Often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale is home to the highest concentration of primate species in East Africa. Kibale was officially gazetted as a national park in 1993, although it had been protected as a forest reserve since 1932. The establishment of the park was part of Uganda’s broader effort to conserve its valuable rainforest ecosystems and protect endangered species, particularly the chimpanzee.

Located just south of Fort Portal town, Kibale forms a contiguous forest block with Queen Elizabeth National Park to the south, creating an important wildlife corridor that supports the seasonal movements of elephants and other species. The park’s proximity to communities like Bigodi and its accessibility from major tourist routes make it a key stop on Uganda’s safari circuit.

Kibale is a lush, evergreen tropical rainforest that ranges in altitude from 1,100 to 1,600 meters above sea level. The park’s landscape features rolling hills, swamps, crater lakes, and dense forest canopies that are both visually striking and ecologically rich.The forest supports an impressive variety of flora and fauna, with over 350 tree species, some of which are over 200 years old and rise more than 50 meters tall. The moist, fertile environment also supports a diverse array of insects, amphibians, and smaller mammals.

The highlight of Kibale’s biodiversity is its 13 species of primates, the most famous of which is the chimpanzee. Around 1,500 individuals live in the forest, and several communities have been habituated for tourism and research, offering visitors a rare and intimate glimpse into their lives.

Other primates include the red colobus, black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey, olive baboon, grey-cheeked mangabey, and the blue monkey. The park is also home to forest elephants, buffalo, duikers, bush pigs, and over 375 species of birds, such as the African pitta, green-breasted pitta, crowned eagle, and great blue turaco.

Chimpanzee Tracking: The park’s most popular activity, visitors can join guided treks into the forest to find and observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat—watching them feed, play, and interact is a truly unforgettable experience. For a deeper experience, guests can spend a full day with researchers and guides as they follow chimpanzee groups undergoing habituation. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is located just outside the park, this community-run project offers rich birdlife, primate sightings, and an immersive experience in local conservation efforts.