Irungu Forest Safari Lodge is nestled within a pocket of tropical forest on the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering a distinctly different safari experience from the open-savannah lodges that dominate the region. Surrounded by towering trees and dense undergrowth alive with birdsong and primate calls, the lodge provides an intimate forest retreat with comfortable accommodation and access to the park’s full array of wildlife experiences. The name Irungu references the local Runyankole word for a forested hill, an apt description of the lodge’s verdant setting.
The lodge occupies a forested hillside on the park’s periphery, near the Kichwamba escarpment. The surrounding forest creates a canopy of green overhead, and the understory is rich with ferns, orchids, and climbing plants. Primates including black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons are frequently seen in the trees around the lodge. The forest setting contrasts beautifully with the open savannah plains accessible within the park, giving guests who stay at Irungu a fuller picture of the diverse ecosystems that Queen Elizabeth National Park protects. Views from clearings on the property extend across the Rift Valley to the distant peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Irungu Forest Safari Lodge offers forest-facing rooms and cottages built with natural timber and stone to complement the woodland surroundings. Each room includes a comfortable bed, mosquito net, en-suite bathroom with hot-water shower, and a veranda where guests can watch primates and birds from a chair. The rooms are modestly furnished but clean and well maintained, with an emphasis on creating a peaceful atmosphere. The lodge accommodates small groups and individual travelers, maintaining an intimate scale that enhances the forest experience.
Meals at Irungu are served in an open-sided forest dining pavilion, where the sounds of nature provide an atmospheric soundtrack. The kitchen prepares a mix of local and international dishes, with an emphasis on fresh vegetables, fruits, and grilled meats. Breakfast features eggs, tropical fruit, toast, and locally grown coffee. The dining area doubles as a lounge, with bookshelves stocked with field guides and wildlife references. A small bar serves drinks through the day and evening. The lodge operates on a combination of solar and generator power.
Irungu Forest Safari Lodge is well positioned for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, one of the region’s most compelling wildlife encounters. The lodge can arrange guided forest walks to observe primates and butterflies, and birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park in the forested zone is exceptional, with species such as African green broadbill, great blue turaco, and black bee-eater recorded in the area. Beyond the forest, guests can explore the broader tourist attractions in the park of the park through game drives and boat cruises. Planning guidance is available in our overview of the best time to visit Uganda for safaris. More information on the region’s entry routes is provided in our guide to getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Irungu Forest Safari Lodge is reached from Kampala via the western highway through Mbarara to Kasese, a drive of approximately six to seven hours. The lodge is signposted from the main road near Kichwamba. Domestic flights to Kasese airstrip are available, with ground transfers arranged through the lodge. The forest track leading to the property is passable in a standard vehicle during dry conditions, though a four-wheel-drive is recommended during the rainy season.