Kibale Forest National Park is highly alluring to nature lovers of all budgets for its excellent chimpanzee tracking and bird-watching. The park has the greatest variety and concentration of primates of any forest in East Africa. So far 13 primate species, the highest total of any Ugandan national park have been registered in Kibale Forest National Park. The 9 diurnal primates found in Kibale forest include vervet, red-tailed, L’Hoest’s and blue monkeys, red colobus, olive baboon, black-and-white colobus, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked-mangabeys and chimpanzees. The most famous inhabitants of this forest are the chimpanzees with over 1,450 individuals habituated roaming the forests.
Apart from primates trekking, some large mammals such as buffaloes, elephants, hippos, warthog, giant forest hog, bush pig, bushbuck, Peter’s red and blue duikers, and sitatunga exist in Kibale forest though not so easy to see at ease. The park also hosts over 320 bird species including the yellow-rumped tinkerbird, yellow-spotted nicator, little greenbul, the African Pitta, green-breasted pitta, the black bee-eater and the crowned eagle among others.
Tourist activities in Kibale Forest National Park
The main center for tourism activities is Kanyanchu River Camp especially if you are seeking for cheap holiday packages in this part of the world. Here, you will find knowledgeable tour guides who will be willing to enlighten you on primates, mammals, birds, trees, medicinal plants, reptiles, amphibians, and chimpanzees.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
The process of habituating chimpanzees will enable you to experience the chimps de-nesting (coming out of nests) between 5.30 am and 6.30 am. You will have to follow them in their daily activities up to nesting (making nests and going to sleep) time between 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm. A visitor, therefore, has to start on this habituation activity by 5.30 am from Kanyanchu River Camp.
Forest Hike
The Forest hike covers 12 kms and is restricted to the dry seasons (mid-November to February & June to September). It covers the diverse habitats of Kibale national park including tropical rainforest, riverine forest, swamp, and grassland. The walk begins at 8.00 am and ends at the elephant wallow at 2.00 pm. It is advisable to carry some snacks or a packed lunch.
Primate Walk
The Primate Walk commences from Kanyanchu River Camp at 8.00 am or 3.00 pm. It lasts between 2 to 4 hours and is the most popular walk offering an opportunity to see a variety of animal and plant species within the forest. This walk is recommended for three groups of six persons each, in the morning and a similar number in the afternoon.
Long Distance Walk
For tourist who are more adventurous and wish to enjoy more in the forest, a 64 km guided forest walk starting from either Kanyanchu or Sebitoli and ends at either site, going through various habitats and local communities over a period of 2 to 6 days, camping at the community campgrounds at Kinoni can be undertaken.
Brief facts about Kibale Forest National Park
District: Kabarole.
Elevation: 1110 meters to 1590 meters
Timing: March-May, September – November
The time required: 2 days
Status: National Park since 1993
Size: 560 sq km
77% of the forested section is covered by medium altitude moist evergreen forest in the north, and medium altitude moist semi-deciduous forest at lower altitudes in the south. The remaining 23% consists of grassland, swamps and some plantations with exotic conifers.
Key bird species recorded: 335 species:-
Grey-winged Robin, Red-winged Francolin, White-naped Pigeon, Green-brested Pitta, Red-chested Flufftail, African Pitta, Joyful Greenbul, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Grey-throated Flycatcher, White-bellied Crested Flycather, Masked and Black-capped Apalises, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Chestnut-winged Starling, Orange-tufted and Tiny Sunbirds, Grey-headed Olive-back.
Forest Regulations
The maximum number of people in a group is 4 visitors per guided walk
The maximum time allowed with the chimps is one hour, however, the time might be shortened under the discretion of the guide to eliminate stressful situations for the chimps
When trekking you are advised to remain in a tight group and follow the directions of the guide at all times.
Please remain at a distance of 8 meters from the chimps or the distance that your guide recommends
Under no circumstance shall you chase while they descend or to or walk on higher ground.
You are advised not to enter the forest if you are sick as this can put the animals at serious risk
Please refrain from eating near the chimps and other primates
Please do not shout in the forest
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 waterproof clothing in the rainy season.
Children under 12 years are not allowed to view the chimps for safety reasons
If you need to urinate please do so off the trail system
If you need to defecate, please do so off the trail system and bury all in a hole all waste.