This is home to Home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, located in western Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park is a 795 km² protected area, renowned for:
- Chimpanzee tracking:
- Primate diversity: 13 species, including gorillas, baboons, and monkeys
- Tropical rainforest: Rich biodiversity, with 350 tree species
- Wildlife: Elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and duikers
- Birdwatching: 375 species, including the African grey parrot
Things to Do in Kibale Forest National Park
- Chimpanzee tracking: Guided treks to observe chimps in their natural habitat
- Chimpanzee habituation: Full-day experience, learning about chimps’ behavior
- Forest walks: Guided nature walks, exploring the forest’s flora and fauna
- Birdwatching: Guided tours to spot rare and endemic species
- Cultural visits: Interact with local communities, learning about traditional practices
Best Time to Visit Kibale Forest National Park
- Dry seasons: June-August, December-February
- Shoulder season: April-May, September-November
Where to Stay in Kbale Forest National Park
Luxury Lodging include: Kibale Forest Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Tabebuia Spa & Resort, Aramaga Rift Valle Lodge.
Getting to Kibale Forest National Park
- By road: 320 km (200 miles) from Kampala, 4-5 hours
- By air: Charter flights from Entebbe to Kasese Airstrip
Tips and Essentials to consider visiting Kibale Forest National Park
- Permits: Book in advance for chimpanzee tracking or Chimpanzee Habituation
- Guides: Experienced guides for forest walks and chimpanzee tracking
- Safety: Follow park rules and guidelines
More Interesting Facts about Kibale Forest National Park
- Oldest forest: Kibale Forest is estimated to be over 200 years old
- Highest primate density: Kibale has the highest primate density in Africa
- Unique ecosystem: Kibale’s forest-savannah mosaic supports diverse wildlife
Kibale is a biologically rich region that also hosts over 120 other mammal species, including baboons, elephants, and antelopes. The forest is home to approximately 370 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics such as Nahan’s francolin, Cassin’s spinetail, blue-headed bee-eater, and lowland masked apalis.