Kibale Forest National Park is one of the best safari destination in Africa and major tropical rainforest in East Africa. It is one of the diverse parks and mostly known for chimpanzee tracking. It is located in southern Uganda, a protecting evergreen rain forest. It was gazatted in 1932 and established in 1993 to protect a large area of forest previously managed as a logged forest reserve. Kibale forest is an eco- tourism and safari destination for habituated chimpanzees and other primate species. It is a 1km hike and usually done in dry seasons.
The wettest area is Northern Kibale receiving an average annual rainfall of equal to 1700mm mainly during March- May, and September- November. The climate is usually pleasant with an average annual temperature range of 14 to 27c. The southern part of Kibale Forest boarders Queen Elizabeth National Park and collectively these preserved areas maintain a 180 km long migration corridor for wildlife that moves from the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Ishasha to the north of Kibale. The Kibale – Fort portal region is one of Uganda’s most pleasing places to explore. The park is located close to the calm Ndali kasenda creter area and which takes a half day’s drive to Queen Elizabeth, Rwenzori Mountains and semuliki National Parks.
Flora and fauna within the park
Kibale National Park has different varieties of habitats ranging from moist evergreen forest along the Fort portal plateau, through the dry Tropical forest and to the woodland and savanna along the Rift valley floor. In the central part of the park, around Kanyachu, the high forest consist of a mixture of ever green species being dominant. Vegetation rise to over 55m and establish a semi closed canopy of massive stratified tree crowns. With shade tolerant herbs, a variety of ferns, shrubs and broad leaved forest grasses.
Attractions
Chimpanzee is the most well-known species in Kibale Forest National Park in the whole of Africa. Kibale is a home to the uncommon I’Hoest monkeys as well as East Africa’s biggest population of the endangered Red colobus monkey. Other primates are, the black and white colobus, red tailed monkey, blue monkey, olive baboon, bush baby and potto.
Other mammals found in the forest are buffalos, leopards, bush pig elephants. There are also Amphibians and Reptiles including a variety of colourful butterflies.
Visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary a top birders spot, its famous for wildlife such as chimpanzees, red colobus, black and white, bush buck as well as mongoose. In otherwards it is rich in biodiversity and beautiful scenery. It has about 138 bird species on nature walks within. It is located outside the park in Magombe Swamp.
The park is a habitat to a variety of bird species that is dusky crimsonwing, black-capped apalis, blue- headed sunbird and collared warbler. Other Kibale species are the green breasted pitta, African pitta, the crowned eagle, yellow rumped tinker bird and 6 species of birds are endemic to the Albertine Rift region.
Activities
- A number of visitors go to Kibale forest for Chimpanzee tracking. The most favorite of kibale’s walks embarks from the Kanyunchu visitor center at 8:00am and 3.00pm and last for 3 hours with a great expectation of finding the chimps. While on your track, the ranger will have to explain to you more about the animals and plants you will find
- Chimpanzee habituation is carried out in the park whereby visitors stay with a particular Chimpanzee group from very early in the morning to late evening in the forest with the guide. You will witness them feeding, playing while getting first-hand information from guides. This means you will be able to see other primates, birds, butterflies, and mammals. Before the activity, you need to book for a special permit to be obtained for you from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
- A local guide on a walk through the Magombe swamp wetland to enjoy the local wildlife, bird and vegetation. The daily life of Batooro can be discovered during village walks including stop overs at the villages’ primary schools church and traditional healers. Nature walks and hikes near and around Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda.
- Apart from chimpanzee tracking, Kibale Forest offers hiking, biking, exploring crater lakes, visiting the green tea plantations that surrounds the forest, visiting the caves (Amabere ga Nyinamwiru).
- Local people demonstrate the best of their local cultures through a lively long hour performance. Among the Bakiga, men and women dance by stamping the ground barefooted.
- Different people have different tastes and preferences, they have choices of lodging that is from luxury to budget while in Kibale Forest. Under budget range there is Chimpanzee guest house, Mid-range Kibale Forest Camp, and Primate Lodge then Luxury Kyaninga lodge and Ndali lodge.
Accommodation
1. Primate Lodge Kibale – located in the middle of the forest at where the chimp tracking commences from, it has charming restaurant, bar and fire place for pleasant evenings. Preparations for modern bandas, luxury tents and a comfortable Sky Tree House are underway.
2. Kanyanchu River Camp- excellent accommodation for visitors who stay in the Sky Tree House overlooking the spectacular elephant wallow. The Sky Tree House accommodates 2 people only.
3. Sebitoli Forest Centre – this one has a capacity of 11 beds (2 doubles, 3 singles and 2 twins).
4. Mantana Luxury Tented Camp – in the middle of the forest, it’s a bush type comfortable accommodation.
5. Ndali Lodge a luxury accommodation with thatched cottages overlooking a crater lake.
6. Budget lodges at Bigodi, the crater lakes; an observation tower and a boardwalk that traverses the papyrus beds. The path and boardwalk may be flooded and muddy after heavy rain and gumboots are recommended. They can be hired at the visitor centre. The walk is about 4 km in length, taking 3-4 hours at birding pace. With all proceeds from eco-tourism going back into the community, this is a conservation project well worth supporting.
Getting There
Drive from Kampala to Fort Portal (320kms) then take a road to Kamwenge that commences from near the bridge over the Mpanga River in Fort Portal and is well signposted. Drive turning to left at the junction 12 km from Fort Portal and read the signpost for another 24 km drive to Kanyanchu Tourist Centre.
KIBALE FOREST REGULATIONS
1. Please note that this is not a Zoo so it is a tropical rainforest and sightings depend on factors such as time of the day fruit availability, weather and how quite the primate group is.
2. The maximum number of people in a group is 4 visitors per guided walk
3. The maximum time allowed with the chimps is one hour; however, the time might be shortened under the guide’s discretion to eliminate stressful situations for the chimps
4. When trekking, you are advised to remain in a tight group and follow the guides directions at all times.
5. Please remain at a distance of 8 meters from the chimps or the distance that your guide recommends
6. Under no circumstance shall you chase while they descend or to or walk on higher ground.
7. You are advised not to enter the forest if you are sick as this can put the animals at serious risk
8. Please refrain from eating near the chimps and other primates
9. Please do not shout in the forest
10. It’s advisable to wear long boots that cover your toes and long trousers as there are red ants and slippery trails, also carry along water proof clothing in the rainy season.
11. Children under 15 years are not allowed to view the chimps for safety reasons.
12. If you need to urinate please do so off the trail system.
13. If you need to defecate, please do so off the trail system and bury all in the hole all waste.