Kibale National Park is situated in Western Uganda, protecting the moist evergreen rain forest that covers an estimate of 766 square kilometers (296 sq mi) of land. This park contains a diverse range of landscape with both lowland and montane forests
It was established in 1993 with a primary aim of protecting a wide area of forest previously managed as a reserve. Kibale forest is an important eco-tourism and safari destination, well-known for chimpanzees tracking with over 12primate species co-existing in the same place.
The Batooro and Bakiga are the two main tribes who live around this park and depend on it for their livelihood; they get fuel, jobs and many more resources with the help of the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
As compared to the past, the number of people living near this park has greatly increased because of the great conservation efforts as well as the benefits they reap from the park. Also, several farmers think that the soil in this place is better for growing crops all year round; it has contributed to the restoration of harmony in families and relations because the locals are empowered to work hard and practice sustainability
Living that aside, the Park has one of the most lovely and most diverse tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. It is home to a total of 70 mammal species, 13 species of primate including the chimpanzee, approximately 375 species of birds, roughly 500 elephants present, buffalos, leopards, warthogs, bush pigs, golden cats, and duikers as well as a colorful variety of over 250 species of butterflies.
Kibaale forest has 13 species of primates recorded and very interesting to encounter, these include among others, The chimpanzees, Red-Columbus monkeys, Uganda mangabey (Lophocebus Uganda), and the L’Hoest’s monkey, black-and-white colobus (Colobus guereza), the blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis) among others.
This wilderness also has a good population of elephants that traverse the park between all though to and Queen Elizabeth National Park (the medley of wonders), Other terrestrial mammals that are found red and blue duikers, bushbucks, sitatunga, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, common warthogs, and African buffalo. The carnivores that are present include leopards, African golden cats, serval, different mongooses and two species of otter. Also, lions visit the park on occasion.
There is chimpanzee habituation practice that takes place at this park and visitors go and stay to view some of the rescued chimpanzees and even study how they behave, it is a one-day activity coved with discovery and reality.
The park is one good place for birders, it has over 325 species of birds, which include among others, the olive long-tailed cuckoo, western tinker bird, pitta (African and green-breasted) and the grey parrot. The ground thrush which is endemic to Kibale National Park
Hiking/Nature Walks in Kibale
Kibaale forest gives chance to all visitors to have both night and day hikes as you trek the jungle or even head to the Bigodi area in the quest for the missed primates that have chosen to isolate themselves from others. There are those primates’ species that are easily seen at night since they become active. So, Night walks through the darkened forest use powerful torches to seek nocturnal creatures.
Cultural Encounters in Kibale
You will join the local guides on a walk through the Bigodi swamp wetlands to enjoy the local wildlife, birds, and vegetation, see the Batooro carry on with their daily chores as well as enjoy some of the local performances and culinary.
Hikes and Nature Walks:
You can enjoy the different aspects at the park as you hike In and around Kibale National Park, A tourist is taken to the neighboring villages as you enjoy village walk and visit Bigodi Swamp and learn; a lot of hidden secrets in the magnificent destination.
Primate Trekking and Chimpanzee Habituation:
Chimpanzee tracking is the prime activity while in the jungle of Kibale, there is 100% assurance of sporting these creatures while at this destination, tracking is very simple and interesting, a group of 5-8 people are allowed to track at a time and should be above 15 years old. An activity that lasts for roughly 2-6 hours depending on those tracking, wear trousers and long-sleeved shirts to avoid being bitten by insects or being pricked by bushes
Conclusively, there is no destination worth visiting for primate viewing that beats Kibaale Forest, book your trip today and storm the road.
