Located in western Uganda, Kibale forest national park is 348 kilometers (5 hour drive) away from the capital – Kampala and 26 kilometers south east of the tourism city – Fort Portal.
The 3 days trip to Kibale forest adventure is one of the best primate experiences offered in the Pearl of Africa. Kibale forest is home to a big population of primates including over 500 chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and several bird species.
The trip starts and ends in Kampala city involving long drive via Mubende-Fort portal – Kampala highway to Kibale forest national park. Chimpanzee trekking is a highlight experience, accompanied by mammal and bird views. Return to Kampala city and fly back home through Entebbe International Airport.
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala city to Kibale forest national park.
After an early morning breakfast your driver will lead you on a journey to Kibale forest national park. The Kampala – Mityana – Mubende road offers the best Enroute experience as you drive along plantations, rolling hills, trading centers and beautiful landscape. Have a delicious lunch stopover at Mubende or Fortportal and continue to the park. Check into the hotel of your choice for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi swamp walk.
After an early morning breakfast, you will have to join chimpanzee trekking team at Kanyanchu ranger station and be briefed about the dos and don’ts of the expedition. It is here that you will spend 2 – 3 hours while following chimpanzee trails. 6 people are allowed to trek a particular group of chimpanzees.
Along the way you are sure to encounter other primates and mammal species such as white colobus, grey-tailed monkeys, several plant species and some of the rift valley endemic species of birds. In the event of meeting human-like creatures, the chimpanzees, you will be awarded a full hour to spend in their midst as you watch them play, feed and mate.
NOTE: In order to avoid last minute disappointments, you ought to book your chimpanzee trekking permit at least five months before making your way to the park.
Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation before embarking on the afternoon Bigodi swamp for yet another outstanding adventure.
Bigodi swamp is a “home – sweet – home” for lovers of birds since it hosts a multitude of bird species some of which are restricted only to this area. Birds in Bigodi swamp include some of the following; Bar-tailed Trogon plus the Fine-banded woodpecker, Red-faced Crimson-wing plus White-bellied Crested Flycatcher and so many others.
Return to your lodge in late hours of the day and relax plus spending a night.
Day 3: Nature walk or Crater lakes hike and return to Kampala – departure.
After an early morning breakfast, the guide will lead you to a nature walk through the forest or around the famous Kabarole crater lakes. You will see a number of animal species such as elephants, buffaloes, forest hogs, warthogs, bush pigs, blue and red duiker, peter duiker, bushbucks, and the rare Sitatunga antelopes.
Return to the lodge and check out of the lodge and embark on the journey back to the Kampala. You can choose to spend another night in Kampala at any hotel of your choice or continue to Entebbe International airport and board a flight back home. This marks the end of your 3 days tour in Kibale forest national park.
