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Trustpilot Rating : Five Stars

Reviews 132 • Excellent

Where to Stay

Papaya Lake Lodge

from $400 per person per night for 2026/27

A lodge with that wow-factor view!

This independent lodge sits high up in the Ugandan Great Crater Lakes region. With only nine small cottages, Papaya Lodge is a relaxing place to be with stunning views from the rooms, the main area and the swimming pool. Although the rooms are not as impressive as the main area décor, the swimming pool exceeds all expectations and in our opinion, is the best in Uganda!

Stunning swimming pool, views and main area

Rooms don’t have the same wow-factor views

About the location

Papaya Lodge is located in the Crater Lakes region, sitting high above both the Lyantonde and Kifuruka Lake. Guests who stay here will more than likely do a chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest (approximately one-hour drive to the forest), and then do some treks or walks around the area.

Do see Parks & Regions on this page.

lodge Layout

The lodge is split between two main areas. As you walk into the property, you are greeted with a stunning view of the lakes and the Rwenzori Mountains.

The main area is very bright, with a bar area (with a very impressive selection of gins) and then it leads out to the veranda where there are comfortable seats and sun loungers. The other side of the property is the swimming pool area which has panoramic views and hammocks.

Do see our new Papaya Lake Lodge Picture Gallery further down this page.

Papaya Lake Lodge Accomodation

There are nine rooms at Papaya Lodge which are located further down from the main area – there are a lot of steps involved (as with most of the lodges in Uganda)! The rooms are very basic which is a little bit of a disappointment after the brightness and “wow-factor” of the main area and the swimming pool.

Do see Best Safaris & Holidays on this page.

Wildlife & Activities at Papaya Lake Lodge

Although it is a bit of drive in the morning, the closest park to Papaya Lodge is Kibale National Forest in which you can do the chimpanzee tracking. Combining this in an itinerary would be something like a drive from the Kibale Forest through to Queen Elizabeth afterwards, with a bit of time to relax in the camp on the second day.

Don’t miss our Papaya Lake Lodge Wildlife Guide on this page.

How to book Papaya Lake Lodge

Please call us in the UK on the usual +44 1525 840 149 or email info@theafricaspecialists.com to check availability, best prices and what adventures you have in mind. We can plan and arrange it all for you and have been for over 20 years!

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Where on the map is Papaya Lake Lodge?

Papaya Lake Lodge

Papaya Lake Lodge, Kibale Forest National Park map

Papaya Lake Lodge Highlights

Just some of the highlights of this hand-picked Kibale Forest National Park lodge. Do call us direct for any other details or to help with planning and logistics.

Luxury Accommodation

9 rooms & a family cottage

Swimming Pool

swimming pool included

Outdoor Lounge Area

lounge & bar available

Photography

Stunning views

Open Lounge Area

Comfortable living area

Wifi Internet

internet connection available

Please go to either of our Tailormade Safari Trips pages to see a lot more safari trips, ideas and budgets.

What kind of wildlife should you expect to find around Papaya Lake Lodge for 2026/27?

For 2026/27, we expect you’ll be able to find the following wildlife around the Papaya Lake Lodge bearing in mind the quality of guiding, budgets, time of year and duration of stay all affect your chances of finding or seeing any of the following outstanding wildlife that dwell in this part of the Kibale Forest National Park…

Don't miss our full Africa Wildlife Guide right here.

What are your best safari trips & itineraries to Papaya Lake Lodge’s Kibale Forest National Park for 2026/27?

Some of our most-popular tailor-made trips for the Kibale Forest National Park that could include a stay at Papaya Lake Lodge include...
Days5Days12

Duration

$4,000$7,500

Price Brackets (USD)

1 A Primate Adventure

Africa, Uganda

Visits : Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale Forest National Park Africa, Uganda

This 5-day itinerary is a taster of the wonderful primate experiences that Uganda offers. You will spend your time between Kibale Forest for the chimpanzees, and Bwindi National Park for the mountain… More…

5 Nights

FROM $4,000pp/pn

A Primate Adventure

2 Highlights of Uganda

Africa, Uganda

Visits : Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Entebbe, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park Africa, Uganda

A week in Uganda is a great amount of time to fit in the highlights this beautiful country has to offer. You will venture through Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park and… More…

7 Nights

FROM $6,000pp/pn

Chimpanzees in the Queen Elizabeth National Park

3 Rhinos, birds and monkeys

Africa, Uganda

Visits : Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Entebbe, Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park Africa, Uganda

Do you want to see rhinos, chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, lions and a variety of birds? Then look no further! This 10 day trip across Uganda stops off at the national parks, waterfalls,… More…

10 Nights

FROM $7,000pp/pn

Baker's Lodge, Boat safari, Murchison Falls, Uganda

4 Adventure and adrenaline

Africa, Uganda

Visits : Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Entebbe, Jinja, Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park Africa, Uganda

Looking for adventure? This itinerary across Uganda includes safaris, chimpanzee trekking, gorilla trekking, white water rafting and more! This is a great trip for those looking for something more active during your… More…

12 Nights

FROM $7,500pp/pn

Kyambura gorge lodge queen elizabeth national park uganda

Don't miss our new Africa Safari Finder to find safari ideas by destination, region and type...

What are the other best lodges in Kibale Forest National Park for 2026/27?

We highly recommend the following lodges for Kibale Forest National Park for 2026/27. These are all tried and tested by The Africa Specialists™ so don’t hesitate to call us with any queries over them or to check availability.

NB. All prices for properties exclude applicable park fees and are guide prices.

$590$630

Price pp pn (USD)

Stars3Stars4

Our Rating

3 Nights

Primate Lodge

Kibale Forest National Park

From $600 per person per night
See the lodge now
Primate Lodge

3 Nights

Ndali Lodge

Kibale Forest National Park

From $630 per person per night
See the lodge now
Ndali Lodge, Aerial view, Kibale National Park, Uganda

3 Nights

Kyanginga Lodge

Kibale Forest National Park

From $590 per person per night
See the lodge now
Kyaninga Lodge

When is the best time to stay at Papaya Lake Lodge in 2026/27?

Generally speaking, as the Papaya Lake Lodge is in Kibale Forest National Park, we recommend booking stays here with us any time on the following timescales — depending on your preferences and wildlife/safari viewing plans — but if you want to avoid peak season or aim to get the timing “just right” then do call us any time to check your plans, costs and best options for a fantastic Papaya Lake Lodge stay in the 2026/27 season…

January fair

February fair

March mixed

April mixed

May mixed

June great

July best

August amazing

September great

October still good

November fair

December fair

Don’t miss our full When to Visit uganda guide on our main uganda page.

Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?

1

100% tailormade

We help plan your trip from start to finish
We make sure to include all your interests
We offer a range of accommodation types
It is your trip, made to suit you

2

Expert knowledge

We have over 40 years of destination know how
We all spend time in our destinations annually
Local contacts give us unique insight
We are true specialists

3

We have you covered!

We have full ATOL bonding for your financial peace of mind
We provide 24/7 emergency backup as you travel
We make sure that the properties and guides are the best!

4

A trusted service

Established in 2010, you can totally rely on us.
The Africa Specialists trust logos

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.

It is the people, the animals and the unique experiences that bring people back to Africa time and time again.”

Nick French, The Africa Specialists™

Nick French signature shot in Africa

What to do next...

Begin Your Journey (French's Safari Map)
Begin Your Journey

Step with us into a world where every detail is curated, every moment considered, and every horizon feels like it was reserved exclusively for you.

Craft Your Bespoke Safari (icon)
Craft Your Bespoke Safari

Tell us what inspires you — and we’ll shape an African journey like no other — right down to the smallest detail.

Your adventure tailormade (icon)
Your Adventure, Tailored to Perfection

From private conservancies to remote luxury lodges, let us help you design your perfect safari adventure.

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.

Old Main Content

Nick/FiFi : This is the ‘old’ (imported) main content. Fi : This is what we’re copying up to the new hotel accordions.

Location

Papaya Lodge is located in the Crater Lakes region, sitting high above both the Lyantonde and Kifuruka Lake. Guests who stay here will more than likely do a chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest (approximately one-hour drive to the forest), and then do some treks or walks around the area.

Layout

The lodge is split between two main areas. As you walk into the property, you are greeted with a stunning view of the lakes and the Rwenzori Mountains. The main area is very bright, with a bar area (with a very impressive selection of gins) and then it leads out to the veranda where there are comfortable seats and sun loungers. The other side of the property is the swimming pool area which has panoramic views and hammocks.

Rooms

There are nine rooms at Papaya Lodge which are located further down from the main area – there are a lot of steps involved (as with most of the lodges in Uganda)! The rooms are very basic which is a little bit of a disappointment after the brightness and ‘wow-factor’ of the main area and the swimming pool.

Activities

Although it is a bit of drive in the morning, the closest park to Papaya Lodge is Kibale National Forest in which you can do the chimpanzee tracking. Combining this in an itinerary would be something like a drive from the Kibale Forest through to Queen Elizabeth afterwards, with a bit of time to relax in the camp on the second day.

Papaya Lake Lodge