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THINGS TO DO WHILE STAYING AT LITTLE MONKEY CAMP

Little Monkey Camp sits right next to Kibale National Park, making it a great base for exploring the area. Whether you want to track chimpanzees, walk through local villages, or just relax in nature, this camp puts you close to it all. It’s a peaceful spot with easy access to adventure, culture, and wildlife.

Staying at Little Monkey Camp gives you the chance to rest, explore, and truly experience the magic of Kibale. Let’s take a look at the top activities you can enjoy during your visit.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Kibale is the primate capital of the world, and chimpanzee trekking is its crown jewel. Fortunately, staying at Little Monkey Camp puts you just minutes away from the starting point at Kanyanchu Visitor Centre.

You'll venture into the forest early in the morning, guided by expert rangers, listening for rustles and whoops from above. Suddenly, you're face to face with our closest wild cousins watching them groom, play, and swing effortlessly through the trees.

“To watch a chimpanzee in the wild is to witness something ancient, something shared.”

Chimpanzee trekking is thrilling, emotional, and humbling and staying at Little Monkey Camp makes it easier, more convenient, and less tiring to access this once-in-a-lifetime activity.

Forest Walks

Not all forest experiences are fast-paced. Kibale offers gentle, guided forest walks through tranquil trails where you’ll encounter:

Red Colobus and  

Colorful butterflies and rare birds

Unique trees, medicinal plants, and jungle secrets

Day walks offer a chance to explore the forest at your own pace, while night walks open a whole new world. With torches in hand, spot bush babies, nightjars, and chameleons glinting under the beam.

These walks start nearby and your guide from Little Monkey Camp can help organize the right one for your interest and energy level.

Bird Watching

Kibale is home to over 375 bird species, including forest rarities that attract birders from across the globe. The nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is especially famous for sightings of:

Great blue turaco

 Shoebill storks

African pitta

Black bee-eater

Yellow-billed barbet

Bring your binoculars, or borrow a pair at the camp. Local guides know the best spots and you won’t have to travel far to find them.

Bird watching here is not just a hobby; it’s a meditation. As they say, “Some birds are not meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright.”

Visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Just a short drive or even a bike ride from Little Monkey Camp is the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a successful community-run eco-tourism project.

Here you can:

Walk boardwalk trails through papyrus swamps

Spot up to 8 primate species in one walk

Learn about community-led conservation

Support local guides and artisans directly

It’s an excellent afternoon activity after a morning trek, combining both wildlife and human stories. Plus, all proceeds support schools, health centers, and forest protection efforts.

Cultural Encounters

A stay at Little Monkey Camp opens the door to authentic cultural experiences with the Batooro and Bakiga communities surrounding Kibale.

You can:

Visit traditional homesteads and learn about herbal medicine

Watch (or join) energetic dances and drumming sessions

Learn to cook local dishes with ingredients from forest gardens

Hear stories passed down through generations

These visits are arranged in respectful, sustainable ways ensuring real connection and mutual benefit. They remind you that the forest is not only a wildlife haven, but also home to people with rich traditions.

Crater Lake Excursions

Not far from the camp are the Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes, a spectacular region of ancient volcanic lakes nestled in lush hills.

Spend a day exploring:

Lake Nkuruba for swimming and monkey viewing

Lake Nyinambuga for picture-perfect reflections

Lake Kifuruka or Lyantonde for peaceful kayaking or hiking

These lakes are ideal for photography, picnics, or quiet meditation. The landscapes are striking, and the journey there offers endless views of tea plantations and banana groves.

Relax and Unwind at Camp

Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing at all. At Little Monkey Camp, relaxing is an activity in its own right.

Enjoy a slow breakfast while watching monkeys pass by

Read a book on your veranda with birds chirping in the background

Sip Ugandan coffee around a bonfire at night

Practice yoga or journaling surrounded by green

Modern life rarely gives us such peaceful moments. Here, they come naturally.

As the saying goes, “Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere and sometimes, in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.”

Take a Village Walk

Walking tours around the local villages near Little Monkey Camp offer a fascinating window into rural Ugandan life. You can:

Visit local schools or women’s groups

Learn how bananas are grown and brewed into local beer

Visit markets and try handmade snacks or crafts

Support a tailor, basket weaver, or storyteller

You’ll leave with new friendships and a deeper understanding of life beyond tourism — and your visit helps sustain these vibrant communities.

Go on a Photography Adventure

Whether you're a beginner with a Smartphone or a pro with a DSLR, Little Monkey Camp offers countless photo opportunities:

Golden hour portraits with forest backdrops

Action shots of chimps or monkeys leaping through trees

Moody rainforest mist scenes

Local faces and cultural colors

Your hosts can help you find the best lighting times, angles, or vantage points. You’ll leave with a memory card full of stories.

WHY LITTLE MONKEY CAMP IS AN IDEAL BASE FOR KIBALE NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURES

When planning a safari around Kibale National Park, one of the smartest steps is deciding where the journey will begin and end each day. A good base camp isn’t just about a bed for the night, it’s about how close you are to the forest, how refreshed you feel each morning, and how much of the experience flows easily.

Little Monkey Camp offers that ease. Tucked close to the forest edge and just minutes from the chimp tracking starting point, it gives travelers more time in nature and less time on the road. Add in its quiet atmosphere, forest views, and community-centered approach, and it becomes more than a lodge, it becomes part of the experience.

For anyone designing a trip that balances comfort, convenience, and a deeper connection to Kibale, this is a place worth looking at first.

Close to the Chimpanzees

Little Monkey Camp is located just minutes from Kanyanchu, the starting point for chimpanzee tracking. This proximity is a big advantage, especially since chimp treks begin early in the morning when chimps are most active.

Staying nearby allow your clients to enjoy:

·         A calm morning without long transfers on rough roads

·         Breakfast at the lodge before heading out

·         More time in the forest, less time on the road

This location makes it easier for guides to manage timings, meet permit schedules, and ensure a smooth experience for travelers.

A Setting That Feels Like The Forest

The camp sits right at the edge of Kibale Forest, surrounded by bird calls, monkeys in the trees, and fresh green views. It offers a real connection with nature that many lodges farther out can’t match.

Even when guests are not out tracking chimpanzees, the forest is still part of their stay. Whether it’s sipping tea on the veranda or enjoying a quiet walk, nature is always close by.

Comfortable and Thoughtful Design

The camp blends natural materials and simple design to create a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Each room is:

·         Fitted with mosquito nets and clean, cozy beds

·         Equipped with a private bathroom and solar-heated showers

·         Designed with private verandas overlooking the forest

This balance of comfort and simplicity makes it easy for guests to rest and recharge without being overwhelmed by formality or fuss.

Friendly Service That Adds Value

The staff at Little Monkey Camp are locally trained and genuinely hospitable. They are familiar with forest routes, wildlife behavior, and the surrounding community, making them helpful partners in any safari plan.

From arranging early meals before treks to helping guests feel welcome after a long day, their attention to detail enhances the experience. As a tour operator, working with such a team means smoother coordination and happier clients.

Good Food, Locally Made

Meals at the camp are freshly prepared using local ingredients. There’s a mix of Ugandan flavors and international options, and the kitchen is flexible with dietary needs.

Clients can enjoy:

·         Open-air dining with forest views

·         Healthy, home-style meals after long walks

·         Personalized meal plans for vegetarians, vegans, or special diets

Food is often one of the most talked-about parts of a trip, this is a place where guests eat well and feel cared for.

Easy Access to Other Activities

Beyond chimp tracking, the camp makes it easy to add variety to any itinerary. From here, guests can:

·         Join guided nature and birding walks

·         Take evening forest walks to spot nocturnal animals

·         Visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary or nearby communities

·         Explore cultural sites or engage in community-based tourism

For tour planners, this creates room for flexible and rich programs without the stress of long travel between sites.

Supporting Conservation and Community

Little Monkey Camp operates with sustainability in mind. It runs on solar power, uses eco-friendly materials, and supports local livelihoods by:

·         Hiring from nearby villages

·         Working with local farmers and artisans

·         Supporting education and health programs

This makes the camp a responsible choice, aligned with what many modern travelers care about experiences that give back.

Smooth Logistics and Reliable Support

Working with Little Monkey Camp also makes back-end logistics easier:

·         They offer fast communication, helpful pre-arrival details, and flexible booking support

·         Transport can be coordinated easily

·         Emergency protocols and safety procedures are in place, ensuring peace of mind for everyone

A Trusted Recommendation

For anyone putting together a well-balanced Kibale itinerary, Little Monkey Camp offers the kind of base that enhances the entire experience. It’s not just where the day ends, it’s part of what makes the adventure memorable.

KIBALE: UGANDA’S PRIMATE PARADISE

Kibale National Park is one of the top destinations in Uganda for travelers who want to experience nature, wildlife, and peaceful forest walks. Located in western Uganda, near the town of Fort Portal, the park is famous for having the highest number of primate species in Africa. Which is why it’s often called primate capital of the world.

Home to 13 Primate Species

Kibale is well known for its large population of chimpanzees, with over 1,500 individuals in the park. Visitors can join guided tracking walks to find them in their natural environment.

In addition to chimps, you may also see red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, blue monkeys, baboons, and other species. This variety makes Kibale one of the best places for primate viewing in East Africa.

“Kibale gives you a real chance to see primates in their true home.”

Chimp Tracking – The Main Activity

Chimpanzee tracking is the most popular activity in Kibale. It begins with a short briefing from your guide at the visitor center, followed by a guided walk into the forest. The walk may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on where the chimps are.

When you find them, you will spend one hour observing the chimps as they move, feed, communicate, or rest. It’s a calm and exciting experience at the same time, and visitors often describe it as the most memorable part of their trip. For those who want to spend even more time with the chimps, Kibale also offers a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, where you spend a full day with researchers and guides.

“Spending time with chimpanzees in Kibale helped me understand how closely connected we are to nature.” Safari guest from Germany

Explore the Forest

The forest in Kibale is green, quiet, and full of life. Even if you don’t see chimps right away, you’ll enjoy walking among the tall trees and listening to the natural sounds of birds and insects.

There are also many forest butterflies, interesting plants, and sometimes forest elephants or duikers (small antelopes). The guided walks are well-organized and safe.

 More than Just Primates

Kibale is also great for birdwatchers, with over 375 bird species found in the park. These include the colorful Great Blue Turaco, African Pitta, and many others.

Outside the park, the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is another good place for a nature walk. It’s managed by the local community and gives you a chance to see more monkeys, birds, and learn how local people live around the park.

A walk through Bigodi Wetland offers a peaceful experience and a true glimpse into village life. The warm welcome from the locals and the rich natural surroundings make it truly memorable

Other Activities Nearby

If you’re staying longer, you can also explore:

Tea plantation tours

Crater lake hikes and canoeing

Cultural experiences with local families

Visits to Fort Portal town for markets and craft shops

These extra activities make Kibale a good base for discovering more of western Uganda.

 Why Visit Kibale?

Easy to reach by road from Fort Portal (about 45 minutes)

Perfect for chimpanzee and monkey viewing

Offers peaceful forest walks and learning opportunities

Can be combined with Queen Elizabeth National Park or Semuliki

Supports conservation and local communities