Kibale Forest National Park
When a chimp whoops, you don’t really hear it. You feel it, somewhere deep within you. Some old part of you. Suddenly, you are no longer a detached observer; you are part of the …
High up in the canopy, the grey-cheeked mangabey jump from branch to branch, nimbly avoiding the woven grass nests of the blue turaco. Visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Don't miss your chance to see some incredibly rare wildlife and support community tourism within Uganda.
Situated in the 4-sq-km Magombe Swamp on the fringes of the Kibale Forest, the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is an excellent birding and primate habitat.
It is located 6 km south of Kayanchu, the main centre of Kibale Forest.
Make your way through the swamp on raised wooden walkways, and observe some rare and colourful birds, colobus monkeys, and other small mammals like otters that live in the swamp.
The rare sitatunga and chimpanzees are also known to visit the swamps marshy shores to forage. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse, so keep your binoculars handy.
The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a fantastic example of community tourism. Money from the sanctuary flows back into the local area to build schools, support women's groups, and improve water and waste management access.
A visit to the Bigodi swamp is usually a three-hour activity and pairs well with chimp trekking, as they can both be done as half-day activities.
A guided nature walk through the sanctuary takes approximately three hours and departs in the morning and afternoon. If you are a keen birder, the earlier slot is recommended.
While there won't be huge numbers of wildlife along the trail, take comfort in the fact that the animals you do see are quite rare, and a chance to see them again in Uganda will be few and far between.
For bird lovers, highlights include papyrus gonolek, grey-throated, yellow-billed, yellow-spotted and double-toothed barbets, speckled, yellow-rumped and yellow-throated tinker barbets, yellow-bill, and black-and-white casqued hornbill.
Situated next to the sanctuary, Kibale Forest Camp is a perfect mid-range and budget accommodation choice.
They have seven budget tents on offer, sharing a communal shower and toilet block. The tents are comfortable and include mosquito nets and charging points for your electronics.
Staying in one of ten traditional en-suite safari tents with hardwood floors, twin or double beds, and a shaded private veranda, offers a more luxurious experience.
Beautiful golden-hued interiors.
From Kampala to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary it is 330 km and a 5-hour drive.
However, it is under an hour's drive from Fort Portal, so the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a convenient stop if you are visiting the Kibale Forest or if you are on your travels further south to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Chimps share the forest with other primate species.
When a chimp whoops, you don’t really hear it. You feel it, somewhere deep within you. Some old part of you. Suddenly, you are no longer a detached observer; you are part of the …
Uganda is one of the world's best primate destinations - and there are over 5,000 chimpanzees in the country. Kibale Forest National Park in the southwest of Uganda, is home to …
For those who want more than a brief encounter with the chimpanzees of Uganda, you can join the habituation team and head out into the Kibale Forest in search for groups of chimps …
Kibale has a good selection of properties. Thanks to good quality roads, the forest is accessible from properties in the Toro Crater Lakes area and Fort Portal, as well as those …
Situated at the base of the Rwenzori mountains, Fort Portal, a vibrant and welcoming city is the gateway to your Ugandan adventures. Hike to the Amabere Caves, track chimps in …
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
Combine chimp trekking in Kibale Forest with mountain gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A well-paced highlights tour unlocking some of Uganda's most impressive experiences. Consider breaking up the journey from Kibale to Bwindi with a classic safari at…
Mt. Stanley's Margherita Peak, at 5,109 metres, is the highest point in Uganda and the third-highest point in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. This 10-day trip includes 8 days on the mountain, summiting Margherita Peak on day 6.…
Combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with beautiful lakeside retreats at Lake Mutanda. Tough treks and primate encounters paired with idyllic, calming lakes and oases make for an unforgettable experience in this remote pocket of Uganda.…
The forested slopes, clouded valleys, and snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains call out for exploration. Combine this perfect introductory trek with other destinations in the southwest to create a magical Ugandan…
Light adventuring and charming safaris in Lake Mburo National Park coupled with lakeside retreats and days of reflection and exploration around Lake Mutanda. Close out the trip with a few days canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and more in Jinja, Uganda's…
Board a Cessna light aircraft and head into the southwestern pocket of Uganda. Trek through the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of the mountain gorillas. Retreat to luxury lodges for sundowners and delicious food. Hard days, soft…
Beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a undercurrent of the wild vastness of central Africa that lies just beyond the borders, the north of Uganda beckons adventurers who dream of exploring the frontiers. It's proper adventuring, but luxury lodges mean you…
Spend 4 hours in the company of a gorilla family by joining the habituation trek. Combined with a luxury safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park, this trip offers truly once-in-a-lifetime wildlife…
Discover the exceptional bio-diversity of Uganda by combining the beautiful savannah grasslands of Murchison Falls National Park with chimpanzee trekking in the forests of Kibale National Park. Connect the dots with epic road trips looping through northwestern Uganda.…
Combine safaris in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park with a 4 day gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Top and tail with overnights in the bustling capital of Kampala.…
Trek the Rwenzori Mountains where forests morph into ice-clad mountain peaks, cut through jungle thickets to hang out with mountain gorillas, and finish your trip relaxing lakeside amongst the staggering beauty of Lake Mutanda. This is Uganda.…
The quintessence of Ugandan exploration. Start your adventure in the wild Kidepo Valley in the northern tip of Uganda before weaving down to meet the gorillas in southwestern jungles. Epic landscapes, incredible safaris, and luxury lodges; this is a proper…
Open top road trips looping through Uganda's epic southwestern pocket; this is the safari adventure of your imagination. Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, go in search of gorillas in Bwindi, cruise the savannah plains of Queens, and look out for…
The full western circuit complete with luxury lodges, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, and the best safaris Uganda has to offer. Close out your adventure with kayaking and canoeing on the rapids of the river Nile.…
Two visits to the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, moving through the forest along the most awesome trekking routes, and staying the night at the best lodges and exclusive camps in the park. This is Uganda gorilla trekking at…
Travel to the farthest corners of Uganda where towering volcanoes mark the border between the thick jungles of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the untamed vastness of central Africa. After trekking the gorillas in Mgahinga, head inland for a couple…
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
+1 315 636-4279This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Privacy policy