Kibale Forest National Park, nestled in western Uganda near Fort Portal, spans 795 square kilometers of lush evergreen rainforest. Gazetted in 1993 after years as a forest reserve, this park sits at 1,100–1,590 meters above sea level, blending lowland and montane ecosystems. Often called the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale offers a breathtaking tapestry of biodiversity and is a must-visit for nature lovers.
Primate Haven
Kibale boasts over 1,500 chimpanzees, 120 of which are habituated for trekking, making it a top spot for chimpanzee tracking. Beyond chimps, the park shelters 12 other primate species, including red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and olive baboons, thriving in its dense forest canopy. Its 70 mammal species also feature forest elephants and bush pigs, though sightings are rare due to thick vegetation.
Birdlife and Beyond
With 372 bird species, Kibale dazzles birdwatchers. The Green-breasted Pitta, a rare gem, joins African Grey Parrots and Cassin’s Honeybirds in this avian hotspot. Over 250 butterfly species and 351 tree species, some towering 55 meters, add to the park’s ecological richness, rooted in a forest dating back 25,000 years.
Key Attractions
Chimpanzee trekking, starting at Kanyanchu Visitor Centre, is the star draw, offering 2–5-hour treks to observe these playful primates. The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience extends visits to a full day. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run gem nearby, offers swamp walks to spot birds and monkeys. Nature trails reveal crater lakes and forest secrets, while cultural encounters with the Batooro and Bakiga people enrich your trip.
Getting There
From Kampala, it’s a 5 to 6-hour drive (320 kilometers) via Fort Portal, or a 1-hour flight to Kasese from Entebbe, followed by a 2-hour drive. Dry seasons (June–August, December–February) ease access.