How to get to Kibale forest national park | Kibale forest accessibility
To get to Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda, you have a few transportation options depending on your starting point and preferences. Here are the common ways to reach Kibale Forest National Park.
By Air
The closest international airport to Kibale Forest National Park is Entebbe International Airport (EBB) near the capital city of Kampala. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Kasese Airstrip, which is the nearest airstrip to the park. Several domestic airlines operate flights between Entebbe and Kasese. Once you arrive at Kasese Airstrip, you can arrange ground transportation to Kibale Forest National Park.
By Road
Most visitors choose to reach Kibale Forest National Park by road, either by self-driving or hiring a private vehicle with a driver. The park is approximately 320 kilometers (200 miles) west of Kampala, and the journey takes about 4-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route typically follows the Kampala-Fort Portal-Mubende-Kibale Forest route.
Public Transportation
Public buses and taxis (matatus) operate between Kampala and Fort Portal, the nearest major town to Kibale Forest National Park. From Fort Portal, you can hire a private vehicle or take a boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) or special hire taxi to reach the park entrance.
It is best to arrange your transportation ahead of time, taking into account aspects such as road conditions, journey duration, and personal preferences. Hiring a local driver or scheduling a guided tour with a trustworthy tour operator is suggested if you are unfamiliar with the roads or prefer a hassle-free ride.
Furthermore, permits for activities such as chimp trekking or habituation must be obtained in advance, since they are required to reach particular regions of Kibale Forest National Park.
To guarantee a smooth and safe journey to Kibale Forest National Park, always check the most recent travel information, road conditions, and any travel warnings before your trip.