Chimpanzee tracking
A guided walk to find and observe a habituated chimpanzee community.
Uganda · Western Uganda, near Fort Portal
Kibale
Tracking chimpanzees through the rainforest.
Kibale National Park is a rainforest park in western Uganda, near the town of Fort Portal. It has one of the highest concentrations of primates in East Africa and is the main place in Uganda for chimpanzee tracking.
- Country
- Uganda
- Known for
- Chimpanzee tracking
- From Kampala
- About 5–6 hours by road
- Ideal stay
- 1–2 nights
The place
Kibale, at a glance.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale begins with a briefing, then a walk with a ranger to find a habituated chimpanzee community. Chimpanzees move quickly and often stay high in the trees, so the experience varies from day to day.
Next to the park, the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary offers guided walks for birds and monkeys.
Around thirteen species of primate live in Kibale's rainforest, including red colobus, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys and L'Hoest's monkeys, as well as chimpanzees. The forest is also rich in birds and butterflies.
Planning notes
- Official name
- Kibale National Park
- Region
- Western Uganda, near Fort Portal
- Known for
- Chimpanzee tracking
- From Kampala
- About 5–6 hours by road
- Ideal stay
- 1–2 nights
- Combines well with
- Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Murchison Falls
The appeal
Why visit Kibale?
Bigodi Wetland
A community-run sanctuary for birdwatching and monkeys.
Crater lakes
The countryside around Fort Portal is dotted with crater lakes.
Wild encounters
Wildlife of Kibale.
Chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, red colobus, black-and-white colobus and many forest birds. Wildlife is free-ranging, so sightings vary and can never be guaranteed.
Chimpanzee holding a leafy branch 
Chimpanzee resting on a fallen tree 
Red-tailed monkey perched on a forest branch 
Grey crowned cranes standing in grassland
Travel through the year
When to visit Kibale.
Chimpanzee tracking runs all year.
Jun – Sep · Dec – Feb
Drier periods, usually more comfortable for forest walks.
Mar – May · Oct – Nov
Wetter months; tracking continues.
Your way of travelling
Ways to experience Kibale.
Optional activities are arranged separately and may cost extra.
01
Chimpanzee tracking
A morning walk with a ranger to find a habituated chimpanzee community, with time to watch them once found.
02
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
A community-run swamp walk for monkeys and birds, with proceeds supporting local projects.
03
Crater lakes
The countryside towards Fort Portal is dotted with crater lakes and tea estates, beautiful for a slow afternoon.
The way there
Getting to Kibale.
By road
About five to six hours west of Kampala via Fort Portal.
On a circuit
Between Murchison Falls in the north and Queen Elizabeth National Park in the south, so most Uganda safaris pass through.
Finding your pace
How long to stay.
1–2 nights
Enough for chimpanzee tracking and the Bigodi wetland.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Kibale.
Lodges and camps for this destination are agreed with you after you enquire, based on your dates, budget and preferences.
Trip ideas
Shortest trip
5 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Wildlife SafariEntebbe / Kampala → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Ishasha → Bwindi → Entebbe / Kampala
The long way
15 Days Best of Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife SafariEntebbe → Ziwa → Murchison Falls → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Ishasha → Bwindi → Lake Bunyonyi → Lake Mburo → Entebbe
6 safaris
Safaris that include Kibale.
Gorillas & primates12 days · Uganda · Private or group
12 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps & Big Five Adventure
Uganda in depth, ending at Lake Mburo
Primate safari · Mid-range
Twelve days covering rhinos at Ziwa, two nights at Murchison Falls, Kibale's chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth, a gorilla trek in Bwindi and a final night at Lake Mburo.
Price on request
- Gorillas & primates
5 days · Uganda · Private or group
5 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Wildlife Safari
Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi
Primate safari · Mid-range
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park and a gorilla trek in Bwindi, in five days.
Price on request
Gorillas & primates7 days · Uganda · Private or group
7 Days Uganda Wildlife, Gorillas & Chimpanzees Safari
Primates and savannah at a gentler pace
Primate safari · Mid-range
A week covering Kibale's chimpanzees and Bigodi wetland, two nights in Queen Elizabeth National Park and a gorilla trek in Bwindi.
Price on request
Gorillas & primates8 days · Uganda · Private or group
8 Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Big Five Safari
Murchison Falls to Bwindi, in comfort
Primate safari · Luxury
A luxury Uganda circuit: rhino tracking at Ziwa, Murchison Falls, chimpanzees in Kibale, Queen Elizabeth National Park and a gorilla trek in Bwindi.
Price on request
- Gorillas & primates
10 days · Uganda · Private or group
10 Days Uganda Primates & Big Five Safari
The full Uganda circuit, overland
Primate safari · Mid-range
Ten days overland: Ziwa's rhinos, Murchison Falls, Kibale's chimpanzees, two nights in Queen Elizabeth National Park and a gorilla trek in Bwindi.
Price on request
Gorillas & primates15 days · Uganda · Private or group
15 Days Best of Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
Two weeks from the Nile to Lake Bunyonyi
Primate safari · Mid-range
Our longest Uganda safari: Ziwa, Murchison Falls, Kibale, three nights around Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, two restful nights at Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo.
Price on request
Beyond Kibale
Where to next?
Ways to travel
Before you go
Practical notes.
Permits
Chimpanzee tracking needs a permit and has a minimum age.
What to bring
Long trousers, sturdy shoes and insect repellent.
Common questions
Kibale, explained.
Will I see chimpanzees in Kibale?
Encounters are likely on most days, but chimpanzees move quickly and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Can I combine Kibale with gorilla trekking?
Yes. Kibale sits on the route between Murchison Falls and Bwindi, and most of our Uganda safaris include both.
Is there a minimum age for chimpanzee tracking?
Yes, a minimum age applies. Ask us for the current rule before booking, especially if you are travelling with children.
How long does chimpanzee tracking take?
Usually a few hours in the morning, depending on how far the community has moved. Time with the chimpanzees is limited once you find them.
Where do Kibale safaris stay?
Our Uganda safaris use lodges near the park; the property is agreed with you after you enquire.
A little more clarity
Plan with confidence.
Your Kibale journey
Ready to see Kibale for yourself?
Explore safaris that include Kibale, or tell us how you would like to travel.