Best time to Visit Kibale Forest National Park
When is the Best time to visit Kibale Forest National Park?
The best time for visiting Kibale Forest National Park is during the dry months, which are from June to September and December to February. During this period, chimpanzee trekking and other park activities are more accessible. Observing chimpanzees and wildlife is especially rewarding, as the vegetation cover is less dense compared to the wet season.
During the wet seasons of March to May and October to November wildlife viewing in the park is not the best but the best time for birding, during the wet season food is readily available Chimpanzees and birds don’t move further distances to search for food making their sightseeing easy. You can engage in chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park at any time of the year. This activity is well-organized, and there is a 99% likelihood of encountering chimpanzees in the park. However, it is advisable to choose the best times for your visit.
Our popular safari packages to Kibale Forest National Park
3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
5 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
5 Days Uganda Gorilla & Chimp Habituation Safaris
About Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park is home to the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda, estimated at over 1,500. Other primates found in Kibale include the nocturnal bushbaby and potto, monkeys, and baboons. Kibale is also a popular destination for birders, with over 335 bird species recorded. Chimpanzee trekking is done in two sessions, morning and afternoon, depending on your permit and itinerary. The park is also home to large mammals such as elephants, buffaloes, and giant forest hogs, but it is rare to see them.
How to book Chimpanzee Permits for Kibale Forest National Park
The major activity in Kibale Forest National Park that requires advance booking is Chimpanzee trekking, you will need to have your Chimpanzee trekking permit secured in advance to confirm that you are booked for Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park. Once you have your planned dates of travel confirmed we will need you to send us an email at Safari Vacations and Travel Services so that we check for the availability of Chimpanzee permits online with the Uganda Wildlife Authority once we confirm chimpanzee permits are available for your planned dates we will let you know so that we can send you an invoice for you to make payment for the permits.
After we receive your payment in our account, we will promptly purchase your chimpanzee trekking permits. Subsequently, we will send you scanned copies of the permits for your records and review. This will serve as confirmation of your booking for Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park. We recommend booking your chimpanzee trek in Uganda well in advance, preferably 2-3 months before your visit.
How to get to Kibale Forest National Park
By Road; Kibale Forest National Park can be accessed through the main safari circuit from Entebbe/Kampala to Fortportal which is approximately a 4-5 hour drive. You can also access the park through the Kampala-Mabara-Kasese highway, from Kasese, you will connect to the Kibale Forest with a 1-2 hour drive.
By Air; You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi Airfield to Kasese airstrip from here you will transfer to Kibale Forest National Park. Scheduled and chartered flights are available and operated by domestic airline operators of Aero Link and Fly Uganda. You will need to plan with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to the Park
Where to stay in Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation in Kibale Forest National Park, Budget options include Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, Isunga Lodge, Mountains of the Moon, Rwenzori View Guest House, and Kibale Home Stay among others these cost USD90-100 per person per night, mid-range include Kibale Forest Camp, Turaco Treetops Lodge and Prime Lodge Kibale among others these cost USD150-200 per person per night, Luxury options include Ndali Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge and Kyaninga Lodge these cost USD250-700 per person per night.
Why Book your Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park with Safari Vacations and Travel Services
At Safari Vacations and Travel Services, we have implemented various Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in accordance with WHO guidelines to ensure the safety and health of our clients. We are prepared to arrange your safari while adhering to the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This ensures that you can undertake your safari safely and successfully during the best time to visit Kibale Forest.
Safari Travel Services and its team bring you closer than ever to the wonders Uganda and Rwanda have to offer. From Chimpanzee trekking to chimpanzee habitation in Kibale, cultural tours, and wildlife viewing in Uganda, we have everything you need to make your first or occurring experience in the region a memorable one. Click here for a complete list of our entire packages, and in case you have any questions, please click here to get in touch with us.
