Safari Guide: Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is a place of true wonder.

Renowned for its lush evergreen forests and rich biodiversity, this safari destination is one of the best places in the world to see chimpanzees in the wild. The park's diverse landscape of mopane forests, woodlands, and savannas, provides a unique habitat for a myriad of fascinating wildlife that calls this place home.

For those looking to have up close encounters with our closest living relative, here is our guide to exploring this extraordinary park.

One of only ten national parks in Uganda, Kibale National Park is distinguished by its rich biodiversity and conservation history. Officially designated as a national park in 1993, its conservation efforts date back to the early 20th century when it was initially established as a forest reserve.

Covering approximately 776 sqkm, Kibale is a crucial part of the Albertine Rift, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in Africa. The park connects with Queen Elizabeth National Park to create a vital 180km wildlife corridor, allowing animals to move freely between the two.

Kibale National Park is famous for its populations of primates, hosting 13 different species within its forests, including a thriving population of chimpanzees that attract visitors from around the world on trekking expeditions.

Community-based conservation initiatives have been key to the park's success. Efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict and promote ecotourism have transformed the area into a model of conservation and one of the best wildlife destinations in Uganda.

Kibale National Park, with its tropical climate, is a year-round safari destination. While the park experiences two wet seasons characterised by long rains, it lacks a typical dry season like other destinations in Africa. Instead, it has two periods of drier months throughout the year.

Dry Season - December to February and June to September

Average temperature: 28°C

Average Rainfall: 41mm

During these months the weather is generally more predictable with less rainfall, making the forest trails easier to navigate. This is particularly important for chimpanzee trekking, as the drier trails allow you to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat without the challenge of muddy paths.

The dry conditions also help keep mosquitoes at bay and allow you to participate in all the outdoor adventures on offer, including the exceptional wildlife viewing at the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary located within the park.

Wet Seasons - March to May and October to November

Average temperature: 27°C

Average Rainfall: 167mm

While the drier months are most popular, visiting during the wet season has its own unique charm. The forest becomes incredibly vibrant with lush greenery and abundant fruit growth, attracting a wide range of primates and other wildlife that makes for ample photo opportunities.

Kibale National Park is a birder’s paradise and from March to May is one of the best times to visit. The ripening fruits attract numerous bird species to come feed with their mating plumage on full display.

For those on a chimpanzee trek, the trails can become more challenging, but you usually won’t venture as far. The increased food supply makes chimpanzees easier to locate as they tend to stay in one place and not go as deep into the forest as they do during the drier months.

While the park could never be described as overcrowded, the wet seasons have fewer tourists, giving you a more inmate trekking adventure should you choose to visit during these months.

When you step into Kibale National Park, you enter a world teeming with life. Known as the primate capital of the world, trekking through its lush forests offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Here, you can observe our closest living relatives up close in their natural habitat. There are four habituated chimpanzee troops that live in the park and all are incredibly comfortable in the presence of humans.

Join expert guides on exhilarating chimpanzee trekking tours and immersive full-day habituation experiences through the forest. Nothing can quite prepare you for the sight of a family of chimpanzees grooming each other on the forest floor or swinging from the nearby trees.

Uganda is home to approximately 5,000 chimpanzees, with an estimated 1,500 residing permanently in Kibale Forest, making it the largest chimp population in all of Uganda. The park is also a natural refuge for another 12 primate species.

On your exploration through the dense tropical forest, you'll encounter red-tailed monkeys, striking black-and-white colobus monkeys, and rare L'Hoest’s monkeys to name but a few.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. As when it comes to animals in Kibale National Park there are many more to discover. Spot African forest elephants in the thick foliage, Forest Cape buffalos grazing in the clearings and duikers rustling in the undergrowth.

While not a common sight, leopards can also be found here. For those fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of this majestic big cat, it will make for the ultimate addition to your safari adventure in Uganda.

The park’s birdlife is equally spectacular, with some of the best birdwatching in Africa on offer. Over 375 bird species call Kibale home, including stunning great blue turacos and both the African and green-breasted pittas. As you wander through the lush forest the colourful array of birds will be a delight to both your ears and eyes.

When choosing where to stay, look for a place with spectacular surroundings, excellent facilities, and easy access to the park.

Conservation is of utmost importance to protect the many endangered wildlife species that are found in the forest, and so Kibale National Park lodges that have conservation at their very heart are the ideal choice for your stay.

Among the many Kibale National Park accommodation options, one stands out as our firm favourite, not just for its convenient location and stunning views but for its commitment to world-leading conservation efforts.

Kibale Lodge

This luxury lodge is your perfect gateway to Kibale National Park. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this exquisite lodge boasts eight deluxe rooms and a stunning villa, all designed to harmonise beautifully with the tropical forest surroundings.

Revel in breathtaking views of the Queen Elizabeth plains and the Kazinga Channel while indulging in top-tier amenities. This lodge is the ideal base for your thrilling chimpanzee trekking and wildlife adventures. It also supports vital conservation efforts in collaboration with the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda, ensuring a stay that is both enriching and impactful.

If you would like to plan your own chimpanzee trekking trip to Kibale National Park then get in touch with our expert travel team today: +44 (0) 20 3821 5994 (UK), +1 (833) 215 9353 (US), or explore@niarratravel.com and begin creating your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.