Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park offers the world’s most exhilarating chimpanzee tracking experience, immersing visitors in the heart of Uganda’s lush rainforests.
Overview
Kibale National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers in Uganda. Located in the southwestern part of the country, the park is known for its diverse range of primates, including chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys. Kibale National Park covers an area of 766 square kilometers and is situated at an altitude of 1,100 to 1,600 meters above sea level. The park is characterized by lush tropical rainforests, swamps, and grasslands. The climate is generally mild and wet, with temperatures ranging between 14°C to 27°C. The park has a rich historical and cultural significance, with the Batooro people viewing it as a sacred site.
Things to Do
Chimpanzee tracking: Kibale National Park is home to one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in the world, making it an ideal place to go chimpanzee tracking. With the help of an experienced guide, you can trek through the lush forest and spot these fascinating primates up close in their natural habitat.
Bird watching: Kibale National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 375 species of birds. From brightly colored turacos to the elusive green-breasted pitta, the park’s diverse birdlife is a sight to behold.
Nature walks: Take a leisurely stroll through the park’s verdant forest and marvel at the breathtaking scenery. You may encounter various species of primates, including black-and-white colobus monkeys and red-tailed monkeys, as well as bushbucks and other small mammals.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary: This community-owned sanctuary is located adjacent to Kibale National Park and offers visitors a chance to explore the wetland ecosystem and its inhabitants, including primates, birds, butterflies, and medicinal plants. A visit to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a great way to support the local community while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Night walks: Experience the park in a whole new way on a night walk, where you can observe nocturnal creatures such as bush babies, pottoes, and chameleons, as well as hear the sounds of the forest at night.
What to See
Chimpanzees: Kibale National Park is famous for its chimpanzee population, which is the largest in Uganda. Visitors can join guided chimpanzee tracking tours to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. The chimps are accustomed to human presence, and it’s not uncommon for them to come within a few meters of trackers.
Birdlife: Kibale National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 375 bird species. From the rare and elusive green-breasted pitta to the beautiful African grey parrot, birdwatchers will be amazed by the park’s diverse avian life.Â
Primate species: Besides chimpanzees, Kibale National Park is also home to 12 other primate species, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Visitors can observe these primates in the forest canopy or on the forest floor.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary: Located on the edge of Kibale National Park, the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community-owned ecotourism site that offers visitors an opportunity to explore the wetland ecosystem. Visitors can see a variety of birds, primates, and butterflies as well as learn about the medicinal plants used by local communities.
Scenic views: Kibale National Park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike to the top of the park’s hills to enjoy the views of the park’s forests and valleys.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kibale National Park is during the dry season, which runs from January to February and from June to September. During this time, the park’s trails are easier to navigate, the weather is milder, and the chimpanzees and other primates are more active and easier to spot. Birdwatchers will also find this time of year to be ideal, as many migratory birds can be seen in the park.
Getting there
By Road: Kibale National Park is located about 6 hours’ drive from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. Visitors can take a taxi or hire a car to get to the park. The drive is scenic, passing through small towns and villages along the way. It’s important to note that some areas of the park may require a 4×4 vehicle, especially during the wet season when the roads can be muddy and difficult to navigate.
By Air: Visitors can fly to either Entebbe International Airport or Kasese Airstrip, from where they can take a taxi or hire a car to get to the park. Flying to Kasese Airstrip is more convenient as it’s closer to the park, but flights are limited and can be expensive. Visitors can also book a charter flight to Kibale National Park.
Where to Stay
Mid-Range Accommodation:
Kibale Forest CampÂ
Kibale Forest Camp offers comfortable mid-range accommodation near Kibale National Park. The camp features safari tents and cottages, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and guided nature walks. Guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the area while staying in a peaceful setting.
Primate Lodge Kibale
 Primate Lodge Kibale provides mid-range accommodation in a beautiful forest setting. The lodge offers luxury safari tents and cottages, a restaurant serving delicious meals, and guided chimpanzee tracking tours. Guests can experience the wildlife of Kibale National Park in comfort.
Luxury Accommodation:
Ndali Lodge
Ndali Lodge offers luxurious accommodation overlooking the stunning Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Nyinambuga. The lodge features beautifully decorated cottages, a restaurant serving gourmet cuisine, and a swimming pool. Guests can relax in a tranquil setting and enjoy activities such as bird watching and guided walks.
Kyaninga Lodge
Kyaninga Lodge provides exclusive luxury accommodation near Kibale National Park. The lodge features luxurious cottages with panoramic views of Lake Kyaninga, a restaurant serving gourmet meals, and a swimming pool. Guests can experience the beauty of the area while enjoying the comforts of a high-end lodge.
Other Attractions in Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
Ssese Islands
Kidepo Valley National Park
Lake Mburo National Park
Mount Sabyinyo
Sipi Falls
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Uganda Museum
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Entebbe Zoo
Rwenzori Mountains
Mountain Elgon
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Lake Bunyoyi
Mabira Forest
Mabamba Swamp
Semuliki National Park
General Knowledge Base
General information about Kibale National Park, Uganda.
Kibale National Park is located in western Uganda, covering an area of approximately 795 square kilometers.
Kibale National Park is famous for its diverse primates, including over 13 species of primates such as chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and many others.
It is estimated that Kibale National Park is home to around 1,500 chimpanzees, making it the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda.
The highest point in Kibale National Park is the summit of Kanyanchu, which stands at an elevation of approximately 1,590 meters above sea level.
Kibale National Park is home to over 350 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
Kibale National Park is predominantly covered by a tropical rainforest, which is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species.
Visitors can explore Kibale National Park by taking part in guided nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, birdwatching, and cultural tours.
Apart from the wildlife and nature experiences, visitors can also enjoy community walks, visit nearby tea plantations, and participate in traditional cultural experiences.
Kibale National Park is a significant conservation area for primates, birds, and other wildlife, and is also an important watershed for several rivers that provide water to local communities and agricultural lands.
