3 Days Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is approximately a 5 to 6-hour drive (348 km) from Kampala, it is a tropical rainforest that is located in western Uganda near Fort Portal City, it is renowned for its rich biodiversity, particularly its primate population. The park is home to 13 different primate species, with diurnal monkeys such as red colobus, black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey, and grey-cheeked mangabey frequently spotted in the forest canopy including around 1,500 chimpanzees, making it a premier destination for chimpanzee trekking.
In addition to its famed primates, the park is home to over 120 mammal species, including olive baboons, forest elephants, bush pigs, various duikers, and several rare antelope species. Bird lovers will find it equally rewarding, with around 370 bird species recorded including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Notably, the forest also supports populations of elusive forest elephants, leopards, warthogs, giant forest hogs, and even the occasional lion and hippopotamus, which wander in from neighbouring Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Highlights
- Transfer to Kibale National Park
- Visit Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru Cave
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Nature walk at the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
- Transfer back to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport
Detailed 3 days Kibale National park Itinerary.
Day 1: Pickup and transfer to Kibale National Park
Upon your arrival, a driver will pick you up from the airport to begin the scenic 5 to 6-hour journey to Kibale National Park. You will travel through Mubende and continue to the charming town of Fort Portal, where you will stop for lunch. Often regarded as one of Uganda’s most picturesque towns, Our driver will take you to the “Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru” rich in cultural history and natural beauty be prepared to be captivated by breathtaking views of crater lakes and the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. Upon reaching Kibale, you will be checked into your lodge.
Dinner and overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, Isunga Lodge and Kyaninga Lodge
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking – Nature walk at the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Wake up early and ensure that you take heavy breakfast in preparation for a long day of activities. The highlight of your visit will be chimpanzee tracking during the Kanyanchu Primate Walk an unforgettable experience through Kibale’s lush rainforest, home to 13 primate species, towering trees, and vibrant butterflies.
Your adventure begins with a briefing at the park headquarters, where experienced rangers will explain the tracking process.
Chimpanzee trekking usually takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the location of your assigned group. Once you find them, you will spend an awe-inspiring hour observing their behaviours. Chimpanzees are highly social and energetic, with dominant males protecting their troop. They’re also more vocal, filling the forest with a symphony of whoops and screams. In addition to the chimps, the Kanyanchu Primate Walk offers opportunities to see other fascinating species, including grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, baboons, and even the nocturnal potto. After your time with the chimpanzees, you will continue exploring the forest and spotting more primates before returning to your lodge for a well-prepared lunch.
In the afternoon you will be taken out for a guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. Bigodi is one of Uganda’s top birding destinations, teeming with vibrant avian life including the Papyrus Gonolek, Great Blue Turaco, hornbills, weaver birds, kingfishers, waxbills, and cuckoos. The sanctuary is also home to several primate species and fascinating mammals such as the swamp-dwelling sitatunga antelope, bushbucks, bush pigs, mongooses, and others. You will return to your lodge in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Day: 3 Visit the Community – transfer back to Entebbe or Kampala
Wake up at your leisure and take breakfast. Before beginning your return journey to Kampala, you will have the chance to enjoy a cultural village walk. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the daily life, customs, and rich heritage of the local community. You will walk through the village, interact with residents, and possibly visit a local home where elders share stories and insights about the area’s history and traditions. It’s a meaningful reminder that a visit to Uganda isn’t just about the wildlife, it’s also about connecting with its warm and welcoming people. Lunch will be enjoyed along the way, as you take in the scenic beauty of Fort Portal and the surrounding countryside. Your driver will then drop you off at your preferred location in Kampala or directly at the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.
End of 3 Days Kibale National Park
3 Days Kibale National Park includes:
- Chimpanzee permits or Chimpanzee habituation permits
- Visiting the Bigodi Wetlands sanctuary
- Park entrance fees
- Driver/ Guide fees
- Transportation in a tour van
- Accommodation for 2 nights
- Meals and water throughout the trip
3 Days Kibale National Park Excludes
- Private Expenses like laundry, alcoholic drinks and tips
- Airplane Tickets and Visa Fees
- Hotels expenses for the night before and after the trip
