Home to one of Uganda’s most beautiful tropical forests, Kibale National Park is a haven for chimpanzees and other wildlife, which makes for a great safari tour. Witness firsthand the density and diversity of primates, including endangered species in their natural habitat. The northern section of the park experiences plenty of rainfall during the months of March to May and September to November, so be sure to take along a raincoat during those wet months. A simple bus ride from Kampala will get you to the park any day of the week.

This 795-sq-km national park just outside Fort Portal comprises dense tropical rainforests, within which dwell enormous numbers of primates. If you can’t afford the lavish cost of mountain-gorilla tracking, then visiting one of the five habituated troops of chimpanzees here is a very worthy substitute, not to mention a far less financially draining one. Also regularly seen here are the rare red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys.

While in the forest, you can expect to see at least two or three other types of primates, most probably grey-cheeked mangabey and red-tailed monkeys.

You will hear plenty of birdsong, but it’s challenging to see any birds in the heart of the forest. You’re better off looking for them in the rest camp and along the road. The guides are knowledgeable and will identify various medicinal plants, bird calls, and animal spoor.