Kampala to Fort Portal and Kibale
There is no airport at Kibale. Most visitors drive from Kampala or Entebbe to Fort Portal, then 35 km on to Kanyanchu, where chimpanzee trekking starts. A bus runs to Fort Portal, and small planes fly from Entebbe to Kasese. You can also book a ready-made trip, see Kibale tours from Kampala and Fort Portal.
Allow a full travel day, whichever option you use. The distances are rough orientation, and none of the times is a promise, since traffic, road works and rain change them.
Ways to get there compared
Pick by how much time you have and how many people travel.
| Option | Starts from | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Private car or driver | Kampala or Entebbe | Most flexible; about 290 km to Fort Portal, then 35 km to Kanyanchu |
| Scheduled bus | Kampala | Departures between 05:00 and 19:00; Fort Portal terminal on Kamuhigi Road |
| Flight to Kasese | Entebbe | Minimum 2 passengers; some flights do not run in March, April, May and November |
For most visitors with a trekking slot booked, a private car or driver is the simplest, because you control the start time. Take the bus if you travel alone and your timing is flexible. Choose the flight only if the time saved is worth the extra road transfer from Kasese, which is a separate town.
Our pick: pick-up at Entebbe airport
A three-day Kibale trip that starts at Entebbe airport, so you need no separate transfer to Fort Portal.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Kibale tours from Kampala and Fort Portal
Chimpanzee trekking trips with transport from Kampala, Entebbe and Fort Portal, with live prices and availability.
By road from Kampala
The usual route runs through Mubende to Fort Portal.
Kampala to Kibale
The route via Mubende to Fort Portal is about 290 km. From Fort Portal it is 35 km on to Kanyanchu, so Kampala to the trekking start is about 335 km. Plan at least 4 to 5 hours to Fort Portal and more for the full trip to Kanyanchu. Leave early.
Avoid driving at night outside Kampala. Government travel advice recommends against it.
By scheduled bus
A bus company runs from Kampala to Fort Portal, with Kampala departures between 05:00 and 19:00. The Fort Portal terminal is on Kamuhigi Road. Departure times depend on demand, weather and traffic, and the fare and journey time are best checked at the terminal.
By plane to Kasese
In 2026, flights run from Entebbe to Kasese, not to Kibale. A flight needs at least 2 passengers. Examples leave Entebbe at 07:00, 10:30 and 13:00 and reach Kasese at 08:15, 11:45 and 14:10, but the arrival time can mean a first stop, and routing varies. Some flights do not run in March, April, May and November, so check your month. From Kasese you still need a road transfer to Fort Portal. See Kasese for the town.
Taxi and transfer from Entebbe Airport (EBB)
Airport taxis wear a yellow band and marking. The usual transfer to Kampala is $40 or UGX 100,000 and takes about 40 minutes, faster on the expressway. Use that as a guide, not as an offer for your date, and agree the price before you leave.
The transfer from Entebbe to Fort Portal is a separate trip and is priced on its own. Ask for a quote for the full journey, or book a transfer as part of a tour.
Car rental and parking
Traffic keeps left. Check the rules before you drive.
Driving rules
Uganda drives on the left. Drivers from Germany need an international licence together with the national one, so check the rule for your country. Do not drive at night outside Kampala.
Park vehicle fees
Per 24 hours: a car registered in Uganda is UGX 20,000, a foreign-registered car is $40. A tour operator vehicle or 4x4 is UGX 30,000 if Ugandan-registered and $150 if foreign-registered. The fee follows the number plate, not the driver's nationality, and it is not a parking fee.
Rules in the park
Stay on the roads, keep to 40 km/h, and bring no pets. The park tariff also has a self-drive fee of $10 per vehicle, but that does not mean you can walk in the forest without a guide.
Entry and health
Short notes for 2026.
Tourist visa
A single-entry tourist visa costs $50 and is applied for online. It is valid for up to 3 months and needs a passport valid for at least 6 months. A bank fee may be added.
East Africa Tourist Visa
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100 and covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, with multiple entries within 90 days. It does not cover Tanzania.
Yellow fever and arrival form
The yellow fever vaccination is no longer required but is recommended. Onward countries may ask for proof. An online health declaration covering the last 21 days applies on arrival and departure at Entebbe.
Kampala to Kibale: frequently asked questions
How far is Kampala from Kibale?
About 290 km to Fort Portal via Mubende and about 335 km to Kanyanchu. Plan at least 4 to 5 hours to Fort Portal, and more for the rest.
Is there a bus from Kampala to Fort Portal?
Yes. Kampala departures run between 05:00 and 19:00, and the Fort Portal terminal is on Kamuhigi Road. Times depend on demand, weather and traffic.
Can I fly to Kibale?
No. Planes fly from Entebbe to Kasese, then you need a road transfer. A flight needs at least 2 passengers.
How much is a taxi from Entebbe Airport to Kampala?
The usual transfer is $40 or UGX 100,000 and takes about 40 minutes. Fort Portal is priced separately.
Do I need a visa for Uganda?
Most visitors do. A single-entry tourist visa costs $50, or you can get the East Africa Tourist Visa for $100 for Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda.