Chimpundu safari lodge is a privately owned luxurious lodge located on the edge of Kibale National Park a few meters away from Kanyanchu visitors’ center which is the starting point of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest National Park. Its name comes from the words “chimp” and “mpundu” which is a Runyankore-Rukiga word that means chimpanzee. This lodge is about 309 kilometers away from Kampala taking to about 4 to 5 hours to arrive at the lodge by road.
This is therefore the best option for guests seeking a high-end accommodation facility and interested in Chimpanzee trekking within Kibale National Park. Chimpundu safari lodge offers perfect and splendid views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife such as primates like monkeys, several forest birds and many others just right at the guest’s private deck. This lodge offers a variety of services, facilities and amenities that ensure comfortability and guests’ satisfaction as described below;
Accommodation facilities
Chimpundu safari lodge features 14 luxury cottages with up to 21 rooms all offering great views of the surrounding area, the jungle canopies and wildlife just right from the guests’ private deck. In the lodge cottages, guests enjoy the beautiful ear-catching calls of the jungle such as whistling birds and hooting primates like chimpanzees and monkeys. These cottages were constructed and well designed with natural materials such as wood, reeds and others that blend with the natural environment. Rooms offered at Chimpundu safari lodge include deluxe rooms in double cottages, twin rooms in 2-in 1 family cottages and others that could be organized according to guests’ request. The rooms are raised high with a wooden platform fitted with spacious dressing rooms, en-suite bathrooms and private sundecks. They are all fitted with modern amenities such as functional fans, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, a mini-bar, Wi-Fi internet access, free toiletries, bedside furniture and light, mosquito net, warm and cold showers, extra duvets availed on request to mention but a few.
Restaurant and a well-stocked bar
The lodge features a restaurant where guest meals are served by the lodge’s experienced and welcoming waiting staff. The restaurant’s menu caters for both local and international guests. Therefore the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner although there is a possibility of guests enjoying their meals in either the gardens or in their rooms. Chimpundu safari lodge has a well-stocked bar serving favorite drinks both soft and hard drinks which may include wines both red and white, spirits, vodkas, beers both local and international, cocktails to mention but a few.
Swimming pool and Chimpundu spa and sauna
Chimpundu safari lodge offers a luxury relaxing swim after a day’s scotching heat and a strenuous trek in the forests of Kibale National Park. The swimming pool overlooks Kibale forests for a luxurious aquatic experience. The swimming pool attendant is professional and experienced always available to guide clients and children on safety measures as well as execute his duties as required of him.
Along the swimming pool area, there are luxurious sun loungers where guests are able to sip a glass of juice and a cocktail while capturing the scenic view of the Kibale forests. The lodge also offers massage treatments amongst the indigenous foliage of Kibale forest as well as mental and physical relaxation for both men and women.
Conference facilities
Chimpundu safari lodge has fully setup conference halls best for meetings, events, organization retreats, board meetings and many more.
Other amenities and services ant Chimpundu safari lodge include lounge area, free Wi-Fi, outdoor fire place, laundry services, ample free parking on site, emergency facilities and communication, 24 hours front desk and security services, room service to mention but a few.
Below are some of tourist activities guests at Chimpundu safari lodge can undertake though at an extra charge;
Crater Lake exploration (Crater Lake Nyabikere to Nyamirima Crater Lake); the Crater Lakes are just 30km south of Fort Portal between the main Fort Portal-Kasese road and Kibale forests and theretofore easily accessible from Chimpundu safari lodge. These tranquil crater Lakes are so adventurous and liked by many guests due to their stunning views and scenery and a variety of activities that can be done around these Lakes such as bird watching, nature walks, cycling, primates viewing at Lake Nkuruba and many more.
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpundu safari lodge is just a few meters away from Kanyanchu visitors’ center which is the starting point for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park. Therefore visitors at the lodge don’t need to be driven for long to access the starting point of the trek to see our closest cousins in their natural setting. Guests are guided into the forest by game rangers who very well know where to find the chimpanzee communities by following clues left behind. Only one hour is allowed with the chimpanzees after locating them which is the climax of this trekking adventure as guests are entertained by the playful juveniles while they critically observe their social behaviors and interactions.
Chimpanzee habituation
Chimpanzee habituation is one of the most popular activities in Kabale forest National Park and Chimpundu being strategic located just a few meters away from the starting point, guests at this lodge easily access and take part in this activity. During the chimpanzee habituation process, tourists much more time of up to the whole day with the chimpanzees compared to chimpanzee trekking.
Swamp walks/nature walks in Bigodi wetland
The Bigodi swamp walk is a thrilling 4.5 kilometer long guided swamp walk that takes guests through the rich wildlife corridor of Kibale forest. Embarking on this swamp walk, it’s one of the ideal ways of exploring the scenic beauty and rich biodiversity of the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary which is also known as the home to the great-blue turaco. The walk lasts for about 3 hours as guests spot some of the 200 bird species found in this Wetland Sanctuary like the great-blue turaco, papyrus Gonolek, yellow-billed barbet and many more. Other things to spot include unique vegetation and wild plants, various animals such as the Sitatungas, bush bucks, wild pigs and many more.
Birding in Kibale National Park and Bigodi wetland
Kibale National Park is a birder’s paradise housing more than 350 bird species and therefore being labeled as an Important Bird Area from where visitors can spot a variety of bird species. Bird watching can either be done in the morning hours which is the most preferred time or in the evening. The best bird watching spots include Bigodi Wetland which protects up to 200 bird species and the bird watching trails within Kibale forests. Key bird species to lookout for within Kibale National Park include the Green-breasted pitta, African pitta, Abyssinian ground thrush, crowned eagle, Dusky crimson wing, collared apalis, black-capped apalis, little greenbul, black-eared ground thrush, brown-chested alethe, black bee-eater to mention but a few.
Other activities include music, dance and drama by a local community project, waterfalls hike, snake harping, community walks in Bigodi village, mothing and butterfly watching and monitoring, traditional meals prepared by the local community, hot spring trips to Semuliki National Park to mention but a few.
