Chimpanzee Trekking Lodges in Uganda (2026)

South Bank · Murchison Falls National Park · Luxury

Baker's Lodge has 10 thatched safari suites raised on pillars along the south bank of the River Nile in Murchison Falls National Park. The suites have a canvas and mesh river-facing front that rolls back, opening the room directly to the Nile. Each suite has an en suite bathroom with solar-heated showers, and some include bathtubs. King-size or twin bed configurations are available, along with Wi-Fi, minibar, and room service. The lodge is now managed by andBeyond, which brings an established safari hospitality standard to the property. Common areas include a thatched lounge, a bar, a swimming pool, and an outdoor dining deck overlooking the river. All furniture is locally handcrafted, and the property runs on solar power — part of an eco-friendly design that keeps the camp's footprint light on the riverbank. Activities from Baker's Lodge include game drives on the northern bank (reached via the Paraa ferry), Nile boat cruises to the base of Murchison Falls, chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest, and bird watching along the river. The south bank location is quieter than the Paraa area, and the intimate scale of the lodge — just 10 suites — keeps the atmosphere relaxed. Baker's Lodge is often chosen by travelers who want a smaller, more exclusive property on the Nile with direct river views from their room.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Wildlife safari travellers, Eco-conscious travellers

Rushaga Sector · Bwindi Impenetrable National Park · Luxury

Gorilla Leisure Lodge is an exclusive luxury safari lodge in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The lodge impresses with elegant design, the highest level of comfort, and breathtaking views of the Bwindi rainforest and the volcanic hills of Kisoro. As a pioneer in eco-tourism, the lodge actively champions conservation, reforestation and the protection of endangered species such as mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, while offering its guests a luxurious and sustainable safari experience.

Best for: Gorilla trekking visitors, Primate enthusiasts, Eco-conscious travellers

Queen Elizabeth National Park · Queen Elizabeth National Park · Luxury

Katara Lodge is a luxurious eco-lodge perched picturesquely on the escarpment of the Great African Rift Valley, offering unique panoramic views of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Edward and the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. The lodge features nine spacious, handcrafted cottages built from local materials, with foldable canvas walls for unobstructed views, luxurious en-suite bathrooms with freestanding bathtub and rain shower, plus a saltwater pool. As an ideal base for safaris, Katara Lodge combines first-class comfort with a strong environmental consciousness — from solar power and rainwater harvesting to sustainably sourced building materials.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Wildlife safari travellers, Eco-conscious travellers

Kyambura · Queen Elizabeth National Park · Luxury

Kyambura Gorge Lodge is a Volcanoes Safaris property set above Kyambura Gorge within Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge occupies a restored 1950s colonial-era building that has been repurposed into a boutique safari lodge with eight bandas, each with a private veranda. The position above the gorge gives the lodge a distinctive setting — the forested rift below is home to a habituated chimpanzee community, and chimpanzee trekking into the gorge is one of the primary activities. The Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust operates a community coffee project in the area surrounding the lodge. Local farmers grow and process coffee, which is served at the lodge and available for guests to experience through guided coffee tours. This initiative is part of a broader pattern across Volcanoes Safaris properties of linking tourism revenue to community development. Beyond chimpanzee trekking, the lodge provides access to Queen Elizabeth National Park's game drives on the Kasenyi plains and savannah areas, and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise — one of Uganda's most popular wildlife-viewing activities. The combination of chimp trekking, game drives, the Kazinga Channel, and the community coffee project makes Kyambura Gorge Lodge a well-rounded base for exploring the eastern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Wildlife safari travellers, Boat safari enthusiasts

Lake Kyaninga · Queen Elizabeth National Park · Luxury

Kyaninga Lodge is an exclusive luxury lodge in Uganda, set with views of the breathtaking Lake Kyaninga and the Rwenzori Mountains in the background. The lodge took six years to build using over a thousand hand-carved logs, and offers nine spacious, solar-powered cottages made from natural local materials, standing on platforms and reached via raised wooden walkways. Each cottage has a private terrace with panoramic views, luxurious bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs, and handcrafted furnishings. Alongside its luxury offering, the lodge is deeply committed to social causes, supporting thousands of children with disabilities in the region through its projects.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Families with children, Eco-conscious travellers

Crater Lakes · Fort Portal & Crater Lakes · Luxury

Ndali Lodge is a luxury lodge perched on the rim of a volcanic crater lake in the Fort Portal Crater Lakes region of western Uganda. The lodge offers panoramic views across the Rwenzori Mountains and surrounding crater lakes, with spacious cottages, farm-to-table dining, and guided nature walks. A peaceful retreat ideally located between Kibale Forest (chimpanzee trekking) and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Luxury travellers

Paraa · Murchison Falls National Park · Luxury

Baker's Lodge has 10 thatched safari suites raised on pillars along the south bank of the River Nile in Murchison Falls National Park. The suites have a canvas and mesh river-facing front that rolls back, opening the room directly to the Nile. Each suite has an en suite bathroom with solar-heated showers, and some include bathtubs. King-size or twin bed configurations are available, along with Wi-Fi, minibar, and room service. The lodge is now managed by andBeyond, which brings an established safari hospitality standard to the property. Common areas include a thatched lounge, a bar, a swimming pool, and an outdoor dining deck overlooking the river. All furniture is locally handcrafted, and the property runs on solar power — part of an eco-friendly design that keeps the camp's footprint light on the riverbank. Activities from Baker's Lodge include game drives on the northern bank (reached via the Paraa ferry), Nile boat cruises to the base of Murchison Falls, chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest, and bird watching along the river. The south bank location is quieter than the Paraa area, and the intimate scale of the lodge — just 10 suites — keeps the atmosphere relaxed. Baker's Lodge is often chosen by travelers who want a smaller, more exclusive property on the Nile with direct river views from their room.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Wildlife safari travellers, Eco-conscious travellers

Bulago Island · Victoria Lake Islands · Luxury

Pineapple Bay Resort occupies a waterfront position on Bulago Island in Lake Victoria. The architecture is intentionally bold — combining local Ugandan heritage materials and design references with world-class contemporary elements. The result is a property that stands apart visually from the thatched-roof lodges that dominate Uganda's accommodation landscape. Seven room types are available, ranging from Lake View rooms to VIP Suites, with rates spanning from approximately $360 for a Rooftop room to $700 for the VIP Suite. Facilities include a swimming pool, high-speed Wi-Fi, a spa offering sound and vibration therapy (an unusual treatment modality for East Africa), a club house and bar, and meeting and board rooms for corporate retreats or events. The island setting means activities are water-oriented: boat rides on Lake Victoria, visits to a nearby chimpanzee sanctuary, and nature walks through the island interior. Reaching the resort requires a boat transfer from the mainland, which adds a sense of remoteness despite the island being within Lake Victoria — Africa's largest lake. The combination of distinctive architecture, island seclusion, and a broader range of room types than most Ugandan properties makes Pineapple Bay suited to travelers looking for something outside the standard safari lodge format.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Boat safari enthusiasts, Luxury travellers

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest · Bwindi Impenetrable National Park · Luxury

Silverback Lodge is an exclusive luxury lodge on the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, home to half of the world's endangered mountain gorillas. The lodge offers 12 guest rooms with panoramic forest views, private terraces with sunken bathtubs, plus a restaurant, bar and spa (Wellnest). The concept combines contemporary comfort with deep roots in local culture and nature — here, luxury doesn't mean shutting out the wild, but fully immersing in one of Africa's most remarkable landscapes.

Best for: Gorilla trekking visitors, Primate enthusiasts, Luxury travellers

Budongo · Murchison Falls National Park · Mid-range

An eco-friendly lodge in the Budongo Forest Reserve, well suited for chimpanzee trekking and forest birding. Located outside the main park area.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Eco-conscious travellers

Kanyanchu · Kibale National Park · Mid-range

Turaco Treetops Lodge is set in a forested area near Kibale National Park, roughly 15 minutes by road from the Kanyanchu chimpanzee trekking departure point. The lodge consists of individual cottages, each with a private balcony looking into the surrounding tree canopy. The forest-edge setting attracts a range of bird species — the lodge takes its name from the turaco, one of the more colourful forest birds in western Uganda. Facilities include a swimming pool, a lounge with fireplace for cooler evenings, and a kids' corner for families traveling with children. On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains are visible from the lodge grounds — an unusual sight this far into equatorial Africa. The property sits close to the main road, which means a 4x4 vehicle is not required to reach it, unlike some more remote lodges in the area. Kibale National Park holds one of the highest densities of primates in Africa, with chimpanzee tracking as the primary draw. The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is also nearby and offers a guided swamp walk through a community-managed conservation area. The lodge serves as a practical base for exploring both Kibale and the wider Fort Portal crater lakes region.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Families with children, Eco-conscious travellers

Kanyanchu · Kibale National Park · Mid-range

Turaco Treetops Lodge is set in a forested area near Kibale National Park, roughly 15 minutes by road from the Kanyanchu chimpanzee trekking departure point. The lodge consists of individual cottages, each with a private balcony looking into the surrounding tree canopy. The forest-edge setting attracts a range of bird species — the lodge takes its name from the turaco, one of the more colourful forest birds in western Uganda. Facilities include a swimming pool, a lounge with fireplace for cooler evenings, and a kids' corner for families traveling with children. On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains are visible from the lodge grounds — an unusual sight this far into equatorial Africa. The property sits close to the main road, which means a 4x4 vehicle is not required to reach it, unlike some more remote lodges in the area. Kibale National Park holds one of the highest densities of primates in Africa, with chimpanzee tracking as the primary draw. The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is also nearby and offers a guided swamp walk through a community-managed conservation area. The lodge serves as a practical base for exploring both Kibale and the wider Fort Portal crater lakes region.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Families with children, Eco-conscious travellers

Kanyanchu · Kibale National Park · Mid-range

A mid-range lodge near Kibale National Park. A practical base for chimpanzee trekking at the Kanyanchu visitor centre.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts

South Bank · Murchison Falls National Park · Mid-range

Baker's Lodge has 10 thatched safari suites raised on pillars along the south bank of the River Nile in Murchison Falls National Park. The suites have a canvas and mesh river-facing front that rolls back, opening the room directly to the Nile. Each suite has an en suite bathroom with solar-heated showers, and some include bathtubs. King-size or twin bed configurations are available, along with Wi-Fi, minibar, and room service. The lodge is now managed by andBeyond, which brings an established safari hospitality standard to the property. Common areas include a thatched lounge, a bar, a swimming pool, and an outdoor dining deck overlooking the river. All furniture is locally handcrafted, and the property runs on solar power — part of an eco-friendly design that keeps the camp's footprint light on the riverbank. Activities from Baker's Lodge include game drives on the northern bank (reached via the Paraa ferry), Nile boat cruises to the base of Murchison Falls, chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest, and bird watching along the river. The south bank location is quieter than the Paraa area, and the intimate scale of the lodge — just 10 suites — keeps the atmosphere relaxed. Baker's Lodge is often chosen by travelers who want a smaller, more exclusive property on the Nile with direct river views from their room.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Wildlife safari travellers, Eco-conscious travellers

Kanyanchu · Kibale National Park · Mid-range

A mid-range lodge near Kibale National Park, named after the black-and-white colobus monkey. Positioned for chimpanzee trekking.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts

Entebbe · Entebbe · Mid-range

Protea Hotel Entebbe is a Marriott-branded property located near Entebbe International Airport, making it one of the more convenient options for travelers arriving in or departing from Uganda. The hotel offers modern rooms with international-standard amenities including air conditioning, en suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. A swimming pool and outdoor terrace provide a place to unwind between flights or before heading on safari. The hotel operates airport transfer services, which simplifies logistics for guests arriving on late-night or early-morning flights. A restaurant and bar serve meals throughout the day. As a Marriott property, it follows the chain's standards for room quality, cleanliness, and service — offering a level of predictability that can be useful for first-time visitors to Uganda or business travelers who need reliable facilities. Entebbe itself has a few attractions within reach: the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), the Entebbe Botanical Gardens on the Lake Victoria shoreline, and the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary (accessible by boat). However, most guests use the Protea as a transit point at the start or end of a safari itinerary rather than a destination in itself.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Boat safari enthusiasts

Kyambura · Queen Elizabeth National Park · Mid-range

A comfort lodge near Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Well suited for chimpanzee trekking in the gorge and game drives on the plains.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Wildlife safari travellers

Kanyanchu · Kibale National Park · Mid-range

A comfort lodge near the Kanyanchu visitor centre of Kibale National Park. Well suited for chimpanzee trekking with close access to the forest trails.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts

Kanyanchu · Kibale National Park · Mid-range

Turaco Treetops Lodge is set in a forested area near Kibale National Park, roughly 15 minutes by road from the Kanyanchu chimpanzee trekking departure point. The lodge consists of individual cottages, each with a private balcony looking into the surrounding tree canopy. The forest-edge setting attracts a range of bird species — the lodge takes its name from the turaco, one of the more colourful forest birds in western Uganda. Facilities include a swimming pool, a lounge with fireplace for cooler evenings, and a kids' corner for families traveling with children. On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains are visible from the lodge grounds — an unusual sight this far into equatorial Africa. The property sits close to the main road, which means a 4x4 vehicle is not required to reach it, unlike some more remote lodges in the area. Kibale National Park holds one of the highest densities of primates in Africa, with chimpanzee tracking as the primary draw. The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is also nearby and offers a guided swamp walk through a community-managed conservation area. The lodge serves as a practical base for exploring both Kibale and the wider Fort Portal crater lakes region.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Families with children, Eco-conscious travellers

Kanyanchu · Kibale National Park · Mid-range

Turaco Treetops Lodge is set in a forested area near Kibale National Park, roughly 15 minutes by road from the Kanyanchu chimpanzee trekking departure point. The lodge consists of individual cottages, each with a private balcony looking into the surrounding tree canopy. The forest-edge setting attracts a range of bird species — the lodge takes its name from the turaco, one of the more colourful forest birds in western Uganda. Facilities include a swimming pool, a lounge with fireplace for cooler evenings, and a kids' corner for families traveling with children. On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains are visible from the lodge grounds — an unusual sight this far into equatorial Africa. The property sits close to the main road, which means a 4x4 vehicle is not required to reach it, unlike some more remote lodges in the area. Kibale National Park holds one of the highest densities of primates in Africa, with chimpanzee tracking as the primary draw. The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is also nearby and offers a guided swamp walk through a community-managed conservation area. The lodge serves as a practical base for exploring both Kibale and the wider Fort Portal crater lakes region.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Families with children, Eco-conscious travellers

Kyambura · Queen Elizabeth National Park · Mid-range

An eco-friendly lodge near Kyambura Gorge, positioned for chimpanzee trekking and game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Wildlife safari travellers, Eco-conscious travellers

Entebbe · Entebbe · Mid-range

Protea Hotel Entebbe is a Marriott-branded property located near Entebbe International Airport, making it one of the more convenient options for travelers arriving in or departing from Uganda. The hotel offers modern rooms with international-standard amenities including air conditioning, en suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. A swimming pool and outdoor terrace provide a place to unwind between flights or before heading on safari. The hotel operates airport transfer services, which simplifies logistics for guests arriving on late-night or early-morning flights. A restaurant and bar serve meals throughout the day. As a Marriott property, it follows the chain's standards for room quality, cleanliness, and service — offering a level of predictability that can be useful for first-time visitors to Uganda or business travelers who need reliable facilities. Entebbe itself has a few attractions within reach: the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), the Entebbe Botanical Gardens on the Lake Victoria shoreline, and the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary (accessible by boat). However, most guests use the Protea as a transit point at the start or end of a safari itinerary rather than a destination in itself.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Boat safari enthusiasts

Bugala Island · Victoria Lake Islands · Mid-range

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Lodge is the overnight accommodation at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, operated by the Chimpanzee Trust (formerly the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust, CSWCT). The sanctuary occupies a 100-acre forested island on Lake Victoria, home to 49 rescued chimpanzees that cannot be released into the wild. The island is reached by a 45-minute speedboat ride from Entebbe. Both day visits and overnight stays are available. Day visitors observe the chimpanzees during feeding times from a raised platform at the forest edge. Overnight guests have the additional experience of evening and early-morning feeding sessions, when fewer visitors are present, and the chance to see the chimps in a quieter setting. The lodge accommodation is basic but functional, with the emphasis firmly on the sanctuary experience rather than luxury facilities. The Chimpanzee Trust uses revenue from visits and overnight stays to fund the care of the resident chimps and support broader conservation and education programmes. Ngamba Island is one of the most accessible primate experiences in Uganda — it does not require a long drive into the western forests and can be combined with a stay in Entebbe at the start or end of a safari itinerary.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Eco-conscious travellers, Boat safari enthusiasts

Kanyanchu · Kibale National Park · Mid-range

Turaco Treetops Lodge is set in a forested area near Kibale National Park, roughly 15 minutes by road from the Kanyanchu chimpanzee trekking departure point. The lodge consists of individual cottages, each with a private balcony looking into the surrounding tree canopy. The forest-edge setting attracts a range of bird species — the lodge takes its name from the turaco, one of the more colourful forest birds in western Uganda. Facilities include a swimming pool, a lounge with fireplace for cooler evenings, and a kids' corner for families traveling with children. On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains are visible from the lodge grounds — an unusual sight this far into equatorial Africa. The property sits close to the main road, which means a 4x4 vehicle is not required to reach it, unlike some more remote lodges in the area. Kibale National Park holds one of the highest densities of primates in Africa, with chimpanzee tracking as the primary draw. The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is also nearby and offers a guided swamp walk through a community-managed conservation area. The lodge serves as a practical base for exploring both Kibale and the wider Fort Portal crater lakes region.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Families with children, Eco-conscious travellers

Entebbe · Entebbe · Mid-range

Protea Hotel Entebbe is a Marriott-branded property located near Entebbe International Airport, making it one of the more convenient options for travelers arriving in or departing from Uganda. The hotel offers modern rooms with international-standard amenities including air conditioning, en suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. A swimming pool and outdoor terrace provide a place to unwind between flights or before heading on safari. The hotel operates airport transfer services, which simplifies logistics for guests arriving on late-night or early-morning flights. A restaurant and bar serve meals throughout the day. As a Marriott property, it follows the chain's standards for room quality, cleanliness, and service — offering a level of predictability that can be useful for first-time visitors to Uganda or business travelers who need reliable facilities. Entebbe itself has a few attractions within reach: the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), the Entebbe Botanical Gardens on the Lake Victoria shoreline, and the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary (accessible by boat). However, most guests use the Protea as a transit point at the start or end of a safari itinerary rather than a destination in itself.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Boat safari enthusiasts

South Bank · Murchison Falls National Park · Mid-range

Sambiya River Lodge sits on the south bank of Murchison Falls National Park, surrounded by natural bush and close to the main park entrance. The lodge markets itself as the number-one hotel in Murchison Falls NP and offers a range of accommodation from family cottages to standard rooms, all set within green, landscaped grounds. The property has swimming pools, the Sambiya Restaurant, and a relaxed atmosphere geared toward families and safari groups. Activities run directly from the lodge or through short drives: game drives across the north bank reveal lions, giraffes, buffalo, and elephants, while the boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls brings you past hippos, crocodiles, and — with some luck — the elusive shoebill stork. Guests can also hike to the Top of the Falls, join nature walks, try the zipline and canopy walk, experience the high swing, visit the salt licks where wildlife congregates, or book a sundowner cocktail overlooking the savannah. Chimp tracking in nearby Budongo Forest is also arranged from the lodge. The Top of the Falls viewpoint is a 15-to-20-minute drive away, and the Paraa ferry crossing and boat landing can be reached in about 25 minutes. For travelers who want a well-equipped base on the south bank with a wide menu of activities, Sambiya River Lodge is a solid choice.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Wildlife safari travellers, Families with children

Kibale Forest · Queen Elizabeth National Park · Mid-range

Turaco Treetops is the newest semi-luxury lodge in Kibale Forest and is considered one of the most magical properties in the region. The lodge offers guests secluded cottages set deep in the rainforest, with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. Guests can go chimpanzee trekking, watch the abundant wildlife from their private balcony, relax by the pool, or enjoy delicious meals at the lodge restaurant — all within a unique natural setting in the heart of Uganda.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Birdwatchers, Hikers and nature lovers

Kanyanchu · Kibale National Park · Budget

A budget lodge near Kibale National Park. An affordable option for chimpanzee trekking at Kanyanchu.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Budget-conscious travellers

Kanyanchu · Kibale National Park · Budget

Budget cottages near Kibale National Park. A simple, affordable base for chimpanzee trekking at Kanyanchu.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Budget-conscious travellers

Kanyanchu · Kibale National Park · Budget

A budget camp near Kibale National Park. A simple riverside option for chimpanzee trekking visitors.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts, Budget-conscious travellers