Kibale National Park is located in Kyenjojo, Kabarole and Kamwenge districts, in Western Uganda. Located off the Kampala-Mityana and Kampala-Masaka highways, Kibale National Park offers a unique experience. Gazetted in 1932 and formally established in 1993, the park is home to the lush Kibale Forest.This moist tropical forest provides a natural habitat for a diverse range of primates, showcasing nature’s design at its finest. The park has the highest concentration of primates in Africa, with 13 primate species. Indeed, the “the primate capital of Uganda.” The main reason for conservation of Kibale National Park is to protect the endangered chimpanzee species. Over 1500 species reside on the premises. The most popular activity in Kibale is chimpanzee trekking.
Biodiversity
Kibale National Park boasts one the most unique biodiversites. It is the only park where lowland and tropical rainforests coexist. The forest creates a 180 km wildlife corridor as it joins Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kasese District. Besides the chimpanzee, many other primates linger around Kibale National Park. These include; the endangered red colobus, the vulnerable L’Hoest monkey, Ugandan mangabey, black and white colobus monkey, blue monkeys, olive baboons among others. A total of 120 mammals also roams freely, for example the red and blue duikers, bush bucks, warthogs, forest elephants.
Over 370 bird species calls this wilderness home. Forexample the olive long-tailed cuckoo, Grey parrot, ground thrust, the list continues. About 230 tree species stand firm on the ground. They create strong beautiful canopies where countless primates are seen playing from branch to branch. Robusta coffee has grown natively in the park. Its commercialization directly supports the park and the people around it.
Activities in Kibale National Park
Activities include; the famous Kayanchu Primate walk, it presents primates in unbelievable abundance, wherever you land your gaze is a primate. The Kanyanchu chimpanzee community resides here! In other parts of the park is the kanyantale chimp community which is the most popular for trekking. The trek starts from kayanchu visitors centre which has an educational centre for schools, universities, institutions and researchers to obtain knowledge of the flora and fauna inside the park.
Chimpanzee trekking takes 2 – 5 hrs depending on their movements, weather and terrain. After spotting a community, you spend one hour observing how they live amongst each other, play, and feed. They’re quite similar to humans as they possess 92% of human DNA. We assign a maximum of 6 individuals aged 16 and above to one family to avoid overcrowding and stressing the animals. longer periods with the chimps, you might chip in on chimpanzee habituation.
Alternative activities
Take part in nature walks, where you observe the unique flora and fauna as you walk slowly through the woods. The community owned Bigodi wetland sanctuary which is located just next Kibale is privately awaits your visit, offering nature walks and a wonderful birding experience with a number of mammals. For activities outside the park, venture in hiking the “Top of the world” trail. Enjoy panoramic views of the crater lakes as you hike through the charming villages, tea plantations, Mt. Rwenzori ranges. The morning sunshine rewards you with a scenic and satisfying view. You can choose to complete the trail down to the bottom or to stop at the top as it is accessible by car, at Top of the world lodges, you may have lunch here or even stay for overnight.
Communities in Kibale National Park.
The inhabitats of the areas surrounding Kibale National Park are the Batooro. Just like many other tribes in Uganda, the Batooro also have clans and totems. They are ruled over by a king, also known as “Omukama”, boasting a unique naming system called Empaako. Empaako is usually the last name. Names like Akiiki, Abwoli, Adyeri, Apuuli and others are given. Populations have increased drastically due to the benefits that surface on top. Community visits are also ideal as you immerse yourself in the history, traditions and culture of these hospitable people. Dive into their cuisine and cultural music and dances. . They rely on the park for food and fuel, however this has raised controversies from the west. Tourists support and visit communities which improves their livelihood. The fertile soils around the park have also greatly contributed to the high population.
Kibale is near Fort Portal, the ‘tourism city of Uganda’, which boasts the newly renovated Tooro palace, Amabere ga Nyinamwiru, Nyakasura and Mahoma falls etc. Near Kibale National Park, you can find Semuliki National Park in Bundibugyo, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Mt. Rwenzori National Park in Kasese. Your tour operator knows best how to jaggle around with your itinerary. Accomodation facilities aren’t to stress yourself about, as they form a nearly endless list of budget, Midrange and luxury properties to choose from. Your tour operator will be more than ready to help you plan and execute a seamless trip to the leading primate destination in Uganda!
If you want to Visit Kibale National Park, check out one of our Safaris.
