Kibale Forest National Park is undoubtedly one of the best safari destinations on the African continent as it inhabits one of the most beautiful creatures on earth, the chimpanzees. Kibale Forest National Park lies in the western parts of Uganda, Fort Portal, covering 795 square kilometers of mostly moist evergreen tropical forests. The Park is a home to a number of forest wildlife, most especially 13 primate species including chimpanzees.
Attractions:
First in place, Kibale Forest National Park is a primate enthusiast’s paradise! The Park constitutes a great number of 13 primate species – it inhabits many primate species more than any other protected area in Africa. The common chimpanzee is however the main attraction in this Park. This is the best and perfect destination in Africa for chimpanzee tracking expeditions, residing an impressive population of approximately 1,500 chimpanzees. The process of searching for chimpanzees in their natural habitats (chimpanzee tracking) is a very enjoyable and memorable experience especially in the rain tropical forests of Kibale in western Uganda.
With chimpanzee tracking, the expeditions are always spearheaded by experienced Park guides who will help ease the activity for you because they are always in the forest and they know where the chimpanzees might have spent their previous night, hence identifying them easily and enjoy the precious time with them.
The tracking of chimpanzees is done in groups of not more than 6 individuals in each tracking group and all individuals must be of 12 years of age and above. This is because the activity is arduous and will require strenuous effort which young kids can’t afford. The activity is basically for courageous and determined individuals. If you are ill or very old like 80 years of age, you are not advised to engage in this activity because it won’t at any time be fun for you besides the activity being filled with fun.
Apart from the chimpanzees, Kibale’s other 12 primates include the Olive baboons, blue monkeys, Uganda Mangabeys, red tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, red Colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and black and white Colobus monkeys. The remaining four primate species are nocturnal and these are; Potos, Thomas’s Galagos, Demidoff’s Galagos, and Eastern/Elegant needle clawed galagos.
The Park is also a perfect place for birders, constituting of 372 bird species. There are also other wildlife species like hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and duikers – though seeing them is really a chance. The most major activities carried out here are chimpanzee tracking, chimpanzee habituation, primate walk, bird watching, game viewing, and cultural experiences.
Accommodations in Kibale:
Decent places to stay at and near Kibale Forest National Park include; Kibale Forest Camp, Primate Lodge, Isunga Lodge, Turaco treetops, Crater Safari Lodge, Kibale Forest Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge, chimpanzee forest guesthouse, Ndali Lodge, Lake Kifuruka Eco-Lodge Campsite, Chimps nest, Kyaninga Lodge, Rwenzori View Guest House, Mountains of the moon Hotel, Nyinabulitwa Country Resort and Safari Camp, among others.