Kibale National Park, often called the primate capital of the world, is located in western Uganda, straddling the districts of Kabarole, Kamwenge, and Kyenjojo. It lies just east of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and directly south of Fort Portal City, a major gateway town for travelers heading to Uganda’s rich wildlife and safari destinations.
This lush tropical rainforest park covers an area of about 795 square kilometers and sits at an altitude ranging from 1,100 to 1,600 meters above sea level. Its diverse landscape includes moist evergreen forest, patches of grassland, swamps, and lowland tropical forest, making it one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa.
Access to Kibale National Park
Reaching Kibale is relatively easy, especially for travelers flying into Entebbe International Airport or coming from other major attractions like Queen Elizabeth National Park or Murchison Falls. The most popular route is by road from Kampala to Fort Portal, a scenic journey that takes about 5 to 6 hours. From Fort Portal, Kibale’s main visitor center at Kanyanchu is roughly 35 kilometers away — about a 45-minute drive on a well-maintained road.
Alternatively, those seeking faster access can book domestic chartered flights to Kasese or Semuliki Airstrip and connect to the park by road.
Nearby Towns and Landmarks
Kibale’s strategic location places it near several fascinating areas of western Uganda. It lies close to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a famous birding and community tourism site. It also borders the Ndali-Kasenda crater lakes, offering breathtaking views and nature walks. To the southwest, it connects seamlessly to Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it easy to combine chimpanzee trekking with traditional game drives.
Fort Portal, the nearest major town, is not just a transit hub — it is a tourism hotspot in its own right. Known for its mild climate and tea plantations, it provides a great base with plenty of accommodation options, restaurants, and logistical support for those heading to Kibale.
GPS Coordinates of Kibale National Park
If you’re navigating digitally or planning with GPS, Kibale National Park is centered around the coordinates 0.4842° N, 30.3844° E.
