Kibale being an extensive National Park, it’s the most accessible of
Uganda's major rainforests protecting some excellent forest for bird
watching. Kibale is home to a remarkable 13 primate species, including
the much localized red Colobus and Lhotse’s monkey.
It also holds the greatest variety and concentration of
primates found anywhere in East Africa. Numerous birds and primates
combined with easy access, due to good infrastructure and a variety of
interesting activities make this forest a worthwhile safari destination.
Kibale forest National Park rests on approximately 560 km 2
large, and it is mainly occupied by two tribes i.e. Batooro and
Bakiga traditionally both tribes utilized the forest for food, fuel,
building materials and other viable resource to man’s life.
Kibale’s major attractions and activities
Kibale's major attraction, however, is the opportunity to
track habituated chimps - these delightful apes, more closely related
to humans than to any other living creature, are tremendous fun to
watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. Other primates that
may be found on these guided walks include Guereza Colobus, Olive
Baboon, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, L'Hoest's Gentle ( Blue) and Red-tailed
Monkeys is more likely to be found in open areas adjacent to the
forest. You may also find evidence of Elephants, Bush Pig and Bufallo
along the trails, whilst Bushbuck, Blue, Harvey's and Peter's Duickers
are other shy inhabitants of the forest interior. The guided night
walks are also rewarding: Potto, Spectacled Demidoff's and Thomas's
Galagos, Lord Derby's Anomalure, African Civet and Common Genet are all
possible.
A network of shady forest trails provides much to delight
botanists and butterfly lovers, while birders are in for a treat with
335 species recorded including the endemic Prirogrine's ground thrush.
The elusive forest elephant, smaller and hairier than its
savannah counterpart, moves seasonally into the developed part of the
park, while other terrestrial mammals include buffalo, giant forest hog
and a half dozen antelope species.
Bigodi walk
The walk is about 4 km in length, taking 3-4 hours at
birding pace. With all proceeds from eco-tourism going back into the
community, this is a conservation project well worth supporting. A
number of birds can be spotted out including the rare shoebill stock
Noted Bird Species
Red-winged Francolin, Red-chested Flufftail, White-naped
Pigeon, Green-brested Pitta, African Pitta,Joyful Greenbul, Grey-winged
Robin, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Grey-throated Flycatcher,
White-bellied Crested Flycather, Masked and Black-capped Apalises,
Uganda Woodland Warbler, Chestnut-winged Starling, Orange-tufted and
Tiny Sunbirds, Grey-headed
A wide range of other interesting mammals exists from the
list of over 60 species include Alexander's Cusimanse, Swamp Otter,
Ratel ( Honey Badger ) and African Palm Civet Ichneumon, Banded and
Marsh Mongooses. Although Golden Cat, Serval, Lion, Leopard, Warthog,
Giant Hog and Hippopotamus are recorded from the park, they are
unlikely to be encountered in the Kanyanchu area. Sitatungas are known
from Bigodi Swamp but are infrequently seen. The spectacular and
beautiful Rhinoceros Viper is fairly common here but is, unfortunately,
less often found alive than as a road-kill.
ACCOMMODATION
Ndali Lodge And Kyaninga Lodges are the top most luxury
accommodation with thatched cottages overlooking a crater lakes.
The other place to spend the night is in Primate Lodge
Kibale, Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Kibale Forest Camp do provide
excellent overnight services to visitors
Modern Bandas, luxury tents and a comfortable Sky Tree House
at Chimps Nest, Chimpanzee Guest House, Nyinabulitwa country Resort,
Fort Motel indeed provide quality services as well especially to budget
visitors.
The Rwenzori View Guesthouse located in Fort Portal
approximately 30 kms from the forest. Comfortable, middle class rooms
with or without private bathrooms are available
CHIMPANZEE TREKKING RULES
a). When trekking you are advised to remain in a tight group and follow the guide’s directions at all times
b). The maximum number of people in a group is 4 visitors per guided walk
c). The maximum time allowed with the chimps is one hour;
however, the time might be shortened under the guide’s discretion to
eliminate stressful situations for the chimps
d). Please note that this is not a Zoo so it is a tropical
rainforest and sightings depend on factors such as time of the day
fruit availability, weather and how quite the primate group is.
e). Please remain at a distance of 8 meters from the chimps or the distance that your guide recommends
f). Under no circumstance shall you chase while they descend or to or walk on higher ground.
h). You are advised not to enter the forest if you are sick as this can put the animals at serious risk
I). Please refrain from eating near the chimps and other primates
j). Please do not shout in the forest
k) it’s advisable to wear long boots that cover your toes
and long trousers as there are red ants and slippery trails, also carry
along water proof clothing in the rainy season.
l). Children under 13 years are not allowed to view the chimps for safety reasons.
m). If you need to urinate please do so off the trail system.
n). If you need to defecate, please do so off the trail system and bury all in a hole all waste.
ACCESSING KIBALE
From Kampala via Fort Portal to Kamwenge, which commences
near the Mpanga river bridge Fort Portal town Kabarole district? Turn
left at the junction 12 km from Fort Portal and an additional 24 km to
Kanyanchu Tourist Centre.
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