Kibale National Park, one of Uganda’s most spectacular primate destinations with a high concentration of primate species, is best referred to as the “primate capital of the world.” This park, which spans 795 square kilometres in western Uganda, is large. In 1993, Kibale National Park was established to provide a haven for its endangered animals.
More than 13 primate species, including approximately 1500 chimpanzees, olive baboons, grey-cheeked blue monkeys, mangabeys, vervet monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and others, may be found in this forest park.
350 different bird species, including the African green-breasted pitta, bee-eaters, black-eared ground thrush, little greenbuls, yellow-ramped tinker bird, red-faced woodland warbler, and others, can be found in Kibale Forest National Park, in addition to a number of buffalo, forest elephants, bush pigs, and other animals.
It also takes pride in its gorgeous tropical rainforest, grasslands, wetlands, and other natural features. Kibale National Park is also home to 200 butterfly species, 27 kinds of frogs, over 14 snake species, and more.
Activities
Chimpanzees Trekking
A well-liked safari activity at Kibale National Park is chimpanzee tracking. This enables you to approach a group of accustomed chimpanzees. At the Kanyanchu tourist centre, chimpanzee treks usually begin with a lecture on the laws and guidelines that you must follow when chimpanzee tracking. A park ranger guide is paired with a maximum of six guests.
In Kibale Forest National Park, chimpanzee tracking permits cost $150 per person. Since chimpanzees are among the species that are most similar to humans, going on a walk to visit them lets you observe their activities and capture as many images as you want.
Chimpanzee Habituation
Kibale National Park provides you with a fantastic chance to participate in a chimpanzee habituation experience in addition to the customary chimpanzee treks (CHEXP). You accompany a semi-habituated troop of primates for the duration of the trip to help them get used to humans.
Nature Walks
A nature walk is an ideal approach to discovering the undiscovered wonders of Kibale National Park. This gives you the greatest views of virgin forests, grasslands, and other locations with a variety of primate species, including vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, baboons, pottos, bush babies, and others; bird species, tree species, and plant species.
Birding
The most important birding location in Uganda is Kibale Forest, a National Park. During a birding tour in this park, you can see a variety of bird species, such as the white-winged warbler, white-collared olive-backed flycatcher, black bee-eater, crowned eagle, papyrus canary, grey-throated flycatcher, western green ticker bird, white-bellied crested flycatcher, African grey parrot, and endemic ground thrush, papyrus gonoleks, yellow-spotted nicator.
You may also participate in programs for kids, nature hikes, and cultural interactions.
Accommodation in Kibale National Park
Kyaninga Lodge, Kibale Forest Camp, Kibale Guest Cottages, Primate Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, Kibale Safari Lodge, Chimps Nest, and more lodging alternatives are available for your overnight stay in Kibale Forest National Park.
Other hotel alternatives in the area include Nyinabulitwa Country Resort and Safari Camp, Rwenzori View Guesthouse, Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve and Community Camping, and many more.
Best time to visit
Any time of the year is suitable for visiting Kibale National Park. Most importantly, keep in mind that this park has two seasons, so consider when you want to come. They both have dry and wet seasons, with the dry season often starting between June and September and between December and February.
On the other side, the wet/rainy season officially begins in March and again in October and November.
Heavy rainfall is often a feature of the rainy or wet season, which is fantastic for bird viewing.
Getting to Kibale National Park
Road or plane travel is the main way to reach Kibale Forest National Park for a safari. You will travel by car for about 5 hours, starting from Kampala through the Mubende-Fort Portal route.
The other route leads to Kibale Forest National Park from Entebbe or Kampala through Mbarara-Kamwenge. Take a flight from the Entebbe or Kajjansi airports, land at the Nyakisharara or Kasese airstrips, and then take a road connection to the Kibale Forest National Park.
When travelling to Kibale National Park by road, a 4-wheel drive safari vehicle is recommended to help you traverse the winding roads.
In conclusion, Kibale Forest National Park is among the top safari locations in Uganda and is well worth visiting, particularly for chimpanzee tracking.