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Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park

East of Rwenzori Mountain, the landscape is dotted with volcanic crater lakes and carpeted with tea plantations and tropical forests. The largest tract of forest is protected within the 795km2 Kibale National Park. The park is located 358km (4 hour by road) from the capital Kampala.  This largely forested park is best known for its number and variety of primates, which include Uganda's largest population of chimpanzees. Kibale's varied altitude supports different types of habitat ranging from tropical forest to woodland and savannah on the rift valley floor.

The park is best known for its primates which include chimpanzee; black and white colobus monkey, L'Hoest monkey, East Africa's largest population of the threatened red colobus monkey; the Uganda mangabey (Lophocebus ugandae), the nocturnal bushbaby and potto. Other large mammals, such as elephant, buffalo and giant forest hog are present but are rarely seen.


Major Tourist Activities

Chimpanzee tracking: The perennially popular primate walk provides the chance to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Walks start at 08.00, 11.00 and 14.00 and last between 2-3 hours. Contact time with chimpanzees is limited to one hour; and participants must be aged 16 or over. Advance booking is essential.

The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX): The 6 hour exercise enables visitors to accompany researchers and habituators into the forest.  

Nature walks: These provide an opportunity to enjoy one of East Africa's most beautiful and varied forests without pressure to locate chimpanzees or tick off a dozen 'Kibale specials' on the birdlist.  The 2 hour activity is ideal for young visitors unable to accompany relatives on the Primate Walk.

Birding: A birdlist of 372 forest, grassland and swamp species, including local endemics and Central Africa 'specials' makes Kibale a popular destination for birders.