Uganda’s Kasubi Tombs
November 14, 2024
Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda
November 14, 2024
Kibale National Park in Uganda is located in the western portion of the country, in the East African Rift Valley, near the Ndali Kasenda crater, at an elevation of 1,590m to 1,100m above sea level. Kibale National Park was first designated as a forest reserve in 1932 due to its rich biodiversity before becoming a game park in the 1990s.
The park has established itself as the primate capital of Uganda and, to a large degree, East Africa. The numerous tree species (about 350) that spread throughout the broad plains and plateaus include pre-montane woodland, which is not found anywhere in East Africa. The park also has montane and lowland forests with endangered species such as Lovoa swynnertonnii, Cordia millenii, and Entandrophragma.
Attractions in Kibale Forest National Park
Chimpanzee Trekking and spotting other primates:
Kibale National Park is undoubtedly the greatest site to go on a monkey tour. The park may not include gorillas, but it does have more primate species than any other park in East Africa. Chimpanzees are an endangered species that are unique in that they share more than 95% of their DNA with humans. Kibale contains the largest chimpanzee clans in East Africa, with over 5,000 individuals recorded. Chimpanzees can be found in other East African parks, but the odds of seeing one are limited compared to Kibale Forest.
Kibale Forest National Park’s incredible collection of monkeys adds to the allure of a primate safari. While in Kibale Forest expect to witness the endangered L’Hoest’s Monkeys. Expect to witness L’Hoest’s Monkeys, the endangered Red Colobus Monkey, Grey Cheeked Mangabeys, Red-tailed Monkeys, Bush Babies, Blue Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Olive Baboons, and Black and White Colobus. Primate enthusiasts can enjoy a whole African safari without having to travel far.
Walk Birding:
Uganda is regarded as one of the top three birding destinations in Africa. Kibale’s 180-kilometer rain forest is a birder’s delight, home to over 374 different bird species. Birders can spot the Abyssinian Ground Thrust, African Grey Parrot, Black Bee Eater, Black capped Apalis, Black eared Ground Thrust, Blue Breasted Kingfisher, Blue headed Sunbird, Brown Chested Alethe, Brown Illadopis, Collared Apalis, Crowned Eagle, Dusky Crimsonwing, Little Green Bul, Purple breasted Sunbird, Red Chested Owlet, Red Faced Woodland Warbler, Scaly breasted Illadopsis, the African Pitta, Western Nicator, White Naped Pigeon,
Other wildlife:
Aside from primates and birds, Kibale National Park is home to 14 snake species, over 200 butterfly species, 27 frog species, and over 20 reptiles. Kibale National Park is home to nearly 70 mammal species, including bats, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, elephants, forest buffaloes, leopards, hippopotamus, bushbuck antelopes, red/blue duikers, sitatunga semi aquatic antelopes, warthogs, African golden cats, mongooses, and the occasional spotted hyena.
Local people:
There are numerous activities available for individuals who want to experience local culture.
The Batoro are the major tribe residing near the park, and visiting them should be at the top of anyone’s itinerary if they want to have a cultural experience. The Batoro are a proud people with a rich history, culture, and a King known as the Omukama.
You might also like to visit the Bakiga tribe. The Bakiga are noted for their hard work and subsistence farming of numerous native foods, particularly Matoke (bananas). The Batoro accepted them as migrants, and their numbers have grown since then.
One of the finest ways to immerse yourself in African culture is to visit a local family or an organized cultural center and learn about the local dances, language, food, and ancient stories. The Bakiga and Batoro communities have benefited greatly from the region’s tourism activity. Before tourism became popular in the area, they relied mainly on the forest and agriculture for sustenance.
Nature walks and Hikes:
A trip through the enormous forest is an excellent way to discover and appreciate the park’s and neighboring landscapes’ rich biodiversity, which includes a visit to the Amabere caves.The starting point can be either Sebitoli or Kanyanchu. Regardless matter where you begin your walk in the park, you will be treated to a spectacular view of tropical woods, grasslands, wetlands, and rivers.
A tour through Nyaibanda, Nyakalongo, and Kikoni villages is ideal for anyone interested in witnessing how locals live their everyday lives and work in the gardens. Night hikes can also be organized to see nocturnal wildlife such as pottos, bush babies, and other uncommon birds that only appear at night.
Bigodi wetlands and bird sanctuary:
A special nature walk can be organized to visit the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary within the park. This is one of East Africa’s premier spots for bird watching and primate viewing, bringing thousands of people each year. A three-hour trek through the Bigodi wetland allows you to see around 310 bird species. Expect to spot at least five species of primates while walking through the palm trees and various vegetation.
Birding at Kibale National Park Activities for Children:
Professionally qualified rangers, guides, and drivers are available to guarantee that both children and adults have a good time while on safari in Kibale National Park. Chimpanzee trekking is not permitted for children under the age of 13, and parents frequently leave their children at home when on a monkey safari in Kibale National Park.
This should not be the case because children who are unable to participate in certain activities can be taken on excursions through the forest to see forest creatures, birds, and various plant species. Other hobbies for kids include batik making, photography, and pond dipping.
Accessing Kibale National Park.
Kibale National Park is significantly easier to get to than Bwindi or Mgahinga, all of which are in Uganda’s south-west corner. There is a direct route from Kampala that takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, passing through Mubende and Fort Portal. Those reaching the park from the south might take the Kamwenge or Mbarara roads. A much more convenient and faster way to get to the park is to take a chartered airplane from Kajjansi along the Entebbe-Kampala highway to either Ndali or Fort Portal, then drive to the park.
The best time to visit Kibale National Park
The park’s tropical temperature and location near the equator allow for year-round visitor activities. However, most equatorial regions experience two seasons: rainy (low) and dry (peak), with each occurring twice a year.
These seasons influence the quality of a safari in Kibale National Park. The dry months of December to February and June to September are the year’s peak season. These dry months are distinguished by little to no rainfall. There is less muck, making it easier to drive and walk in the park. During the dry season, there is less vegetation cover and thicker bushes, allowing for easier animal sightings and a more enjoyable holiday.
The low seasons are March to May and late September to November, with a safari in Kibale National Park receiving significantly more rain. This may not appeal to certain guests, but birders will enjoy this season because it is bird-nesting season, and various migratory species emerge, filling the forest with wonderful sounds in exquisite green.
Most people choose to visit the park during the dry seasons, which are regarded the finest time to go on a Uganda safari. For the finest experience, we recommend visiting two to three weeks after the rainy season ends. During this time, the mud has vanished, and the country as a whole is still very green, providing breathtaking beauty.
Packing list for Kibale National Park
Kibale, unlike Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, features relatively accessible forest paths and pathways that require a basic packing list. We believe that the following items should be included on your safari to Kibale National Park.
Travel documents:
While on an African safari, keep your travel documents with you at all times. A VISA, passport, and yellow fever vaccination card are all important travel documents. Without these documents, expect a difficult time at the border crossing or airport, which may result in extra expenditures.
The passport must have at least 6 months remaining before it expires. To avoid future inconveniences, make several copies of each of these documents. While preparing for your visit of Kibale National Park, remember to include your travel insurance card, medical insurance card, an updated travel itinerary, and essential local maps.
Pocket change:
A safari in Kibale National Park may necessitate the use of pocket money for minor transactions such as paying porters and purchasing art goods. You may want to repay your guides for making your safari so memorable, but you may not have any spare change. Although locals accept dollars, some transactions may require local currency.
Emergency phone numbers:
You should get a local sim card as soon as you arrive for simple communication while visiting Kibale National Park. Uganda’s phone networks are well planned and affordable, even in distant locations. You must register with one of the networks so that you are covered in case of an emergency. Your company guide should assist you in registering with one of the network providers and obtaining a number. Make sure you have all of your identity information/documents for a successful registration.
Clothes:
Long sleeve shirts and long pants are required for this safari, as with any other in Africa. The color should be muted because you may be traveling in dusty settings with strong winds. Pack a sweater and rain gear to keep you warm on cold nights or during rainy/wet seasons. Most lodges and hotels have swimming pools, so bring your swimming attire.
Hiking shoes:
A simple, robust, comfortable, and waterproof shoe is recommended for your Kibale National Park excursion. You will also require comfortable, easy-to-dry stockings and light sandals for evening leisure at your lodge following your activities.
Bug repellents:
Tropical countries, such as Uganda, have a large number of bug species, making finding a decent repellent difficult. A camera, binoculars, and other accessories: You will regret not bringing a nice camera to record all of the unforgettable moments during your Kibale Forest safari.Other essentials to carry to make your safari more comfortable and memorable include an iPad, a phone, and a waterproof basic backpack.
Other necessities:
If you have spare space, get a flashlight, hand sanitizers/wipes, electric adapter, Vaseline, antibiotics, allergy medicines, toothbrush, lip balm, vitamins, painkillers, sanitary necessities and hair shampoo.
Accommodation in Kibale National Park
A safari vacation is memorable if, at the end of each activity, you must retire to a comfortable room surrounded by magnificent scenery and pure air. Kibale National Park is endowed with a variety of housing options. During a safari in Uganda, you can stay in upscale, mid-range, or budget accommodations. The majority of the lodges and hotels are located in the Kanyanchu, Ndali, Nkingo, and Bigodi regions of the park. Let us look at some of them in detail.
Primate Lodge Kibale Uganda:
The primate lodge in Kibale is a luxury lodge positioned strategically in the forest for easy animal watching. It boasts trendy and comfortable rooms and was built to It boasts contemporary and pleasant rooms and is designed to be environmentally friendly.
There are eight luxury grass-thatched safari tents that stand on wooden platforms, giving them an African appearance. There are also seven magnificent huts or tree homes where you may observe elephants, chimps, and other primates that frequent the area. The lodge has well-furnished, large rooms with nice beds. There are en-suite bathrooms, toilets, and a seating area. There is also a well-appointed lounge space, an on-site bar, and a restaurant that serves delicious local and foreign cuisine.
Tourist activities available at the primate resort include trekking through Bigodi village, forest walks, visits to the crater lakes, birding, chimpanzee tracking, and hiking the Rwenzori Mountains’ slopes. Every evening, in addition to the fireplace, the lodge organizes ethnic dances and shows to help you relax after a long but delightful day of activity.
Chimps’ Nest Uganda:
This eco-friendly lodge is located in Nyabubale, between the communities of Bigodi and Nkingo.
The lodge was made with local materials and has solar lighting. Chimps’ Nest includes self-contained tree huts and cottages and is bordered by large farms of ginger, peanuts, coffee, and pineapple. Tourists around the lodge frequently spot animals such as chimps, elephants, monkeys, and birds.
Visitors to the resort can also admire the breathtaking Rwenzori mountain ranges and go on nature treks.Nyinabulitwa Country Resort is a budget and mid-range hotel located 20 kilometres from Fort Portal town. It offers well-furnished, self-contained cottages with single and double beds. There is an African craft shop and an on-site restaurant serving both local and international food. Visitors can participate in a range of tourism activities, including forest/village walks, primate tracking, birdwatching, fishing, canoeing, mountain hikes, and animal viewing (elephants, buffaloes, and bushpigs).
The luxurious Kibale Forest Camp is located near to the park and off the Kamwenge-Fort Portal route. The resort has seven spacious tents equipped with double beds and en-suite bathrooms/toilets. The room verandahs provide visitors with wonderful views of the park, woodlands, and wildlife. Visitors can go on village walks, hike the Rwenzori mountain slopes, follow chimps, and observe wildlife in general.
