Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is Uganda’s premier destination for chimpanzee tracking safaris and primate walks. Located in western Uganda near Fort Portal, this tropical rainforest is home to the highest density and variety of primates in East Africa, including over 1,500 chimpanzees. Its beautiful jungle trails, rich birdlife, and connection to nearby crater lakes make it a must-visit for tourists seeking eco safaris in Uganda or a primate-focused wildlife adventure.

Why Visit Kibale National Park?

• One of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee tracking .
• Home to 13 primate species including red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey & black and-white colobus .
• Rich biodiversity: 70+ mammals, 370+ bird species, and stunning rainforest flora .
• Easy access from major safari circuits: close to Queen Elizabeth and Semuliki National Parks .
• Ideal for short Uganda safaris, family nature tours, and birding trips .

Top Activities in Kibale National Park

• Chimpanzee Tracking – Track habituated chimp groups with expert guides in the forest .
• Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) – Spend quality unlimited time following chimps from nest to nest .
• Bird Watching – Spot the African pitta, green-breasted pitta, and yellow spotted nicator .
• Guided Forest Walks – Explore towering trees, butterflies, and elusive mammals .
• Crater Lake Hikes & Community Tours – Combine nature and culture in the scenic Ndali-Kasenda Crater Region .
• Nocturnal Walks – Look out for bush babies, nightjars, and tree hyrax after dark .

Best Time to Visit Kibale National Park

• December to February and June to September are the best months for chimp tracking and forest hikes .
• Rainy months (March–May & October–November) bring lush scenery and fewer tourists but can be muddy

Accommodation Options

Kibale offers a wide range of forest lodges and eco-retreats for every traveler:

• Luxury: Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge .
• Midrange: Primate Lodge Kibale, Isunga Lodge .
• Budget: Kibale Forest Camp, Chimpanzee Forest Guest House .

How to Get There

• By Road: Approx. 5–6 hours from Kampala/Entebbe via Fort Portal .
• By Air: Flights from Entebbe to Kasese Airstrip, then 1.5–2 hours drive to Kibale .

Ideal For

• Tourists looking for chimpanzee safaris in Uganda.
• Families, students, and eco-travelers .
• Bird watchers and forest lovers .
• Visitors combining gorilla and chimp tracking in one trip .
• Anyone interested in sustainable, community-based tourism in Uganda .