Kibale’s 795km2 National Park contains one of the most beautiful and with the most varying tracts of tropical forest in the whole of Uganda. This is place to a number of forest wildlife, most especially 13 species of primate coupled with chimpanzees. The Forest covering predominates in the central and northern part of the park on the raised Fort Portal plateau. At the park’s northern tip Kibale is highest and stands 1590m above sea level.
Kibale is one of Africa’s foremost research sites. While many researchers focus on the chimpanzees and other primates found in the park, others are investigating Kibale’s ecosystems, wild pigs and fish species, among other topics.
Kibale National Park contains one of the loveliest and most varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. Forest cover, interspersed with patches of grassland and swamp, dominates the northern and central parts of the park on an elevated plateau. Kibale is famously known for Chimpanzee tracking. The park is home to a total of 70 mammal species most famously 13 species of primate including the chimpanzee.
Kibale is open for chimpanzee trekking throughout the year. December to February and the months of June and July are the driest months and are therefore the best times for this activity. Walking the trails is easier at this time and the overall experience tends to be more enjoyable.
Weather and climate in Kibale
The climate in Kibale is moist and temperate. Temperatures stay almost the same year-round. Daytime temperatures are about 27°C/81°F, cooling off nightly to about 15°C/59°F. Kibale lacks a real Dry season; rain is possible anytime. However, December through February are typically drier and so are June and July. Two Wet seasons exist: March to May and August through November. It is recommended to bring waterproof clothing.
How to get to Kibale
Kibale will rarely be a destination in itself – it’s more suited as a stop among other parks on a tour of Uganda. Kibale National Park is located in western Uganda. The chimp trekking trailhead at Kanyanchu is 35km/20mi southeast of the town of Fort Portal; a 30-45 minute drive on what is now a good surfaced road, and 360km/224mi (about six hours) from Kampala.