Kibale Forest National Park is located in western Uganda, in the Kibale – Fort Portal area which is one of the most rewarding destinations to explore. The forest comprises one of the loveliest and most diverse zones of tropical forest in Uganda, covered with scattered patches of grasslands and swamps which dominate the northern and central parts of the park. The forest consists of over 351 tree species the forest is a habitat to the largest number of primates ever, and hence the “Primate Capital of Africa.” With over 13 primate species including, chimpanzees being the most dominant, over 1450 individuals are confirmed to live in the Kibale forest. Baboons, monkeys including the African Mangabey, and the bush baby which can be spotted at night.
Location Proximity and access:
– Kibale NP is approx. 6 hours from Kampala/Entebbe.
– Accessed by flight at Kasese Airstrip Approx. 70 km, 1hr 40 Minutes Drive Kasese to Kibale.
– Kibale forest is Approx. 340 km, 6 hours drive from Murchison Falls National Park.
– Approx 125 km, 3 hours drive to Queen Elizabeth.
Activities and experiences in Kibale Forest National Park:
– Chimpanzee Tracking is one of the most popular activities in Kibale National Park.
– The Chimpanzee tracking takes place in two shifts the first one starts at 8 am and the last one at 2 pm. Tracking can last for 3-4 hours with a limited number of 8 people per group, is done to minimize the negative effects of trampling the vegetation as we sustainably conserve the ecosystem.
– Chimpanzee habituation experience; on a Chimpanzee habituation experience, visitors accompany the research team on the chimpanzees, into the forest. Early visitors can watch chimpanzees leave their overnight nests at around 6:00 – 6:30 am before feeding, copulating, hunting, breastfeeding, resting, patrolling, and displaying until it’s time to create new nests in the evening around 6:00 – 7:00 pm. The process is intended to study the characteristics of these Primates.
– Bigodi Swamp Walk, The Bigodi Wetland sanctuary was set up to preserve the exclusive environment of the wetland and is managed by the local community the KAFRED. The swamp/ wetland sanctuary is located just outside the park and inhabits over 138 bird species which makes it a birders’ haven. 8 species of primates including; black-and-white colobus, red-tailed, grey-cheeked mangabey, blue monkeys, Holst’s, and olive baboons. Bushbucks can also be found in the swamp. Bigodi Swamp is a community project and a walk led by community guides in this swamp is a contribution to the community, hence supporting responsible and sustainable tourism.
– Cultural encounters, Kibale National Park is surrounded by mainly the Batooro and Bakiga, communities who have impressive traditional and cultural practices. which can be explored on your safari to the Kibale conservation area.
– Nature walks, the park offers both day and night guided nature walks into the forest so those nocturnal animals can also be spotted. During the night walks powerful torches are worn to seek nocturnal creatures like the potto, bush baby, nightjar, cricket, and tree hyrax, with its chilling shriek, as well as the occasional civet or serval cat. And runs between one and a half and two hours starting from 7:30 pm.
– Crater Lakes hike/walk, visit the crater lake region of Kibale on a crater walk and hike to the top of the world viewpoint with a great scenic view.
– Birding, The Park has over 375 species of birds that may be seen during guided walks along the boardwalk trail and viewing platforms. These could include the Superb Sunbird, Browncrowned Tchagra, Bocage’s Bush-shrike, Black Bishop, White-breasted Negrofinch, Blackcrowned Waxbill, White-spotted Flufftail, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, and many others.
– Guided mountain biking, trips through the communities are also available in Kibale.
*In between Murchison Falls National Park and Kibale forest is Hoima town, full of cultural experiences by the Bunyoro Kingdom. A Visit to Mparo tombs and cultural dances by the
Banyoro is a rewarding experience.