Kibale National Park takes the sixth position as the largest among Uganda’s national parks, harboring a large number of both diurnal and nocturnal primates, including chimpanzees.
During the 3-day Kibale National Park safari, you will have the chance to meet and observe chimpanzees, our closest relatives sharing 98% of our DNA. You’ll also encounter galagos and pottos, mostly active at night, as well as other primates like black and white colobus monkeys and the endemic red-caped colobus monkeys of Kibale Forest National Park.
The park is not only home to primates but also boasts beautiful bird species such as the green-breasted pitta, yellow-billed turaco, and great blue turaco, along with amphibians that will add joy to your safari experience.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park. Optional Activities.
Meet your professional driver guide who will welcome you and provide a quick briefing about the safari. Set off on a journey to Kibale Forest National Park, with a first stopover in Fort Portal, the tourism city, for lunch and stretching before continuing the journey.
The drive from Kampala to Fort Portal takes about six hours. Depending on your arrival time, you can opt to visit the Amabere G’anyinamwiru caves, known for their stalagmites and stalactites, for a unique experience. Afterward, proceed to Kibale and check in at your booked lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Visit to Isunga Community.
Kibale National Park is renowned as the primate capital of the world, hosting approximately 13 primate species. Chimpanzee trekking is the highlight activity here. After an early breakfast, drive to the starting point at Kanyanchu Visitor’s Centre for a briefing by the ranger guide, then venture into the jungles in search of chimpanzees.
Take your time to observe any habituated troops you encounter, witnessing grooming rituals, maternal care, and other fascinating behaviors. You may also spot other primates such as red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, olive baboons, and vervets during your expedition.
Return to the lodge for lunch and in the afternoon, drive to the Isunga community for a cultural tour. Explore crater lakes and marvel at the natural wonders created by nature. Admire the view from the “Top of the World,” where you can see over three crater lakes in a straight line, the entire Kibale Forest National Park, the Rwenzori Mountain ranges, and other distant craters. After this enriching adventure, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Tea Estates Experience and Return to Kampala.
Today marks the conclusion of your safari in Kibale Forest. Rise early and visit the Isunga community for a final experience, a two-hour tea harvesting excursion. Witness and even participate in tea harvesting, from planting to caring for the plants until harvest time, learning about the process firsthand.
Afterward, begin your journey back to Kampala. If time allows, stop at a craft shop to purchase souvenirs as mementos of your journey.
