When to go on safari to Kibale Forest

elevated rainfall can hinder chimpanzee tracking

The Mar-Apr season is a period when the Kibale Forest area usually experiences slightly higher than usual rainfall, although showers tend to be lighter and more fleeting than those later in the year. The difference is probably not enough to significantly affect trip planning.

Visitor traffic tends to be relatively light at this time, although can peak over Easter.

If you are looking to combine with Murchison Falls, then this period can be less than ideal up there.

the best time of year for chimpanzee tracking

The May-Sep dry season is a period when the Kibale Forest area usually experiences slightly less rainfall than usual, making for easier and more pleasant chimp tracking conditions.

Temperatures can get relatively cold at night, dropping to around 7C or 45F, especially in June and July. Early morning activities can therefore be quite chilly so travellers should bring appropriate clothing.

Visitor traffic tends to be relatively high at this time, typically peaking around August, so it’s best to book well in advance in order to ensure rooms at the best lodges.

It is important to note that if you are planning to combine with Kidepo Valley in the far north of the country, this is the worst time of year up there. It is also not the best time for Murchison Falls, especially into September.

a more challenging time with higher rainfall

The Oct-Nov season is a period when the Kibale Forest area usually experiences slightly higher than usual rainfall, potentially with torrential downpours and (even worse) long periods of drizzle.

Whether or not these conditions are sufficiently adverse to seriously affect trip planning is questionable, after all you are likely to experience some rain around here year round. Often it’s the more dramatic seasonal variations in the safari areas that you may also be visiting that will prove the more decisive factor.

Visitor traffic tends to be very light at this time, although earlier in October may still be a little more busy due to visitors coming in from Serengeti (where there are migration events taking place).

If you are looking to combine with Murchison Falls, then this period can be far from ideal up there.

a slightly better time for chimpanzee tracking

The Dec-Feb dry season is a period when the Kibale Forest area usually experiences slightly less rainfall than usual, making for easier and more pleasant chimp tracking conditions.

Visitor traffic tends to be very light at this time, although peaks sharply during the two weeks of the Dec-Jan holiday season. February may also be a little more busy due to visitors coming in from Serengeti (where there are migration events taking place).

It is important to note that if you are planning to combine with Murchison Falls and/or Kidepo Valley further north, this is the best time of year up there.