KIbale National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is to be found in western Uganda and accessed through the town of Fort Portal. The park adjoins the Queen Elizabeth National Park and is a very popular ecotourism destination on the countries safari circuit. The park is best known for it’s population of habituated chimpanzees. There are many other species of primates including Baboons, Red columbus monkey, L Hoest’s monkey, Black and white colobus monkeys that are to be seen on guided nature walks in the forest.

The park can be visited through out the year and covers an area of 776 square kms. With many different ecosystems within it’s boundaries it is primarily endowed with thick rainforest cover where forest Elephant’s roam. These animals are smaller in size than their savannah counterparts and very elusive. Other species present include Buffalo, Giant Forest Hog, and several species of secretive antelope. There are over 335 species of birds where the extremely rare Green Breasted Pitta would be regarded the highlight of any visit. Butterflies are very numerous in the forest with excellent knowledgeable guides to point them out to you.

The forest has a network of trails for chimpanzee trekking, bird watching and nature walks. Bird watching activities are also conducted at the Bigodi wetland sanctuary on the border of the forest.

Activities

• Bird watching
• Chimpanzee trekking
• Forest walks
• Educational research

Where to stay

Primate Lodge – Located in the forest at Kanyanchu offers both Upmarket and mid range facilities
Chimp’s Nest – Mid range cottage and tree house accommodation
Kibale Forest Camp – Mid range accommodation in classic safari tents
Chimpanzee Forest Guest house – Mid range accommodation in cottages and camping site
Nyinibulitwa Country Resort – Up market accommodation and camping site
Ndali Lodge – Upmarket lodge cottage accommodation

There are numerous hotels in the town of Fort Portal some 45kms from the visitors centre at Kanyanchu that includes

• Mountains of the Moon Hotel
• Fort Motel
• Rwenzori Travellers Inn
• Rwenzori Travellers Guest house

Regional Attractions

Other attractions are in Fort Portal town such as the Toro Kings Palace, Karambi tombs the burial grounds for the kings of Toro Kingdom, Nyakasura hills and the many craters lakes that dot the region.