Turaco Treetops

Turaco Treetops takes its name from the Great Blue Turaco, one of Africa's most visually striking birds, whose vibrant blue and green plumage and distinctive crested head make it one of the most sought-after sightings for birdwatchers visiting Kibale Forest. The bird's name on the property is apt: the lodge itself is built into the treetops, its eight luxury forest cottages constructed on stilts and stone columns in secluded positions within the 5.2-hectare forested land, hidden between the canopy and providing views that feel genuinely aerial.

Each cottage is spacious and modern, with large windows and a private wooden deck overlooking the forest. The design ethos combines local natural materials with contemporary décor, creating interiors that feel genuinely comfortable without sacrificing the outdoor atmosphere. The African feel comes from the craft details, the natural textures, and the colours drawn from the forest, while modern comforts including quality beds, hot showers, and strong Wi-Fi ensure that staying in the treetops does not mean giving up the practical amenities of good accommodation. Eight additional standard rooms in four duplex buildings within the forest provide a more accessible option for families and groups, with shared balconies and the same forest connection.

The main lodge building is an architectural centrepiece: a large forest house built with a thatched roof, open sides, and a wide terrace with forest and mountain views. Inside, the restaurant serves meals from fresh local ingredients including Ugandan coffee, seasonal vegetables, and locally sourced proteins. A first-floor lounge with a fireplace offers spectacular evening views over the treetops to the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, an image that many guests describe as one of the most beautiful they have seen in Uganda. The swimming pool, 5×10 metres with a shallow end for children, sits in the lush garden in front of the main building, flanked by sunbeds and a grass-thatched pool house.

Turaco Treetops operates on solar energy, is built from locally sourced materials, and works with the Chris Roberts Forest Foundation to support conservation of the surrounding wildlife habitat. The lodge is 15 minutes by road from Kibale National Park's chimpanzee trekking trailhead at Kanyanchu, making it an excellent base for the park's core activity. Additional activities include the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk, crater lake visits, mountain biking, village tours, and guided birdwatching in a location where over 375 species have been recorded.