How to get to Kibale Forest National Park?

Kibale Forest National Park is one of Uganda’s most treasured tourist destinations, mostly known for its incredible chimpanzee tracking and lush tropical forest. It is located in western Uganda, and the nearest town is Fort Portal. This park covers over 776 square kilometers and a home to 13 primates, over 370 bird species, and diverse plant life.

It is normally known as the primate capital of the world, and for good reason, chimpanzee tracking in this park is among the rewarding wildlife experiences in Africa. Other experiences are nature walks, night walks, bird watching, and community walking experiences. Before enjoying all that Kibale has to offer, one important question arises and that is, how to get to Kibale Forest National Park?

The park lies in the western part of the country, about 326 kilometers from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. The main tracking point is the Kanyanchu visitor gate located along the Mbarara-Kamwenge-Fort portal road. The majority of the travelers reach Kibale Forest National Park by road, and the journey is scenic. It offers a glimpse into Uganda’s countryside, rolling hills, crater lakes, vibrant local communities, and tea plantations.

Getting to Kibale Forest National Park by road

One of the most common routes used is Kampala-Mubende-Fort Portal road since it’s shorter and well-maintained. This covers a distance of about 326 kilometers, taking about 5 to 6 hours’ drive with clear views of the Rwenzori mountain ranges. While using this route, lunch can be in Fort Portal.

The second route can be Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kamwenge road, with a distance of about 420 kilometers, taking about 6 to 7 hours’ drive. This route is also scenic, with unique stopovers such as one at the point where the equator crosses Uganda. While using this route, lunch break can be in Mbarara city.

You can also begin your journey from Kigali, Rwanda, to Kibale Forest National Park with a stopover at Lake Bunyonyi after crossing the Katuna border. This route covers 460 kilometers, lasting for about 9-10 hours. Have great views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, tea plantations, and a stopover in Mbarara town for lunch, and also visit the Igongo cultural museum.

Getting to Kibale Forest National Park by Air

For tourists who prefer a faster option is by choosing air transport. Flying is the most convenient way to reach the park by using Aerolink as Uganda’s domestic carrier. Aerolink Uganda operates chartered flights and scheduled flights from Kajjansi/Entebbe International Airport to airstrips near Kibale Forest National Park. A domestic flight from Entebbe to Kasese airstrip lasts for about one and a half hours, and then a short drive to Kibale, lasting for 2 hours.

Another flight can be from Entebbe to Mbarara City at Nyakisharara airstrip lasting for 1 hour and 15minutes, a drive follows from Mbarara to Kibale lasting for 3 to 4 hours. The last option can be a flight from Entebbe to Semliki airstrip, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes, and a drive to Kibale National Park, lasting for about 1-2 hours.

You need to book your transport in advance, and we advise combining the Kibale Forest National Park safari with any other tourist destination, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, or even Lake Mburo National Park, to maximize your safari.

Therefore, getting to Kibale National Park is part of the adventure itself. Whether you choose a scenic drive with tea plantations, crater lakes, and the Rwenzori mountain ranges or opt for a quick flight with breathtaking aerial views, the journey sets the stage for an unforgettable experience.

With Standard Safaris, don’t get worried since we plan and make your Uganda safari memorable, all the way from accommodation, transport, meals, and all activities of your choice. Contact us today, and we will create memories together.

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.

I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.

If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.

The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.

The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.

The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.

I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.

Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.
The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.
Game drive security is assured.
Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.
Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.
The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.
It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.
I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.
My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.
I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.

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