Kibale forest National Park is one of the best places to enjoy chimpanzee tracking in Africa. Located in western Uganda, Kibale is known to host the highest population density of chimpanzees in the whole world. Kibale forest is one of the tropical- evergreen forest and most famous for chimpanzees some of the great apes that live on the African continent. Alongside chimpanzee trekking, the forest also offers excellent bird watching, nature walks and other primates watching.
People & Culture
The park is neighbored by two tribes: Batooro and Bakiga traditionally both tribes utilized the forest for food, fuel, building materials and medicines.
How to get There
From Entebbe, you can take a domestic flight to Kasese Airstrip or use the road to Kibale National Park. Domestic flights are available from Entebbe to Kasese, which is the closest airport to the park. The flight duration is around 1 hour.
Take the road from Fort Portal to Kamwenge, which commences near the bridge over the Mpanga River in Fort Portal and is well signposted. Turn left at the junction 12 km from Fort Portal and follow signpost for a further 24 km to Kanyanchu Tourist Centre.
Road Travel: You can hire a private vehicle or use public transportation. The distance from Entebbe to Kibale National Park is approximately 358 kilometers (222 miles) and takes around 6-7 hours by car.
Bird species found in Kibale forest:
Migrants and indigenous birds are found in Kibale forest and they include Red-winged Francolin, Red-chested Flufftail, White-naped Pigeon, Green-brested Pitta, African Pitta, Joyful Greenbul, Grey-winged Robin, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Grey-throated Flycatcher, White-bellied Crested Flycather, Masked and Black-capped Apalises, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Chestnut-winged Starling, Orange-tufted and Tiny Sunbirds, Grey-headed Olive-back.
Primates in the Forest
Apart from the chimpanzees, the park has 12 other primates which include:
Guereza Colobus, Olive Baboon, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, L’Hoest’s Gentle (Blue) and Red-tailed Monkeys is more likely to be found in open areas adjacent to the forest.
Other wildlife found here are:
You may find evidence of Elephant, Bush Pig and Bufallo along the trails, whilst Bushbuck, Blue, Harvey’s and Peter’s Duickers are other shy inhabitants of the forest interior. The guided night walks are also rewarding: Potto, Spectacled Demidoff’s and Thomas’s Galagos, Lord Derby’s Anomalure, African Civet and Common Genet, Ichneumon, Banded and Marsh Mongooses, Alexander’s Cusimanse, Swamp Otter, Ratel ( Honey Badger ) and African Palm Civet. Although Golden Cat, Serval, Lion, Leopard, Warthog, Giant Hog and Hippopotamus are recorded from the park, they are unlikely to be encountered in the Kanyanchu area. Sitatungas are known from Bigodi Swamp but are infrequently seen. The spectacular and beautiful Rhinoceros Viper is fairly common here but is, unfortunately, less often found alive than as a road-kill.
Safari Lodges in Kibale forest national park:
For those looking to staying in the Kibale National Park, there are several lodges both within the park and outside the park that offers accommodation at very reasonable prices. Top Lodges in the park include
- Primate Lodge Kibale,
- Kyaninga Lodge,
- Ndali Lodge,
- Chimpanzee Guest House,
- Chimp Nest Lodge
Distant accommodation from the park:
Some travelers also stay in Fortportal town and wake up early to go for chimpanzee tracking. Top lodges in Fortportal include.
- Rwenzori View Guesthouse,
- Mountains of the moon Hotel
Tourist activities and prices:
- Chimpanzee trekking 5-6 hours experience at US$ 150 per person.
- Nocturnal walk to see leopards, cats and so on at US$ 20 per person.
- Chimpanzee habituation – full day view of chimps at US$ 220 per person.
- 3-4 hours at birding pace
- Cultural safari at US$ 10 per person
- Birding at US$ 30 per person
- Forest rules and regulations:
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Please note that this is not a Zoo so it is a tropical rain forest and sightings depend on factors such as time of the day fruit availability, weather and how quite the primate group is. The maximum number of people in a group is 4 visitors per guided walk.The maximum time allowed with the chimps is one hour; however, the time might be shortened under the guides discretion to eliminate stressful situations for the chimps.
Guidelines to chimpanzee Watching
- When trekking you are advised to remain in a tight group and follow the guides directions at all times.
- Please remain at a distance of 8 meters from the chimps or the distance that your guide recommends
- Under no circumstance shall you chase while they descend or to or walk on higher ground.
- You are advised not to enter the forest if you are sick as this can put the animals at serious risk
- Please refrain from eating near the chimps and other primates
- Please do not shout in the forest
- It’s advisable to wear long boots that cover your toes and long trousers as there are red ants and slippery trails, also carry along water proof clothing in the rainy season.
- Children under 15 years are not allowed to view the chimps for safety reasons.
- If you would like to ease yourself, urinate off the trail system.
- All wastes should be buried in a hole.