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Kibale National Park Uganda flag

84 Tours 1 Hotels & Lodges

Starting from

$700PP

Overview

Kibale National Park contains some of the most beautiful and varied tropical forests in Uganda. Northern and central parts are dotted with patches of swamp and grassland and are situated on an elevated plateau. This park is famous for having 13 species of chimpanzees alone, as well as 70 species of mammals and over 375 bird species. Kibale’s most popular activity is chimpanzee tracking and other activities include bird-watching safaris, cultural tours and nature walks and hikes. Exploring can be done (and is recommended) on foot. During the rainy season Jeep, 4x4 is highly suggested. It is also one of the few remaining areas to contain both lowland and montane forests, such as wet tropical vegetation, woodland and savannah. This diversity of habitats is due to the range in altitude. Kibale's proximity to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) makes it easy for visitors to see both parks. Kibale lies to the north of QENP and the two touch via a game corridor. 

High Season
June to September
Best Time to Go
December to February and June to July

Pros & Cons

  • Contains one of the last tropical forests in the country
  • The park contains diverse species of mammals, including primates, as well as birds and trees
  • The park is highly favoured for safaris of Chimpanzee trekking and bird watching
  • Visitors also have a choice of nature walks and tours of the volcanic crater lakes.
  • Chimpanzee trekking is very busy during peak seasons

Map in Uganda

Kibale National Park map

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Wildlife & Animals

Kibale National Park is home to 70 mammal species, including elephants and buffalo. Most notable among these is the diverse primate population, including the chimpanzee. Although the park is home to a diverse number of mammals, it is often hard to see them due to the dense forests. However, this makes Kibale National Park a prime safari destination for chimpanzee trekking. 

Wildlife Highlights

Kibale has the highest diversity and density of primates in Africa. The most famous of its 13 species is the chimpanzee, our closest relative. Kibale’s 1450 chimpanzees represent Uganda’s largest population of this endangered primate. The forest is also home to East Africa’s largest population of the threatened red colobus and the rare I’Hoest’s monkey. Other primates include the black-and-white colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, olive baboon, bush baby and potto. 

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time to visit Kibale National Park is from June to July and December to February (During Dry seasons). The park stays open throughout the year, but in heavy rain, the trails might be difficult to walk and the overall experience might be compromised.

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Birds

Birdlife is luxuriant in the Kibale forest. The park boasts 375 species of birds, including the olive long-tailed cuckoo, western tinkerbird, two species of pittas (African and green-breasted) and the grey parrot. The ground thrush (Turdus kibalensis) is endemic to Kibale National Park. Bigodi wetland sanctuary is the best birding place with well-trained guides. The walk is done in the swamp bordering community gardens. 

Black bee-eater

Black bee-eater

Common
Blue-breasted kingfisher

Blue-breasted kingfisher

Common
African pitta

African pitta

Common
Green-breasted pitta

Green-breasted pitta

Common

Best Time for Birding

The best time for birding safaris in Kibale Park is at the start of the short rains from March to May & September to November and after the dry season months and the beginning of the long rainy months of September, October and November when food is plentiful and birds are breeding. The migratory birds arrive in November and leave by April though not abundant in the forest areas of the park. They can be seen in the more open southern areas of Kibale. The short and long rainy months bring an abundance of food that leads to a lot of avian activity though trails can be slippery, and also roads and airstrips can be challenging to navigate.

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Best Time to Visit – Kibale National Park

The best time to visit Kibale National Park is from June to July and December to February (During Dry seasons). The park stays open throughout the year, but in heavy rain, the trails might be difficult to walk and the overall experience might be compromised.

High Season
June to September
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

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