Kibale Forest National Park is one of Uganda’s 10 National Parks and undoubtedly a biodiversity hot spot in Africa. Its outstanding tree species, over 13 primate species, about 375 bird species, butterflies, several reptiles and Amphibians in addition to surrounding attractions makes it one of the unmissable places for your next vacation in Africa, especially primate trekking tours.

Location

This incredibly stunning National Park of Kibale is nestled within the western side of the country between the elevation of 1100 meters above sea level and 1600 meters above sea level. This Park is set near the pristine Ndali-Kasenda Crater Area in addition to being just 3-4 hours’ drive to Queen Elizabeth, Semuliki and Rwenzori Mountains National Parks as well as the Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve.

Size of Kibale Forest National Park

This Protected Area extends for over 795 square kilometers and protects moist evergreen rainforest, remarkably making it one of the most magnificent Parks that are extensively covered by tropical rainforest. Much as this Park is mostly rainforest, it is characterized by a wide range of landscapes.

History

The area where this Park sits was first established as a Forest Reserve in 1932 before becoming a National Park in 1993 to offer refuge to the high biodiversity of both lowland and montane forests.

Wildlife and Birds in Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park boasts of the highest diversity and concentration of primate species in the African Continent, hence making it the Primate Capital of Africa. You can encounter at least three-quarters of its 13 different primate species during a single trip. There are over 1500 of Uganda’s total 5000 chimpanzees within Kibale Forest National Park, with several communities of well-studied and habituated for tourism and this makes it one of the incredibly beautiful places for chimpanzee trekking adventures.

Besides chimpanzees, other notable primate species in Kibale Forest National Park are  the Ugandan red colobus monkeys, (procolobus tephrosceles), pottos,  the rare L’Hoests, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Olive baboons, bush babies, vervet monkeys, to mention but a few.

The Forest buffaloes, blue and red duikers, Sitatunga, bush pigs, common warthogs, Mongoose, forest elephants, giant forest hogs, serval cats, Otters, bushbucks and African golden cats are common in this Protected Area. Lions and leopards are also occasionally spotted in Kibale Forest National Park.

Kibale Forest National Park boasts of a prolific birdlife with over 375 species of stunning feathered beauties, 6 of which are endemic to the Albertine rift Valley, some to the Congo-Guinea Biome and endemic to this Park among others. Expect rare views of the rare Green-breasted Pitta hidden between dense vegetation, Collared apalis, Ground thrush, blue-headed sunbird, western tinkerbird, red-faced woodland warbler, Black bee-eater, Olive long-tailed Cuckoo, Purple-breasted sunbird, Lowland-masked Apalis, Blue-breasted kingfisher, Dusky Crimsonwing, African pitta, Brown-chested alethe, Dusky Crimsonwing, black bee-eaters, yellow spotted nicator, Abyssinian ground thrush, crowned eagle, Yellow-rumped tinkerbird, blue breasted kingfishers, yellow rumped tinker bird, Black-capped Apalis, black-eared ground thrush, Eastern Nicator, little greenbul and many more.

Interesting Things to do within Kibale Forest National Park

Chimpanzee trekking and Habituation Experience

Chimpanzee trekking is the most popular wildlife adventure in Kibale Forest National Park, and involves trekking for several hours and spending quality time with one of the four habituated communities.

Chimp treks here are conducted in two sessions- morning and afternoon sessions but the common thing about both sessions is that it begins with 30 minutes’ briefing at Kanyanchu Reception Center. These treks take several hours but the moment you set your eyes on these creatures, you will appreciate how they are so much like us.

All you need to trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park is to be above 12 years, possess basic physical fitness and a chimpanzee permit ($200) and have an entire one hour of interaction and photographing these mesmerizing creatures in their natural habitat. The most amazing thing about these treks is that visitors are also treated to sights of Red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, blue monkeys, Olive baboons, L’Hoests monkeys, vervet monkeys and several forest bird species. Only 6 persons can trek each habituated chimpanzee community each day and besides ordinary treks, visitors can also take part in the all-day chimpanzee Habituation Experience in the company of rangers, conservationists, researchers and guides. For this incredibly rewarding primate adventure, you will need $250 for a permit.

Cultural tours

Kibale Forest National Park is surrounded by two main tribes-Bakiga and Batoro. Cultural tours introduce visitors to their daily lives with activities including visits to the traditional healer, nearby primary school, health centers and other projects resulting from community tourism initiatives such as Bigodi. These also involve traditional dance, drama and music performances from some of the local groups.

Birding

Kibale Forest National Park is a haven to over 375 bird species that make it one of Uganda’s 33 Important Bird Areas. Walking through the well-maintained forest birding trails or standing at the viewing platforms and boardwalk introduces visitors to the green breasted pitta, grey throated flycatcher, African Pitta, black-capped apalis, red-faced woodland warbler, woodland warbler, Black bee-eater, Olive long-tailed Cuckoo, red-chested Flufftail, Purple-breasted sunbird, Lowland-masked Apalis, grey winged robin, white napped pigeon, chestnut winged starling, Abyssinian ground thrush, the exciting greenbul, red-winged francolin, white bellied crested flycatcher and many others.

Guided forest walks

Guided forest walks are also conducted in Kibale Forest National Park and make it possible to encounter other mammals-especially forest elephants, special tree species that have existed for more than 6 centuries, buffaloes, sitatunga, bushbucks, duikers and sometimes the rare leopards and lions. Visitors who venture on night walks are also offered opportunities of seeing nocturnal species especially bushbabies, crickets, pottos and tree hyraxes among others. Guided walks are also conducted for nearby places such as Amabere Caves and waterfalls as well as nearby Crater Lakes.

Best time of the year to visit Kibale Forest National Park

The Interesting tourist activities within Kibale Forest National Park are conducted all year round, although the Northern part of the Protected Area is wetter and receives average rainfall of 1700 millimeters per year. This is mainly in the months of March, April, May, September and November. Majority of the adventures here are enjoyable and less challenging during the dry season-months of January, February, June, July, August and December when the average temperature is 25˚C.

Places to stay when exploring Kibale Forest National Park

A number of outstanding places exist for visitors planning to explore Kibale Forest National Park and these are inside the Park, as far as Fort Portal Town, Bigodi region and the Northern region overlooking Crater Lakes. These are

Primate Lodge

Primate Lodge is a luxurious accommodation facility tucked deep in the middle of Kibale Forest National Park and caters for both luxury and midrange travellers. It features 9 spacious and en-suite luxury Cottages, each hidden deep in the forest. Guests here are provided with ultimate privacy, total immersion in the jungle in addition to different facilities such as sitting area with cozy arm chairs and reading table and vast veranda where you can sit comfortably to enjoy forest views.

Kibale Forest Camp

Kibale Forest Camp is a midrange Camp with 12 self-contained African Safari-style Tents, incredibly furnished with double or Twin beds. Visitors here are offered with the thrill of black and white colobus monkeys screams, sights and sounds of birds and many others. Amenities here are a spacious restaurant and bar with rich views of the forest.

Kyaninga Safari Lodge

Kyaninga Safari Lodge is a luxurious Lodge nestled within the edge of the Kyaninga Crater Lake at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Guests here are guaranteed of experiencing the beauty and romance of this raw part of the region with 9 private Cottages built from typically hand-carved logs, spectacular dining and a wide range of activities to enjoy. Other facilities here are the lounge and dining, swimming pool, Kyaninga grounds for unwinding and games.

Crater Safari Lodge

Crater Safari Lodge is another spectacular accommodation facility close to Kibale Forest National Park and overlooks the second largest Crater Lake in the country. Visitors here are offered jaw-dropping views of the Crater Lake from most parts of the Lodge including the 21 rooms in deluxe chalets or standard cabins. Facilities such as sparkling swimming pool, restaurant, lounge, stunning bar area and many others are found within the Lodge area.

Other magnificent accommodation facilities for Kibale Forest National Park visitors are Nyinabulitwa Resort and Safari Camp, Chimps’ Nest, Kanyanchu River Camp, Sebitoli Campsite, Kibale Forest Lodge, Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve and many others.

How to reach the stunning Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale National Park is set within the western side of Uganda and south-east of the Tourism City of Fort Portal. This Park is mainly reached by road from Kampala, via Mbarara and Kamwenge to its south or Mubende and Fort portal to its Northern side. Kampala is the main starting point for most Kibale National Park tours. Travellers can also start their trips to Kibale Forest National Park from Fort Portal Town, at about 22 kilometers from the Park.