Kibale National Park

The Wild in Kibale

Visitors can expect to see five or six species in addition to a chimpanzee. Species active during the day include vervet, red-tailed, l’Hoest’s and blue monkey, black-and-white colobus, olive baboon, Ugandan red colobus and Uganda mangabey. Other mammals including lion, elephant and buffalo are present but rarely seen.

The habituated chimpanzee bands in Kibale are generally the best for tracking compared to anywhere in the world and sightings are almost 100 percent assured. The park provides refuge to the world’s largest population of the endangered red colobus monkey, and it is an important stronghold for Uganda mangabey, a national endemic first recognized as a full species in 2007. Several nocturnal primate species are present as well, including potto, Demidov’s dwarf galago, and the eastern needle-clawed bushbaby. The very specialized sitatunga antelope can be found in marshy areas.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX)

Imagine hanging out with a group of scientific researchers, doctors and a bunch of rowdy chimpanzees all day. The tension, the sounds, the following, the tracking and all the mixed emotions pouring on you like Micheal Dauglass in Romancing the Stone. This is an African adventure like no other.

Chimpanzee habituation is when researchers try to get a band of chimpanzees to get used to human presence. It is an experience that is offered in Kibale National Park to anyone above 15 years of age and can pay a habituation permit of US$220. It starts at 06:00 when the chimps leave their nests to 19:00 when the chimps start building their nests for the night.

Bird Watching in Kibale

This massive and ancient rainforest is a haven for a large number of bird species, some of which are endemic. A birder could spot the Red-winged Francolin, Red-chested Flufftail, White-naped Pigeon, Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, Joyful Greenbul, Grey-winged Robin, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Grey-throated Flycatcher, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Masked and Black-capped Apalis, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Chestnut-winged Starling, Orange-tufted and Tiny Sunbirds, Grey-headed Olive-back.

Best Time To Visit Kibale

The Dry seasons (from June to July and December to February) are the best time for tracking chimpanzees. The park stays open throughout the year, but in heavy rain, the trails might be difficult to walk and the overall experience might be compromised.