Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is one of the most visited park among the ten national parks in Uganda , the park was gazette in 1932 and formally established in 1993 to protect a large area of forest previously managed as a logged forest reserve ,it is one of the last remaining expanse’ to contain both lowland and montane forests. In eastern Africa it sustains the last significant expanse of pre montane forest.

The national park is in western Uganda protecting moist evergreen rainforest , it is 766 square kilometers in size and ranges between 1100m and 1600m . Despite encompassing mostly evergreen forest, the park forms a continuous forest with queen Elizabeth national park. This adjoining of the parks creates a 180 kilometers wildlife corridor .

It is an important ecotourism and safari destination, well known for its population of habituated chimpanzees and twelve other species of primates.

Biodiversity in Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park has one of the highest diversity and concentration of primates in Africa . it is a home to a large number of endangered chimpanzees, as well as the red colobus monkey that is endangered and the rare L’Hoest monkey that is vulnerable.

Kibaale is a biologically rich region that also hosts over 120 other mammal species including baboons, elephants and antelopes. The forest is home to approximately 370 bird species , including 23 albertine rift endemics suh as nahan s francolin, cassin s spinetail, blue-headed bee eater and lowland masked apalis

The most notable among kibales primate population is the surge of about 1500 chimpanzees, divided into atleast a dozen different communities , with four habituated to human presence .

There are 13 species of primates in kibale national park. The park protects several well studied habituated communities of common chimpanzee as well as several species of central African monkey including the Ugandan mangabey, the Ugandan red colobus monkey , other primates that are found in the park include the black-and-white colobus and the blue monkey. The parks population of elephants travels between the park and queen elizabeth national park.

The terrestrial mammals that are found within kibale national park include red and blue duikers, bushbucks,sitatungas,bushpigs, giant forest hogs, common warthogs and African buffalo. The carnivores that are present include leopards, African golden cats,  mongooses and two species of otter. Lions are also known to occasionally visit the park.

Bird life is also prolific. The park boasts 325 species of birds, including the olive long-tailed cuckoo, western tinkerbird , two species of pittas and the grey parrot.

Red colobus monkey grooming the young one

Biodiversity In Detail;

Primates

Kibale forest National Park  has some of the highest  species of primates in the area. There are many species of primates and these species persist in the less disturbed areas of the forest in the natural habitats.

Most primates are evenly distributed throughout the entire forest, whether there was agriculture encroachment or not , Kibale’s 1450 chimpanzees represent Uganda’s largest population and  its endangered primate.

Flora

There are approximately 229 species of trees found within the moist tropical forests of the park . some endangered timber species of trees include, cordia milleii, entandrophragma angolense , and lovoa swynnertonii. The forest understory is dominated by shade-tolerant shrubs and herbs which include palisota schweinfurthii and pollia condensates, in addition to ferns and broad leaf grasses.

A number of trees have been seen regaining in plenty according to the past where trees had been lost due to the logging that was going in the area.

Some of the species which were lost have been replanted where as other exotic tree species like the eucalyptus and the pine trees have been planted in order to prevent the forest from dying out.

The variety of different tree species have for long attracted researchers from different parts of the country and other parts of the world to carry out studies of such unique forest community.

Birds

The park boasts more than 375 species of birds which may be seen during guided walks along the board walk trail and viewing platforms.

They include the African pitta, green breasted pitta, white napped pigeon, Afep pigeon, crowned eagle, red chested Owle, black bee eater, western nicator, yellow rumped tinkerbird, little greenbul and more special ones

Attractions And Activities

Primate walk

Kibaale national parks premier attraction is the kanyanchu primate walk, offering the opportunity to seek out thirteen different primate species ,with a variety of diurnal monkeys frequently observed . however , the true highlights of this walk are the chimpanzees. Since 1993 ,the kanyanchu chimpanzees have been closely monitored ,significantly increasing the likelihood of sightings . Guided walks are available at 8;00 and 2;00 pm, typically lasting around three hours

This consistently popular primate walk allows visitors to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat . the chimpanzee groups in kanyanchu are well accustomed to human presence , with some having been observed for over 25 years .  Depart from the kanyanchu visitor center at 8:00am ,11:00am and 2:00pm , lasting between two to five hours.

Early arrival for registration and briefing is recommended . interaction time with the chimpanzees is limited to one hour where advance booking is essential for individuals at least 16 years old and above

Chimpanzee trekking and habituation

There are 1450 chimpanzees which tourists are assured to see whenever they visit the park. The activity sets off at 8am and can take up to 6 hours of tracking with one reserved for chimpanzee encounter.

Tourists can also take part in a full day chimpanzee habituation experience but this requires making timely bookings. Tourists will then be assigned a chimp  community which is undergoing habituation and this lasts for 4hrs with the chimps minus tracking time.

Birdwatching (birding)

With its rich diversity of bird species, tourists can truly experience a memorable tour experience. The tour commences at 7am at kanyanchu or can extend to the neighbouring bigodi wetland sanctuary, just outside the parks boundaries

This wetland sanctuary boasts an impressive collection of up to 136 bird species, all of which can be spotted during walks along the boardwalk trails and viewing platforms

The ark has got about 1450 chimpanzees which tourists are assured to see whenever they

Ndali- Kasenda Crater Lakes;

In the Kasenda, Rweeetea, Rwaihamba and Kabata areas about 30km south of Fort Portal lie the beautiful Ndali -Kasenda crater lakes. These lakes were formed 10,000 years ago and they include 60 stable and seasonal freshwater Lake.

They are eye catching offering a view of the thick green vegetation, beautiful butterflies, jolly monkeys, the Rwenzori ranges, the melodic bird species and panoramic views of Kabarole tea estate while at this point tourists can see the southern rift valley plains and lake George.

Adding to their beauty, the lakes at Kayenda have a magical story attached to them. It is believed that they were formed by the Chewi ruler called Ndahura who fled from his kingdom after his son had taken his crown.

Surrounding local community

Tourists can engage with the local communities residing around the park. During the interactions ,tourists  can partake in traditional practices, including traditional healing, local African crafts, music, dance and engaging conversations with these captivating groups of people

There are two major tribes , the batooro and bakiga inhabit the area around the park. They use the park for fuel, food and many other basic resources.  Through time over the past years the population around the park has increased by large margin. In addition , many farmers believes that the soil is better for growing crops year round.

This increase in the population has caused the area around the park to be divided and developed or turned into plantations and farmland, and demand for firewood asserts pressure on the parks wildlife habitat

What is the best time to visit Kibale forest National Park ?

The best time to visit Kibale forest National Park is during the dry months of June to September and December to February. These months offer more walkable hiking trails and easier wildlife viewing. Note, Kibaale forest is a year round destination and each season has its unique attractions. Book your adventure with us at Beyond sight safaris where every trip is a story.