The Kibale Forest National Park lies 35km south of Fort Portal. This equatorial rainforest (lowland tropical rainforest, deciduous forest and montane forest) was recently established as a reserve and is home to the highest concentration of primates in the world. Twelve different species have been recorded. The main attraction is the 500 Chimpanzees, which have been habituated to human visitors since 1992. On a guided forest walk, you may encounter the chimps, feeding in and on a huge fig tree where they spend the day.
Compared to montane forests, the trees here grow much higher and reach incredible circumferences. Broad roots support the giants, small streams find their way through the dense undergrowth, and once in a while, the forest opens into swampy clearings, where buffalos and antelopes graze. With its varied flora providing a plentiful habitat to many species of butterflies and birds, including Hornbills and Turacos, it is a paradise for botanists and ornithologists alike. There are almost 335 identified bird species, including hoopoe, grey parrot, ant thrush, Negro finch and one particularly worth noting is the Kibale forest thrush, which is endemic to the Kibale forest. There are 144 species of butterfly in the park and a diverse population of moths.