Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park guide to chimpanzee tracking, attractions, activities, where to stay and best time to visit
Kibale Forest National Park is the primate capital of the world with 13 species that include chimpanzees, Monkeys, Uganda Mangabeys, Baboons and so forth.
This park is commonly known for chimpanzee trekking and home to over 1000 individuals that are further divided into families.
The park in the north (Sabitoli) shares a border with Queen Elizabeth National park (Ishasha) sharing a wildlife migration corridor in both parks. This has further increased the attractions found in the park.
How to get to Kibale Forest National Park
The park is approximately 300 km from Kampala city via Mubende- Fortportal Road (North) is the shortest route to the park or via Mbarara and Kamwenge in the south at 345 Kms and the longest route to the park. Below are the different transportation ways.
By Road
This is the most common type of transportation to the park and it will take you approximately 4-5hrs from Kampala city via Mubende- Fortportal road as you get to do more sightseeing.
The roads are in good condition but as you get closer to the park, the roads are Marram and you may experience the African Massage.
Please note that the park can be accessed using the Kanyanchu gate and the centre of tourism to this park. We recommend you use a 4×4 Vehicle and this ranges from Us dollars $200-$350 per day minus drivers’ allowance.
By Air
The entry point to go to Kibale is Entebbe International Airport and there no domestic flights manning this route apart from road Transportation.
However, you can fly to Kasese using the Aero link then you are transferred to the park, this 103 km and will take approximately 2 hours from Entebbe to Kasese.
What to do or Attractions in Kibale Forest National Park
The tropical climate in Kibale Forest National Park has blessed it with quite a number of attractions from wildlife to river line forest that is all found in one place.
- Wildlife highlights
The park is the primary area to watch Chimpanzees in the world and chimpanzee trekking is one of the activities that you can’t miss out on your itinerary.
To participate in this activity, you will require a permit that costs $150 per person. Kibale alone houses 1450 chimpanzees with 13 families habituated and they are the ones trekked by tourists.
The chimpanzee trekking is divided into two sessions is 8 am and 3 pm, for any of the sessions you are booked, you will undergo a briefing before your set off for the trek.
You will be divided into groups of six people and handed over to the ranger/guide who is armed for your safety as well as protection.
When you meet the chimpanzee, you will spend only 1 hour with them. Chimpanzees move faster and the trek is strenuous put on comfortable trekking shoes, long-sleeved blouses and trousers.
- Birdwatching
Kibale forest is a bird haven for forest birds and only 4 that are native to the Albertine Rift Valley like Nahan’s francolin, Cassin’s spine tail, blue-headed bee-eater, and Masked Apalis.
The park has 370 bird species that have been recorded and Bigodi wetland will offer a variety of species and different monkeys. Please note that migratory birds are only present from November to April.
- Bigodi Wetland
Is managed by the KAFRED community and the swamp is full of different types of primates like Black & white Columbus monkey, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkey and Baboons as well as the Mangabeys. On top of this, the swamp houses different types of birds like great blue turaco, green breasted pitta
Best Time to Visit Kibale Forest National Park
The time of visit varies depending on the seasons that are wet or dry, however, Kibale National Park is open for chimpanzee tracking all year long.
The best months for Chimpanzee tracking are December- February and June- August with less slippery trails and great photography moments.
The best time for birdwatching is March- September and Migratory bird watching in November-April. The wet seasons are April and November with higher rains that may interfere with your activities.
However, due to global warming, there has been a change in the rainfall patterns therefore this can change year after year.
Where to stay in Kibale National Park?
There are a number of places to stay while on your Kibale National Park trip which ranges from Budget, Midrange to Luxury accommodation. Budget accommodation ranges from $30-$150, Midrange from $200- $250 and Luxury from $300-$1000.
Luxury
- Primate Lodge
- Crater Safari Lodge
Midrange
- Chimpanzee forest guest house
- Kibale Guest Cottages
- Kibale Guest Cottages
- Turaco Treetops
- Isunga Lodge
Budget
- Green Home Cottages
- Rweteera safari park
- Tinka’s Home stay
- Lodge Bella Vista
For your planning purposes you can visit the park for a day or multiple days depending on your budget. We recommend that you combine this tour with other classical places in Uganda like Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison falls, Jinja tour, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Kidepo Valley N.P.
Furthermore, cross border safaris can be added in Rwanda like Akagera, Nyungwe, Kivu and Volcanoes N.P. In Kenya don’t forget to add on the Masai Mara for the wildebeest and Amboseli for the big five. These combinations will just add a slice to your safari as you touch each of the EastAfrican countries.
In conclusion, Kibale National Park being the first and primary area for chimpanzee tracking means you will never be disappointed when you add it to your safari while in Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya.
Forever Africa Safari offers a variety of gorilla trekking safari options at unbeatable rates. Contact us for the best rates at info@foreverafricasafari.com or call us /WhatsApp us +256 772 221 880 to start planning your safari / tour today!
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