The Kibale-Fort Portal area is one of Uganda’s most rewarding destinations to explore.

The park lies close to the tranquil Ndali-Kasenda crater area and within half a day’s drive of the Queen Elizabeth, World heritage site Rwenzori Mountains and Semuliki National Parks, as well as the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve. Kibale National park has over 351 tree species that’s been recorded some rising over 55meters and are over 200 years old. 375 species of birds, six of which are endemic to the region. Blue-headed Sunbird, black-capped Apalis, Collared Apalis, Dusky crimsoning, purple breasted sunbird, and the red-faced woodland warbler. 14 different species of snakes, 27 different species of frogs, and toads. 20 different species of reptiles and over 200 different species of Butterflies. 70 mammal species which includes Elephants and 13 different species of primate including the chimpanzee and the ground-dwelling L’Hoest’s monkey. Kibale varied altitude supports different types of habitat, ranging from the wet tropical forest on the fort portal plateau to woodland and savanna on the rift valley floor

Bird watching tours start at 7 am at Kanyanchu; you are advised to book in advance. Rare species include the Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, White-collared Olive back, and Papyrus Canary.

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, located just outside the park, is home to 138 bird species that may be seen during guided walks along the boardwalk trail and viewing platforms. These could include the White-spotted Flufftail, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Yellow-billed Barbet, Western Nicator, Grey-winged Robin-chat, White-tailed Ant-thrush, Brown-backed Scrub-robin, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Superb Sunbird, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Bocage’s Bush-shrike, Black Bishop, White-breasted Negrofinch and Black-crowned Waxbill among others.

Climate:

The climate in Kibale is moist and temperate. Temperatures stay almost the same year-round. Daytime temperatures are about 27°C/81°F, cooling off nightly to about 15°C/59°F.