Kibale Forest National Park: guide to chimpanzee trekking safaris
Kibale Forest National Park is renowned as a premier safari destination in Africa, particularly for chimpanzee trekking safaris. It boasts the largest population and variety of primates in East Africa. The area encompasses 795km2 of land and is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees. It boasts some of the most stunning and diverse tropical forests in Uganda. The Forest covering is dominant in the center and northern regions of the park, namely on the elevated Fort Portal plateau. Kibale, located at the northern end of the park, has the maximum elevation of 1590m above sea level. Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda is renowned as a premier safari location in Africa for the purpose of tracking chimpanzees. Discover valuable guidance, browse through exemplary Uganda safari packages, learn the process of obtaining a chimpanzee tracking permit, and access a plethora of more information regarding Uganda tours.
Where is Kibale forest national park Located
Kibale forest National Park is situated in the western region of Uganda, approximately 348km (5 hours by car) from Kampala. It is located about 26km southeast of Fort Portal, a charming town known for its natural beauty and a popular destination for tourists in Uganda. The park is situated in proximity to the tranquil Ndali Kasenda crater region, and it can be reached by a half-day drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori Mountains, Semuliki National Parks, and the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve.
The southern region of Kibale is next to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Together, these protected areas safeguard a migration corridor for wildlife that spans 180 km. This corridor extends from the isolated southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known as “Ishasha,” to the northern region of Kibale, known as “Sebitoli.”
Things to do in Kibale forest national park
How to get to Kibale forest national park
Arranging transportation to Kibale National Park can be a simple endeavor, particularly if you make a reservation with a tour company. In this case, a chauffeur will transport you from Entebbe airport to the Kanyanchu visitors center in Kibale. Nevertheless, if you are driving the vehicle self-sufficiently, it can be observed as an effortless experience. However, it is advisable to utilize an up-to-date map to ensure accurate navigation.
Kibale National Park is located approximately 26km southeast of Fort Portal town. Kanyanchu is a river that flows through the Kibale region, located in the central part of Kibale. The primary visitor center is likewise located at Kanyanchu. The most convenient way to reach Kibale National Park is by taking the accessible route from Kampala to Fort Portal, passing through Mubende town.
The southern region of Fort Portal, where Kibale National Park is located, may be accessed via either the Mbarara road or the Kamwenge route. Based on the feedback from travelers, the northern route to Kibale via fort portal is the most efficient in terms of distance when compared to alternative routes. The route to Kanyanchu visitor center in Kibale national park covers a total distance of 336km. The majority of the journey is on a well-paved tarmac road, spanning 300km, leading to fort gateway town. From there, a shorter stretch of approximately 36km is traveled on a murrum road to reach the visitor center. The distance by road from Kampala to Kibale, by the northern route via Fort Portal, is approximately 337 kilometers.
Kibale National Park is located in the western portion of Uganda, spanning around 800 square kilometers. Kibale is located in the Kabarole District, situated in the expansive western rift valley of Africa. This is the reason why certain parts are elevated to a higher position than others. Kibale National Park spans across the Kamwenge and Kabarole districts, among others.
Kibale National Park is highly frequented in Uganda due to its significant role in preserving a lush, perennial tropical forest, making it a crucial biological site. Kibale possesses various environments that support a diverse array of wildlife species. The park is the habitat of the largest primate group on the African continent, as it houses more than 1500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, including the uncommon L’hoest’s monkey and domidov’s galago. This fact may explain why it is called the primate capital of the world.
How to get to Kibale forest national park
Kibale forest National Park boasts the highest number and diversity of primates in Africa, with a total of 13 distinct species. The chimpanzees are the most favored among these species, with a population of over 1450 individuals residing in this area. This makes it the optimal location for indulging in a Chimpanzee Tracking Tour. An expedition in Uganda will provide you with the opportunity to observe many species of monkeys. Kibale is also inhabited by rare L’Hoest’s monkeys, the largest population of endangered red colobus monkeys in East Africa, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, bush infants, and potto, among other species. Although there is a variety of different wildlife in Kibale National Park, they are rarely observed. The animals in question include buffaloes, leopards, bush pigs, elephants, and duikers. An astute observer may also discern amphibians, reptiles, and a diverse array of vibrant butterflies.
When is the best time visit kibale forest national park
While Kibale National Park remains accessible year-round, the best period to visit is during the dry season when the trails are arid and easily navigable. This period spans from December to February and subsequently from June to September. The most precipitation in Kibale is observed in the northern region, with an average annual rainfall of around 1700mm. This rainfall is primarily concentrated throughout the months of March to May and September to November. The climate is often agreeable, characterized by an average yearly temperature range of 14C to 27C. In the southern region of the park, the temperatures reach their highest point and there is less rainfall. This occurs because the ground descends to the scorching rift valley floor and the forest gradually transitions into open grassland.
Where to kibale forest national park
Are you seeking lodging in Kibale National Park and its close by? Here is a list of the best safari hotels in Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park for your safari experience. Regardless of your financial constraints, we can assist you and your companions in finding suitable accommodation for the entire duration of your chimpanzee trekking expedition in the Kibale Forest.Our resource information center greatly simplifies the process of finding accommodation in Kibale Forest National Park, particularly for individuals interested in engaging in activities such as the Bigodi walk, chimpanzee encounter, or crater tour. We can assist you in booking accommodations of many types in Kibale, such as high-end safari lodges, cost-effective choices, and businesses that fall in the middle range.
Luxury Accommodations in kibale forest national park
- Crater Safari Lodge.
- Primate Safari Lodge.
- Kyaninga Lodge.
- Ndali Lodge.
- Turako tree tops
Mid – range accommodations in kibale forest national park
- Isunga Lodge.
- Kibale Forest Camp.
- Chimpanzee forest guest house.
- Chimps nest.
- Primate Lodge Kibale.
Budget Accommodations in Kibale forest national park
- Mountains of the Moon Hotel.
- Kitojo guest cottages.
- Rwenzori view guest house.
- Nyinabulitwa country resort and safari camp.