Kibale forest National Park is located in western Uganda about 5-6 hours drive from Entebbe International airport. This low land tropical rain forest is considered to be one of the few pristine rain forest remaining on continent Africa. Kibale National Park has the largest chimpanzee population standing at approximatelt 1500 individuals and is the best place to trek habituated wild chimpanzees in the whole of Africa.

Kibale forest covers an area of 795 square kilometers and is home to wild chimpanzees and other twelve popular primates making it one of best national parks to visit while on your Uganda Safari. There are a total of 13 species to be found here which, aside from our close relatives the chimpanzees, includes the grey cheeked mangabey, endangered red colobus, black-and-white colobus, blue monkey, olive baboon, potto, bush baby, red-tailed monkey and the, rarely seen, Hoest’s monkey. The fascinating chimps tend to be heard before they are seen and their screams pant hoots and barks are used by our local tracking experts to bring you even closer to them. Once you locate the animals you can usually spend up to one hour with them before the forest walk continues in search of other primates. For kin birder, Kibale National Park boosts of several forest birds some of which are endemic to this forest. It has several other animals like elephants, leopards that are rarely spotted.

Kibale National Park can be accessed from Kampala via Mubende on a very good road and the drive time is approximately 5-6 hours. Kibale is closer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth is just 2 hours drive. While in Kibale, you will enjoy the great views of Rwenzori Mountains. Those interested in flying can charter from Entebbe Airport or Kajansi to Fort Portal or Ndali.

Attractions around Lake Bunyonyi Kabale

Primate tracking

The ancient rainforest is the home of roughly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Looking deep into the expressive brown eyes of the gentle giants is surely the most exciting wildlife encounter in Africa. This national park has 90 mammal species including 11 primates, and the prominent black and white colobus, with its lovely flowing white tail.

The forest birding ranks best in Uganda with 23 highly localized Albertine Rift endemic present. The activities include Chimpanzee tracking as the main attraction and permits must be booked in advance. Also available are guided forest walks, one popular trail leads to a pretty waterfall and others focus on birding and monkey viewing.