320km west of Kampala with altitudes ranging from 1,100 - 1,590 meters above sea level, this marvellous national park contains moist tropical forest, woodland and savannah.
Kibale is above all known as the site in which to see habituated troupes of wild Chimpanzees. Chances of observing chimps during the regular morning or afternoon tracking excursions on offer, exceed 90 percent. Serious ape enthusiasts can also enjoy a full day out with researchers from the Chimpanzee Habituation Programme.
Kibale also contains a further 12 primate species – the greatest variety and concentration in East Africa. Day walks in the forest usually reveal other resident monkeys, such as Red colobus, Blue monkey and Grey-cheeked mangabey and a high number of bird species including the Green-breasted Pitta (Kibale has over 335 species of birds including four species not recorded in any other national park, as well as a similar range of forest birds to Semliki National Park). Other bird species include African Grey Parrot, Black-billed and Great Blue Turacos.
Guided night walks can deliver some alluring nocturnal wildlife including a cluster of prosiminans: Potto is present, as are Spectacled, Demidoff's, Thomas's and Eastern needle-clawed galagos (bushbabies).
5km south-east of Kibale, the scenic 8km-long Bigodi Wetlands beckon nature enthusiasts, who come to enjoy the boardwalk trail and viewing platforms. All visiting birders include this walk in their time here. KAFRED, the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development, manages the site and supports a range of inspiring community development projects including Bigodi Womens Group and Enyange Dance & Drama Group. At Ndali Lodge near the park, visitors can make the Vanilla and Coffee Plantation walk, as well as an enjoyable hike to see the Ndali-Kasenda Craters, comprised of 60 permanent and seasonal freshwater volcanic lakes.
Those keen to get to know more about the region's people, should make a point of stopping by at the Bunhangabu Beekeepers Cooperative Honey Project and the Rubona Basket Weavers' Association.
Guided walking trails focus on tracking one of the habituated groups of chimpanzee, which have been intensively studied here. Chimpanzee tracking generally begins in the early morning, as is the case with gorilla tracking in Bwindi. We recommend a two night stay at this park, which would also enable you to do a walk in Bigodi Swamp, a rewarding site for small wildlife and birds.
Uganda and Rwanda Gorillas, Chimps & Game
Itinerary Highlights
- Be awestruck by the Mountain gorillas
- See wild Chimps and monkeys galore
- Diverse Afro-tropical forest birds
- Stunning scenery - volcanoes, lakes, forests and savannah
Uganda and Rwanda Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Game & Landscapes
Itinerary Highlights
- Trek the awe-inspiring Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
- Visit the stunningly rural Lake Mutanda situated in the shadow of the Virunga Mountains
- Walk through Bwindi Forest encountering various forest-dwelling monkeys and birds
- Track the Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest
Pearl Of Africa - The Best Of Uganda
Itinerary Highlights
- The thundering Murchison Falls
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa
- Big cats and big game in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
- Chimp tracking in Kibale Forest
Ultimate Great Apes Safari - Uganda and Republic of Congo's Gorillas & Chimps
Itinerary Highlights
- 2 Mountain Gorilla treks in Bwindi, Uganda
- 3 Lowland Gorilla treks in Repubic of Congo
- Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Uganda
- Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda
Essential Uganda - Gorillas & Chimps
Itinerary Highlights
- Awe-inspiring encounter with Mountain gorillas
- Tracking wild Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest
- Carnivores and ungulates in Queen Elizabeth NP
- Birdlife galore!
Ndali Lodge
Ndali Lodge is situated on a working farm and positioned on the rim of the deep crater-lake Nyinambuga, and has long been the accommodation of choice for discerning travellers on their holiday in Uganda.The eight luxurious cottages are built of stone and thatch, and have comfortable and imaginatively furnished interiors.The cottages have a panoramic view of the Rwenzoris, and each has en suite fac...
Primate Lodge Kibale
In terms of its location, Primate Lodge Kibale is unbeatable for those who want to go Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park.Set within the park parameters, it is minutes away from the park HQ. Accommodation16 rooms are split into 9 luxury cottages and seven standard rooms. Each luxury cottage has a balcony with views of the forest and en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running s...
Kyaninga Lodge
Kyaninga Lodge is built on the edge of the Lake Kyaninga, a scenic crater lake and surrounded by forests. Its exceptional design and lovely location make it a great choice for discerning travellers wanting to visit Kibale Forest National Park.The eight cottages are built on platforms set apart from one another to ensure privacy and tranquility. The spacious and luxurious cottages are connected to...
Kibale Forest Camp
Kibale Forest Camp is located on the periphery of the southern perimeter of the national park.It is an affordable, clean, and comfortable camp set in lush tropical forest surroundings full of monkeys, birds, and butterflies.Its 10 African safari-style twin/double tents all feature private en-suite bathrooms with a hot shower, and are raised up on wooden platforms, with a decking and chairs. There ...
Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Wildlife and Conservation Small Group Tour, September 2023 & 2024
Itinerary Highlights
- Mountain Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking
- Lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos and antelopes galore
- Superb equatorial African birdwatching!
- Wildlife conservation presentations by rangers, guides & wardens
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Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
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