Kibale Forest National Park harbours the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in East Africa. Not less than 13 different species are living in this small area of 560 km², including the black-and-white colobus, blue monkey, red-tailed monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey and bushbaby.

Kibale Forest is also an excellent forest for bird watching. About 325 species are recorded in this area, including the Red-winged Francolin, Green-breasted Pitta, Joyful Greenbul, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Woodland Warbler and Orange-tufted Sunbird. Moreover, a big number of mammals are living in the forest: forest elephant, bushbuck, duiker, bush pig and buffalo.

Superb birds and primates combined with easy access, a good infrastructure and a variety of interesting activities make this forest a worthwhile destination.

District :                  Kabarole
Elevation :              1110 - 1590 metres
Size :                        560 km?
Habitat :                  The forested section (77%) of the park is covered by moist evergreen forest and semi-
                                deciduous forest. The remaining part consist of grassland, swamps and some plantations                                  with exotic conifers.
Status :                    National Park since 1993
Best time to visit :  any time of the year

Take the road from Fort Portal to Kamwenge, which commences near the bridge over the Mpanga River in Fort Portal and is well signposted. Turn left at the junction 12 km from Fort Portal and follow signpost for a further 24 km to Kanyanchu Tourist Centre.

 ACTIVITIES

* Chimp tracking :
Enjoy a guided primate walk in the lush expenses of the tropical rainforest, in search of the wild chimpanzees. The guide will explain you more about the animals and plants species that you encounter on your way. Also look out for other primates like the red-colobus monkey and mangabey, birds, tracks of mammals and much more!

* Educational walk :
Be educated and entertained by experienced ranger guides. This walk especially caters for children who are too young to participate in the chimp tracking. While the parents enjoy their chimpanzee experience, the younger ones will have a forest walk and learn about the ecosystem, followed by creative activities and games.

* Nocturnal walk :
An exciting hike in the heart of the forest at night! A guide will take you into the forest to look for nocturnal animals, like the bushbaby and potto.

Bigodi Swamp* Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary :
At the eastern edge of the national park you will find Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a protected area situated in Magombe Swamp. Different trails are available to encounter a variety of birds (137 species), primates and butterflies. The revenue entirely supports the local community of Bigodi Village.

* Bigodi Village Walk :
Another project initiated by the community is the Village Walk. This guided walk takes you for a closer meeting with the Bigodi Trading Centre, where you will visit several homesteads, local schools, Catholic churches, have a meeting with a traditional healer and listen to the storytelling of mzees (elderly). 

* Sebitoli Forest Camp :
This part of Kibale Forest is located 12 km from Fort Portal in the direction of Kampala. The area offers different walking trails for excellent bird and primate viewing in moist evergreen forest.

* Visit to the tea estates :
Kibale Forest is surrounded by large green tea plantations and therefore your stay at Primate Lodge Kibale can't go without a visit to one of the tea estates. Touch the fresh tea leaves and watch the workers tipping, plucking and weeding. Of course you are invited to participate! At the tea factory you will witness the progress of transforming the leaves to black (made) tea and will you be able to get a taste of the final product!