Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest boasts the highest number and density of primates in Uganda, and there are approximately 1,450 chimpanzees living in this diverse tropical landscape. Kibale is one of the best places to see chimpanzees in Africa, and families of these fascinating primates are encountered during guided treks by professional guides who are familiar with the habituated groups and can offer a true insight into hierarchy and behaviours.
About Kibale Forest National Park
Within the 795 km² park, 325 bird species and 70 mammal species can be found. Due to its geographical location, where the tropical rainforest of Central Africa meets the drier climate of East Africa, this area has an incredibly rich biodiversity. Whilst the wildlife and chimps are a highlight of any tailor-made safari in Kibale Forest National Park, the beautiful surroundings are also to be admired - some of the trees here are over 200 years old and others have grown to over 55 metres high.
Kibale Forest National Park Wildlife Safaris
There are 13 different species of primate recorded as living within the Kibale Forest National Park, including Uganda’s largest population of the endangered chimpanzee. The black and white colobus, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, olive baboon, grey-cheeked mangabey, bush baby and potto can all be found here too. Lucky visitors may also see rare species such as the L’Hoest and red colobus monkey.
Elephants migrate between Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park and can sometimes be spotted in the area. Buffalo can also be seen from time to time and there are local populations of lion and leopard, although sightings are infrequent. Duiker, sitatunga, bushbuck and forest hog among others are also found in Kibale Forest National Park.
As well as chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, there are also chimp habituation experiences, nature hikes, bushcraft sessions and visits to explore the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary and the Amabere caves.
Birding in Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest is one of the premium birding destinations in Uganda. Recorded species of birds within the forest exceed 370 and include four that aren’t found anywhere else in the country, namely the blue-headed bee-eater, Cassin’s spinetail, masked apalis and Nahan’s francolin. The African pitta is also found in Kibale, whilst the Bigodi swampland area is the forest’s premium birding territory.
The Kibale ground thrush is endemic to Kibale Forest, and a real treat for enthusiasts. Some of the near-endemic bird species found within Kibale include the blue-headed sunbird, dusky crimsonwing, purple-breasted sunbird and the red-headed woodland warbler. The blue-breasted kingfisher, crowned eagle, Abyssinian ground thrush, black bee–eater, Ruwenzori apalis and the yellow-rumped tinker bird are some of the other birding specials found in Kibale.
Best Places to Stay in Kibale Forest National Park
There is a variety of Kibale Forest National Park accommodation to suit most budgets and requirements.
Hand-picked Camps and Lodges
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Best Time to Visit Kibale Forest National Park
During Uganda’s drier months from December to February and June to July trekking and hiking in Kibale Forest National Park is easier. However, chimpanzees can be seen year-round.
Weather During the Year
