Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda hosts more primates than any other location in Africa. Chimpanzees are the most famous residents. But you can find 13 types of primates here.
Kibale also hosts the largest population of red colobus monkeys in East Africa.
A trip to Kibale Forest National Park will acquaint you with these primates. But there is so much more to Kibale. It is paradise for a nature lover.
How to get to the Kibale Forest
Kibale National Park is in Kamwenge District in Western Uganda. The best spot to visit in the park is the Kanyanchu river camp.
Drive 300km to Kibale from Kampala. Use the daily bus service.
What to wear while on Safari in Kibale Forest
Don’t wear T-shirts or shorts. Long-sleeved shirts and full-length trousers will protect your skin.
Rubber boots or hiking shoes will protect your feet. Sneakers will not do. A hat will keep your head safe.
Don’t forget to slap bug repellant on your skin. A raincoat will help in the rainy season. Carry some drinking water, binoculars, and a camera.
When to Visit Kibale Forest
December, January, February, June, and July offer ideal chimpanzee tracking weather. Camps and lodges are all open at this time.
Accommodation in Kibale Forest Park
Ranging from budget to luxury, here are the options:
- Ruwenzori Guesthouse
- Nyabulitwa Resort and Safari Camp
- Nyankuruba Community Campsite
- Chimps Nest
- Kibale Forest Camp
- Chimpanzee Forest Guest House
- Papaya Lake Lodge
- Kyaninga Lodge
- Crater Safari Lodge
How to Get a Chimpanzee Trekking Permit for Kibale Forest
Visitors to the Kibale National Park need permits to go chimpanzee tracking. Chimpanzee Trekking permits are a lot cheaper than Gorilla trekking permits. You pay $100 to $150 for chimpanzee trekking at Kibale Forst. The cost varies depending on the season.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues these permits. Your travel planner will buy them on your behalf.
Kibale Forest National Park Attractions
Kibale Forest is the premier location in Africa for primate viewing. 13 different primates live here. Many of them are endangered species.
Here are the attractions:
Chimpanzee trekking excursions entail a forest hike and an hour of visiting with a chimpanzee family. Watch the chimpanzees feed, play, groom, breastfeed their young, rest, etc. Chimpanzees are our closest relatives.
- A Chimpanzee habituation experience is more intimate. Observe chimpanzees for a good four hours. During habituation, chimpanzees get used to the presence of humans.
- Bird watching in Kibale national part is a revelation. More than 375 bird species live here. You will notice the great blue turaco, sunbird, African pied wagtail, crowned eagle, yellow-billed barbet, black-capped Apalis, blue-breasted kingfisher, and the breasted pitta.
- A guide will lead visitors on a walk through the Kibale nature trails. The walk starts at Kanyanchu. Take in the fresh air and forest sounds.
- You can also walk to the Bigodi wetland sanctuary next door. It is an 8km trail. Walks allow you to see primates and swamp mammals too.
- Community tours take you to the local villages where you can meet locals. Visit the local school and church, and even get to see a traditional healer. Learn a little bit of history while at it.
- Take a Forest Walk at night with a park ranger. A torch/flashlight is enough for the park ranger to show you the birds and animals that love to come out at night.
- A crater-lake tour will take you to the Ndali Kasenda crater lakes around the Kibale forest. The crater lakes are not far from the park. You might combine this with chimpanzee trekking. Enjoy swimming, fishing, and canoeing on the lake.
