Wildlife in Kibale
Kibale is most famous for its large population of chimpanzees. It is home to a total of 13 primate species, making it a true paradise for primate enthusiasts. Besides the famous chimpanzees, you can also see the rare L’Hoest’s monkey, the endangered red colobus monkey, black-and-white colobus, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and olive baboons. The park also provides a habitat for other animals, including forest elephants, buffalo, bush pigs, and various duiker species.
The Chimpanzees of Kibale
Kibale National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Several chimpanzee communities have been habituated for tourism. This means they are accustomed to human presence. Tracking these intelligent and highly social primates is a thrilling experience as you watch them interact and swing through the forest canopy. The chances of sighting chimpanzees in Kibale are extremely high.
Things to Do in Kibale
- Chimpanzee Tracking: This activity involves a guided trek into the forest to find and spend time with a habituated chimpanzee community.
- Chimpanzee Habituation Experience: For a more in-depth experience, you can spend a full day with a chimpanzee community that is still undergoing the habituation process.
- Night Nature Walks: Explore the forest after dark to search for nocturnal creatures like bushbabies and pottos.
- Bird Watching: The park is a superb destination for birders, with over 375 bird species recorded, including the sought-after Green-breasted Pitta.
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk: Take a guided walk in this community-run wetland just outside the park. It is excellent for spotting various monkeys and a huge array of birds.
Best Time to Visit Kibale
| Month | Climate | Chimpanzee Tracking |
| December – February & June – August | These are the two dry seasons with less rainfall. | This is the best time for trekking as the forest trails are drier and easier to navigate. |
| March – May & September – November | These are the wet seasons, with more rainfall. | The trails can be muddy and slippery, but there are fewer tourists. It is an excellent time for bird watching. |
Guide Tip
Book your chimpanzee tracking permits well in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the peak dry seasons. The morning treks are often preferred as the chimpanzees can be more active, and the lighting is generally better for photography.
