Kibale Forest National Park covers 795 square kilometers and is famous for its diverse primate population. It hosts Uganda’s largest chimpanzee community, with around 1,450 individuals. Because of its varying altitudes, the park provides different habitats, from tropical forests to savannahs on the rift valley floor. Consequently, it has become a significant site for tropical forest research in Africa. Located east of the Rwenzori Mountains, Kibale’s landscape features volcanic crater lakes, tea plantations, and lush forests. Initially, authorities declared it a forest reserve in the 1940s. Later, they upgraded it to a national park to protect its biodiversity, which includes 350 tree species, 71 mammal species, and 370 bird species.

Moreover, Kibale is a sanctuary for 13 primate species, including the nocturnal bushbaby and the potto. Additionally, it shelters the endangered red colobus monkey and the Uganda mangabey, discovered in 2007. Though elephants, buffalo, and giant forest hogs reside here, visitors rarely see them. Birdwatchers can spot 372 bird species, including the black-capped apalis, blue-headed sunbird, African pitta, green-breasted pitta, and crowned eagle.

Activities and Attractions

Chimpanzee Tracking

Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale offers an extraordinary opportunity to observe these primates in their natural habitat. Kanyanchu Visitor Centre organizes walks at 08:00, 11:00, and 14:00, lasting 2-5 hours. Groups of up to six visitors, aged 16 and above, are allowed one hour with the chimpanzees. The chance of seeing them exceeds 90%, thanks to decades of habituation. Early arrival for registration and briefing is essential, and advance booking is mandatory.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX)

The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience allows visitors to accompany researchers and habituators for a more immersive experience. Starting at 06:30, this activity is available for half or full days. The chimpanzees in this program are less accustomed to humans, making the experience both thrilling and demanding. Advance booking is crucial for participation.

Birding

Kibale Forest National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting 372 species, including several local endemics and Central Africa specials. Experienced UWA guides lead birding tours on forest trails at Kanyanchu and Sebitoli. Birders should also visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, located 5km south of Kanyanchu, to see forest edge and swamp species. This community-run attraction adds variety to the birding experience.

Nature Walks

Nature Walks in Kibale offer a chance to explore East Africa’s beautiful forests at a relaxed pace. These walks are perfect for visitors who prefer not to join the Primate Walk. The two-hour walks begin at 08:00, 10:00, and 14:00 from Kanyanchu Tourist Centre. This activity is suitable for younger visitors who cannot participate in the more rigorous Primate Walks.

Night Walks

Night Walks in Kibale provide a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal creatures such as galagos, pottos, and bushbabies. These guided tours run daily from 19:30 to 22:00, offering a different perspective of the forest after dark.

Access to the Park

By Road

Kibale Forest National Park is accessible by road from various parts of Uganda. The main tourism hub, Kanyanchu, lies 35km southeast of Fort Portal, accessible via a newly tarmacked road to Kamwenge and Ibanda. Sebitoli, another tourism site, is 16km east of Fort Portal on the road to Kampala.

By Air

Visitors can also reach the park by air. Several flights operate from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese airstrip, from where the park is a few hours’ drive away. This option is convenient for those who prefer a quicker journey to the park.