Kibale National Park ranks sixth in size among Uganda’s national parks and is known for its high number of primates. The park protects both day and night active species, with chimpanzees being the main attraction. This 3-day Kibale National Park safari focuses on primate tracking, bird watching, and community visits near the forest.
During the safari, you will meet chimpanzees, our closest relatives who share about 98 percent of human DNA. You may also see galagos and pottos, which are mostly active at night, as well as black and white colobus monkeys and the red capped colobus monkeys that are found only in Kibale Forest. The park also supports many birds such as the green breasted pitta, yellow billed turaco, and great blue turaco. Amphibians found in the forest also add interest to the experience.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park and Optional Activities
Meet your professional driver guide for a welcome and short briefing. Start the drive to Kibale Forest National Park with a stop in Fort Portal for lunch and a short break. The drive from Kampala to Fort Portal takes about six hours.
Depending on arrival time, you may choose to visit Amabere Ganyinamwiru Caves, known for rock formations and local stories. Continue to Kibale and check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Isunga Community Visit
After an early breakfast, drive to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing by the ranger guide. Enter the forest to search for habituated chimpanzee groups. Spend time watching feeding, grooming, and social behavior. Other primates you may see include red tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, olive baboons, and vervets.
Return to the lodge for lunch, then visit the Isunga Community. Explore crater lakes and enjoy views from the Top of the World viewpoint, where you can see parts of Kibale Forest and the Rwenzori Mountains. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Tea Estates Experience and Return to Kampala
Rise early and visit the Isunga area for a two hour tea experience. Learn how tea is planted, cared for, and harvested, and take part in the process. After the activity, drive back to Kampala. If time allows, stop at a craft shop to buy souvenirs. This marks the end of the 3-day Kibale National Park safari.
