Kibale National Park is one of the 12 national parks found in Uganda. It is Located in the Western part of the country and along the southern margins of the great rift valley. The park is dominated by tropical 
rain-forests, flatland, savanna grassland and woodlands (especially in areas close to the rift valley. Kibale forest is one of the oldest in Africa with some tree species believed to be over 200 years old. The forest is also home to some of the tallest tree species in Africa – some towering at 55 meters. Kibale National Park is blessed with incredible biodiversity. Although there are over 70 types of mammals and 375 species of birds in Kibale, what stands out are primates. It is Chimpanzees and 12 species of monkeys that attract tourists to the park the most.
Things to do in Kibale National Park
Chimpanzee and Small Primate Species Tracking: Kibale forest is known as the world capital of primates. This is not without reason because Kibale National Park is home to not only chimps but 12 other species of primates. Kibale forest has the highest concentration of chimps in East Africa. Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale forest is interesting because you also get to see the smaller primates including the red tailed monkeys, pottas monkeys, blue monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, l’hoest monkeys, red colobus, bush babies, black and white colobus monkeys. Chimps appear to be the most fascinating of the late considering that most tourists come to the park to see them.
Chimps are very intriguing and spectacular to watch. They are very intelligent and animated creatures. They do things that defy what is expected of wild primates. For example, they have the ability to use tools like stones and tree branches to get food. They demonstrate compassion for one another in a way that is rarely seen with other wild animals. These are some of the things that leave onlookers and tourists amazed.
Bird watching: Birding is one of the top activities Kibale forest. The park has over 375 species of birds roaming its vast forests and grasslands. A guided birding expedition in the forests rewards birders with 
sightings of black capped apalis, African grey parrots, black bee eaters, great blue turacos, Abyssinian ground thrust, red chested owlet, yellow spotted nicator. Sunbirds, crowned eagles and many more.
Wildlife Viewing: Whereas Kibale National park is more renowned for primates, it is to forget that it is also home to an impressive collection of mammals. It is important to also note that Kibale forest is next to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Many of the animals in Queen Elizabeth visit Kibale regularly including lions. During nature walks or primate tracking quest, it is possible to encounter forest hogs, forest buffaloes, leopards, duikers, elephants, sitatungas, serval cats and more.
Mingling with the local people: One of the main benefits of tourism is supporting the local communities living around the national parks. There are many cultural groups living close to Kibale forest national park with the most notable being the Batoro. Visiting these jolly and hospitable people is enthralling. Buying the crafts especially from the women groups is regarded a noble gesture. Supporting a woman means supporting an entire family. Yes. They are generally more reliable in transferring resources to their immediate families.
Nature walks: One of the best ways to explore Kibale forest national park is by taking a nature walk. Nature walks offer opportunities to encounter different wildlife species randomly. As already mentioned earlier, Kibale forest is home to 70 species of mammals, over 370 species of birds and 13 primates. What better way to encounter them than going for a nature walk? The nature walks trails include kikoni, Nyaibanda and Nyakalongo. All end with visiting the local communities living at the edges of the forest. Some nature walks can be taken right at the Amabere caves found 30 kilometers away from the park.
Visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary: Apart from the Kibale forest itself, this sanctuary is the second most visited part of the park. The sanctuary is home to an incredible collection of birds and primates – most of which come to feed from the forest itself. Nature walks at the Bigodi swamp are organized in the afternoon to explore the wetland and see the creatures that live in it. The Bigodi Swamp is one of the best birding destinations in Uganda. After visiting the wetland, tourists are also taken to the nearby villages for an encounter with the locals and a local women’s group. These women make crafts for a living and always hope that tourists will support their work by buying one of their products.
Children’s Activities: Whereas children are not allowed to take part in chimpanzee trekking, there are many other activities which can be arranged for them. Children are allowed to take part in nature walks to see smaller primates and birds. They can also be taken to visit the farmlands and village communities living close to the park. All these child-friendly activities are led by a skilled and trained guide to ensure that the children are safe at all times.
How to access Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale National Park is located about 348kms away of Kampala and 26kms away from the city of Fort Portal. From Kampala, a traveler drives through Mityana and Mubende before getting to Fort Portal. Once in Fort Portal, the journey to the park takes about an hour. In total, tourists must prepare to endure a 4-hour journey to the park starting from Kampala or Entebbe. The roads are excellent with a lot of stunning scenery and things to look at. If the 4-hour journey by road is too much, one can also book a charter flight from either Entebbe airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Fort Portal. The flight takes 1 hour. Once the plane lands in Fort Portal, travelers still need to use a car to get to the forest.
The Best Time to Visit Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park experiences two climatic condition every year. There are two we and two dry seasons. These climatic seasons greatly affect the number of visitors coming to the park each month. Most people believe that the best time to visit Kibale Forest national park is during the dry season. The dry months are December to mid-March and June to mid-October.
The roads leading to the park and nature trails are in good condition during the dry season. It is possible to observe primates and other creatures clearly because vegetation is less thick.
There are travelers who wish to visit the park in the wet season. Their argument is that in the wet season, the park seems to be secluded and less crowded with people. They get to explore the park without having to deal with too many visitors. The Park Rangers are less busy and can spare more time to explain everything there is to know about the park and various wildlife species. Hotels and other tourism related services tend to be cheaper because there are less international visitors. Bird-watching is excellent during the wet season. It is the time when most of the birds are breeding. Those who love nature will be exposed to breath-taking scenery and greenery during the wet season. Chimps and other primates have a lot to feed on and do not migrate to look for food.
Packing list for Kibale National Park
When going on any safari in Uganda, one has to prepare and pack a few essentials to have a remarkable trip. The climate, terrain of the area and planned activities greatly determine what to pack on a safari. In case you plan on visiting Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda, you need to consider traveling with the following items: –
Travel Documents: These are a requirement for our foreign travelers and immigration officials will request that you present them. Without a passport, Visa, Air Ticket and yellow fever vaccination card, 
Immigration may not allow you into the country. The Covid-19 vaccination certificate is soon becoming a mandatory travel document along with evidence of a negative PCR Covid-19 Test.
Cash: Most transactions in Uganda are carried out in cash. Purchasing goods and hiring services is also usually paid for in cash. An international visitor must travel with cash (both foreign and Uganda shillings) so that he/she is able purchase items like souvenirs etc. You will also need cash If you are planning to tip service personnel. It is important to note that you can withdraw local currency with practically any ATM while in Uganda.
Cell phone: Cell phone are the easiest and cheapest means of communication globally. You will want to keep in touch with your friends and family away on safari. A cell phone will make it all possible because there is internet almost everywhere in Uganda and especially in your hotel. A traveler must also acquire an emergency phone number as soon as they arrive into the country to help with accessing internet and making international calls. Ensure that you also have the phone number of your tour operator, a prominent medical center and security.
Safari Clothes: Kibale forest lies within the tropics and an area with an average temperature is about 28oc. One must be very cautious and selective with the attires to pack. Our advice is that you carry clothes with light material and colors that are not so bright. A rain jacket is also a must for your trip to Kibale national park because the weather conditions there are unpredictable. It can rain on any day.
Hiking Shoes: Almost all activities involve navigating through thorns, steep and muddy trails. Tourists are advised to pack shoes that are designed to withstand jungle conditions. They should be made of leather, waterproof and with the right studs.
Safari Gadgets: A safari is incomplete if you don’t travel with certain electronic gadgets. These gadgets make everything more exciting and joyful. One of the most important gadgets to carry while visiting Kibale forest national park is the camera to capture every moment of your time with the primates and other creatures. Binoculars are also an important item on any packing list to Kibale forest because it will help you get closer views of the chimps, smaller primates and birds while up on tree tops. Do not forget to travel with your smart phone or IPad. These gadgets will help you share all the amazing moments with your friends who don’t want to come to Africa or on the various social media platforms.
Toiletries: By this we mean hand sanitizers, deodorants, sun jelly, insect repellents, tooth brushes, bathing soap and tooth paste. It is important to note that some of the things mentioned as important for packing may not be essential. It’s up to you to decide those that you think will be helpful during your tour of Kibale National Park.
Accommodation in Kibale National Park
Primate Lodge: This is one of the best luxury lodges in Kibale Forest National park. Primates Lodge is located very close to the park headquarters in Kanyanchu. It has 7 luxury cottages which are designed with an African touch. Rooms are self-contained with each having a comfortable bed, study desk, closet, washroom, a living area, balcony and floors covered with exotic carpet. The lodge has a lounge, bar and restaurant. The environment is very beautiful and secluded. In fact, one can observe chimpanzees and other small primates roaming around the lodge.
Chimps’ Nest Uganda: This standard Eco-lodge is located in Nyabubale, an area located between Bigodi and Nkingo. While at the lodge, travelers are rewarded with magnificent views of green coffee, peanut, ginger and pineapple farmlands. The lodge is designed in form of cottages. Each room is self-contained with a bathrooms and other amenities.
Nyinabulitwa Country Resort: This is a great example of a quality but moderate accommodation facility. The resort has both single and double rooms that are self-
contained. The Resort is built in a strategic location allowing clients to easily take part in tour activities around Kibale national park like chimpanzee tracking, nature walks, birding and more.
Kibale Forest Camp: This is another luxury lodge which is built in tent form. The tents can be tailored to take one, two or three beds. Each tent is self-contained and have washrooms with running water. Kibale Forest Camo is built close to the park – just a few kilometers off Kamwenge – Fort Portal road. While at the lodge, the guests have a great views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
