Kibale Forest National Park

Uganda Safaris | Kibale Forest National Park

Close to the foothills of Mt Rwenzori in western Uganda is Kibale National Park which covers an expanse of 795 sq kilometers. Of all tropical forests in Uganda, this is the most easily reached. The Kibale national park is a haven to about 13 different species of primates, both diurnal & nocturnal species. Among them are chimpanzees, Red-tailed Monkeys,Baboons and Grey-cheeked Mangabeys.

The park is comprised of different vegetation zones like mature, moist semi-deciduous mid-altitude and the evergreen forest which occupies 57%, 15% grassland, 2% lakes & wetlands, 1% plantations of foreign tresses like Pinus patula, Eucalyptus species, Cupressus lusitanica and P. caribaea 4% woodland and 19% inhabitant forests. The park’s rich vegetation has attracted numerous animals like elephants, Ichneumon Civet African cats, Bush Pigs, Swamp Otter, Palm Civets, Buffalos, Bushbucks, Marsh & Banded Mongooses and Alexander’s Cuismanse. Other mammals include Hippos, Warthogs, Lions, Golden Cats, Giant Hogs, Serval and Leopards.
The park has more than 300 different bird species like the Red-chest Fluff tail, Joyful Greenbul, Grey-winged Robin, Grey-throated Flycatcher, Woodland Warbler, Chestnut-winged Starling, Masked & Black-capped Apalises, Green-breasted Pitta, White-naped Pigeon, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Orange-tufted and Tiny Sunbirds and the White-bellied Crested Flycatcher among many more.

Accessibility to Kibale Forest National Park

This park is located 320 Km from Kampala, 26 kilometers southwest of the town of Fort Portal, and form Kasese town it’s about one hour’s drive. From Fort-Portal, you will reach the park through a dirty road that runs to Kanyanchu Tourist Center. A private licensed flight can be organized to Kasese airstrip together with a one hour drive to Kibaale to cater for those who rather to journey by air.

Kibale Safari Activities

The main activity in the park is Chimpanzee tracking. It is quite a memorable experience tracking the habituates Chimp families. Being the closest relatives to humans than all living creatures, the giant apes give incomparable pleasure ass you watch them play and feed in the numerous trees in the park. Taking nature walks in the Bigodi swamp will enable you view the rich bird life in addition to the numerous conservation projects.

The short treks are characterized with identifying trees.

Additionally educational walks are available for children who cannot trek Chimpanzees.

Another unique activity is visiting the local surrounding villages.