Kibale National Park is one of those places that is a primate watching opportunity at every turn, hence the title “Primate Capital of the World” with 13 unique primate species. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or an avid primate trekker, the Park has something for everyone. It is also a great photography spot, as it is like Mother Nature is constantly showing off, and it is breathtaking.

This Protected Area has quickly become one of primate enthusiasts’ favorite National Parks and a wonderful place in Uganda for nature lovers, as there is so much to explore, and you will need to come back (often) to see it all. And after one trip, you will want to keep visiting Kibale National Park over and over again.

History, Size, and Location of Kibale National Park

Located in western Uganda (in Kabarole district), Kibale was established as a National Park in 1993, but before this, it was a Forest Reserve gazetted in 1933. Lying at an altitude of 1590 meters above sea level, the Protected Area covers an area of 79500 hectares, comprising a tropical rainforest in the Central & Northern sections of the raised Fort Portal plateau.

Things to see in Kibale National Park

Wildlife

There are over 70 mammal species in Kibale National Park, which includes 13 primate species. You are likely to see chimpanzees, L’hoest monkeys, Olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, bush babies, blue monkeys, pottos, grey-cheeked mangabey, and many others.

Besides primates, this National Park also shelters other species that include forest elephants, forest buffaloes, bush pigs, leopards, duikers, as well as amphibians and reptiles. With over 20 butterfly species, Kibale National Park is a popular butterfly-watching destination.

Birds

Kibale National Park is full of incredible birdlife, but don’t take it lightly. With over 375 bird species occupying different habitats, a birding trip here is rewarding. Expect to see African green-breasted pitta, African dusky flycatchers, African pied wagtail, black-billed Turacos, black-capped waxbill, blue-throated rollers, blue-headed bee-eaters, black-crowned tchagra, Cassin’s spine tail, dusky crimson wing, little greenbul, and many others.

Best things to do in/around Kibale National Park –Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking

This is most likely the most popular activity to do in Kibale National Park, and allows primate enthusiasts to get up close and personal with mankind’s closest relatives in the animal Kingdom.

While on the search for the endangered chimpanzees, you should expect to discover more about the unique human-like behaviors of these Great Apes and take as many photos as possible. Additionally, other primate species are expected along the trails, and these include Olive baboons, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, L’hoest’s monkeys, vervet monkeys, and lots of birds.

Kibale Chimpanzee trekking permits cost $250 for foreign non-residents, $200 per person for foreign residents, and Shs. 200,000 per person for East African citizens.

The Kibale Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

For a more immersive experience with the Great Apes, take part in the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. In this activity, visitors have the opportunity to spend the whole day with a semi-habituated chimpanzee community.

Chimpanzee Habituation is when these Great Apes undergo a period of training to make them used to human presence before they are officially opened for actual chimpanzee trekking. These permits cost $300 per person per day.

Bird watching

No visit to Kibale National Park is complete without sighting some of the bird species that call this Protected Area home. Expect sights and sounds of African black-headed oriole, African dusky flycatcher, African emerald cuckoos, papyrus gonolek, African shouldered robin-chat, Chubb’s cisticola, Cameroon Sombre greenbul, to mention but a few.

Guided forest walks/Hiking

Guided walks/hiking are another highlight of Kibale National Park. With several kilometers of forest trails, there is something for every level of hiker. Some of these trails include the 12-km-long trail or visiting the Bigodi wetland. Talking of Bigodi wetland, it has over 138 species of birds and about 8 species of primates, such as red-tailed monkeys, baboons, and black and white colobus monkeys.

Cultural experiences

The adjacent communities provide unforgettable opportunities for visitors to get immersed in the cultures, traditions, and customs of their forefathers. Some of the recommended communities include the Bakiga and Batooro communities, each with unique traditions, cultures, and practices of the residents.

Best time to visit Kibale National Park

The best months to visit Kibale National Park are January, February, June, July, August, September, and December, as all of the Protected Area’s areas/features are accessible. Reduced rainfall makes trails easier to navigate/maneuver, and most services are fully operational. It is the perfect time for chimpanzee treks, forest walks/hiking, and the chimpanzee habituation experience.

Just be aware that this is the peak season in Kibale National Park, and that the Protected Area gets extremely busy. If crowds aren’t your thing, hold off until March, April, May, October, and November because they are the wet months.

The wet season brings a quieter, more tranquil experience, with fewer visitors and a chance to see wildflowers blooming. However, some forest trails might still be difficult to navigate due to increased rainfall levels.

Nature photography

With breathtaking surrounding landscapes (including Crater Lakes, rolling hills, and Valleys), vibrant plant species, especially wildflowers, dramatic landscapes, and lots of wildlife and bird species, Kibale National Park is a photographer’s Paradise. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars to capture the natural beauty of the Protected Area and its surrounding landscapes during your Uganda safari.

Where to stay

Kibale National Park has several Safari Lodges, Camps, and Guesthouses that cater to the needs and aspirations of all guests and budgets. You can choose from Primate Lodge, Turaco Treetops Lodge, Volcanoes Kibale Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Isunga Lodge, Kibale Forest Camp, Chimpanzee Guesthouse, Kibale Safari Lodge, Chimpundu Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, and many others.

Getting to Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is accessible by car and plane, with several transportation options to suit your needs.

The closest airstrip is in Kasese, about one hour’s drive from the National Park. First, you will take the one-hour flight from Entebbe Airport to Kasese airstrip, followed by the drive to the protected Area.

Visitors travelling to Kibale National Park by car can easily reach it via Mubende to Fort Portal City or via the Masaka-Mbarara route. These journeys last between 7 and 9 hours, depending on which route you use.