Discover Kibale Forest National Park

Background

Kibale Forest National Park is located in Southern Uganda. The great eco-tourism and safari destination is one of the gems in the Pearl of Africa – Uganda. The park is one of the few remaining expanses protecting the montane and lowland forests. The park also supports Savannah, woodlands and wet tropical forests.

Besides it’s magnificent plant life, Kibale Forest National Park is a habitat to 13 primate species among which is the endangered chimpanzees. The other species include; the Red colobus monkey, mangabey, blue monkey, black-and-white colobus, and L’hoest’s monkey. The park also harbours a numerous number of bushbucks, red and blue duikers, sitatungas, warthogs, bushpigs, African buffalos, leopards, servals and golden cats.

Adventure & Activities

1. Chimpanzee Trekking and Habituation

An encounter with the prized chimpanzees is a thrilling one and a safari tour to Kibale Forest National Park will have you hitting the trails in pursuit of these endangered species. Over the years a number of chimpanzee families have been habituated, making trekking and encountering them possible. With the aid of experienced guides, you are able to track the chimpanzees and spend time with them. You get a chance to see mothers nursing their infants, the little ones learning to swing in the tree branches and the proud males making deliberate rounds and keeping a watchful eye on their families.

2. Birding

Kibale Forest National Park is a habitat to over 370 bird species found in various suitable spots, and there are over 138 species to discovered in Bigodi wetland located at the edge of the park. The rare bird species to see in the park include; the white-winged warbler, papyrus gonolek, papyrus canary and white-collared oliveback.

The other species to see include; the western nicator, yellow-billed barbet, grey-winged robin chat, black-and-white shrike flycatcher, brown-throated wattle-eye, black bishop, black-crowned waxbill, white-breasted negrofinch, superb sunbird, hairy-breasted barbet, and Brown-backed scrub robin.

3. Nocturnal walks

Kibale Forest harbours a remarkable number of nocturnal creatures; when chimpanzees and other forest dwellers retire at dusk, some peculiar creatures begin to leave their hideouts. Deliberate night walks through the forest will make you discover creatures like; the nightjar, pottos, bush babies, the noisy crickets, tree hyrax, leopards, civets and serval cats.

4. Cultural-social encounters

The Park is suitable for hikes and trails which are a bit tedious but very rewarding. A trail walk to the bamboo region will expose you to 14 vegetation zones, the magical waterfall trail will make you cross the Munyanga 3 times and then lead you to the 3 adjoining waterfalls, a strenuous hike to the peak of Rushura hill will reward you with a spectacular view of Lake Edward, the Virunga volcanoes, the Rwenzori mountains, and the Western Rift Valley. The Muzabajiro loop trail is a moderate hike involves crossing over the Muzabairo creek before ascending to Ruhubura hill. Bwindi has an inexhaustible list of hikes and trails that will quench and satiate your hunger for climbs.