Kibale National Park is a vast refuge of 766 square kilometres of green, mostly wooded terrain, nestled amid the verdant scenery of Uganda. Kibale National Park is a critical bastion for the preservation of many species and has a rich tapestry of biodiversity; it is also highly regarded as the best place in Uganda to track chimpanzees. Its boundary stretches all the way to the northeastern edge of the prestigious Queen Elizabeth National Park, more than 50 kilometres south of the major Kampala—Fort Portal Road.
Kibale underwent a monumental change in 1993 when it was upgraded to the valued status of a national park, while its origins can be traced back to its creation as a forest reserve in 1932. This advancement in standing also signalled a southerly extension, which would merge with Queen Elizabeth National Park to create a vast adjacent block, guaranteeing the protection and maintenance of this vital environment.
At the Kanyanchu Visitors’ Centre, the action begins with thrilling chimpanzee tracking expeditions, and it is also the park’s main attraction for tourists. This busy centre welcomes visitors to the park’s many attractions and is located 35 kilometres south of Fort Portal. A recently paved road that runs from Fort Portal to Kamwenge has greatly improved accessibility, making it easier for people to go about and enjoy the park’s beautiful scenery.
Fans of bird variety and monkey observation will find a veritable treasure trove of options at Kanyanchu, beyond just chimpanzee interactions. Birdwatchers will find unrivalled chances in the nearby woods, where they may hear the beautiful songs of countless bird species. Also, just 5 km away from the park’s perimeter is the community-run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which offers a magical world for nature lovers. Guests may immerse themselves in nature while discovering the many animal and bird species that make this refuge their home by visiting the wetlands.
Even though most people think of Kanyanchu when they think of Kibale, the park actually has a lesser-known entrance point in the Sebitoli Sector. This sector, which is situated 15 km east of Fort Portal along the Kampala Road, provides another viewpoint of Kibale’s biological marvels and serves as an entrance to fascinating forest hikes. Although there are no chimpanzee tracking prospects in Sebitoli, the area is perfect for peaceful walks in the verdant forest.
In Kibale National Park, chimpanzee tracking is a must-do for nature lovers. Not only does it allow you to view some of the most amazing animals on Earth—the apes—but it also gives you a chance to get up close and personal with our closest living cousins. These fascinating excursions take place twice a day, at 8:00 and 14:00, and take visitors on exciting treks through the forest, where they may get a glimpse of chimpanzee groups in their native environment. The incredible habituatedness of the chimpanzee colony surrounding Kanyanchu has greatly increased the probability of successful encounters to well over 90%, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.
On these tracking trips, guests may get up close and personal with chimpanzees as they go about their daily lives in the forest, whether it’s feeding, grooming, or any number of other activities. When chimpanzees are active or feeding in the upper canopy, it might be difficult to get a good look at them. These tracking expeditions can last up to three hours, with no more than one hour dedicated to seeing and interacting with the chimpanzee population up close. To guarantee participation in these highly sought-after adventures, guests are advised to get chimpanzee permits in advance.
The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) is a great option for anyone who wants to spend more time with chimpanzees. In this one-of-a-kind event, volunteers can spend as much as four hours in the company of researchers as they help a chimpanzee population in Kibale Forest become used to their new environment. The CHEX offers a thorough and in-depth examination of the chimpanzees’ behaviours, social dynamics, and ecological interactions, in contrast to typical monitoring expeditions that only give quick glances into their environment.
Because there is a strict daily limit of 72 permits (split evenly between morning and afternoon sessions), participants must plan ahead if they want to take part in the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. Therefore, to guarantee a highly sought-after position for this rare and enlightening experience, it is highly advised to make an early reservation.
Kibale National Park is well-known for its abundance of flora and fauna, and it provides visitors with a wealth of chances for birding and nature excursions through its untouched habitats. The sanctuary prioritises quality above quantity when it comes to ornithological variety, which means that visitors will have an enriching experience.
Rather than the sheer quantity of birds, the quality of the park’s ornithological features is worth noting. About forty species, mostly swamp and forest edge specials, may be spotted on an average stroll. Birdwatching at the park is made more appealing by the fact that many of the resident birds are West African species that are near the easternmost tip of their range. The big blue turaco is one of the most magnificent birds that call this swamp home. Most tourists see these birds often. The enigmatic papyrus gonolek, which is frequently seen along the wooden boardwalk halfway along the trek, further adds to the mystique of birding. However, the most sought after bird in Kibale and the highlight of any keen birder is the green-breasted pitta.
The refuge is home to a wide variety of species, including weavers, sunbirds, rollers, parrots, and barbets. Notable sightings include a wide variety of birds and wildlife, including parrots, tinker-barbets (both speckled and yellow-throated), brown-eared woodpeckers, blue-throated rollers, black-crowned waxbills, and yellow-billed and double-toothed barbets.
Avian enthusiasts should keep their eyes out for the beautiful red-chested paradise flycatcher, whose cry is immediately recognisable, near the Kanyanchu Visitors’ Centre. One exciting aspect of guided daylight forest excursions is the possibility of spotting numerous monkey species, such as the rare Uganda mangabey.
A forest-lined stretch of Fort Portal Road north of Kanyanchu provides an easy and rewarding spot for first-time birdwatchers. In this region, you may frequently see butterflies, monkeys of all kinds, and rare birds including Sabine’s spinetail, blue-breasted kingfisher, and Afep pigeon.
Just outside Kanyanchu, you’ll find the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for its enthralling swamp trek and its unique combination of prime viewing possibilities for primates and rare birds. With the earnings going towards local education and community programmes in the Bigodi trade centre, this award-winning programme showcases the mutually beneficial link between conservation and tourism, and it is managed by the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED).
The Kihingami Wetlands, which are located next to Kibale National Park, are home to more than 230 different bird species. The elusive white-spotted flufftail is among the notable birds that have been sighted, along with papyrus gonolek, masked apalis, and Holub’s golden weaver. Avifauna and conservation efforts alike can find refuge in this community-managed sanctuary, which helps maintain the natural balance of the area and protects its biodiversity.