Kibale Forest National Park Uganda safari
Monday, March 31st, 2008Kibale Forest National Park
District : Kabarole.
Elevation : 1110 metres to 1590 metres
Size : 560 km 2
Situated to the northeast of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park is an extensive equatorial rainforest noted for its primate diversity. It is an enchanting park full of lakes, grasslands, marshes and forests on the lower slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda. Kibale is best known for its healthy population of approximately 500 chimpanzees, though it’s also home to at least 60 mammal species such as several types of colobus monkeys, bushbuck, waterbuck, duiker and giant forest hog, and a few elephant. Around 350 bird species have also been recorded and the park is a lepidopterist’s dream with over 140 species of brilliantly coloured butterflies floating through the air.
The top attraction at Kibale is the guided chimpanzee habituation experience that entails following up the chimpanzees to make them used to human presence without necessarily altering their natural behaviour. Chimpanzee tracking starts at the entrance to the park where you will meet the experienced guides and rangers, all with expert knowledge of Kibale’s flora and fauna.
Other activities are Primate walk ( lasts for 2-4 hours highlighting the diversity of different animalsand plant species within the forest), forest hike that highlights the different habitats of the forest such as tropical rainforest, riverine froest and swamp and grassland ( 12 km hike restricted to dry seasons of mid November to February and june to September) and long distance walks for the adventourous visitor who wants to enjoy more of the forest (2-6 days passing through different habitats and local communities). There are also children’s activities such as educational walks, especially catering for children below 12 years of age that are not allowed to view the chimps.
FOREST REGULATIONS
1. 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.
2. The maximum number of people in a group is 4 visitors per guided walk
3. 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
4. When trekking you are advised to remain in a tight group and follow the guides directions at all times.
5. Please remain at a distance of 8 meters from the chimps or the distance that your guide recommends
6. Under no circumstance shall you chase while they descend or to or walk on higher ground.
7. You are advised not to enter the forest if you are sick as this can put the animals at serious risk
8. Please refrain from eating near the chimps and other primates
9. Please do not shout in the forest
10. 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.
11. Children less than 12 years are not allowed to view the chimps for safety reasons
12. If you need to urinate please do so off the trail system.
13. If you need to defecate, please do so off the trail system and bury in a hole all waste.
Access and Accomodation: Kanyanchu River Camp is 36 km away from Fort Portal town. Public transport is available from Fort Portal in a matatu from the Kamwenge stage to Kanyanchu bus stop (vehicles are available all day up to 6 pm). As there are several sites in Kibale National Park, ensure that you ask the driver to drop you at the right site.
Kanyanchu River Camp offers 4 ordinary bandas, including one elevated one which is self catering. Food can be provided on order at Kanyanchu River Camp. Evenings can be cold, so bring warm clothes.
A Kibale Forest Safari offers an excellent opportunity to see chimps; though once you have found them, keeping up can be quite a challenge if they decide to move on through the branches at high speed.