Kibale Forest National Park,Getting There, Best Time To Visit, Activities

In Uganda’s western region, in the East African Rift Valley, next to the Ndali Kasenda crater, sits Kibale National Park at an elevation of 1,100 meters above sea level. The park was first designated as a forest reserve in 1932 because of its high biodiversity and it was later transformed into a game park. The park has evolved into Uganda’s and much of East Africa’s primate capital. There are more than 350 different tree species that grow across the expansive plains and plateaus, including pre-montane forests that are unique to East Africa.  Further, the park features lowland and montane forests that are home to endangered species such as Entandrophragma, Cordia millenii, and Lovoa swynnertonnii. The park receives more than 1700 mm of rainfall and this has led to the growth of dense ferns, herbs, and grasses. The greatest location for a primate tour is Kibale National Park. Although the park does not feature gorillas, it is home to more primates than any other park in East Africa.

Chimpanzees trekking In Kibale  Forest National Park

Kibale National park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and it’s the greatest spot in Africa to get up close to these incredible primates. In the lush forest of the park, you will go on a trekking adventure with knowledgeable guides in search of families of wild chimpanzees.

Chimpanzee trekking experience

The trekking journey begins at the park headquarters in Kanyanchu, the journey often starts early in the morning. You will receive a safety briefing, information about chimpanzee behaviour, and instructions to follow during your trip. The duration of the hike, once you start, can change based on the whereabouts of the chimpanzees. It could take 30 minutes to a few hours, because they roam their territory. With the sounds of birds, insects, and other wildlife accompany you on your journey, the experience is further enhanced by the dense forest and rich greenery.

Chimpanzee trekking Experience in Kibale Forest National Park

Finding the chimpanzees and getting to spend an hour watching them is an unforgettable experience. Being quite sociable, chimpanzees may show you amazing behaviours like grooming, playing, and even eating while you’re there. It is an incredible honour to witness the chimpanzees’ interactions with one another and their natural habitat, however because of their untamed nature, no two encounters are ever identical.

Primate safari In Kibale National Park

Kibale Forest National Park’s incredible monkey collection adds even more life to a primate safari. While in Kibale Forest expect to see L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Bush Baby, Olive Baboons, the endangered Red Colobus Monkey, Grey Cheeked Mangabey, the Red-tailed Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Black and White Colobus. Primate enthusiasts can anticipate an authentic African safari without having to drive far because the park is near to Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Birding in Kibale Forest National Park

Uganda is regarded as one of Africa’s top three destinations for birdwatching. The 180km rain forest in Kibale is a birders paradise with over 374 bird species. The Abyssinian Ground Thrust, African Grey Parrot, Yellow Rumped Tinkerbird, Black eared Ground Thrust Black Bee Eater, Black capped Apalis, Black eared Ground Thrust, Purple-breasted Sunbird Blue Breasted Kingfisher, Red-chested Owlet Blue-headed Sunbird, Brown Chested Alethe, Western Nicator,  Brown Illadopis, Collared Apalis, Crowned Eagle, Dusky Crimsonwing, Little Green Bul, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, the African Pitta, White naped Pigeon, and yellow-spotted Nicator are among the birds that can be seen while on a tour of Kibale Forest.

Other wildlife In Kibale Naational Park

Apart from the primates and birds, Kibale National Park is home to 14 snake species, over 200 butterfly species, 27 frog species and over 20 types of reptile. Bats, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, elephants, forest buffaloes, leopards, hippopotamuses, bushbuck antelopes, red/blue duikers, sitatungas semi-aquatic antelopes, warthogs, African golden cats, mongooses, and the occasionally spotted hyenas are among the nearly 70 mammal species found in Kibale National Park.

Nature walks and Hikes in Kibale National Park

Taking a walk through the vast forest is a great way to discover the great biodiversity in the park and surrounding landscapes that include visiting the Amabere caves. The starting points can be from Sebitoli or Kanyanchu. Regardless of which section of the park you choose to start your walk, you will be treated to the breathtaking views of tropical forests, grasslands, swamps and rivers. For those interested in observing how the local people go about their daily lives and work in the gardens a walk through Nyaibanda, Nyakalongo and villages are perfect. Night walks can also be arranged to see nocturnal animals like pottos, bush babies and other rare birds that are only active at night.

Bigodi wetlands walk

A nature walk can be arranged to visit the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary within the park. This is one of the best places for bird watching and primates viewing in East Africa and attracting thousands of visitors annually. A three hours walk through the Bigodi swamp allows you to spot over 310 bird species. As you walk through the palm trees and different plants expect to see at least 5 species of primates.

Activities for Childrenin Kibale National Park

Professionally trained rangers, guides and drivers are available to ensure that both children and adults enjoy their time while on a safari in Kibale  Forest National Park. Children below 13 years are not allowed to go for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale national park. However children can take part in some activities like taking walks around the forest to see forest animals, birds and the different varieties of plants. The other activities for children include batik making, photography and pond dipping.

How to Get To Kibale National Park-Getting There

By road

Accessing Kibale National Park is much easier than Bwindi or Mgahinga which are located in the Southwestern corner of Uganda. There is a direct route from Kampala that takes between 5 to 6 hours driving past Mubende and Fort Portal. Those approaching the park from the southern section can use the Kamwenge or Mbarara road

Getting To Kibale National Park By Air

A much more convenient and faster way of accessing the park is by using a chartered flight from Kajjansi along the Entebbe-Kampala highway to either Ndali or Fort Portal and then taking a car to the park.

What is the best time to visit Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park experiences to seasons that is the dry season and wet season.

The dry season of the year occurs during the dry months of December to February and June to September. These dry months are characterized by little or no rainfall. There is less mud making it easy to drive or take walks within the park, less vegetation cover and thick bushes which allows easy sighting of animals making it an enjoyable holiday.

However one can also visit the park in the wet season. That is in the months of March to May and late September to November with relatively more rain. This may not be favourable to some clients but birders will find this season appealing as it is the breeding season for birds and several migratory species appear filling the forest with beautiful sounds in perfect green.

Note; It’s best for visitors to come two to three weeks after the rainy season for the best experience. During this time the mud has disappeared and the country as a whole is still very green offering amazing scenery.

Packing list for  Kibale Forest National Park

What to Pack For cHimpanzee trekking safaris in Kibale Forest National Park

  • The following items should be included while on your safari to Kibale Forest National Park.
  • Travel documents: You need to always have your travel documents with you while on an African safari such as a VISA, Passport and the yellow fever vaccination card.
  • Pocket change: A safari in Kibale National Park may require pocket money for porters and art crafts.
  • As with any African safari, bring long-sleeved shirts and trousers. The colour should be drab because you may be traveling in dusty, windy conditions.
  • Pack a sweater and rain gear for cold evenings and rainy seasons. Most lodges and motels have pools; bring a costume.
  • You should use simple, robust, comfortable, and waterproof hiking shoes in Kibale National Park.
  • Comfortable, quick-drying stockings and light sandals for nighttime leisure at your lodge after your activities are needed.
  • A good insect repellent is a must in tropical countries like Uganda due to the many insect species.
  • A camera, binoculars, and other gear: You’ll regret not bringing a nice camera to capture your Kibale Forest safari memories.
  • Remember to pack a flashlight, hand sanitizers, electric adaptor, Vaseline, antibiotics, allergy medications, toothbrush, lip balm, vitamins, painkillers, sanitary products, and hair shampoo.

Where to stay during your visit to Kibale National park

Luxury Accommodation

Kibale Forest

Chimpanzee sanctuary

Ndali Lodge

Mid-range Accommodation

Primate Lodge Kibale

Chimps’ Nest

Kyaninga Lodge

Budget Accommodation

Nyinabulitwa Country Resort

Kibale Forest Camp

Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse