Overview–uganda

Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park (formerly Kibale Forest NP) is the best place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Thirteen species of primates have been recorded, which is the highest number for any Ugandan park, and several monkey species can usually be seen on forest walks. Birds and butterflies are abundant.

Scenery

Kibale supports a range of habitats over different altitude zones. The tropical forest on the Fort Portal plateau changes to savannah in the Albertine Valley floor in the south. The forest has suffered less from logging in the past compared to some other forests in the country and is therefore still relatively pristine and home to some very big mahoganies, figs and other hardwoods.

Best Time to Visit

Kibale is open for chimpanzee trekking throughout the year. December to February and the months of June and July are the driest months and are therefore the best times for this activity. Walking the trails is easier at these times and the overall experience tends to be more enjoyable.

December to February & June to July –Dry Seasons

Dry trails make it easier to track chimps
Better chance for a dry hour spent with the chimps
The days are lovely and sunny
The views aren't that great as the sky is hazy

March to May & August to November –Wet Seasons

Great time for birders
The views are spectacular when the clouds lift
Rain can make the forest trails challenging
Rain might interfere with the experience when watching and photographing the chimps

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Jan

Feb

Jun

Jul

April

Sept

Oct

Nov

Mar

May

Aug

Dec

Rates

From: $319 to $2000 pp/da

Best Time to Go

From: December to February and June to July

High Season

From: June to September (Peak time for Uganda)

Size

From: 795km² / 307mi²

Wildlife & Animals

The chimpanzee community visited by trackers in Kibale is the best habituated in Uganda and sightings can be excellent. The park’s diversity of primates is one of the highest in Africa, with 13 species identified. Black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and blue monkeys are all regularly spotted. Several nocturnal species are present as well, including potto and the eastern needle-clawed bush baby.

Wildlife Highlights

The park provides refuge to the world’s largest population of the endangered red colobus monkey, and it is an important stronghold for Uganda mangabey, a rare national endemic (meaning it only occurs in Uganda).

Kibale is home to many mammal species aside from primates, but they are rarely encountered. Elephants and buffalo roam the forest and other species present are giant forest hog, warthog, bushpig, bushbuck, and blue, red, and Peter's duiker.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The Dry seasons (from June to July and December to February) are the best times for tracking chimpanzees. The park stays open throughout the year, but in heavy rain, the trails might be difficult to walk and the overall experience might be compromised.

General Wheather

The climate in Kibale National Park is moist and temperate. Temperatures stay almost the same year-round. Daytime temperatures are about 27°C/81°F, cooling off nightly to about 15°C/59°F.

Kibale lacks a real Dry season; rain is possible anytime. However, December through February are typically drier and so are June and July. Two Wet seasons exist: March to May and August through November. It is recommended to bring waterproof clothing.

Dry Seasons –December to February & June to July

December, January & February – Rain is possible, despite these being the driest months. It is an excellent time for chimpanzee trekking. Daytime temperatures are 28°C/82°F on average and drop down to about 14°C/57°F at night.
June & July – This time is relatively dry, but there is still potential for rain – even for several days on end. Average temperatures are around 27°C/81°F in the afternoon and 15°C/59°F in the early morning.

Wet Seasons –March to May & August to November

March, April & May – Wet weather is typical, with rainfall peaking in April. The forest trails can become slippery, making chimpanzee trekking more challenging.
August, September, October & November – These are the wettest months of the year. A 4WD vehicle must be used on the access roads. Temperatures max at around 27°C/81°F and fall on average as low as 15°C/59°F.

Prons

Very reliable chimpanzee trekking
Chimp habituation experience and night walks are also available
Relatively pristine forest
Excellent birding in the forest and wetland
Nature walks and village visits offered in the neighbouring Bigodi Community

Cons

Chimp trekking is busy during peak seasons

How To Get There

Kibale National Park is located in western Uganda. Kibale will rarely be a destination in itself – it’s usually a stop among other parks on a tour of Uganda. The chimp trekking trailhead at Kanyanchu is 35km/20mi southeast of the town of Fort Portal, a 30- to 45-minute drive* on what is now a well surfaced road, and 360km/224mi (about 6 hours*) from Kampala.

Entebbe International Airport (EBB) will be your entrance point into the country. It is located about 46km/29mi from the capital, Kampala. In most cases, your local tour operator will pick you up from the airport and will also provide any additional transportation as part of your tour package.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), and what tickets would cost.

www.skyscanner.com

Domestic Flights

Booking domestic flights between parks is usually done by your tour operator and is generally included as part of your safari. Fly Uganda runs daily scheduled flights with ‘seat rates’ to Fort Portal.

Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements

Please check our Getting There – Uganda page to learn more about passports, visas, COVID-19, and other entry requirements.