Kibale Forest

Kibale Forest

Kibale is a lush tropical rainforest covering 800 km². It’s one of the best places in East Africa to see primates in the wild. 

The forest is home to 13 different primate species and a wide variety of birds. Most visitors come here for one reason: chimpanzee trekking. With a 95% success rate, your chances of seeing a chimp family are very high, making Kibale Uganda’s top destination for chimp trekking.

1. Things to do
2. Tips for your chimpanzee trekking day
3. To: Queen Elizabeth
4. To: Murchison Falls National Park
5. To: Entebbe

Kibale isn’t just about chimps. The area offers much more for nature lovers and active travellers.

• Go birdwatching
  Kibale is also known for its rich birdlife. Bring your binoculars and see what you can spot.
• Explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
  Take a guided walk through this community-run conservation area on the edge of the forest. It’s home to several primate species, 130 bird species and beautiful butterflies.
• Hike around crater lakes and tea fields
  Between Fort Portal and Kibale, you’ll find rolling hills, crater lakes, and tea plantations. Perfect for a scenic walk or jog.
• Join a bike or village tour
  Turaco Treetops offers mountain bike tours and local village visits – a great way to explore the area more actively.

Kibale Forest is Uganda’s top destination for chimpanzee trekking, offering a 95% chance of encountering a chimp family in the wild. Treks depart from the main visitors’ centre in Kibale Forest National Park every day:

• Morning trek: 7:45 AM
• Afternoon trek: 1:45 PM

What to wear

• Long-sleeved clothing
• Comfortable hiking shoes and high socks
• A lightweight rain jacket (weather can change fast)

What to bring

• Small daypack
• Drinking water and snacks
• Sunscreen
• Binoculars and a camera
• A face mask (required when you’re near the chimps)
• Insect repellent (can be used before the trek, not during)

Helpful tips

• Exchange contact details with your group. This way, you can share photos later and stay more present during the experience
• A tip for the rangers and porters is very welcome and appreciated

Approx. 3 hours | 153 km

You’ll pass through Fort Portal on your way from Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

If you have a morning chimp trek:

• Leave after lunch and drive directly to Queen Elizabeth
• Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive

If you have more time:

• Take a short walk around Fort Portal, especially on market days
• Visit the Dutchess Hotel to check out their artisanal cheeses made from their own dairy cows

Navigation tip

When using Google Maps, first plot Fort Portal, not your lodge in Queen Elizabeth. This helps avoid a rough shortcut that Google may suggest. It’s best to ignore this and stick to the main route.

Practical info

• Fuel and ATMs are available in Fort Portal
• There’s also a Shell station in Katunguru, just before entering the park

Approx. 9 hours | 415 km

Today is a full day on the road, so plan to leave early and right after breakfast.

Navigation tip
First, set your route to Fort Portal, not directly to your lodge. Google Maps may suggest a shorter but unreliable route, it’s best to ignore it.

Key stops

• Fort Portal: Petrol station + ATM
• Hoima: Lunch stop at Cultural Lodge
• Masindi: Final refuel before entering the park

Route options to Murchison River Lodge

Option 1: Shorter route (through the park)
Approx. 2 hours | 85 km

• Enter via Kichumbanyobo Gate
• Exit at Makubo Gate
• You’ll drive on well-maintained tarmac and gravel roads. Note: Most wildlife is in the northern section, so don’t expect much on this stretch

Option 2: A little longer, but scenic route along Lake Albert
Approx. 4.5 hours | 127 km

• Avoids park fees
• Offers stunning views over the Albertine Rift Valley
• Best avoided after heavy rains – roads can be rough

How to drive it:

• From Masindi, go in the direction of Biso by going straight for approximately 1.5 km
• At the fork, take a right at the Kinyara Sugar sign
• Follow the road through Kinyara town, Budongo Forest, and into Biso town
• Continue straight until you eventually drop down into the Albertine Rift Valley, which offers spectacular views of Butiaba town and Lake Albert (the road is steep, so drive carefully)
• At Buliisa, turn right at the Bugungu Gate sign
• After 10 km, reach Ngwedo town (landmark: phone mast)
• Turn left at the mast, follow signs to Murchison River Lodge

Staying at Fort Murchison (near Tangi Gate)
Approx. 3 hours | 114 km

Follow option 1 and:

• Enter via Kichumbanyobo Gate
• Cross the entire park while passing Paraa and crossing the Nile River bridge
• Enjoy game drives in the northern section

To summarise the travel time:

• Turaco Treetops → Fort Portal: 1 hr
• Fort Portal → Hoima: 4 hrs
• Hoima → Masindi: 1 hr
• Masindi → Murchison River Lodge: 2 – 4.5 hrs
• Masindi → Fort Murchison: 3 hrs

Approx. 7 hours | 355 km

Leaving Kibale Forest? Avoid the shortcut Google Maps may suggest; it can lead you off track. Instead, head to Fort Portal town first. From there, follow the main tarmac road through rolling tea and matoke plantations all the way to Entebbe. 

Nearing Kampala
As you approach the city, plot Busega Roundabout in Google Maps. At the roundabout, take the third exit to join the Entebbe Express Highway. This is Uganda’s only toll road, so don’t forget to bring 5,000 UGX for the toll.

Arrival in Entebbe
Once in Entebbe, the Roadtrip Uganda team will collect your vehicle from your lodge. Enjoy your final evening with warm weather and fresh memories from the road!

Extra time in Entebbe?
Check out the Entebbe section in these travel notes for last-minute ideas before you head to the airport.