Guide to visiting Kibale Forest National Park in 2025: A safari at Kibale Forest National Park in 2025 is full of unforgettable safari memories. Kibale Forest National Park is a national park situated in the southwestern part of Uganda nearer to the foothills of Mountain Rwenzori and Fort Portal Town. Kibale Forest National Park encompasses mainly soggy semideciduous and evergreen forest grassland, woodland, lakes and wetlands, and plantations of exotic trees. The park covers an area of approximately 769 square kilometers. The National Park was established in 1932 to protect the tree species and their inhabitants. The park is one of the greatest safari destinations for chimpanzee tracking among the 10 national parks found in Uganda and on the African continent. The park is also home to several wildlife species including other primate species, bird species, reptiles, and insects
The famous Kibale Park depends on its popular community of chimps which are fully habituated. These include; the Ngobi community with more than 200 chimps located at the center of the first, the Kanyawara community comprising about 60 members, Kanyachu in southern Kibale Park, and Sebitole situated in the northern part.
More so, the park is surrounded by local communities such as Batoro and Bakiga which are important for tourism and cultural drive.
Amazing safari activities to do at Kibale Forest National Park in 2025
Chimpanzee Tracking
One of the most exciting things to do in Kibale Forest National Park is chimpanzee tracking. In Kibale Forest National Park, chimpanzee trekking begins very early in the morning with training on the guidelines to be followed. Following the briefing, you will be split up into groups of 8, each of which will be paired with an expert park guide who is familiar with the forest’s routes and a habituated chimpanzee family to travel with
The trek through the lush forest is an adventure in itself, with the chance to spot other wildlife, such as playful other primate species such as vervet, red-tailed, lhoest’s and blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus, black-and-white colobus, unique mammals’ species like ion, mammals forest hog, bushpigs, bushbuck, colorful birds, and unique plant species. Upon encountering these fascinating chimpanzees in their natural habitat, you will be allowed to have one hour of up-close interaction with them as they do with their daily activities such as playing, feeding their young ones, and many more.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Another unforgettable activity at Kibale Forest National Park in 2025 is the chimpanzee habituation experience. This is your chance to spend 4 hours with wild chimps as they go about their daily lives. You’ll start early in the morning with expert guides, and researchers who know the area well and can help you find these incredible creatures. A maximum of four individuals are permitted for the chimpanzee habituation experience, which begins at 6:30 am with a briefing on the guidelines to be followed while hiking. As you walk through the forest, the guides will share fascinating stories about the chimps and their behaviors. Once you have located these fascinating primates, you will be able to spend four hours with them, during which you will be able to observe them feeding, patrolling, copulating, nursing, hunting, resting, constructing new nests, taking pictures, and documenting the wonderful moments.
Bird Watching
Kibale Forest is a paradise for bird lovers in Uganda. the park is home to over 400 different bird species including migratory, forest, and Albertine endemics, this national park offers fantastic opportunities for bird watching. Experienced guides will take you to the best spots, where you can see colorful and unique birds. During your birdwatching tours, you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of bird species such as The Black-crowned Tchagra, African-pied Wagtail, Black bee-eater, African Green-pigeon, Black-capped Waxbill, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, African Wood Owl, Abyssinian Ground thrust, African Grey Parrot, Black Bee eater, Black capped Apalis, Black eared Ground Thrust, Blue Breasted Kingfisher, Blue headed sunbird, Brown Chested Alethe, Brown Illadopsis, Collared Apalis, Crowned Eagle, Dusky Crimsonwing, Little Green Bul, Purple breasted Sunbird, Red Chested Owlet, Red Faced Woodland Warbler, Scaly breasted Illadopsis among others.
Early mornings are the best times to observe birds as they’re most active and vocal. Bring your binoculars to get a closer look at these beautiful creatures. The guides are often very knowledgeable and can help you identify various species, making each sighting more exciting.
Visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
One of the top things to do at Kibale Forest National Park in 2025 is a trip to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This beautiful area is home to a variety of wildlife and vibrant plant life, making it a haven for nature lovers. During your walk through the lush wetland, you’ll have the chance to walk through the palm trees and different plants expect to see at least 5 species of primates. You’ll likely spot beautiful species like rare shoebill stork, Great Blue Turaco, Greenbul, barbet, Blue-breasted kingfisher, weaver birds, Black bee-eater, Flycatchers, fluff tail, Abyssinian ground thrush, crowned eagle, sunbird, Gonolek, many others.
The sanctuary is also home to monkeys swinging through the trees, adding a playful touch to your visit. Guided tours are available, and knowledgeable local guides can share fascinating stories about the area’s ecosystem and the importance of wetlands. More so, the trails are perfect for a leisurely walk, allowing you to soak in the stunning views.
Nature Walks
Taking a nature walk in Kibale Forest National Park is a peaceful way to soak in the beauty of Uganda’s landscape. Guided walks allow visitors to explore the lush greenery at a leisurely pace. During these strolls, you can see a wide range of animals and birds, including vibrant butterflies and rare species. The knowledgeable guides point out interesting plants, trees, and the sounds of the forest, making the experience educational as well as enjoyable. You can also learn about the traditional medicinal uses of various plants from the guides. These walks are perfect for capturing beautiful photographs or simply enjoying the fresh air and tranquil surroundings. It’s a relaxing way to reconnect with nature, and you’ll leave with wonderful memories of the sights and sounds of this stunning forest.
The best time to visit Kibale Forest National Park in 2025
Kibale Forest National Park can be visited at any time of the year, but the most recommended time to visit the park for unforgettable safari activities such as chimpanzee tracking, birding, and forest walks among others is during the dry season which runs from June to September, and then December to February. This period of the year is characterized by little or no rainfall more so, there is less mud making it easy to drive or take walks within the park. Additionally, during the dry season, there is less vegetation cover and thick bushes which allows for easy sighting of animals making for an enjoyable holiday.
Best accommodation options to stay while on a Uganda chimpanzee tracking safari at Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park is blessed with a variety of accommodation facilities. The accommodation options here during a safari in Uganda range from luxury, mid-range, and budget level. Most of the lodges and hotels are found within the Kanyachu, Ndali, Nkingo, and Bigodi areas of the park. Such accommodations include Primate Lodge, Chimps’ Nest Lodge, Nyinabulitwa Country Resort, Kibale Forest Camp, Rater Safari Lodge, Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Chimpundu Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge, Ndali lodge, and Turaco treetops among others.
