Kibale Forest
Isunga Lodge
Rating: Mid-range
Covid-19: Compliant
Isunga Lodge is a relaxed property in a serene forest setting overlooking the green expanse of Kibale Forest in Western Uganda. The Lodge also presents magnificent views of the enormous peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains, the far distant Lake George, and the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park on a clear day.
The lodge sits amid the crater lake area, making it the perfect base for exploring this wonderful region. Get close to nature, enjoy the great outdoors, meet the community, slow down, and relax in this therapeutic location.
With just eight simple, stylish cottages spread around our extensive grounds, Isunga offers privacy and serenity in a natural wild garden setting that make guests feel like they are the only ones around. Managers and owners, Gerry and Karen, are always on hand to help, advise on activities, travel, and offer a warm, friendly welcome to all guests.
With a dramatic landscape of crater lakes cupped under steep hillsides, the area south of Fort Portal town offers guests a scenic retreat ideal for long walks and road cycling. For guests with young children, the elderly, or just pressed for time, Isunga provides a shorter walk, including crater lakes, a community visit, and several viewpoints.
Located 20 minutes drive away from the chimpanzee tracking trailhead at Kanyancu in Kibale National Park, Isunga Lodge offers an excellent base for the Kibale forest jungle experiences.
Accommodation at Isunga
Isunga Lodge has eight tranquil cottages that provide stunning views of the Kibale Forest expanse. All cottages solar-powered, fitted with mosquito nets, and an ensuite bathroom with hot or cold water. The family cottage sleeps 4, with two bedrooms, an ensuite bathroom, and a sitting room.
Isunga cottages are spread over a hillside which means guests will be walking up and downhill, which may be an issue for guests with mobility issues.
Panoramic views from the restaurant and lounge make Isunga Lodge a perfect place to relax, read, enjoy a drink or catch up with friends.
For meals, Isunga Lodge’s kitchen has access to a wonderful range of ingredients sourced from the local markets, together with fresh organic herbs and vegetables from their own garden. Menus for lunch and dinner are communicated beforehand and are flexible to cater to any special dietary requests. Lunch is a two-course meal, with a main and dessert, while light sandwich lunches with fresh homemade bread are also available, as are salads from our garden. Dinner is a three-course meal, with starter, main and dessert. Local dishes are available at a request, and meals can be served privately in your room or set up outside.
Please read our policy on COVID-19 for this lodge.
Amenities
Laundry Services
En-suite bathrooms
Hot/Cold Water in bathrooms
Swimming Pool
Wi-Fi Available
Restaurant & Bar
Daily housekeeping
Mosquito net
Activities
After a 15 minute drive through the lush Fort Portal landscape to the trailhead, guests can join guided chimpanzee hikes from Kanyanchu Park Headquarters into the forest jungle, searching for the chicky chimp bands. Usually, the chimpanzee tracking walks last 2-3 hours and are restrictive to eight people. The experience of viewing wild chimps up close can be incredible and very, really intimate.
After your exciting encounter with chimpanzee troops, sunbathe or take a dip in the well-elevated pool with the most incredible view on the property. You can also take a guided walk around the crater lakes surrounding the property, visit a community, or chill back in the lodge’s fresh, natural surroundings.
An evening sundowner with the Rwenzori views, sitting by the campfire under the stars, sharing stories of the day with fellow travelers, and listening to the sounds of elephants and chimpanzees from the forest below is perfect for a relaxing evening at the Lodge.
Bird lovers will be interested to know that there are 325 species of birds recorded in the national park. The list includes the six species endemic to the Albertine Rift region, like the black-capped Apalis, collared Apalis, purple-breasted sunbirds, blue-headed sunbirds, dusky crimson wings, and red-faced woodland warblers.
There are some lovely walks in the area, including the walk in the small Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary in hopes of meeting more primates in the east of the park. A network of trails in Sebitoli Forest provides further opportunities for viewing various primates and birds on the forest’s northern side.
Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru Caves is a renowned cave system located near Fort Portal, around 15km from Kibale Forest, and is considered one of Uganda’s seven wonders and great to visit.
EXPERIENCES
Our Uganda safari and Chimpanzee tracking experiences are entirely customizable with the help of an expert safari planner. We can show you these and more for inspiration to put together an incredible trip to Africa.
7 Days | Gorillas & Chimps
Amazing Uganda Primates Safari
8 Days | Chimps, Gorillas & Wildlife
Classic Primates and Wildlife Safari
9 Days | Primates & Wildlife
16 Days | Explore Uganda


