sing and present a cake. Last, but not remotely least, DO NOT miss a chance to get a massage from Shamim, the most lovely women with the best hands in Uganda! …
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Date of stay: July 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: We stayed in King Fisher but they are all amazing!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Great Lakes Safaris, Marketing at Primate Lodge - Kibale
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Beth, Warmest greetings from Primate Lodge Kibale. Thank you for staying with us and taking a step further to share with us this incredible review, We do pride ourselves in the location of the lodge and consider ourselves very fortunate to be located next door to these majestic creatures that inhabit this African rainforest. We are very pleased to note that you had a memorable stay with us and enjoyed the lodges’ facilities, the meals and friendly staff. It is indeed feedback such as yours which motivate us in delivering services to our best. We genuinely aim to provide absolute comfort in the wild for all our guests, to be your home away from home in every single way possible and we are humbled that Grison, Jockus, Vincent and the entire team made your stay worthwhile with their incredible Ugandan hospitality not forgetting Shamim and her magical hands that leaves you feeling refreshed We are also delighted to note that our cheeky closest relatives did not disappoint as well, those are lifetime memories worth keeping forever. Once again, Happy belated birthday to your husband and we do look forward to celebrating his or your next birthdays together. Again we deeply appreciate you feedback and the time you have taken to share this with us. We look forward to the opportunity of accommodating you again on your next holiday and leave you with only more lasting memories!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We arrived to a sea of smiling faces. The setting of the huts were unique and loved the trail around the lodge. The rooms were excellent. The touch of providing Crocs to wear whilst you cleaned our boots was so welcome as was the laundry service. I will never forget Vincent singing in the morning delivering our coffee. The food was excellent, could not fault the lodge or any of the staff.
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Date of stay: July 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Uganda Lodges, Marketing at Primate Lodge - Kibale
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Anne, Warmest greetings from Kibale National Park, Many thanks for choosing to stay with us and for sharing your experience at Primate Lodge Kibale. We are delighted to note that you enjoyed your stay with us especially the tasty meals, beautiful comfortable cottages and the warm friendly services from our staff especially Vincent, your words of appreciation has been shared with him and the entire team. It's our priority to make our guests feel absolute comfort in the wild during their stay in all ways and we are glad you had this amazing experience. We look forward to another opportunity of hosting you again in the nearest future. "Cheers"
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This place is very intimate and small. The main lodge area is great, especially by the fire pit. A great place to catch up with other travelers for a night cocktail. All the staff are exceptional, especially Hannington. We saw a chimpanzee in the trees and I ran into a baboon on my way to my room. It’s truly a lodge in the jungle. Amazing place!
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Date of stay: June 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Uganda Lodges, Marketing at Primate Lodge - Kibale
Responded 3 weeks ago
Dear Valuable Guest, Warmest greetings Primate Lodge Kibale, Thank you for staying with us and taking a step further to share with us your valuable feedback, it was a pleasure hosting you. We are delighted to note you had a memorable experience during your stay with us especially the amazing encounters with the our "closest relatives" the feeling is indescribable. We are glad you felt the intimate comfort in the jungle on your visit, your words of appreciation has been shared with Hannington and the rest of the staff. We look forward to yet another exciting opportunity of hosting you again in the nearest future. "Cheers"
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Hands down my favourite Lodge during my Uganda stay. Not only stunning, very private, peaceful, quiet rooms, and a generally beautiful lay out / decor. So beautiful listening to the birds and monkeys in the forest surrounding your room. Staff were all very very welcoming and friendly - nothing was ever too much trouble. Food was amazing - and so much of it ! Special thanks to Hannington for taking such great care and interest during my stay. Can very highly recommend Primate Lodge
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Uganda Lodges, Marketing at Primate Lodge - Kibale
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Coveney, Warmest greetings from Primate Lodge Kibale, Thank you for staying with us and taking a step further to share with us your amazing feedback, its simply incredible going through it. Am happy to note that you had a memorable stay with us and enjoyed our facilities especially the quiet peaceful private beautiful cottages, deliciously prepared meals by our well trained chefs and our amazing Ugandan hospitality from our friendly staffs, your words of appreciation has been shared Hannington and the entire team. We look forward to yet another exciting opportunity of hosting you again in the nearest future. "Cheers"
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Aside from the massage experience which I will detail below, we had a very nice 3 night stay at the Primate Lodge. I was traveling with my mom and adult sister. The accommodations are excellent, the food was good and the house keeping is thorough. Our butler Vincent was always checking in to make sure we were enjoying our stay and to see whether we needed anything. The setting is beautiful. Upon check in, the lodge manager told us that they offered massages by appointment between 3-7 pm daily. We saw a card in the room outlining the services offered and were surprised by how cheap it was — $50 for 50 min, $30 for 30 min. We heard other guests talking about how great their massage was and so the three of us decided we wanted to have massages and scheduled it with our butler. The massages were scheduled for our second afternoon at the lodge. However, when the masseuse came out, it was not the person we were expecting — a female — who the other guests had talked about. Instead it was a man named Gotfried (unsure on spelling) in bare feet, uniform black pants and a white undershirt. When he came out to greet me I was immediately uncomfortable as he did a slow “up and down” look over me as he smiled. The massage was awful. The entire time I was negotiating with myself when I was going to end it and tell him I was done. I ended up sticking it out. It was supposed to be a 30 min massage but it lasted for over 50 minutes. He talked the entire time, not picking up on my cues that I was there for relaxation. He made inappropriate comments such as “I noticed you, your mom and sister at dinner last night” and specific remarks lamenting the fact that the cottage that my sister and I were staying in was unfortunately far from my moms cottage due to a maintenance issue in the nearby cottage to ours. Technique wise, he was clearly not a professional. I left the massage feeling so violated. My sister had the same experience — we weren’t able to communicate with each other in between appointments. Fortunately my mom was not feeling well so she cancelled her appointment anyway. After the massage experience we started to notice that outside of 3-7 pm, he was dressed in a regular staff uniform and was always around the main hang out space helping behind the bar, carrying bags in for guests, etc. Why would a professional masseuse be doing those duties? It was so bizarre. I am sharing this experience because I do not want any other women to have it. Absolutely avoid. I did hear good things about the female masseuse, although she also seemed to be just a regular staff member doing odds and ends outside of the massage appointment hours.…
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Uganda Lodges, Marketing at Primate Lodge - Kibale
Responded 2 weeks ago
Warmest greetings from Primate Lodge Kibale, we hope you arrived home safe and well? Thank you for your valuable feedback, we take all our guests' comments very seriously and proactively use them to improve the guest experience and further train our team, we are always striving for protection! It is always so lovely to hear that guests enjoy their stay with us, Primate Lodge Kibale is a special place, however it was disappointing to hear that not everything was wonderful with your visit and your massage experience was such a negative one. Firstly we wanted to put your mind at rest and reassure you that the member of staff in question is professionally trained in massage and has been successfully carrying out treatments for the last 5 years as part of his duties to a very high standard, he is our head housekeeper the rest of the time. All our staff who have been trained in massage have another job within the lodge and part of that training is to follow a set of standards and procedures that have been documented. Unfortunately it appears that not all those standards were followed during your treatment and we do apologize for this. We will revisit our standards and ensure further training sessions are arranged as soon as possible, along with making sure the team understand the importance of keeping to these practices. We would love to think that if you ever return to Uganda in the future you will visit us again at Primate Lodge Kibale.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed here for 2 nights at the end of June. The service provided by Vincent was second to none and made our stay such a special experience. Hannington and Jockus were also very helpful and friendly. A great experince ofservice, food and comfort to start our trip.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Ask for a wake up call and listen for it beforehand!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Uganda Lodges, Marketing at Primate Lodge - Kibale
Responded Jul 13, 2022
Dear Valuable Guest, Warmest greetings from Primate Lodge Kibale, Thank you for staying with us and taking a step further to share with us your positive feedback. We are pleased to note that you had a memorable stay with us and enjoyed our facilities especially the tasty meals, beautiful spacious rooms and our Ugandan hospitality from our friendly guests. We look forward to the opportunity of hosting you again in the nearest future. "Cheers"
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ALSO KNOWN AS
primate hotel fort portal
LOCATION
UgandaWestern RegionKibale National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
15
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Primate Lodge - Kibale
What are some of the property amenities at Primate Lodge - Kibale?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Primate Lodge - Kibale?
Top room amenities include blackout curtains, a desk, and a fireplace.
What food & drink options are available at Primate Lodge - Kibale?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Primate Lodge - Kibale?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Primate Lodge - Kibale?
Yes, guests have access to a sauna and locker rooms available in the fitness center during their stay.
Does Primate Lodge - Kibale have airport transportation?
Yes, Primate Lodge - Kibale offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Primate Lodge - Kibale located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.1 miles away from the center of Kibale National Park.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Primate Lodge - Kibale?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Swahili.