Eco-lodge · Fort Portal
Chimpundu Lodge
On the Kamwenge road from Fort Portal, the route to Kanyanchu
UTB licensed
- Swimming pool
- Spa or massage
- Restaurant
Ask the property for rates
National park
Kibale National Park
East Africa's primate capital: 13 species and about 1,500 chimpanzees.
- Western Uganda
- Best: Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb
- Entry from US$40
Overview
- Area
- 795 km²
- Primate species
- 13
- Chimpanzees
- About 1,500
- Bird species
- About 370
- Chimp tracking since
- 1993
- Visitor centre
- Kanyanchu
Kibale is a moist evergreen forest near Fort Portal known for the highest diversity of primates in East Africa. Thirteen species live here, including red colobus, black-and-white colobus, L'Hoest's monkey and grey-cheeked mangabey.
The park supports one of Uganda's largest chimpanzee populations, estimated at more than 1,500 in at least 12 communities. The Kanyanchu community has been habituated and visited daily since 1993, and sighting success is above 90%.
Kibale also holds forest elephants, more than 120 other mammals and about 370 bird species. It sits at the heart of the Fort Portal crater-lake region.
- Chimpanzee tracking
Walks start at 8:00, 11:00 and 14:00 from Kanyanchu, with one hour once the chimps are found.
- Chimpanzee habituation
A full day following a community still getting used to people.
- Crater lakes
Combine the forest with the volcanic crater lakes around Fort Portal.
Things to do
- Chimpanzee trackingFrom US$250
Includes park entry.
- Chimpanzee habituation (full day)From US$300
Includes park entry.
- Birding and nature walksFrom US$40
Forest trails.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Tracking runs all year. The forest floor is driest from June to September and December to February.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Good
- Nov: Wetter
- Dec: Best
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA Conservation Tariff, July 2024 – June 2026). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hoursChildren 5–15: US$20 / US$10 / US$5 / UGX 5,000. Under 5s enter free. | US$40 | US$30 | US$25 | UGX 20,000 |
| Chimpanzee trackingper person, includes entryLow season (April, May, November): US$200 / US$150. From 1 January 2027: US$300 / US$200 / US$100 (Rest of Africa) / UGX 180,000. | US$250 | US$200 | — | UGX 180,000 |
| Chimpanzee habituation (full day)per person, includes entryFrom 1 January 2027: US$400 / US$300 / US$250 / UGX 250,000. | US$300 | US$250 | — | UGX 250,000 |
| Birding and nature walksper person | US$40 | US$30 | — | UGX 30,000 |
- Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$40
- Foreign resident
- US$30
- Rest of Africa
- US$25
- East African citizen
- UGX 20,000
Children 5–15: US$20 / US$10 / US$5 / UGX 5,000. Under 5s enter free.
- Chimpanzee trackingper person, includes entry
- Foreign non-resident
- US$250
- Foreign resident
- US$200
- East African citizen
- UGX 180,000
Low season (April, May, November): US$200 / US$150. From 1 January 2027: US$300 / US$200 / US$100 (Rest of Africa) / UGX 180,000.
- Chimpanzee habituation (full day)per person, includes entry
- Foreign non-resident
- US$300
- Foreign resident
- US$250
- East African citizen
- UGX 250,000
From 1 January 2027: US$400 / US$300 / US$250 / UGX 250,000.
- Birding and nature walksper person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$40
- Foreign resident
- US$30
- East African citizen
- UGX 30,000
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits for foreign non-residents and Rest-of-Africa visitors are booked through licensed tour operators.
Getting there
- By roadFrom KampalaAbout 6 hours
About 326 km on tarmac via Fort Portal, then about an hour to Kanyanchu.
- By airFrom Entebbe or KajjansiAbout 1 hour, then 2 hours by road
Flights to Kasese airstrip, or charters to Fort Portal.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
UTB licensed
Where to stay near Kibale National Park
Photos
Know before you go
- Tracking groups are small and fill up; book ahead.
- Check the minimum age with your operator: UWA's tariff card gives 12 years, and the Kibale park page gives 16.
- Wear long trousers and closed shoes; red ants are common on forest trails.
Frequently asked questions
How likely am I to see chimpanzees?
UWA reports a sighting success rate of over 90% for the habituated Kanyanchu community.
Is it better to track or do the habituation experience?
Tracking gives you one hour with the chimps. The habituation experience spends most of a day following a community that is still being habituated.
What else is near Kibale?
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a community-run swamp walk, the Fort Portal crater lakes, and Queen Elizabeth NP about two hours south.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
- Uganda Wildlife Authority park page
- UWA Conservation Tariff 2024–2026
- UWA tariff changes, 26 February 2026
Combine your trip
Places to pair with Kibale National Park
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