Overview

Size: 795km²

Kibale is highest at the park’s northern tip, which stands 1,590m above sea level. The lowest point is 1,100m on the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley to the south.

351 tree species have been recorded in the park, some rise to over 55m and are over 200 years old.

Kibale National Park contains one of the loveliest and most varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. Forest cover, interspersed with patches of grassland and swamp, dominates the northern and central parts of the park on an elevated plateau. Over 350 tree species which include endangered timber species like; Lovoa swynnertonnii, Cordia millenii, and Entandrophragma angolense have been recorded in the park.

Habitation

Kibale National Forest has the highest diversity and concentration of primates in Africa. The most famous of its 13 species is the chimpanzee, believed to be man’s closest relative. Kibale’s 1450 chimpanzees represent Uganda’s largest population of this endangered primate. The forest is also home to East Africa’s largest population of the threatened red colobus and the rare I’Hoest’s monkey. Other primates include the black-and-white colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, olive baboon, bush baby and potto.

Bird life in the park is so abundant, boasting over 375 sited species of birds. Among the endangered bird species in the park are western green tinker bird, olive long-tailed cuckoo, two species of pittas (African and green-breasted) and the African grey parrot, necessary to note that the ground thrush (Turdus kibalensis) is endemic to Kibale National Park.

Among the notable mammals found in Kibale National Park are the elephants which roam between Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Park, red and blue duikers, bushbucks, sitatungas, bushpigs, giant forest hogs, warthogs, and buffalo. The carnivores that are present include leopards, african golden cats, servals, different mongooses and two species of otter. In addition, lions visit the park on occasion.