Kibale Forest National Park is one in all the most attractive national parks in Uganda with tropical rainforest, and a multiplicity of animals. Kibale Forest harbours the principal figure of chimpanzees and more than 1,450 chimpanzees are protected inside the park. At Kanyanchu, a community chimpanzee has been habituated for 16 years. This gives tourists a chance to see the great apes in their natural environment. Threatened red Columbus monkeys and the rare L’Hoest monkey are found in the park. At the same time the forest has one of the highest diversity of primates in Africa.

• Area:   776 km²
• Established:   1993
• Location:    Western Uganda
• Primate capital Of the world
  Oldest rain forest
• Nearest city:    Fort portal
• Governing Body:   Uganda wildlife Authority

Highlights of Kibale Forest N.P

Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee tracking involves a walk through the forest in search for human closest relatives. The chimpanzees can be tracked in the morning and afternoon. Chimpanzee tracking is one of the best wildlife encounter where you are allowed one hour with the Chimpanzees. Kibale is one of the places where you stand 98% seeing these incredible primates

Chimpanzee Habituation

Habituation is an all-day activity that involves staying with the chimpanzees for a whole day. This activity starts at 6am till dawn or anytime you feel it’s enough. You shall start your day with the chimpanzees and follow them all day following their daily activities and get up close and personal with the Primates. Fee: US $220pp

Bird Watching

Bird watching in Kibale Forest National Park is a rewarding activity for the Bird lovers. There are a lot of Bird species including the Pita and the great blue turaco which are a must see in Kibale. Forest birding in Kibale makes it one of the best birding destination in Uganda and Africa.

Bigodi Swamp Walk

Also Known As the Primate capital Of East Africa, Kibale forest also harbours the biggest number of primates in Africa. Bigodi swamp walks an interesting activity that takes you through the swamp with a lot of monkeys, birds and plants to see. Bigodi under KAFRED a community based organisation also provides a walk through the village for an authentic local experience.

Directions to Kibale National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is located in western Uganda and can be accessed and connected – to from all corners depending on where you are coming in from.

From Kampala, Kibale is located west next to the Rwenzori and mountain of the moon. It is located about 300kms from Kampala and 40kms south of Fort portal town. When you finally get to Fort portal, travel south to Kibale on kamwenge road about 40kms and 50mins drive. Kibale can also be accessed from kasese a nearby town or queen Elizabeth National park for about 2 hours. The road from kasese through Rwimi is a spectacular journey with fascinating landscapes and numerous beautiful Crater lakes. Kibale is easily found even when on a self-drive car rental in Uganda

Accommodations in Kibale National park

Kibale Forest camp

Kibale Forest Camp offers an affordable classic canvas experience in the form of 10 African safari style tents tucked away in a lush forest. A budget alternative is our lazy camping on our campsite. Complemented by excellent food served in a cozy grass thatched restaurant, the camp forms your perfect base if you are looking for an affordable and comfortable place from where to explore the area.

Primate Lodge Kibale

Primate lodge prides in nine spacious and en-suite Luxury Cottages, each secluded deep in the forest for maximum privacy and a natural ‘living in nature’ feel, come complete with 2x Double size Bed or 1x King Size Bed, a sitting area with two comfortable arm chairs, a reading table and an adjoining large veranda with excellent views to the forest. The seven mid-level Forest Cottages are private and en-suite with spacious bathrooms, 2x Twin size Beds or 1x King Size Bed as well as a spacious veranda over-looking the rain-forest with lounge chairs. The popular double storied ‘Elephant Banda’ has an upstairs bedroom fitted with a giant King size Bed and a downstairs living room where we can also place a smaller extra bed

Kyaninga Lodge
Kyaninga is an upmarket/Luxury outfit nestled on the edge of an extinct volcanic crater lake at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains overlooking the Kyaninga Crater Lake. If you would like to spoil yourself, then this outfits great for you. It is strategically located to Kibale national park and is an hour’s drive to the chimpanzee trekking point. Kyaninga offers the tranquillity of a well organised safari and a comfortable stay.

Camping In Kibale

Kibale forest has some unique camping sites for those who have their own tents. The park has a camping site for as well as the many private campsites around the lodges. Rent a car and camping Gear on a self-drive in Uganda and be rewarded with an inspirational journey through Uganda. Check out our camping gear rates