Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park: Overview

The Kibale National Park is carpeted with gnarled vines, lush greenery and wild jungle terrain. The moist evergreen forest is a varied tract of tropical land, comprising over 351 tree species, 70 species of mammal, 375 species of bird and – most famously - is home to 1 species of primate! Needless to say, there’s plenty to see during your walk through the park. The habitat is ideal for gangs of chimpanzee, which are located by listening carefully for vocalisations and the loud swaying of trees. The chimps are very vocal and notoriously cheeky.

Kibale National Park: Background Information

A sure highlight of Kibale National Park is its tropical forest region near Fort Portal, which supports a large population of chimpanzees - man’s closest living relative. Chimpanzee trekking is the primary attraction of the national park, inviting guests to embark on guided walks between the trees and vines to meet and watch the population of wild chimpanzees in their natural environment. The chimps live in large groups and can be extremely active and vocal, while they are habituated to the controlled presence of humans. This experience is one of the best wildlife experiences in Uganda and should not be missed!

Other than the famed and celebrated chimpanzee trekking in the rainforest of Kibale (which is not to be missed!), there are numerous areas to visit and activities to partake in. There are dry grasslands, swamps, and woodland areas of Kibale National Park, each hosting a fantastic variety of wildlife. In total, there are over 70 mammal species and 375 bird species, which makes it one impressive game viewing destination. Among these are the forest elephant and buffalo, hippo, bushbuck, giant forest hog, golden cat, leopard, sitatunga, and many more.

Wheather & Climate & Where to find the Kibale National Park

The climate in Kibale National Park is warm. Temperatures remain uniform through the year. Daytime temperatures rise to around 29°C/84°F and slowly fall to around 17°C/63°F at night. Queen Elizabeth NP doesn’t have a real Dry season, so there is always potential for rain. Rain happens less from mid-December through February, with June and July having the least rain.

Wildlife at the Kibale National Park

The chimpanzee community visited by trackers in Kibale is the best habituated in Uganda and sightings can be excellent. The park’s diversity of primates is one of the highest in Africa, with 13 species identified. Black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkey and blue monkey are all regularly spotted. Several nocturnal species are present as well, including potto and the eastern needle-clawed bush baby.

The park provides refuge to the world’s largest population of the endangered red colobus monkey, and it is an important stronghold for Uganda mangabey, a rare national endemic (meaning it only occurs in Uganda). Kibale is home to many mammal species aside from primates, but they are rarely encountered. Elephant and buffalo roam the forest and other species present are giant forest hog, warthog, bushpig, bushbuck, and blue, red and Peter's duiker.

Ashy Red Colubus Monkey at the Kibale National Park

Birdlife at the Kibale National Park:

Kibale is a bird-watcher's paradise. More than 370 species have been recorded and many are forest specials, including the sought-after African pitta. Four bird species have not been recorded in any other national park of Uganda: Cassin’s spinetail, blue-headed bee-eater, Nahan’s francolin and Masked apalis. The best bird-watching spot is the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary – a community project where experienced guides take you on a four-hour trail. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

The birdlife in Kibale is good year-round, but at its best from March to May and from September to November. June to September is the main fruiting season, so food is abundant, and many birds are in breeding plumage. Migratory birds, though not a major factor in the forests, can be found here from November to April.