Kibale National Park protects a large block of tropical rainforest near Fort Portal, and with 13 primate species it is often called the primate capital of the world. Its chimpanzee trekking is the most reliable in East Africa: several communities are habituated, and success rates are very high.
Beyond the chimps, the forest is home to red colobus, L’Hoest’s and grey-cheeked mangabey monkeys. The neighbouring Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, run by the local community, offers excellent walks for birds and monkeys, and the nearby crater lakes are beautiful places to stay.
Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Chimpanzee habituation experience
- Bigodi Wetland walk
- Crater lakes of Fort Portal
Wildlife & what you'll see
- Chimpanzee
- Red colobus and black-and-white colobus
- L'Hoest's monkey
- Great blue turaco
Things to do
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Swamp walk
- Crater lake hikes
- Tea plantation visit
Best time to visit
Year-round; drier from June to September and December to February.
Getting there
About 5–6 hours by road from Kampala, or fly to Kasese.
Experiences in Kibale Forest
FAQs about Kibale Forest
How long is a chimpanzee trek?
Usually two to four hours, including one hour with the chimps once they are found. The terrain is flatter than Bwindi.
