Kibale Forest National Park

Welcome to Kibale Forest National Park, a breathtaking natural marvel and Uganda’s premier chimpanzee trekking destination. Steadfast Safaris invites you to embark on an unforgettable journey through this 766km² sanctuary, where lush forests span over 50 kilometers from the Fort Portal-Kampala Road to the northeast border of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Wildlife Abundance in Kibale

Diverse Fauna:

• Mammals: Home to 70 species, including forest elephants, duikers, bushbucks, and more.
• Primates: A paradise for primates with 13 species, such as chimpanzees, baboons, and various monkey species.
• Birds: Explore the rich avian diversity with 370 bird species, including forest specialties.

Chimpanzee Trekking:

• Kanyanchu Visitor Center: The starting point for chimpanzee trekking, departures at 08:00 and 14:00 daily.
• Chimpanzee Encounters: Encounter chances stand at approximately 96%, offering a rewarding experience.
• Other Primates: Spot grey-cheeked mangabeys and red-tailed monkeys during the trek.

Birding Paradise in Kibale

Rich Birdlife:

• 370 Bird Species: Including sought-after African pitta and indigenous species like Cassin’s spinetail.
• Guided Treks: Explore the forest with guided birding treks, discovering African Pitta, Green-breasted Pitta, and more.

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary:

• Community-Run Initiative: Preserving Magombe Swamp, offering birdwatchers sightings of papyrus gonoleks.
• Endangered Red Colobus: Best spots to see the endangered red colobus and other unique bird species.
• Birding Season: Excellent birdlife year-round, with peak seasons from March to May and September to November.

Exciting Safari Activities

Chimpanzee Trekking:

• Highlight Activity: A must-do pastime with departures from Kanyanchu Visitor Center.
• Permit Costs: $200 for foreign non-residents, $150 for foreign residents, and UGX 150,000 for East African Citizens.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience:

• Full-Day Adventure: Spend an entire day studying chimps’ behavior with habituation.
• Cost: USD 250 for foreign non-residents, UGX 250,000 for East African Citizens (excludes lodging).

Bird-Watching:

• Birder’s Delight: Explore Kibale’s 180-kilometer rainforest with 374 bird species.
• Guided Forest Hikes: Discover Viellot’s black weaver colonies, forest sunbirds, and more.

Guided Primate Walks:

• Diverse Primate Species: Encounter chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
• Booking: Parties of 8 persons are required, with treks lasting 2 to 3 hours.

Guided Nature Walks in Bigodi Wetland:

• Community Initiative: Explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a rich experience.
• Activities: Guided walking tracks, birding, and encounters with local communities.

Community & Cultural Tours:

• Local Tribes: Interact with the Batooro and Bakiga tribes, understanding their rich culture.
• Initiatives: Participate in community projects, buy handcrafted crafts, and enjoy traditional dinners.

Accommodation in Kibale Forest National Park

• Varied Choices: From upmarket to mid-range and budget options.
• Locations: Lodges and motels in Kanyanchu, Ndali, Nkingo, and Bigodi sectors.
• Options: Primate Lodge, Chimps’ Nest Lodge, Kibale Forest Camp, and more.

Getting to Kibale Forest National Park

• By Road: 6-hour drive from Kampala/Entebbe with good roads.
• By Air: Scheduled flights between Entebbe and Kasese, then road transfer to Kibale.
• Connected Flights: Kasese connects to Murchison, Kihihi, and Kisori, serving as entry points to Bwindi.

Best Time to Visit Kibale Forest National Park

• Dry Seasons: December to February and June to September.
• Climate: Nice climate with average temperatures ranging from 14 to 27 degrees Celsius.

Steadfast Safaris invites you to explore the wonders of Kibale Forest National Park, promising an adventure filled with chimpanzees, diverse wildlife, and the captivating beauty of Uganda’s natural treasures. Book your safari with us for an experience of a lifetime.