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DISCOVER UGANDA
Kibale National Park
When you enter Kibale National Park, you will notice the dew, the smells of unique flowers, and the musty scents left behind by monkey armies in the canopy. From the far echoing hoot of red colobus monkeys to the unique tweeting of rare birds, the noises are also strange. You could hear one of the park’s elephants carving a path through the trees in the distance.
The Kanyanchu Primate Walk is the most popular activity in Kibale Forest National Park. Thirteen species can be sought, and a wide range of diurnal monkeys are almost always seen, but the stars of this twice-daily show are chimpanzees.
The Kanyanchu Primate Walk is the most popular activity in Kibale. Thirteen species can be sought, and a wide variety of diurnal monkeys are almost always encountered, but the chimps are the stars of this trail. Kanyanchu’s chimpanzees have been tracked since 1993, and there is a good chance of finding them. Guided walks begin at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. and last approximately three hours, depending on a variety of factors.
The primate walks, which are always popular, allow visitors to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Kanyanchu’s groups are used to human presence – some have been monitored for over 25 years – and the likelihood of finding them is more than 90%. The walks depart from the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 08:00 am, 11:00 pm, and 14:00 pm and run between 2 and 5 hours. It is best to arrive early to allow for registration and briefing. Interaction with chimpanzees is limited to one hour; groups are limited to six visitors; and participants must be 16 or older. Prior reservations are required.
Around 120 animals live in this biologically rich region, including various primate species such as baboons and chimps, as well as elephants and antelopes. This woodland is home to around 370 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Nahan’s francolin, Cassin’s spine tail, blue-headed bee-eater, and low-land masked Apalis are all species.
The chimpanzee population boom of over 1,500 individuals, distributed into at least a dozen separate societies, four of which are accustomed to people, is the most visible among primates in Kibale National Park. Since 1993, the Kanyantale community has been subjected to regular visitor tracking.
Getting to KIBALE National Park
The Kamwenge Road is the most common route into Kibale National Park from Fort Portal. A freshly tarmac-paved path with various steep portions, but with wildlife effects on the 10-kilometer length through the national park.
If traveling from the Fort Portal town center, take Lugard Road downwards (north) to the Mpanga River, then turn right just before the bridge. You will reach a large crossroads about 12 kilometers out of Fort Portal, where you must turn left. At the Ndali-Kasenda Crater Field, the right fork leads to Lake Nkuruba and Ndali Lodge.
Following another 11 kilometers, you will cross Crater Valley Resort and Chimpanzee Guesthouse, which are located 2 kilometers before the route enters the jungle. It’s 6 miles to the tourist center and another 3 miles to Bigodi Wetland from here.
Frequent minibus taxis travel between Bigodi Swamp and Fort Portal all day and are significantly more pleasant and safe than boda-bodas (motorbikes). Taxi touts often overcharge tourists, so it’s a good idea to compare prices with locals.
A lesser-traveled alternate road to Kibale National Park in Uganda travels north from Mbarara through Ibanda and Kamwenge. This route is tarmacked and travels through some gorgeous hills on the way to Ibanda, where the road has just been paved and is in good condition.
Attractions in kIBALE National Park
Plants and Vegetation.
Almost half of the park (approximately 45,000 hectares) is covered by medium-altitude wet evergreen forest in the north and low-altitude moist semi-deciduous forest in the south. The remaining half is covered with grassland and marshes. Lake George, a Ramsar Site, passes across the park’s extreme southwestern portion, south of the Rwimi River.
Birds
Kibale National Park features 335 documented species of birds, including some rarities and area endemics. Four of these, Cassin’s spine tail, Green-breasted Pitta, Masked Apalis, and Blue-headed bee-eater, have never been seen in Uganda before.
Birds are heard rather than seen in the closed canopy forest. Bird sightings at Kibale Forest are more consistent along the park’s main road and on the boardwalk walkway that connects to the adjoining Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community-run initiative that protects the Magombe Swamp from agricultural encroachment, generates funds for local development, and has provided hundreds of birdwatchers with sightings of papyrus gonoleks and other swamp specials,’ as well as a good number of Congo biome birds. The greatest spots in Uganda to observe the endangered red colobus are Bigodi and other local woodland areas.
Wildlife in Kibale National Park.
Kibale is home to a diverse range of animal species, including 70 mammal species, 13 primate species, and 325 bird species. The exceptional common chimp, baboon, red colobus, black and white colobus, L’Hoest’s, red-tailed, vervet, and blue monkeys, and the Uganda Mangabey are all found in Kibale National Park. Forest elephants, duikers, bushbucks, sitatungas, bush pigs, huge forest hogs, common warthogs, and African buffalo are among the other interesting animals. Leopards, serval, African golden cats, mongooses, otters, and the odd visiting lion are among the predators in Kibale Forest National Park.
Despite an extensive checklist, it is difficult to observe large animals at Kibale, despite its excellent primate watching. The possibility to track chimps in their natural environment from the Kanyanchu visitor center is Kibale’s major draw. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park is often rewarding; since 1994, guides and guests have been following habituated chimp bands through Kibale’s medium-altitude damp forest. The chimpanzees are not afraid of humans. Elephants and buffalo, which are widespread in the jungle, are rarely seen on tourist walking trails.
Culture
The surrounding local neighborhood of Kibale National Park offers an exceptional African cultural experience. Cultural experiences around Kibale National Park are conducted by the local batooro and Bakiga guides under Biscota, whose offices are located in the nearby Bigodi village , only a few minutes’ drive from the park’s main gate. you will have local expert guides who are well-versed in their history and culture.
Top Tourist Activities in Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park has enough tourist activities to keep an adventurous busy for more than a week under the shadows of the Rwenzori Mountains, ranging from Fort Portal through the Ndali-Kasekende Crater region to the protected Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Chimpanzee Trekking and Habituation
The chimpanzee trekking tour in Kibale National Park departs from the Kanyanchu visitor center at 08:00 am and 14:00 pm. Every day is a highlight of any visit to the national park.
During the chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest National Park, chimpanzee encounters are not guaranteed. Yet, the chances of sighting a chimpanzee group in Kibale Forest have increased dramatically in recent years and now stand at roughly 96%. The chimpanzee colony, whose territory is centered on Kanyanchu, is well adapted. Visitors are frequently within a few meters of them. You should expect to observe at least two or three more varieties of primates in the forest, most likely grey-cheeked mangabeys and red-tailed monkeys.
There will be lots of singing, but seeing any birds in the center of the forest will be difficult. You should seek for them in the rest stop and along the route. The guides are well-versed in medicinal herbs, bird sounds, and animal poop identification.
Join the full-day chimpanzee habituation event if you are a serious chimpanzee lover or prospective researcher looking for field experience. The rigorous primate experience is spending the entire day with the chimps and studying their behavior with habituation.
A one-day chimpanzee habituation experience costs USD 300 per person for foreign non-residents and locals, and UGX 250,000 per person for East African nationals. The price includes guide costs and park admission but not lodging.
Guided Nature Walks.
The guided chimpanzee tracking tour departing from the Kanyanchu visitor center is the most popular activity in Kibale National Park. The guided walking track through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is almost as popular, and it is probably better for general monkey watching and one of the best birding trails in the country.
Unguided exploring is also possible in the region, particularly along the main route through the forest and surrounding Bigodi Trading Center and Kanyanchu Camp. If you just have a limited amount of time, it’s preferable to perform the activity that fascinates you in the morning, when chimpanzees and birds are most active. Kibale’s guided forest hikes cost USD 30 per day and USD 40 per night, excluding park entry fees.
Birding in Kibale Forest
Kibale Forest National Park is worth a couple of hours of bird-watching exploration on its own. A Viellot’s black weaver colony nests in the camp and blooming trees attract a variety of woodland sunbirds. You might also expect to see or hear a variety of robin and greenbul bird species, which are frequently difficult to distinguish unless you get a close look at them. The most prevalent birds surrounding the camp are the tiny greenbul and the red-capped robin. The camp’s specialty is the locally endemic red-chested paradise flycatcher, a magnificent bird that’s simple to see once you know its cry.
The great blue turaco, hairy-breasted barbet, black-necked weaver, and black-white casqued hornbill are all common visitors to Kanyanchu. Monkeys can be seen on the short, self-guided grassland route around the camp.
It is legal to stroll along the major route between Fort Portal and Kamwenge, which passes through the forest. The first few kilometers of this route traveling north towards Fort Portal are the most intriguing. You’re extremely certain to witness a variety of monkeys and true forest birds from Kanyanchu, like Sabine’s spine tail, Blue-breasted kingfisher, and Alep pigeon. Hundreds of butterflies may also be seen clustered near puddles and streams. The route south from Kanyanchu to Bigodi Swamp runs through a variety of environments, including woodland areas, swamps, and grassland, and is also a haven for birds and monkeys.
Hiking in Kibale Forest National Park.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and Magombe Swamp, located near to the Bigodi commercial area and just outside the Kibale National Park boundaries, is an excellent example of conservation and tourism having a direct local impact at the grass-roots level. The Bigodi Swamp Walk near Kibale forest national park is Uganda’s premier hiking path for birders and primatologists.
Mpanga Falls Trail
The Mpanga River cascades over the rim of the 1,200m Mount Karubaguma for 15 kilometers before flowing into Lake George. The waterfall, which is reported to be 50m high, is surrounded by a rocky valley and is home to a thick spray forest. Mpanga Falls is easily accessible as a day excursion from Kibale Forest National Park or as a detour off the major route between Kamwenge and Ibanda.
Sebitoli and the Kihingami Wetlands
Sebitoli is located in the northern area of Kibale Forest National Park and is considerably simpler to get that can’t think of a better place in Uganda to spend a few affordable days meandering and trekking in gorgeous unspoiled settings than the Kasenda region. The Kasenda lakes are all unique and breathtaking. The verdant surrounding landscape, teeming with birds, monkeys, and butterflies, offers many chances for leisurely exploration against the dramatic background of the Rwenzori glacier peaks. The Kanyanchu visitor center while yet offering the same park activities, excluding chimpanzee trekking. Guided nature walks in Sebitoli offer a wonderful opportunity to view red and black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue and vervet monkeys, and a variety of bird species.
Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes Region
I can’t think of a better place in Uganda to spend a few affordable days meandering and trekking in gorgeous unspoiled settings than the Kasenda region. The Kasenda lakes are all unique and breathtaking. The verdant surrounding landscape, teeming with birds, monkeys, and butterflies, offers many chances for leisurely exploration against the dramatic background of the Rwenzori glacier peaks.
