Kibale Forest

Kibale National Park was gazetted and set up as a game park in 1934 to protect the large area of forest which is managed as a logged forest reserve. The park’s southern border is shared with Queen Elizabeth national park and covers up to 766 square kilometres in western Uganda. 

Kibale National Park is popular for its primates. It is home to over 13 primates species and therefore has a diversity of primates that is hardly seen anywhere else in Africa. Common primates seen include L’Hoest’s monkeys, East Africa’s biggest population of the endangered red colobus monkeys, the black & white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, bush babies as well as potto among many others

The most popular tourist activity in Kibale National Park is the Kanyanchu Primate Walk. The most sought-after primate on this trail is the chimpanzee. Kibale National Park has a population of over 1500 of these humble and intelligent primates. This is a number larger than any other location in Uganda. Tourists also participate in Chimpanzee Habituation where they spend hours with these primates and watch them go about their daily activities.

With over 325 different bird species, including 6 that are native to the Albertine Rift area like the dusky Crimsonwing, black-capped apalis, blue-headed sunbird, collared Apalis, red-faced woodland warbler and purple-breasted sunbird, Kibale is a big sanctuary for rare bird species and therefore a bird watching haven. The park houses other species of animals but these are hardly seen. The main attraction is primates and birds.

Other activities to participate in include nature walks where tourists interact with rare plant species, crater lakes tour, visit ancient rocks and caves, and interactions with the native Batoro and Bakiga tribes.