Kibale National Park Uganda

Kibale National Park is found in western Uganda, covering 795 sq km. it is best known for having the highest diversity and number of primates in the whole of Africa.   Besides the other wildlife, there are thirteen (13) different species of primates and it’s the best place to enjoy a Chimpanzee Trekking Safari while on holiday in Uganda.

What to Do in Kibale National Park 

Chimpanzee Trekking

 This is the main activity in this park. Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris start by 8.00am at the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre and at 15.00pm. The activity takes 2-3 hours and you will have an opportunity to search the forest searching for the chimps. On finding them you will observe them and take photos. During the trek you will encounter other forest wildlife including other types of primates, butterflies and birds.

Groups of six people each with a trekking permit are allowed to visit the habituated chimps at a time. Book your safari earlier to guarantee availability of a trekking permit.

Primate Watching

Kibale National Park has the highest diversity and number of primates in the whole of Africa. There are 13 different primate species including: approximately 1450 chimpanzees live, the highest number of L’Hoest and red colobus monkeys in the East African region, bush babies, potto, grey-cheeked mangabey, blue monkeys, olive baboon, red-tailed monkeys as well as the black & white colobus.

Other wildlife in Kibale National Park

There are more than 70 other mammals species including the duikers, warthogs, buffaloes, elephants and leopards, however due to the thick forest, it is a bit challenging to see them. There are also more than 200 species of butterflies.

Bird Watching in Kibale National Park

There are more than 370 bird species and among the commonly seen are the: Crowned Eagleands, African Grey Parrots, Red-chested Owlet, Black-eared Ground Thrush, Scaly-breasted Illadopsis  Brown Illadopsis, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Little Greenbul, Dusky Crimsonwing, African Pitta, Black Bee-eater, Abyssinian Ground-thrush, Western Nicator, Black-capped Apalis, Afep Pigeon, Green-breasted Pitta, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Brown-chested Alethe, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Little Green Bul, White-naped Pigeon, Blue-headed Sunbird, Collared Apalis, Purple-breasted Sunbird as well as the  Yellow Spotted Nicator

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

Chimpanzee Habituation is a unique process during which the habituators together with researchers follow the chimps from the time when these animals leave their nests early in the morning, throughout the day as they go about their activities to the point when they make their night’s nests.

This is done so as to familiarize chimpanzees to the presence of human beings. .

visitors are also given an opportunity to join the team habituating and this starts at around 6:00am and ends at around 7:00pm.

Forest Hike in Kibale National Park

There is a 12km Forest hike conducted in the dry months (mid-November to February) and (June to September). You will explore the various wildlife habitats and encounter different wildlife.

They begin by 8.00am and 2:00pm at the Visitor’s Centre found at Kanyanchu

Bigodi Wetland Nature Walk

 The wetland sanctuary is found on the boundary of the park in the Magombe swamp. its habitat to a profusion of wildlife including: more than 130 types of bird, as chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, black & white colobus monkey, sitatunga, mongeese as well as bushbucks among others. These can be seen during the nature walk.

How to get to Kibale National Park

The park can be accessed from Kampala through Mubende- Fort portal to Kanyanchu route

Or along the Kampala-Fort-Portal highway to Sebitoli

Or Fort Portal-Kanyanchu to Kamwenge.

Accommodation, Where to Stay in Kibale National Park

There are a number of nice accommodation facilities inside and around the park ranging from luxury, mid-range and budget facilities such as:

  • Kabale Primate Lodge,
  • Kanyanchu River Camp
  • Ndali Lodge,
  • Sebitoli basic cottages
  • Chimpanzee Guesthouse