KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Uganda · East Africa · World's Highest Primate Density
Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is one of Africa's most extraordinary wilderness areas covering 795 km² of moist evergreen forest in western Uganda. It holds the highest density of primates of any African forest, with 13 species including the famous habituated chimpanzee communities that have been studied by scientists since the 1970s. Located just 26 km from the Routes & Roots festival venue, a morning chimpanzee trek here is the perfect complement to your festival days. The park is also famous for its forest elephants, red colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and over 375 bird species.
What to do
Chimpanzee Trekking
The flagship experience spend 1 hour with a habituated chimp community in their natural forest habitat. Morning and afternoon departures. Groups of 6 max.
Chimp Habituation
Full-day experience following researchers as they work with less habituated chimp communities. Limited to 4 people per day the most intimate wildlife encounter in Uganda.
Nature Walk
3-hour guided walk through the forest spotting red colobus, black-and-white colobus, L'Hoest's, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Perfect for families, Groups & solo.
Birding Experience
375+ bird species including the African green broadbill, Nahan's francolin, and the stunning African pitta. Dawn walks are best bring binoculars.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Nature Walk
The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Nature Walk is a 4.5 km guided eco-tour near Kibale National Park, Uganda, offering visitors the chance to see over 200 bird species including the iconic Great Blue Turaco alongside primates, butterflies, and lush swamp vegetation. It’s one of Uganda’s top community-based tourism experiences, blending biodiversity with local conservation efforts.
Bigodi Cultural Village Walk
The Bigodi Cultural Village Walk is a community-led experience near Kibale National Park, Uganda, where visitors immerse themselves in traditional village life learning about local food preparation, crafts and cultural practices while supporting conservation and community development.
"An all around great experience. The trekking is easy, not too steep. The chimps are habituated but magnificent — they were on the ground doing a lot until they climbed the trees to eat. Impressive speed and agility."
"Chimpanzee trekking here was one of the best things we have ever done. We heard a chimpanzee within 15 minutes, and within an hour we were with them. We saw them eating, grooming, building nests — breathtaking!"
"Amazing experience. A chimp literally dropped out of a tree 2 metres next to my husband. Then we saw several males and females on the ground eating. You cannot describe this feeling — you have to experience it."
Book your chimp permit for the morning of 29 Oct (Day 1). Trek at 8am, be back by noon, and catch the Opening Ceremony at Lake Saaka that afternoon. Best of both worlds.
