Kibale National Park is a national park in western Uganda, protecting moist evergreen rainforest. It is 766 square kilometres in size and ranges between 1,100 metres and 1,600 metres in elevation. Despite encompassing primarily moist evergreen forest, it contains a diverse array of landscapes
Kibale National Park is called the “Primate Capital of the World”. In just 3 hours you can track wild chimpanzees through 795km² of rainforest, then see 12 other primate species the same day.
Home to 1,500 chimps + 70 mammal species. The chimp habituation experience here is the only place in Africa where you spend 4hrs with chimps vs 1hr standard trek. Located 5-6hrs drive from Kampala or 20min flight from Kasese. Perfect add-on before Queen Elizabeth or Bwindi gorillas.
4 Top Things to Do in Kibale National Park
1. Chimpanzee Trekking – 95% Success Rate
Kibale has the highest chimp density in Africa: 1,500 chimps in 1 park. Standard trek: 2-3hrs forest walk + 1hr with chimps. You see feeding, grooming, tool use, baby chimps. Groups max 8 people. Permits $250 for foreigners 2026.
_Best time: 8am + 2pm departures. Book 3-6 months ahead for peak season._
_Book: [2 Day Kibale Chimp Safari](/2-day-kibale-chimpanzee-trekking)_
2. Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Only in Kibale. Spend 4hrs with chimps from 6am to 11am while researchers habituate them. See nest building, mating, territorial fights. More action than 1hr trek. Only 6 permits/day. $300 permit. For serious primate lovers + photographers.
3. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk
1.5-2hr guided swamp walk 5km from park gate. Community-run. See red colobus, black & white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey + 138 bird species. Great for families + non-trekkers. $25 per person. Boardwalk over papyrus swamp.
4. Crater Lakes + Forest Walks*
Kibale borders 60+ volcanic crater lakes. Scenic drive to Kyaninga Crater Lake = best sunset spot. Nature walks in forest for butterflies, birds, bush pigs. Night walks for bush babies + pottos.