KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK (Chimpanzee Safaris)

Kibale Forest National Park is situated in KabaroleDistrict 36 km from Fort Portal on a dirt road. The park was gazetted in 1993 to protect a large block of rainforest. The park lies at an altitude of 1110 meters above sea level to 1590 meters above sea level. It covers an area of 560 sq km.
77% of the park is forested covered by medium altitude moist evergreen forest. The rest of the ecosystem comprises of grassland, swamps and some conifers. The park harbors13 species of primates giving the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in East Africa, it is an excellent bird catchment area with over 325 bird species.


Kibale National Park is a perfect example of an ecotourism site; many of the facilities are community based, thus providing the local community with the necessary revenue to keep their interest focused on the long-term protection of the area.

Two tribes the Batooro and Bakiga mainly occupy the area. Traditionally both tribes utilised the forest for food; fuel, building materials and medicines.

Key Species of Birds include; the Red-winged Francolin, Red-chested Flufftail, White-napped Pigeon, Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, Joyful Greenbul, Grey-winged Robin, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Grey-throated Flycatcher, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Masked and Black-capped Apalises, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Chestnut-winged Starling, Orange-tufted and Tiny Sunbirds, Grey-headed Olive-back.

The prime attraction here is chimpanzees thus chimpanzee tracking safaris and the chimp habituation experience, the long distance walk that may take a 64km guided walk, primate walk, forest hike, park’s other wildlife consists of Colobus monkeys, Olive Baboon, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Red-tailed Monkeys, Elephant, Bush Pig and Buffalo, Bushbuck, Blue Harvey's and Peter's Duikers are other shy inhabitants of the forest interior. Potto, Spectacled Demidoff's and Thomas's Galagos, Lord Derby's Anomalure, African Civet and Common Genet, Banded and Marsh Mongooses, Alexander's Cusimanse, Swamp Otter, Ratel (Honey Badger) and African Palm Civet. Although Golden Cat, Serval, Lion, Leopard, Warthog, Giant Hog and Hippopotamus are recorded from the park, they are unlikely to be encountered in the Kanyanchu area. Sitatungas are known to be in the Bigodi Swamp but are infrequently seen. The Rhinoceros Viper is fairly common here but is, unfortunately, less often found alive than as a road kill; the park also boasts of over 250 species of butterfly species.

Kibale has a well-established Chimpanzee-tracking safaris program including the chimp habituation experience with a high success rate. Limited Groups each with about 6 people track daily at 8:00 am and 3:00pm; the walks last about 3 hours. The highly recommended night walks depart from Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 7:30 pm but you need to book in advance. Bring with you a torch or any emergency lighting. Facilities at Bigodi include; an observation tower and a boardwalk that traverses the papyrus beds. The path and boardwalk may be flooded and muddy after heavy rain and Gumboots are recommended. They can be hired at the visitor centre. The walk is about 4 km in length, taking 3-4 hours at birding pace.

Up grade accommodation is available at Mantana Luxury Tented Camp located in the middle of the forest. Bush type accommodation extremely comfortable. Ndali Lodge a luxury accommodation, Budget accommodation is available at Rwenzori View Guesthouse located at Fort Portal approximately 30 Kms from the forest, Ataco Hotel, Wooden Hotel, Semliki Safari Lodge. The Kanyanchu Tourist Centre has five 2-bed bandas. There is a beautiful campground with a cooking shelter and pit latrines; water and firewood is provided. The community-based canteen offers cheap basic food and drinks. Alternatively, try the Safari Hotel 3 km further along the road towards Kamwenge. With all proceeds from eco-tourism going back into the community, this is a conservation project well worth supporting.