Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is Uganda's premier primate tracking destination, protecting 795 km² of lush tropical rainforest in western Uganda. The park is famous for its chimpanzee population — over 1,500 individuals — and is home to 13 primate species, including the rare L'Hoest's monkey, red colobus, and grey-cheeked mangabey. Kibale offers the most reliable and affordable chimpanzee tracking in East Africa.

The park also protects one of the highest densities of mammals in East Africa. The magnificent forest is dominated by tall canopy trees, interspersed with swampy areas and grasslands. The nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is an excellent complement for birdwatching.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Kasese Airport (1.5 hours) or Kampala/Entebbe (5 hours by road).

By Train

There is no passenger train service to Kibale.

By Car / Road

From Kampala, the drive is 4–5 hours via Fort Portal (paved road). The park headquarters at Kanyanchu is 35 km south-east of Fort Portal.

Guided walks only within the park. The Bigodo Wetland Sanctuary is accessed by foot with guides. 4x4 vehicles are useful for the access road.

• Chimpanzees — The main attraction, with daily tracking walks from Kanyanchu

• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary — A community-run conservation area adjacent to the park, exceptional for birding and primates

• Sebitoli Forest — The northern sector of the park with unique chimpanzee research

• Primate diversity — 13 primate species including red colobus, L'Hoest's monkey, baboons, and grey-cheeked mangabey

• Chimpanzee tracking (half-day walks, US$200 per person)

• Chimpanzee habituation experience (full-day, US$250 per person)

• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary guided walk for birdwatching

• Night walks in the forest to see nocturnal species (bushbabies, pottos)

• Primate viewing — Kibale has the highest primate density in East Africa

Meals are provided by lodges and guesthouses near the park. Bigodi Community Restaurant offers lunch.

Lodges provide drinks. Bottled water is recommended. Nile Special and Club beer are available at lodge bars.

• Budget: Kibale Guesthouse (basic rooms from US$20) and Kanyanchu UWA bandas (from US$15)
• Mid-range: Primate Lodge Kibale (from US$80) and Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (from US$50)
• Upscale: Kyaninga Lodge (from US$180, overlooking a crater lake) and Ndali Lodge (from US$150)

Crafts and souvenirs are available at the Bigodi Women's Craft Shop and lodge gift shops. Stock up in Fort Portal.

• Fort Portal (35 km north-west, 40 min) — Crater lake region
• Queen Elizabeth National Park (80 km south-west, 2 hrs)
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park (60 km west, 1.5 hrs)
• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary (adjacent to the park)