The most accessible of Ugandas major rainforest, Kibale is home to a remarkable 13 primate species, including the much localized red colobus and Hoests monkey. Kibale s major attraction, however, is the opportunity to track habituated chimps-these delightful apes, more closely related to humans than any other living creature, are tremendous fun to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. A network of shady forest trails provides much to delight botanists and butterfly lovers, while birders are in for a treat with 355 species recorded including the endemic Prirogrines ground thrust. The elusive forest elephant, smaller and harrier than its savannah counterpart, moves seasonally into the developed part of the park, while other buffalo, giant forest hog and half dozen antelope species.
Size 795 sq Km
Location
In the west, near fort portal
Getting there and away
Fort portal lies 320km from Kampala along a mostly surfaced direct road, or an hours drive from Kasese (near Queen Elizabeth National Park). Kanyankyu Visitors centre, 35km from Fort portal, reached via a dirt road and is accessible on public transport.
Kibale National Park is an amazing place for all the family to visit, and relatively easy to get to. If you spend much of your time working an office job, or playing online games like party poker, then follow these directions to get up close with the amazing nature found in Uganda’s stunning rainforest area. Fort portal lies 320km from Kampala along a mostly surfaced direct road, or an hours drive from Kasese (near Queen Elizabeth National Park).
Activities
Chimp tracking and other guided forest walks, even night walks. Birders shouldn’t miss Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a superb community development fringing the park. A field of beautiful crater lakes lies between Fort Portal and Kibale forest.
Visiting Time; Any time of the Year.