Location
Kibale National Park, famously Known as “The Primate Capital of the World” is located in South Western part of Uganda, nestled beneath Mount Rwenzori in the Albertine Rift Valley, at an elevation of 1110 meters above sea level. It is estimated at 352 kilometers from Entebbe International Airport to Kibale National Park, Kanyanchu Visitor’s information center. By road, it takes 5-6 hours’ drive along Kampala-Fort Portal Road via Mubende district.
Kibale National Park Biodiversity
Known by the nickname; “The primate Capital of the World”, Kibale National Park is home to 13 primate species, among which are the Chimpanzees that carry the most interest of the visitors to the park with a population of over 1500 individuals, for which some are habituated and others, wild. A community of 150 members is habituated for tracking as others are under research. Other primate species are the Red Colobus Monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys and Grey cheeked Mangabeys among others. 4 of the 13 species are Nocturnal.
The size of the park is 795 kilometers squared with an interconnected corridor to Queen Elizabeth National Park which permits free movement of animals. It is one of the few places on the African continent with both Montane and Low land forests.
It is also home to over 370 bird species among which are Albertine Rift endemics. Such birds are the green breasted Pitta, Dusky Crimson wing, Masked Apalis and others.
120 mammal species are inhabitants of the park among which are forest Elephants, Buffalos and Leopards.
250 Butterfly species have also been recorded.
Activities in Kibale National Park
Chimpanzee Tracking
Kibale National Park is famously known for its highest population of chimpanzees in the World hence the nickname “Primate Capital of the World”. The activity is conducted in Kanyanchu where the visitor’s Information Centre is located. This is along Fort Portal-Kamwenge road, 17 kilometers from Fort Portal and roughly 7 kilometers while driving through the forest from the boundaries of the park. Tracking resumes at exactly 8:00 AM with briefing before heading to the forest and estimated to last for 2-4 hours depending on how far or close the chimps are sighted. Chimpanzee viewing lasts for only an hour. Chances are always high to see our distant cousins that we share 98% DNA. Chimpanzees can be sighted either in the trees feeding or on ground.
Preparation
Make sure your permits were purchased before the tracking day so as to avoid inconveniences. With you, carry a face mask which you will have to wear when you get to the chimpanzees, enough water for drinking, packed lunch in case the lodge you are residing is a distance away and insect repellant. This therefore calls for a backpack to carry your necessities. Nature blending colors are recommended during the activity and endeavor to wear trousers, long sleeved shirts or blouse, a hut and closed shoes. The terrain is relatively flat, however you are advised to wear hiking boots to avoid slipping and bites from unknown bugs.
Forest Night Walks
Guided Forest Night walks are conducted from Kanyanchu visitor’s information Centre. They resume at exactly 7:00 PM. The activity is meant to disclose the unique lifestyle of nocturnal wildlife. Such animals are the Bush babies, Pottos and Tree Hyrax among others. Animals like Forest Elephants, Buffaloes, and Leopards can also be sighted on a lucky day. The ambiance of the forest during the night, creates a unique experience as you listen to different sounds of nature for which some, you may be unable to see. The activity is always guided by an armed ranger. You are advised to carry a flash light, apply insect repellent, wear trousers, long sleeved shirts or blouse and closed shoes. It takes 1-2 hours.
Chimpanzee Habituation experience
Participate in habituating wild Chimpanzees. Before Chimpanzees are ready for tracking, they undergo a process of familiarization with human for 4-6 years. It is therefore an experience of its kind to join the researchers for half a day or even more and witness how habituation is conducted. The activity resumes earlier at 6:30 AM and ends late between 12 and 2 PM.
Bird Watching
Kibale National Park is a bird Haven for bird watchers. It is estimated to harbor over 350 bird species. Forest birds like the Black Bee eater, Green breasted Pitta and Nahan’s Patridge among other endemics, are residents. There are 6 Albertine endemic bird species in the Park, making it a must visit for bird watchers. The thick canopy of the forest provides shade for bird watching throughout the day. However, some shy birds like the Green breasted Pitta, require an early start to have better chances of sighting. Ranger Bird Guides are always available at Kanyanchu visitor’s information Centre to enhance chances of watching more.
Bigodi swamp Walk and Community experience
Away from the forest activities, join the local people surrounding the Park to indulge in the community activities like bird watching, viewing monkeys in Bigodi wet land, learning a few medicinal plants, traditional dances, visiting farmlands of coffee and learning on how it is planted, harvested, roasted and grinded to make a cup of coffee. Also get introduced to the local cuisines and drinks. Meet the banana man that practically produces banana juice, beer, wine and banana gin. The experience is meant to showcase the lifestyle of the local people.
Where to stay
Kibale National Park is surrounded by quite a number of accommodation facilities ranging from Budget, Midrange and Luxury Lodges and Camps.
Among the Luxury Lodges are;
Primate Lodge Kibale. It is located within the National Park, 3 minutes’ Walk to the Visitor’s information center. The Lodge has 9 cottages well-spaced away from each other with a forest ambiance. Chimpanzees, Baboons, Monkeys and birds are sometimes sited at the lodge. For nature lovers, the Lodge has a self-guided trail in the forest during your free time.
Ndali Lodge. Built on top of Nyinambuga Crater Lake, you are guaranteed of scenic views of the crater, farmlands and the snow-capped Mount Rwenzori. If you are looking for a lodge in a form of a family setup, Ndali Lodge is a place to be. It has 8 cottages, swimming pool and most of the food grown in their farmland. The Lodge is a family property that is passed from one generation to the other.
The Midrange Lodges are Chimpanzee Forest lodge, Crater Safari Lodge and Kibale Forest Camp among others.
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