Kibale National Park – Uganda

Kibale National Park – Uganda

Home of Endangered Chimpanzees
Kibale forest is known as a home for 13 species of primates including 1400+ chimpanzees. The park contains on e of the loveliest  and most varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. The park was gazetted in 1932 and formally established in 1993 to protect a large area of forest. The park is 766km2 in size and is located between 1,100m to 1,600m in elevation.

The tribes that inhabit the area around the park are two major one : Bakiga and Batooro and they always carry out farming on the soils of the since the soil is said to be fertile, and these same people use the park for food, firewood, revenue collected from tourism with the help of Uganda wildlife Authority and this has led to the developing of the area and of course increase in number of people living around the park.
Kibale National Park is located in southern Uganda and in the south the park  adjoins Queen Elizabeth National park forming a 180km wildlife corridor which extends from  the remote Isasha in south of Queen Elizabeth, up to the Sebitoli forest in the North.
Kibale national park has one of the highest diversity and concentration of primates in Africa an is a home of endangered chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys and many others.

Chimpanzee trekking is the main activity and most known done when you visit Kibale national park, but the forest has 70 species of mammals and 370+ species of birds, it  has primates like: Chimpanzees, Red tailed Monkeys, Blue monkeys, Gray – checked Mangabey Monkeys, Black and White colobus, L’Hoest Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Pottos and Bush babies.
Mammals found in Kibale forest include: Forest Buffaloes, Giant forest hog, Bush pigs, Golden cat, Leopard, Hippos, Warthogs, Bushbuck Antelopes, Semi -Aquatic Antelopes, Red and Blue Duikers, Sitatunga, Forest Elephants about 500and many more.

In Uganda Kibale forest is one of the best parks for birds with 370+ species and birders have to explore it and spot birds like; Black Bee eater, Blue-breasted King fisher, Green breasted pitta,  Afep Pigeon, Yellow- rumped tinkerbird, Brown chested Alethe, Red chested Owlet, Western Nicator, Yellow spotted Nicator, Red- faced woodland Warbler, Little Green Bul, Blue -headed Sunbird, Purple- breasted Sunbird, Black capped Apalis, Collared Apalis, Dusky crimson wing, African Pitta and may others.
Things to do and see in Kibale National park
Chimpanzee trekking
In Kibale forest there is an activity of spending the whole day with Chimps from early morning to  late afternoon which is called Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. And most visitors go to Kibale for chimp trekking which takes a round an hour.

Kibale forest Chimp Habituation Experience
This is an activity done fro early morning to Late afternoon.You will spend the all day with the chimps. You will not only see chimps but also other primates in the forest guides will always help yu in this activity so that you can explore the forest very well.
Bigodi wetland sanctuary
This is a guided walk where you will be able to see more chimpanzees after trekking, monkeys and is a place for bird lovers this walk takes 3 hours
Birding
This activity is done both in the forest and in the Bigodi Swamp where birds of various kind are found ,with the help of the guide bird lovers can really have a great amazing experience.
Nature walk and Hiking
This activity is done in Kibale forest where you will explore the forest, you will encounter grassland, swamps, Rivers, tropical rain forest. Hiking depends it can taken in and out side the park.
Nocturnal forest walk
This is always done at night and the and various primates can be encountered like Pottos, bushbabies, birds and many more ,this walk takes 1-2 hours.
Top of Crater lakes
This is always a guided walk where you will be able to see tea plantations, visit the village, visit crater lakes, view the Rwenzori mountains and others.
Amabere Ganyamwiri
This is the historical cave which is not too far away from Kibale forest  and with the help of the guide you will get relevant information about the amazing  beautiful caves and this can be done when you heading to the park or on your way back to Kampala.
Visiting of the cultural site – Nakayima tree
This is a traditional worship place where people go to consult the spirits in various ways. With the help of the guide you will know more about it, this place has a great view since it is on the top of the hill.
Where in Kibale National park
There are various places to stay in Kibale  depending on your choice and budget.
Luxury Lodging Kyaninga loge and Ndali lodge
Mid Range Kibale forest camp
Budget  Chimpanzee guest house  and you can chose any of the lodges in Fort portal town.