Kibale National Park
The Primate Capital of the World.
The main attraction of Kibale is the high density of primates that inhabit the rainforest. In fact, this forest supports the highest number of primate species in Uganda and one of the highest primate densities in the world. In addition to a large community of chimpanzees, there are 12 other primate species, including red and black-and-white colobus monkeys, l’Hoest’s, red-tailed, vervet and blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, as well as four species of nocturnal primates. The birdlife is prolific, with approximately 400 species recorded for the area.
Highlights include the crested guinea fowl, great blue turaco, grey parrot, green-breasted and African pittas, African crowned eagles and black bee-eaters. Though elephants, buffaloes and giant forest hogs are found here, they live deep in the forest and are only seldom seen. More commonly encountered are bushbucks, duikers and montane sun and giant forest squirrels. This park covers 766 sq. km and runs contiguously with the northern end of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is located just south of Fort Portal. Distance from Kampala: 360 km; estimated transit time: 5 hours.
What to do at Kibale National Park?
PRIMATE WALK (CHIMPANZEE TRACKING)
The perennially popular primate walk provides the chance to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Kanyanchu’s groups are accustomed to human presence – some have been observed for over 25 years – and the chance of locating them is over 90%. Walks leave Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 08.00, 11.00 and 14.00 and last between 2-5 hours. Early arrival to allow for registration and briefing is recommended. Contact time with chimpanzees is limited to one hour; group size is limited to six visitors; participants must be aged 16 or over. Advance booking is essential.
CHIMPANZEE HABITUATION EXPERIENCE
The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) enables visitors to accompany researchers and habituators into the forest. The chimpanzee groups involved are less accustomed to human presence than those visited on the Primate Walk and following and viewing them is both exciting and challenging. The CHEX sessions is available on a full or half day basis starting at 0630. Advance booking for this activity is required.
NATURE WALKS
A Nature Walk is an opportunity to enjoy one of East Africa’s most beautiful and varied forests without pressure to locate chimpanzees or tick off a dozen ‘Kibale specials’ on the birdlist. This is also an ideal activity for young visitors unable to accompany relatives on the Primate Walk. Two hour Nature Walks begin at 08.00, 10.00 and 14.00 from Kanyanchu Tourist Centre. NIGHT WALKS Enter the forest after dark to search for nocturnal creatures such as galagos, pottos and bushbabies. Night walks are conducted from 19.30-22.00 daily.
BIRDING
A birdlist of 372 forest, grassland and swamp species, including local endemics and Central Africa ‘specials’ makes Kibale a popular destination for birders. Forest birds can be sought, with the help of experienced UWA guides, on the forest trails at Kanyanchu and Sebitoli tourism sites. This experience should be combined with a visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to add forest edge and swamp specials to the list. This popular, community run attraction lies just outside the park, 5km south of Kanyanchu.
WILDLIFE
An impressive list of 13 primate species include Uganda’s largest population of chimpanzees – an estimated 1450. Other notable primates are the nocturnal bushbaby and potto; the L’Hoest’s Monkey, which is endemic to the Albertine Rift region; East Africa’s largest population of the threatened red colobus monkey; and Uganda’s only endemic monkey, the Uganda mangabey (Lophocebus ugandae) Long mistaken for the common grey-cheeked mangabey (L. albigena), this unique inhabitant of Kibale was identified as a distinct species in 2007.
Other large mammals, such as elephant, buffalo and giant forest hog are present but are rarely seen. The park boasts 372 species of bird including six that are endemic to the Albertine Rift region, namely blackcapped apalis, collared apalis, blue-headed sunbird, dusky crimsonwing, purple-breasted sunbird and redfaced woodland warbler, Other‘ ‘Kibale specials’ include the African pitta, green breasted pitta, black bee eater, eastern nicator, yellow rumped tinkerbird, Kibale ground thrush, brown-breasted alethe, blue breasted kingfisher, Abyssinian ground-thrush and the crowned eagle.
LOCAL PEOPLE
The people living around the park are mainly indigenous Batoro and Bakiga migrants from the densely populated south western part of Uganda. The Batooro take pride in the cultural heritage of their kingdom, a scion of the ancient kingdoms of Africa’s Great Lakes region. The Omukama (the Toro king) and the kingdom embody the traditional and cultural values of Batoro while the Bakiga immigrants still preserve their tradition and culture through folklore, dance and language.
AROUND THE PARK
Kibale is surrounded by a wealth of additional attractions. Visitors should take time to explore the scenic crater lakes along the western margin of the park, tour a tea factory, drive down onto the rift valley floor to the hot springs in Semuliki NP, hike on the Rwenzori mountain, and view big game on the grasslands of Queen Elizabeth NP.
Sample Itineraries to Murchison Falls National Park
UGANDA
Encounter Gorillas, Big Game and Local Communities on this Safari across Uganda.
UGANDA
African Big Five Safaris, The River Nile and an Encounter with both Gorillas and Chimpanzees all in one Safari.
UGANDA
A Traditional African Safari to both Game and Primates whilst staying at Classic Safari Lodges.
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