Kibale (original) (raw)

Kibale’s premier attraction is the Kanyanchu Primate Walk, offering the opportunity to seek out thirteen different primate species, with a variety of diurnal monkeys frequently observed. However, the true highlights of this walk are the chimpanzees. Since 1993, the Kanyanchu chimpanzees have been closely monitored, significantly increasing the likelihood of sightings. Guided walks are available at 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM, typically lasting around three hours, subject to various conditions.

This consistently popular primate walk allows visitors to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The chimpanzee groups in Kanyanchu are well accustomed to human presence, with some having been observed for over 25 years, ensuring a sighting probability of over 90%. Walks depart from the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM, lasting between two to five hours. Early arrival for registration and briefing is recommended. Interaction time with the chimpanzees is limited to one hour, with group sizes capped at six participants, who must be at least 16 years old. Advance booking is essential.

Kibale is a biologically rich region that also hosts over 120 other mammal species, including baboons, elephants, and antelopes. The forest is home to approximately 370 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics such as Nahan’s francolin, Cassin’s spinetail, blue-headed bee-eater, and lowland masked apalis.

The most notable among Kibale’s primate population is the surge of about 1,500 chimpanzees, divided into at least a dozen different communities, with four habituated to human presence. The Kanyantale community has been tracked by tourists daily since 1993.

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By Road

The quickest route to Kibale National Park from Kampala city is through the Kampala-Fort Portal highway. The park can be reached over a fully-tarmacked road for a distance of 326 kilometers (approximately 6 hours). For tourists overnighting in Fort portal city, the park is only an hour’s drive away.

There is also the alternative but longer option of going through Mbarara city with an optional stopover at Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

By Air

Whereas there aren’t any direct flights into the park, tourists can either schedule or charter flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kasese Airstrip through one of the domestic carriers. The flight lasts about 1 hour. From here tourists will transfer by road for about 2 hours to the park headquarters. There is also the option of chartered flights to Fort Portal for 1 hour and 30 minutes.