Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park protects 795 square kilometers of lush tropical rainforest in western Uganda and is renowned as the "Primate Capital of the World." The park harbors the highest density of primates in Africa, with 13 primate species including over 1,500 chimpanzees - making it East Africa's premier destination for chimpanzee tracking with 90%+ success rates.

Beyond chimpanzees, Kibale's diverse primate community includes red colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and bushbabies. The ancient forest ecosystem also supports 70 mammal species including forest elephants and 375 bird species. The adjacent Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary offers exceptional birding and primate viewing in a community-managed conservation area.

Chimpanzee tracking through Kibale's verdant forests creates unforgettable encounters as you observe these intelligent primates feeding, playing, and socializing in their natural habitat. The forest's towering canopy, diverse plant life, and morning chorus of primates and birds create an immersive tropical experience. Whether tracking habituated chimp communities, birding in wetlands, or exploring pristine rainforest, Kibale offers Uganda's most accessible and rewarding primate experiences.

Highlights

• Highest density of primates in Africa
• 1,500+ chimpanzees with 90% tracking success
• 13 primate species
• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
• 375 bird species

Things to Do

• Chimpanzee tracking
• Chimpanzee habituation experience
• Bird watching
• Forest walks
• Bigodi Wetland walks
• Night walks

Year-round; December to February and June to September for drier conditions