A safari in Kibale National Park Uganda

Kibale National Park in Uganda lies at an altitude of 1,590m and 1,100m above sea level and is located in the Western part of the country along the East African Rift Valley near the Ndali Kasenda crater. Kibale National Park was first identified as a forest reserve in 1932 because of its great bio-diversity before finally being made a game park in the 1990’s. The park has become the primates’ capital of Uganda and to a great extent East Africa.  The numerous tree species (over 350) that spread along the vast plains and plateaus include pre-montane forest that are found nowhere in East Africa.

The park also has montane and lowland forests that include endangered species like lovoa swynnertonnii, cordia millenii and entandrophragma. The tall trees that stand at an average of 55m bring over 1700mm of rainfall annually facilitating the group of dense ferns, herbs and grasses.

Attractions in Kibale Forest National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking and spotting other primates: Kibale national park is arguably the best place to go for a primate’s tour. The park might not have the gorillas but has more of the other primate species than any park in East Africa. Chimpanzees are an endangered species and are special because they share over 95% of their DNA with humans. Kibale has the largest chimpanzee clans in East Africa and about 5,000 individuals have been recorded. Chimpanzees can be spotted in other parks in East Africa but the chances of seeing them are slim compared to Kibale Forest.

What makes a primate safari in Kibale Forest National Park even more special is its amazing collection of monkeys. While in Kibale Forest expect to see L’Hoest Monkeys, the endangered Red Colobus, Grey Cheeked Mangabey, the Red tailed Monkeys, Bush Baby, Blue Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Black and White Colobus. Since the park is close to Bwindi Impenetrable forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park, primate lovers can expect a complete African Safari without travelling for long a distance.

The best time to visit Kibale National Park

The tropical climate and location around the equator ensures that tourism activities take place throughout the year in the park. However there are two seasons in most countries of the equator – the rainy (low) and dry (peak) season with each season occurring twice a year. These seasons affect the quality of a safari in Kibale National Park. The peak season of the year occurs during the dry months of December to February and June to September.

These dry months are characterized by little or no rainfall. There is less mud making it easy to drive or take walks within the park. During the dry season, there is less vegetation cover and thick bushes which allows for easy sighting of animals making for an enjoyable holiday.

The months of March to May and late September to November are the low seasons with relatively more rain. This may not be favorable to some clients but birders will find this season appealing as it is the breeding season for birds and several migratory species appear filling the forest with beautiful sounds in perfect green. Most tourists prefer visiting the park during the dry seasons as they are considered the best time to go for a Uganda safari. Our recommendation is that visitors come two to three weeks after the rainy season is over for the best experience. During this time the mud has disappeared and the country as a whole is still very green offering amazing scenery.