Activities in Kibale National Park
March 22, 2026
Activities in Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is one of the best safari destinations in Africa, best known for its high population of chimpanzees. Kibale National Park is located in Western Uganda covering districts of Kabarole, Kyenjonjo, Kamwenge, and Kyegegwa. It is known as the primate capital of the world having about 20 primate species which is the highest density in Africa. Chimpanzees are second popular to the mountain gorillas and they also have 95% human DNA.
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Visiting Kibale National Park is the most thrilling and adventurous experience as you engage in activities such as chimpanzee trekking and habituation and many more.
Below are the key attractions in Kibale National Park;
Chimpanzee Trekking:
Chimpanzee trekking is the main activity to do on your safari in Kibale National Park. This activity allows you to see the chimpanzees that are used to people in their natural habitat and visitors are only allowed 1 hour of observation upon finding them. Kibale National Park has a high population of chimpanzees hence being referred to as “the primate capital”. This activity takes place in three sessions, i.e. morning session that starts at 8:00am, mid-morning session that starts at mid day and then the afternoon session that begins at 2:00pm throughout the year. Chimpanzee trekking permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority or you can contact a trusted tour operator like Encounter Africa Safaris to help you purchase your trekking permits in advance. The chimpanzee trekking permit costs $250 per person for Foreign non residents, $200 per person for Foreign residents and UGX 180,000 per person for East African Citizens.
Chimpanzee Habituation:
Chimpanzee habituation is a process where tourists join a group of researchers in training wild chimpanzees to get accustomed to human presence without altering their natural behaviors. Chimpanzee habituation experience and tracking takes place all year round. However, the best time to track chimpanzee is during the rainy season despite the mud. During the dry season, chimpanzee like to move deeper into the forests looking for food. The chimpanzee trekking permit costs $300 per person for foreign non residents, $250 per person for foreign residents, UGX250,000 per person for East African citizens and this allows you to view, stay with the chimpanzees for 4 hours as you watch them move, eat and communicate.
Bird watching in Kibale:
Birding is another activity to do while on safari in Kibale National Park. Kibale is among Uganda’s best birding spots with over 350 bird species which include; Crowned eagle, Blu-beasted king fisher, Yellow-billed barbet, White tailed Ant-thrush among others.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary:
This is a swamp that happens to be a project of the community to preserve nature and improve the livelihoods of people around by putting the swamp as a tourist attraction. Bigodi swamp has a lot to offer including birdwatching, mammal species and vegetation. The swamp is visited by tourists who go to Kibale National Park and the fees charged are used to improve the well being of people in communities around.
Nature walks and Hiking:
These are guided nature walks in Kibale Forest where one gets to see different flora and fauna species. During the nature walks, you get to learn about different bird species and also spot various primate species like the black and white colobus monkey. The nature walks can be done in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Crater Lakes Visit:
Crater Lakes visit involves a walk to the top of the Hill called Nyamirima where you will see the five beautiful crater lakes surrounding Kibale Forest National Park. You will have an opportunity to sightseeing, taking pictures, and meeting up with the local community who get to share and interact with you about their day to day lives.
Other features one can visit after climbing to the top include Kibale Forest, Mt. Rwenzori Ranges and great landscape features.
Visit to Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru:
These are rocks located in a cave in Fort Portal Kabarole District. As you walk to visit the rocks, you pass by amazing waterfalls. The Amabere are natural features that are as a result of stalagmites and stalactites though the Batoro have a strong attachment to these rocks. They believe that these are the breasts of a young girl called Nyina Mwiru which were cut off by her father the King for refusing to marry a spouse he has chosen for her. Tourists visit this place often to learn about these features and have contributed to the tourism industry and the community around.
For more information about what to do in Kibake National Park, do not hesitate to get in touch with our team.
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