Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park (formerly Kibale Forest NP) is the best place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Thirteen species of primates have been recorded, which is the highest number for any Ugandan park, and several monkey species can usually be seen on forest walks. Birds and butterflies are abundant.
The main attraction of Kibale is the high density of primates that inhabit the rainforest. In fact, this forest supports the highest number of primate species in Uganda and one of the highest primate densities in the world.
In addition to a large community of chimpanzees, there are 12 other primate species, including red and black-and-white colobus monkeys, l’Hoest’s, red-tailed, vervet and blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, as well as four species of nocturnal primates.
The birdlife is prolific, with approximately 400 species recorded for the area. Highlights include the crested guinea fowl, great blue turaco, grey parrot, green-breasted and African pittas, African crowned eagles and black bee-eaters.
Though elephants, buffaloes and giant forest hogs are found here, they live deep in the forest and are only seldom seen. More commonly encountered are bushbucks, duikers and montane sun and giant forest squirrels.
This park covers 766 sq. km and runs contiguously with the northern end of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is located just south of Fort Portal.
Kibale supports a range of habitats over different altitude zones. The tropical forest on the Fort Portal plateau changes to savannah in the Albertine Valley floor in the south. The forest has suffered less from logging in the past compared to some other forests in the country and is therefore still relatively pristine and home to some very big mahoganies, figs and other hardwoods.
| Languages spoken | English, Germany, French, Swahilli, Spanish, Chinese |
|---|---|
| Currency used | UGX / USD / GBP / EURO |
| Area (km2) | 766 sq. km |
| Country name | Uganda |
Things To Do
The chimpanzee community visited by trackers in Kibale is the best habituated in Uganda and sightings can be excellent. The park’s diversity of primates is one of the highest in Africa, with 13 species identified. Black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkey and blue monkey are all regularly spotted. Several nocturnal species are present as well, including potto and the eastern needle-clawed bush baby.
The park provides refuge to the world’s largest population of the endangered Red colobus monkey, and it is an important stronghold for Uganda mangabey, a rare national endemic (meaning it only occurs in Uganda).
Kibale is home to many mammal species aside from primates, but they are rarely encountered. Elephant and buffalo roam the forest and other species present are giant forest hog, warthog, bushpig, bushbuck, and blue, red and Peter's duiker.
Besides primate viewing experiences and bird watching, visitors to Kibale enjoy the best community experiences in Uganda in the surrounding Bigodi and Isunga communities. Visitors are engaged in local community walks to visit local herbs men, local breweries, crafts women groups, tea plantation visits and swamp walks.
Chimp Tracking
Chimp Tracking in Uganda is mostly done in Kibale National Park. Kibale’s most popular activity is the Kanyanchu Primate Walk.
Kibale’s most popular activity is the Kanyanchu Primate Walk. Thirteen species can be sought, and a good variety of diurnal monkeys invariably encountered, but the stars of this trail are the chimpanzees. Kanyanchu’s chimps have been tracked since 1993 and the chances of locating them are excellent. Guided walks start at 8am and 2pm and last an average of three hours, depending on various factors.
The perennially popular primate walk provides the chance to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Kanyanchu’s groups are accustomed to human presence – some have been observed for over 25 years – and the chance of locating them is over 90%. Walks leave Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 08.00, 11.00 and 14.00 and last between 2-5 hours. Early arrival to allow for registration and briefing is recommended. Contact time with chimpanzees is limited to one hour; group size is limited to six visitors; participants must be aged 16 or over. Advance booking is essential.
The Dry seasons (from June to July and December to February) are the best times for tracking chimpanzees. The park stays open throughout the year, but in heavy rain, the trails might be difficult to walk and the overall experience might be compromised.
CHIMPANZEE HABITUATION EXPERIENCE
The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) enables visitors to accompany researchers and habituators into the forest. The chimpanzee groups involved are less accustomed to human presence than those visited on the Primate Walk and following and viewing them is both exciting and challenging.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) is available on a full or half day basis starting and advance booking for this activity is required. Early visitors can watch chimps leaving their overnight nests between 6:00 - 6:30am before feeding, copulating, hunting, breastfeeding, resting, patrolling and displaying until it is time to build new nests around 7pm.
Birding
Kibale is a bird-watcher's paradise. More than 370 species have been recorded and many are forest specials, including the sought-after African pitta. Four bird species have not been recorded in any other national park of Uganda: Cassin’s spinetail, blue-headed bee-eater, Nahan’s francolin and Masked apalis. The best bird-watching spot is the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary – a community project where experienced guides take you on a four-hour trail. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Birding Specials – Treats for Avid Birders
- Abyssinian ground thrush
- Afep pigeon
- African pitta
- Black bee-eater
- Black-capped apalis
- Black-eared ground thrush
- Blue-breasted kingfisher
- Blue-headed bee-eater
- Blue-headed sunbird (NE)
- Brown illadopsis
- Brown-chested alethe
- Cassin's spinetail
- Crowned eagle
- Dusky crimsonwing (NE)
- Green-breasted pitta
- Grey parrot
- Little greenbul
- Masked apalis
- Nahan's francolin (NE)
- Purple-breasted sunbird (NE)
- Red-chested owlet
- Red-faced woodland warbler (NE)
- Ruwenzori apalis
- Scaly-breasted illadopsis
- Western nicator
- White-naped pigeon
- Yellow-rumped tinkerbird
Best Time for Bird Watching
The birdlife in Kibale is good year-round, but at its best from March to May and from September to November. June to September is the main fruiting season, so food is abundant, and many birds are in breeding plumage. Migratory birds, though not a major factor in the forests, can be found here from November to April.
December to February and June to July have the least rain while March to May and September to November have the most rain. Rainstorms might limit your bird-watching time.
Best Time to Visit
Kibale is open for chimpanzee trekking throughout the year. December to February and the months of June and July are the driest months and are therefore the best times for this activity. Walking the trails is easier at these times and the overall experience tends to be more enjoyable.
The climate in Kibale National Park is moist and temperate. Temperatures stay almost the same year-round. Daytime temperatures are about 27°C/81°F, cooling off nightly to about 15°C/59°F.
Kibale lacks a real Dry season; rain is possible anytime. However, December through February are typically drier and so are June and July. Two Wet seasons exist: March to May and August through November. It is recommended to bring waterproof clothing.
Dry Seasons–December to February & June to July
- December, January & February – Rain is possible, despite these being the driest months. It is an excellent time for chimpanzee trekking. Daytime temperatures are 28°C/82°F on average, and drop down to about 14°C/57°F at night.
- June & July – This time is relatively dry, but there is still potential for rain – even for several days on end. Average temperatures are around 27°C/81°F in the afternoon and 15°C/59°F in the early morning.
Wet Seasons–March to May & August to November
- March, April & May – Wet weather is typical, with rainfall peaking in April. The forest trails can become slippery, making chimpanzee trekking more challenging.
- August, September, October & November – These are the wettest months of the year. A 4WD vehicle must be used on the access roads. Temperatures max at around 27°C/81°F and fall on average as low as 15°C/59°F.
| Season | Months | Description |
| Best Time | December to February and June to July | Trails are dry, so it makes tracking chimps easier |
| High Season | June to September | Uganda is busier as it is the most favorable time for gorilla trekking |
| Low Season | March, April, May, October and November | Some camps and lodges are closed, Parks are less crowded |
| Best Weather | June to July and December to February | Least rain |
| Worst Weather | April, May and September to November | Most rain, forest trails are slippery, and travel becomes difficult |
December to February & June to July –Dry Seasons
- Dry trails make it easier to track chimps
- Better chance for a dry hour spent with the chimps
- Days are lovely and sunny
- The views aren't that great as the sky is hazy
March to May & August to November –Wet Seasons
- Great time for birders
- The views are spectacular when the clouds lift
- Rain can make the forest trails challenging
- Rain might interfere with the experience when watching and photographing the chimps
Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Chimpanzee Forest Guest House sits on well manicured lawns, beautiful gardens, tea plantations, pasture and indigenous forest.Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip.
Chimpundu Lodge
Chimpundu Lodge offers Luxury cottage accommodation and an array of authentic Kibale Forest and Kibale National Park experiences in a lush indigenous forest.Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip.
Primate Lodge
Situated in the protected area of Kibale National Park, Primate Lodge is highly committed to the conservation of nature and culture.Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip.
Turaco Treetops Safari Lodge
Immerse yourself in nature at Turaco Treetops Lodge, a luxury lodge constructed in the lush rainforest neighbouring Uganda's Kibale Forest National Park.Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip.
