Kibale is one of the most Visited National Parks in Uganda. It is well known for hosting the exciting chimpanzees and other 12 species of primates. Kibale is one of the major tropical forest with a thick under growth and fruity plants which feeds the primates, birds and mammal species.
From Entebbe International Airport, it is approximately 6-7 hours drive to Kibale National Park on Private means. On public means, visitors can hire a bus to Fort portal town, then hire another means of transport to Kibale National Park- thus it is advisable to use private means.
Chimpanzee trekking is the major tourist activity in Kibale forest however, other activities in Nocturnal walk (night walks) to view night moving animals like Hyenas, Leopard, bush babies and so on. Birding like Red-winged Francolin, Red-chested Flufftail, White-naped Pigeon, Green-brested Pitta, African Pitta, Joyful Greenbul, Grey-winged Robin, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Grey-throated Flycatcher, White-bellied Crested Flycather, Masked and Black-capped Apalises, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Chestnut-winged Starling, Orange-tufted and Tiny Sunbirds, Grey-headed Olive-back are sighted in Kibale national park. Cultural tours in Toro Kings palace among others.
unlike Kyambura and Budongo Forest, encountering chimpanzees in Kibale is a guarantee and the most interesting in East Africa. Trekking takes approximately 3-4 hours depending on the movement of the chimpanzees. Chimpanzee habituation is also related to chimpanzee trekking but differ in terms of duration spent with Chimpanzees. Habituation of chimpanzee involves spending a full day with the chimps- starts early in the morning before chimps wake up and stop late in the evening when chimps set off to sleep.
After chimpanzee trekking, visitors can decide to visit the nearby parks like Queen Elizabeth (the second largest in Uganda after Murchison falls National Park). In Queen N.P, expect to view a variety of birds and animals. Semliki National Park in Bundibugyo district- expect to see hot springs, birds, mammals, unique vegetation among others. Rwenzori mountain National park for mountaineering – visitors need some fitness to climb Rwenzori however, the experience is worth undertaking!!
While in Kibale National Park, visitors can stay in Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Chimp Nest Lodge, Nyinabulitwa Country Resort, Chimpanzee Guest House among others. Other orphaned Chimpanzees can be found at Ngamba Island situated 23 km offshore from Entebbe.
