Located in the south-western part of Uganda in Kabarole district is Kibale National Park, one of the most rewarding destinations to explore, dominated by tropical forests which are characterized by tall trees, buttress roots, low undergrowth and ever green forests and a diverse array of landscapes. It is popular for its huge population of habituated chimpanzees and other primates plus its home of 70 mammals, 375 bird species and 351 tree species making it an important eco-system and safari destination. The major tribes that inhabit the area around the park are the Batooro and Bakiga people.
Activities In Kibale Forest
Chimp tracking.
With a chimpanzee trekking permit and a ranger guide, a maximum of eight persons per shift will enjoy a guided walk through the tropical rain forest (Kibale forest) as they search for wild chimpanzees, where they will be explained to more about the animals and plants species that that they will encounter on their way. This activity is also known as the Kanyanchu primate walk. The Red-Colobus monkeys and Mangabey, different bird and mammal species like elephants and buffalos can also be seen during the walk. The visitors can watch the chimpanzees for the whole day that is to say from 6:00-6:30a.m when they are just leaving their overnight nests, when they are feeding, copulating, hunting, breast feeding, patrolling, up to when they are building new nests to sleep at around 7:00p.m.
Birding.
Guided walks usually start at 7:00a.m at Kanyanchu where the tourists get a chance to see over 370 bird species, 6 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift Region. Bugodi wetland sanctuary just outside the park has around 138bird species which are also seen during the walks along the boardwalk trail, the Kihingami wetland and other viewing platforms. Some of the birds in this park include the Black-capped Apalis, Blue-headed sunbird, Collared Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Purple-breasted sunbird, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Papyrus Canary, Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, White-collared Olive back, Grey-winged Robin-chat, Superb sunbird and many more.
Exploration of crater lakes.
As you pass the area of the Banyaruguru crater lakes region while driving from Fort Portal to Kibale forest, you will witness the beauty of the numerous small lakes surrounded by gentle slopes and other relief features.
Cultural encounters.
The daily life of the Batooro and Bakiga people can be discovered and also learned about during these village walks that is to say the roles of women in the village, about their traditional ceremonies, music, dance and drama performances at the local schools and the story of the history of Bigodi wetland told through the story of the “village of two tribes” and the description of when the indigenous Batooro people were joined by the migrating Bakiga from South Western Uganda in the 1950’s. The tourists also get stops at the village churches, primary school and also meet their traditional healer.
Nature walks.
A guide will take the tourists along the boardwalk through the Magombe wetlands where they can closely see wildlife, birds, the different primates, butterflies and unusual swamp vegetation. Night walks through the darkened forests with the use of powerful torches which usually begin at 7:00p.m when the night time shift of the rarely seen creatures become active are also very interesting treks where the travelers see nocturnal creatures like the potto, bushbaby, night jar, cricket, the tree hyrax with its chilling shriek and the occasional civet/serval cat. These walks usually last between one and two hours.
To inquire or book a safari in Kibale forest, simply send us an email to info@ugandasafaribookings.com or call us now on +256-700135510 to speak with the reservations team.
