Kibale National Park in western Uganda is famed for its extraordinary primate population, especially its chimpanzees.
Covering 795 square kilometres, this tropical forest reserve offers the highest primate diversity in East Africa,13 recorded species.
Daily guided chimpanzee treks from Kanyanchu provide thrilling opportunities to observe these intelligent apes in their natural forest habitat.
Visitors also encounter olive baboons, black-and-white colobus, Uganda red colobus, and the endemic Uganda mangabey.
Beyond primates, Kibale’s misty forest shelters elephants, forest buffalo, civets, duikers, and over 370 bird species. Crater lakes and surrounding tea plantations add scenic charm.
Whether for trekking, birding, or nature walking, Kibale offers a lush, peaceful, and biodiverse escape into Uganda’s evergreen rainforest heartland.
Primate-rich forests, scenic wetlands, and varied birdlife inspire highlights celebrating Kibale’s incredible habitats and thrilling wildlife viewing opportunities.
Kibale offers chimpanzee trekking, primate viewing, birding, crater lake hikes, and cultural walks through tea plantations and local communities.
For chimp trekking, January, February, June, and July offer drier paths, clearer forest views, and generally more comfortable tracking experiences overall.
The best time to visit Kibale National Park is during the dry seasons from January to February and June to July. These months offer firmer trails, easier hiking, and better visibility for chimp trekking. Sightings remain high throughout the year, but overall trekking conditions are more comfortable during dry periods.
May and December also offer good trekking opportunities, though with a slightly higher chance of rain.
The wet season spans from March to May and August to December, peaking in April and November. Trails can become muddy and slippery, which may impact the trekking experience. However, chimpanzee encounters remain frequent, and the forest is beautifully lush.
Temperatures remain fairly consistent year-round, averaging 26°C during the day and 16°C at night. Regardless of season, waterproof boots and clothing are always recommended in Kibale’s moist, tropical climate.
Lodges near Kibale offer forest views, guided treks, and crater lake access. Options range from luxury eco-lodges to affordable cottages tucked between tea plantations and forest edges.
Uganda
Luxury Lodge
Uganda
Luxury Lodge
Uganda
Luxury Lodge
Colobus
Elephant
Baboon
Chimpanzee
Mangabey
Kibale National Park lies in western Uganda, 33 km from Fort Portal and about 330 km from Kampala—a 6-hour drive. Most tours include Kibale as part of a larger western Uganda circuit. The chimp trekking trailhead at Kanyanchu is accessible by surfaced road from Fort Portal. Entebbe International Airport is the main entry point, with your tour operator arranging transfers. Some travellers arrive via airstrip at Kasese and drive to Kibale through Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Uganda’s parks offer calm lakes, green forests, and wildlife-rich plains, letting you enjoy a peaceful and authentic East African safari.
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Feb 2025
The guide was absolutely fantastic. Emanuel was present answering questions and not least telling a lot like the animals.
Feb 2025
The guide was absolutely fantastic. Emanuel was present answering questions and not least telling a lot like the animals.
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