Kibale
Kibale National Park is one of Africa’s premier rainforest and primate destinations. Set in the lush highlands of western Uganda, the park encompasses tropical forest, wetlands, grasslands, and crater-lake landscapes, creating an experience that feels entirely different from a traditional savanna safari. Kibale is especially renowned for supporting one of the highest concentrations of primates in Africa.
The star of the primate trekking show in Kibale are the chimpanzees. Travelers can embark through the forest on foot with expert rangers in search of habituated chimpanzees. Much like gorilla treks, chimpanzee treks can vary in length and difficulty depending on the chimpanzees’ location. Once located, guests typically spend one memorable hour observing to observe their extraordinary behavior. In addition to the chimpanzess, Kibale is home to 12 other primate species which includes the red colobus, black and white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and olive baboons.
But primates are not the only wildlife that Kibale is home to. There is exceptional birding with over 370 recorded species. This are also butterflies and a variety of forest mammals. The forest setting is home to well-positioned lodges, properties that are near the trekking trailhead and overlook the crater looks and rolling hills. Kibale paurs well with gorilla trekking in Bwinding or with a more classic wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kibale is a great addition to any East African safari itinerary.
