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Chimpanzee Forest Guest House is a small, low-key establishment surrounded by 40 hectares of beautiful gardens, tea plantations and lush tropical forests bordering Uganda’s Kibale National Park. A good choice for cost-conscious travellers, the accommodation is a mix of self-contained cottages, comfortable rooms and secluded grassy campsites for those wanting to really get back to basics. The colonial homestead, once the residence of the British District Commissioner in the 1950s, is now owned and run by the Ugandan plantation owners. This is a great base for exploring some of Uganda's most picturesque wilderness regions – you won't be disappointed.
From $60 person/night
Wallow in the peace as you stroll through the grounds, with views that reach across the greenery all the way to the hazy Rwenzori Mountains.
Hiking through the plantations and forests to Lake Nkuruba, a striking crater lake that's just one in an area known for its dense concentration of deep volcanic crater lakes. Rest here and take in the reflections on the surface...
Proximity to 795-square-kilometre Kibale National Park makes this a good choice if you want to see chimps and other primates (more than a dozen species in all). The park links with Queen Elizabeth National Park to create an important ecotourism destination that's one of Africa's most varied and fascinating tracts of tropical forest.
The colonial main homestead has a comfortable lounge and large library, stocked with a collection of African literature, some of which dates back to the 19th century. Drinks and simple, hearty meals are served in the large thatched, open-plan dining room overlooking the sloping lawns. Guests are encouraged to wander through the bird- and butterfly-filled gardens and further afield into the tea plantations within the property. Views across the estate and surrounding forests and mountains are nothing short of breathtaking.
In the main house, two comfortable double bedrooms share bathroom facilities. Separate bandas (bungalows) scattered among the trees and lush tropical vegetation include a large twin-bedded, self-contained unit overlooking Lake Nyabikere, and three small garden bandas with views of Kibale National Park. All are clean, and have hot showers and proper flush toilets, and down-to-earth decor featuring Ugandan tribal artefacts and cottage-style furnishings. A secluded grassy camping area offers flat, shady sites for those wishing to camp.
Arguably the best budget-friendly guesthouse in this scenic part of Uganda. Food is good; views of Kibale are spectacular; and the gardens sing with birds.
The guesthouse is a great base for exploring the Kibale region, with a resident guide on hand if required. Walks to nearby waterfalls and birdwatching hikes are offered, as are visits to the local tea factory and markets for souvenirs. Kibale is one of Uganda's most scenic reserves, and is famous for its startlingly good birdlife and primates, including chimpanzee, colobus monkey, mangabey and olive baboon. Visit dramatic Lake Nkuruba for eye-to-eye encounters with monkeys in the forest canopy.