Getting to the Park

Kibale Forest National Park is located in the western part of Uganda and can be accessed from Kampala or Entebbe following various routes and tips. The Park can be accessed by use of road and air and these are chosen according to the preferences of the travelers visiting Uganda to trek and encounter the rare species of chimpanzees in their natural forest vegetation habitat.

By Road

Kibale Forest National Park can be accessed by road as you follow on a distance of 300–370 kms wst of Kampala. The journey takes you a period of 5 to 7 hours using a private car, tour mini van as well as land cruisers. The main route to the Park is Kampala → Mityana → Mubende → Kyenjojo → Fort Portal then turn off towards the park about 26–36 kmssouth-east of Fort Portal). The Roads are usually paved (tarmac) until you reach Fort Portal then proceed to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for registration if you are trekking the chimpanzees the next Day.

Other than this route, travelers can take on other routes to the park and these include; the Southern route: Kampala → Lyantonde → Mbarara → Kamwenge, then north to Kibale. This is quite longer taking you 7 to 8 hours to accomplish visa Lake Mburo National Park.

A 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially in rainy season when roads to park lodges can get muddy.

By Public Transport

Buses/Coaches from Kampala → Fort Portal: Daily services run along the Mubende-Fort Portal corridor.

From Fort Portal bus park, you can take a taxi or boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) to Kibale’s lodges or entry points like Kanyanchu for a period of 30 to 45 minutes. On reaching the park headquarters, get briefed on conduct as well as register for trekking the chimpanzees the next day.

plic transport doesn’t go inside the park itself — you’ll need local hire for the last leg.

From Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kibale

Many travelers visit Kibale as part of a combined safari itinerary.

Distance: 120–150 km

Travel time: 2.5–4 hours

Common route: Queen Elizabeth (Mweya/Kasese) → Fort Portal → Kibale

Road conditions: Mixed tarmac and murram

This route is popular for travelers transitioning from savanna wildlife safaris to forest primate experiences.

By Air

Kibale Forest National Park can be accessed by use of Air as you get a domestic flight from the Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to the other Airstrips like Kasese or Nyakisharara where you leave from to the park to trek the chimpanzees. The charter flights you catch are offered by companies like Aerolink Uganda and Bar Aviation.