Kibale Forest National Park is located in Western Uganda, covering an area of approximately 766 kilometers and ranges between 1,100 and 1,600 meters in elevation. Kibale is one of the last remaining expanses to contain both lowland and montane forests. In eastern Africa, it sustains the last significant expanse of pre-montane forest. It is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and is famously known as the primate capital of the world; therefore, it is the best place to do the chimpanzee trekking experience. Kibale Forest National Park was first gazetted as a national park in 1932 by the British, then as a forest in 1948, and finally as a national park in 1993.
Things to do in Kibale Forest National Park
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest is commonly known as the primate capital of the world, with 13 primate species. The most famous activity here is the chimpanzee tracking, and it is one of the most popular activities tourists engage in on their trip to the Pearl of Africa. It is an adventurous activity, as one gets to meet man’s closest relatives in their habitat. During this tracking exercise, tourists get a chance to see other primates like the blue monkey, vervet monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, and red colobus, among others. Tourists interested in participating in this activity are always advised to observe rules and regulations set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Nature Walks
These are conducted in the park with the help of a ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). During this walk tourists get to see other plants and wildlife species. Common warthogs, bushbucks, sitatunga, and bush pigs can be seen.
Bird Watching
The park boasts of over 325 species of birds, and these include the great blue turaco, African grey parrot, Abyssinian ground thrush, black-capped apalis, crowned eagle, and black bee-eater, among others. Tourists interested in birding are encouraged to come along with binoculars and cameras for capturing good photographs.
Cultural visits to local communities
A visit to the nearby community helps the tourist understand more about how the locals survive near the park, taking part in different activities carried out by these locals. Get to understand more as you get to listen to interesting stories from the elders, understanding the locals and how they have managed throughout the years.
When to Visit Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale National Park can be visited at any time of the year for tourism activities.
Accommodation in Kibale Forest National Park
There are a lot of accommodation options both in and outside the park, from budget to mid-range to luxury, depending on what the tourist wants.