Kibale Forest National Park, nestled in the western Ugandan Bundibugyo district, covers an area of 795 km². With afro-montane, rainforest, and bamboo, it marks a primary destination for chimpanzee tracking and primates. It was gazetted as a reserve and later recognized as a national park, established in 1993. Mostly accessed by road from Kampala to Fort Portal via Mubende, taking approximately an 8-hour drive, and by air from Entebbe International or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kasese Airstrip, with two gates: Kanyanchu and Sekitori, but Kanyanchu visitors center being the prominent one.
With about 1500 chimpanzees and other primates, which is rare in East Africa, it marks it as a great destination for chimpanzee trekking and habituation experiences in the jungle with unique tree canopy coverings like brown mahogany trees. However, a chimpanzee trekking permit is required for chimp tracking adventures that is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority or local operators who are licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board. Not to forget, children below 15 years are not allowed.
With over 138 different bird species on record, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a birding heaven. While a total of eight species of primates, including the black-and-white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed, l’Hoest’s, and blue monkeys, last but not least the olive baboons, are found in Magombe Swamp, that is outside of the national park. In addition, mongooses and bushbucks call it a home. As the local community, protect the swamp.
Wildlife in Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest harbors other wildlife primates like black-and-white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed, l’Hoest’s, and blue monkeys, and last but not least, the olive baboons and animals that include duikers, forest hogs, giant hogs, forest elephants, leopards, and bush babies, which can be spotted but are rarely seen.
Local people and cultural activities in Kibale Forest National Park
Cultural experiences from the Batoro and Bakiga migrants from the densely populated of south western part of Uganda, expecting energetic dance, music, folklore, food and cuisine, and cultural beliefs, to mention but a few.
When to visit Kibale Forest National Park
June to September and December to February; are the months that offer the most exciting chimpanzee trekking with a private experience, as most of the trails are dry.