Its one of the ten National Parks in Uganda. Its situated in western Uganda and the 7th largest seated on 766 square kilometres (296 sq mi) in size and is located between 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) to 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) in elevation. Well know for hosting the largest number of chimpanzees moving freely in their natural habitat.
Kibale National Park reached National Park status in 1932 and formally established in 1993 to protect a large area of forest previously managed as a logged forest reserve. The park is famous for having ever green vegetation and 351 tree species have been recorded in the park, some rise to over 55m and are over 200 years old.
On record, Kibale National Park is known for offering the most amazing chimpanzee trekking. Chimpanzee trekking involves walking from through the forest while searching for the amazing chimpanzees. The time taken while searching for chimps is unpredictable but some times range from 1-4hours.
Kibale National Park is a birding destination. Birders find it inevitable for miss Kibale national Park on their visit to Uganda. Its recorded that the park protects over 375 species of birds. Kibale specials include the African Pitta, Green-breasted Pitta, Afep Pigeon, White-naped Pigeon, Crowned Eagle, Red-chested Owlet, Black Bee-eater, Western Nicator, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Little Greenbul, Brown-chested Alethe, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, African Grey Parrot, Scaly-breasted Illadopsis ,Brown Illadopsis, Black-capped Apalis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Collared Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Yellow Spotted Nicator, Little Green Bul, Black-eared Ground Thrush and the Abyssinian Ground-thrush.
Kibale National Park is also known for hosting 70 mammals. The park is dominated with primates including the threatened red colobus and the rare I’Hoest’s monkey. Other primates include the black-and-white colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, olive baboon, bush baby and potto among others.
Other mammals in Kibale National park include forest elephants, forest buffaloes, leopards, warthogs, bush pigs, golden cats and duikers. A keen observer may spot reptiles and amphibians as well as a colorful variety of 250 species of butterflies. Both day and night moving animals are found in this park.
Kibale National Park is strategically located 6 hours drive from Entebbe International Airport and near Ndali -Kasenda crater offering thrilling views. From Kibale National Park, you can do half day game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park ( the second largest park in Uganda).