The chimpanzee community that trackers visit in Kibale is the most well-adjusted in Uganda, making it a great spot for sightings. The park is home to a wide variety of primates—13 species in total, which is among the highest in Africa. You can often see black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and blue monkeys. There are also a few nocturnal species, like the potto and the eastern needle-clawed bush baby.

Kibale is a great place for bird watchers, with over 370 species spotted, including some rare ones like the African pitta. There are four bird species here that you won't find in any other national park in Uganda: Cassin’s spinetail, blue-headed bee-eater, Nahan’s francolin, and Masked apalis. The best place to watch birds is the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where local guides can take you on a four-hour walk. You can also see migratory birds from November to April.

Best Time to Visit

The dry months of December to February and June to July are ideal for chimpanzee trekking. But you can still visit during the wetter months (March to May and August to November) when prices are lower, and there are fewer tourists. The skies in East Africa are also clearer outside of the dry seasons.