Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is located to the east of the Rwenzori Mountains, a place known for its stunning landscape filled with volcanic crater lakes, lush tea plantations, and dense tropical forests. This park protects the largest stretch of forest in the area, covering an impressive 795 square kilometers. Originally established as a forest reserve in the 1940s, Kibale was upgraded to a national park because of its incredible biodiversity. The park is home to over 350 species of trees, 71 species of mammals, and 370 species of birds.

The park is especially famous for its primates. It hosts Uganda’s largest population of chimpanzees, with about 1,450 of them living in the park. Visitors can also spot the rare red colobus monkey and L’Hoest’s monkey. While other large animals like elephants, buffalo, and giant forest hogs live in Kibale, they are not seen as often.

Bird enthusiasts will find Kibale a paradise. The park’s birdlist includes six species that are only found in the Albertine Rift region, such as the black-capped apalis, collared apalis, blue-headed sunbird, dusky crimsonwing, purple-breasted sunbird, and red-faced woodland warbler. There are also other special birds like the African pitta, green-breasted pitta, black bee-eater, eastern nicator, yellow-rumped tinkerbird, Kibale ground thrush, brown-breasted alethe, blue-breasted kingfisher, Abyssinian ground-thrush, and the crowned eagle.

Kibale National Park has two main sites for tourists. The primary site is Kanyanchu, which is located 35 kilometers southeast of Fort Portal on a newly paved road that leads to Kamwenge and Ibanda. The second site is Sebitoli, found 16 kilometers east of Fort Portal on the road to Kampala.

Activities & Attractions in Kibale Forest National Park

PRIMATE WALK (CHIMPANZEE TRACKING)

One of the most popular activities in Kibale is the Primate Walk, where visitors can observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The chimpanzees at Kanyanchu are used to being around people; some groups have been observed for over 25 years. Because of this, there is more than a 90% chance of spotting them during the walk.

CHIMPANZEE HABITUATION EXPERIENCE (CHEX):
For those looking for a more adventurous experience, the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience offers a unique opportunity. Visitors can join researchers and park staff as they work on habituating wild chimpanzees to human presence. The chimpanzee groups involved in this experience are less accustomed to people, making the experience both exciting and challenging.

NATURE WALKS:
A Nature Walk in Kibale National Park allows visitors to explore one of East Africa’s most beautiful and diverse forests. Unlike the Primate Walk, there is no pressure to find chimpanzees or to spot a certain number of birds. This makes it a great option for families with young children who might not be able to keep up with the more demanding Primate Walk.

NIGHT WALKS:
For a completely different experience, visitors can go on a Night Walk. After the sun sets, the forest comes alive with nocturnal creatures like galagos, pottos, and bushbabies. Walking through the forest in the dark with only a flashlight adds a sense of adventure and mystery to the experience.

BIRDING:
Kibale is a fantastic destination for birdwatchers, with 372 species of birds, including those found in forests, grasslands, and swamps. Experienced guides from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) lead birding tours along the trails at Kanyanchu and Sebitoli. Birders should also visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a popular community-run attraction located just 5 kilometers south of Kanyanchu. Here, visitors can see additional species that thrive in the forest edge and swamp habitats.

Getting to Kibale Forest National Park

BY ROAD

The main tourism hub at Kanyanchu, on the newly tarmacked Fort Portal-Ibanda road, can be reached from Kampala by a number of routes, all on surfaced roads. The most direct (335km) is via Fort Portal, 35km to the north. The park can also be reached from the south via Lyantonde and Ibanda (392km), Mbarara and Ibanda (405km) and Mbarara, Kasese and Fort Portal (525km).

THROUGH AIR

Kibale National Park has access to two airstrips: Nyakisharara, near Mbarara (100km on tarmac) and Kasese (60km on surfaced and dirt roads).