Kibale National Park

The Primate Capital of the World. Home to 13 primate species including the highest concentration of chimpanzees in Africa

Overview

Kibale National Park is a 766-square-kilometer park in western Uganda, protecting one of Africa's most beautiful and diverse tropical forests. The park is renowned for having the highest concentration of primates in Africa, earning its title as the "Primate Capital of the World."

Established in 1993, Kibale forms a continuous forest with Queen Elizabeth National Park to the south, creating a 180km-long wildlife corridor. The park's diverse habitats include tropical rainforest, grassland, swamp, and woodland.

Kibale is home to 13 primate species, including approximately 1,500 chimpanzees - one of Africa's highest populations. The park also hosts 70 mammal species and over 375 bird species, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

Chimpanzee Kingdom

Kibale offers the best chimpanzee tracking experience in Africa, with a 90% success rate of finding these fascinating primates. The park's chimpanzee communities are well-habituated, allowing visitors to observe them at close range.

Beyond chimpanzees, Kibale hosts 12 other primate species, including the rare red colobus monkey, L'Hoest's monkey, and grey-cheeked mangabey. The park's primate diversity is unmatched anywhere in East Africa.

Unique Primate Experiences

Kibale offers both regular chimpanzee tracking and chimpanzee habituation experiences. The habituation experience allows visitors to spend a full day with chimpanzee researchers, providing deeper insights into chimpanzee behavior and conservation.

The park is also famous for its Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed project that offers excellent birdwatching and primate viewing opportunities. The sanctuary is home to 8 primate species and over 200 bird species.

Park Highlights

  • Highest concentration of primates in Africa
  • 13 primate species including 1,500 chimpanzees
  • 90% chimpanzee tracking success rate
  • Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary community project

Best Time to Visit

  • June to August & December to February (Dry seasons)
  • Best chimpanzee tracking conditions
  • March to May & September to November (Wet seasons)
  • Lush vegetation and fewer visitors

Primate Species in Kibale

Kibale is home to 13 primate species, the highest diversity in East Africa:

Chimpanzees

1,500 individuals in several habituated communities

Red Colobus Monkeys

Endangered species with large populations in Kibale

Black & White Colobus

Striking monkeys with long white mantle and tail

Grey-cheeked Mangabeys

Large groups often seen during chimpanzee tracking

Quick Facts

Distance from Entebbe International Airport

350 kilometres (217 miles)

Size

766 sq km (296 sq mi)

Elevation

1,100 to 1,590 meters (3,609 to 5,217 ft)

Year Established

1993

Forest Connection

Continuous with Queen Elizabeth National Park (180km corridor)

Primate Population

13 primate species
1,500 chimpanzees
70 mammal species
375+ bird species

Other Activities

Chimpanzee Tracking

Track habituated chimpanzee communities with expert guides

Habituation Experience

Spend full day with chimpanzee researchers

Bird Watching

Spot forest specialists in Kibale and Bigodi Wetland

Nature Walks

Explore tropical forest and community wetland sanctuary

What to Expect on Your Visit

1

Chimpanzee Tracking

Experience Africa's best chimpanzee tracking with a 90% success rate. Spend one hour observing these intelligent primates in their natural forest habitat with expert guides.

2

Primate Diversity

Observe 13 primate species in one park, including endangered red colobus monkeys, black and white colobus, L'Hoest's monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.

3

Community Conservation

Visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a successful community conservation project that protects biodiversity while providing sustainable livelihoods for local people.

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