Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to encounter chimpanzees in their natural habitat. With the highest number and density of primates in Uganda, Kibale is home to approximately 1,450 chimpanzees. Guided treks led by professional guides offer a rare opportunity to witness these fascinating primates and gain insight into their hierarchy and behaviors.

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More About Kibale Forest National Park

The park's 795 km² area is also home to 325 bird species and 70 mammal species, making it a biodiversity hotspot. Kibale Forest National Park's unique location, where the tropical rainforest of Central Africa meets the drier climate of East Africa, results in a diverse range of wildlife and beautiful surroundings. With some trees over 200 years old and others towering over 55 meters high, this park is a feast for the senses.

When planning your chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kibale Forest National Park, remember that it is essential to use a professional guide. These knowledgeable experts are familiar with the habituated chimp groups and will provide an unforgettable experience while ensuring the safety of visitors. Book your tailor-made safari today and experience the wonders of Kibale Forest National Park!

Chimpanzee Trekking in the Kibale Forest

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be on every wildlife lover's bucket list. Kibale Forest is located in southwestern Uganda and is one of the best places in the world to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

During the trek, visitors will be able to see a variety of primates, including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. However, the highlight of the trek is undoubtedly the chance to get up close and personal with chimpanzees.

The chimpanzee trekking experience is organized by trained guides who will take visitors through the forest, pointing out different species of wildlife along the way. The trek usually lasts between two and three hours, and visitors will have the opportunity to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat, swinging from tree to tree and foraging for food.

Visitors will be amazed by how close they can get to the chimpanzees. In fact, it's not uncommon for chimpanzees to walk right past trekkers, giving them an unforgettable up-close encounter with these incredible primates.

It's important to note that visitors are required to follow strict rules to ensure the safety and well-being of both humans and chimpanzees. Visitors are required to keep a distance of at least 8 meters from the chimpanzees, to avoid any risk of transmitting diseases, and to keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing the chimpanzees' natural behavior.

Best Time to Visit

Kibale National Park is located in western Uganda and is famous for its chimpanzees and other primate species. The best time to visit Kibale is during the dry seasons, which are from mid-December to February and from June to September. During these months, the weather is dry, and the trails are easy to navigate, making it easier to spot chimpanzees and other primates. The temperatures are also pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Visitors are advised to book their chimpanzee trekking permits in advance, as the demand is high during the peak months of July to September and December to February. During the wet seasons from March to May and from October to November, the trails are muddy and slippery, making it difficult to trek through the forest. Heavy rainfall during these months also makes the chimps retreat deeper into the forest, making them harder to spot.

Month-by-Month Guide to Weather

January:

Kibale Forest experiences warm and dry weather in January, with average temperatures ranging between 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F). The average rainfall during this month is around 61mm, with about 8 rainy days.

February:

February in Kibale Forest is also warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F). The average rainfall during this month is around 73mm, with about 8 rainy days.

March:

Kibale Forest experiences some rainfall in March, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F). The average rainfall during this month is around 137mm, with about 14 rainy days.

April:

April is one of the wettest months in Kibale Forest, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F). The average rainfall during this month is around 190mm, with about 17 rainy days.

May:

May is also a wet month in Kibale Forest, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F). The average rainfall during this month is around 191mm, with about 17 rainy days.

June:

Kibale Forest experiences cooler temperatures in June, with average temperatures ranging from 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F). The average rainfall during this month is around 108mm, with about 12 rainy days.

July:

July in Kibale Forest is dry and cool, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F). The average rainfall during this month is around 84mm, with about 9 rainy days.

August:

Kibale Forest experiences cool and dry weather in August, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F). The average rainfall during this month is around 97mm, with about 10 rainy days.

September:

September in Kibale Forest is dry and warm, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 26°C (63°F to 79°F). The average rainfall during this month is around 106mm, with about 10 rainy days.

October:

Kibale Forest experiences some rainfall in October, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F). The average rainfall during this month is around 124mm, with about 12 rainy days.

November:

November in Kibale Forest is characterized by warm and wet weather, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F). The average rainfall during this month is around 163mm, with about 16 rainy days.

December:

Kibale Forest experiences warm and wet weather in December, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F). The average rainfall during this month is around 110mm, with about 11 rainy days.

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