Kibale National Park which is covered by an extensive block of rich, green rainforests is, more than anything, famous for its primates especially the Chimpanzee. This forest has one of the largest numbers of primate species in the whole of Africa adding up to a total of 13 species. Examples include the endangered Chimpanzee and the threatened and shy Red Colobus Monkey. Apart from the primates, this park shelters a remarkable 325 bird species which include the rare Forest and Red-winged Francolins, Green-breasted and African Pittas among others. Like in most rainforests, the bigger mammals are harder to spot understandably because of the extensive dense forests with thick undergrowth. As a result, it will be harder for you to see the Forest Elephant, Buffalo , Bush Pigs and Duikers along the numerous tracks that traverse the forests.

More than 1450 Chimpanzees are found in the park making it the highest population in Uganda. Accurately described as man's closest relative, these Chimps are currently being habituated so as to givie you an excellent chance to see them in the wild. At Kanyanchu, a community of Chimps has been habituated since 1991 and you can follow them in their daily routines. They de-nest between 5:30 am and 6:30 am so to keep up with them you have to rise up early and they make their nests to go to sleep between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Other primates found in this national park include the Black and White Colobus, the rare Red Colobus, the shy L'hoests Monkey, Blue Monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabay, Red-tailed Monkey, Bush Babies, Pottos and Olive Baboons.

Other animals that make up the 60 species and inhabit the forest interior and thus are rarely seen include Lions, Leopards, Serval cats, Golden cat, Hippos, Warthogs, Giant Hogs, Banded and Marsh Mongooses, Swamp Otters, Honey Badgers, African palm Civet, Bushbucks, Harvey's and Peter's Duikers among many more. The more Perceptive visitor will definitely see some of the reptiles and amphibians as well as a wide range of multi-colored butterflies.

Blessed with more than 325 bird species, this rainforest is a must for any birder. From the quiet, wide road that crosses the rain forests to the board walk in the magombe swamp.The Forest walk/drive uncovers birds like the Scaly Francolin, Grey-headed Olive-back, Black-bellied Seed Cracker, Fawn-breasted Waxbill, White naped Pigeons, Pied Hornbill, Joyful Greenbul, black capped Apalis, dusky and olive long-tailed Cuckoos, black Bee-eater, grey-throated Flycatcher, thick-billed and cassin's Honey Guides and flocks of noisy African grey Parrots among so many more while papyrus endemics can be seen from the board walk at the magombe swamp.

Like most rainforests, Kibale has this enchanting almost mythical beauty about it. The forest has a diverse range of habitats like tropical rain forests, riverine forests, swamp and grasslands and these draw magnificent scenery contrasts. The fog draped forests with tall trees and climbing plants coupled with the thick underbrush make for truly awesome scenes that leave you short of breath. Kibale National park is found in South Western Uganda just North of Queen Elizabeth National park and can be accessed by road. The route to Fort Portal is via Mubende and takes 2 to 3 hours over a distance of 300 kms and an additional 12 kms to the Sebitoli forest centre.

The Kanyanchu river camp offers four ordinary bandas and an elevated, self contained and catering banda with kitchen. It also offers two general campsites. A wide range of accommodation can be found including up market accommodation can be found at fort portal which is the nearest major town.