Kibale national park is located in western Uganda covering an area of about 795 square kilo meters, it is part of the larger kibale fort portal eco system known for bio diversity and conservation efforts. The park is famous for its diverse primate species including over 1500 chimpanzees, it encompasses tropical rain forests providing rich habitat for various wildlife. Visitors are able to engage in guided chimp tracking, bid watching and explore the beautiful landscapes within the park.

The park was established in the year 1993 to protect the diverse array of primates and other wildlife in the region. Since its inception, kibale national park has been recognized for its successful conservation initiatives and a valuable destination for eco-tourism and research activities.

Chimpanzee habituation and trekking in kibale national park.

Chimpanzee habituation in kibale involves the process of acclimating wild chimpanzees to the presence of humans. This allows researchers and other visitors to observe and learn chimpanzee behavior more closely, this process can take about 2 or 3 years.

Habituation typically takes several years and involves gradual exposure to human observers. In kibale, this process provides visitors with rare and unique opportunity to participate in chimpanzee habituation, spending an extended period in the forest to witness the daily lives of these primates as they become accustomed to human presence.

Chimpanzee trekking is the adventure of going onto guided treks in search of these primates. It involves skilled guides leading visitors on trails, helping them track and locate chimp groups. The trek offers thrilling opportunities to witness these intelligent primates up close, observe their behaviors and learn about their conservation taking about 3 hours and 1 hour in their presence. It’s a popular activity for wildlife enthusiast seeking an immersive experience with one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.

Best time to do chimpanzee trekking in kibale national park

Chimpanzee trekking can be done throughout the whole year, but the best time is during the dry season. The dry season ranges from June to September and December to February, during this period, trails are more accessible and chimpanzees are often easier to spot as they stay closer to the trails in search of food.

How much is chimpanzee trekking in kibale national park?

Chimpanzee permit costs,

USD 200 for non-foreign residents per person

USD 150 for foreign residents per person

UGX 150,000 for East African citizens per person

What to see in kibale national park

Kibale has diverse attractions with a primary focus on primate species, these include;

The park is home to over 1500 primates most of which chimpanzees and others are olive baboons, red tailored monkey, white and black colobus monkeys and vervet monkeys. Visitors are allowed to trek and observe these primates in their natural habitat.

• Bigodi wetland sanctuary

Adjacent to kibale, this community run sanctuary offers guided walks through a swamp, providing opportunities to spot variety of birds and other wildlife species.

• Birds

Kibale national park boasts over 375 birds’ species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiast. Notable species include the African grey parrot, turacos, brown chested alethe, yellow rumped tinker, little greenbul, black eared ground thrush, green breasted pitta and Abyssinian ground thrush.

• Scenic beauty.

Kibale national park landscape features lush tropical rainforests, crater lakes and diverse vegetation creating a visually stunning environment for visitors.

What to do in kibale national park

• Nature walks.

Enjoy guided walks within the park to appreciate its diverse flora landscapes and perhaps encounter other smaller wildlife.

• Wildlife viewing

Kibale national park hosts smaller wildlife species like forest elephants, antelopes, duikers, bush bucks and red duikers. You also get chance to encounter reptiles and amphibians contributing to its overall ecological diversity.

• Bird watching

With over 375 bird species, kibale is a paradise for bird watchers. Species include the African grey parrot, great blue turacos and a number of butterflies and small insects contributing to its ecological richness.

• Primate tracking.

Apart from chimpanzees, you are able to explore the park’s trails to encounter other primate species such as red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, vervet monkeys, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and olive baboons.

• Cultural experiences.

Explore nearby communities to learn about local cultures and traditions. Feel free to engage and participate in these encounters or village walks to gain insights into the lives of these people found in the region.

Accessibility of kibale national park

Kibale national park is accessible both by road and air. The nearest town is fort portal and from there, it takes about 40 minutes of drive to the park headquarters depending on traffic and road conditions.  If travelling by air, the nearest airstrip is Kasese airstrip which is approximately a 2 to 3 hour drive from the park. Chartered and domestic flights can be arranged to Kasese from kajjansi or Entebbe depending on your location.