Turaco Treetops Lodge

Turaco Treetops Lodge

Turaco Treetops Lodge is a semi-luxury eco-lodge on the edge of Kibale National Park, set within 5.2 hectares of forested land between the villages of Nkingo and Bigodi in western Uganda. The lodge is 15 minutes by road from Kanyanchu visitor centre — Kibale National Park’s chimpanzee trekking trailhead — and is adjacent to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

The lodge takes its name from the Great Blue Turaco, one of Africa’s most recognisable birds, which is regularly seen from the property. Black-and-white colobus monkeys, bush babies, butterflies, and other forest wildlife move through the lodge grounds. The main building commands views over the forest canopy to the Rwenzori Mountains, including Mount Stanley (5,109m), the highest peak in the range.

Turaco Treetops operates on solar power and is built from locally sourced materials. The lodge supports conservation through a partnership with the Chris Roberts Forest Foundation; 50% of earnings from guided walks on the property go directly to reforestation and conservation of the surrounding habitat.

Accommodation at Turaco Treetops Lodge

Turaco Treetops has 16 rooms across two categories.

Luxury Cottages (8): Raised on stilts and stone columns in secluded positions within the forested land. Each is spacious with large windows, a contemporary interior combining local natural materials with modern furnishings, and a private wooden deck with forest views. En-suite bathrooms with hot and cold water. The cottages are designed to feel immersed in the forest — guests can hear and see wildlife from the deck and through the windows. Great Blue Turaco and colobus monkeys are regularly spotted from the cottage decks.

Standard Rooms (8): Opened in May 2021. Housed in four duplex buildings, positioned at two sites within the forest. Shared or optional balconies — well suited to families and friend groups wanting proximity to each other with outdoor space. Good value relative to the luxury cottages. En-suite bathrooms with hot and cold water. These rooms offer the same forest setting and access to all lodge facilities.

All accommodation includes mosquito nets, daily housekeeping, and laundry service.

Dining

The restaurant at Turaco Treetops serves international and Ugandan dishes using fresh local ingredients, including seasonal vegetables, locally sourced proteins, and Ugandan coffee. The kitchen opens at 7am and closes at 9pm. The bar opens at 10am and closes at 10pm; cold drinks are available from a solar-powered fridge. Note: ice cubes are not available.

Meals can be taken inside the restaurant or on the outside terrace. The main building has a ground-floor lounge with an open fireplace and an upper-floor lounge with views over the forest to the Rwenzori peaks — the first-floor setting is particularly good for evening sundowners.

Activities

Chimpanzee trekking at Kanyanchu, Kibale National Park’s main trailhead, is 15 minutes by road from the lodge. Treks depart in the morning and at 14:00, are limited to eight people per group, and last 2–3 hours. The Uganda Wildlife Authority chimpanzee permit costs $250 per person. Advance booking is essential during peak months (June–August, December–January).

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience — A full-day activity available from Kanyanchu. Guests spend the full day with a chimpanzee group being habituated to human presence, alongside UWA rangers and researchers. Confirm current permit price with Nkuringo Safaris or Uganda Wildlife Authority before booking.

On-site and near-lodge activities:

• Swimming pool — A 5×10 metre pool in the garden in front of the main building, with a shallow end for young children. Sun loungers on the poolside terrace.
• Guided walks through the lodge’s private forest trails — Turaco Treetops has its own network of trails through the 5.2-hectare forested grounds. These are guided by knowledgeable staff with a focus on birdwatching, primates, and the forest ecosystem. 50% of guided walk income supports the Chris Roberts Forest Foundation.
• Night walks — Guided nocturnal forest walks with good chances of seeing bush babies and other night-active species.
• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary — A 4.5 km guided community walk through the wetland adjacent to the lodge, passing swamp trails with over 200 bird species and primates including red colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, and blue monkeys.
• Birdwatching — The lodge grounds alone support a wide range of species. Kibale National Park records 375 bird species, including six Albertine Rift endemics: black-capped Apalis, collared Apalis, purple-breasted sunbird, blue-headed sunbird, dusky crimsonwing, and red-faced woodland warbler. The Great Blue Turaco is the lodge’s signature sighting.
• Crater lake hikes and mountain biking — The volcanic crater lake landscape around Fort Portal is accessible from the lodge for half-day excursions.
• Village and community walks — Guided walks through local communities near the lodge, including a tea plantation visit. One local tea estate appeared on Ugandan currency.
• Sebitoli Forest trails — Northern Kibale trails for further primate and birdwatching opportunities.
• Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru Caves — Cave system near Fort Portal, approximately 15 km from Kibale Forest, considered one of Uganda’s seven natural wonders.
• Kids’ facilities — Outdoor playground and an indoor children’s room with books, games, colouring materials, and a TV. A kids’ zipline is part of the lodge’s ongoing development — confirm current availability.

Location & Getting There

Turaco Treetops Lodge is located between the villages of Nkingo and Bigodi, on the edge of Kibale National Park, approximately 6 km from Kanyanchu visitor centre — 15 minutes by road. The lodge is accessible from the main Fort Portal–Mbarara highway; the approach road does not require a 4WD vehicle.

From Entebbe International Airport: Approximately 350 km overland via Kampala — around 5 hours. A domestic flight to Fort Portal airstrip shortens the journey to approximately 45 minutes by road from the airstrip to the lodge.

From Queen Elizabeth National Park: Approximately 65 km — around 1.5 hours overland, making Turaco a natural pairing with QENP on a western Uganda circuit.

Price: Not published — on request. Contact Nkuringo Safaris for current rates. Price Range: 2–3 out of 4 (mid-range; standard rooms sit at the lower end, luxury cottages at mid-range)