Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest

Southern Kibale borders Queen Elizabeth National Park and collectively these preserved areas maintain a 180 kilometer long migration corridor for wildlife that stretches from the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in “Ishasha”, to the north of Kibale in “Sebitoli”. The Kibale-Fort Portal region is one of Uganda’s most pleasing places to explore.

Children have to be 15 years and above to track the Chimpanzees. If younger they can opt to see chimpanzees at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.Kibale Forest National Park is one of the most attractive national parks in Uganda with varied tracts of tropical rain forest and a multiplicity of animals. It is located in western Uganda slightly off the Equator but yet a rain forest. The annual temperature ranges between 14-27C and is generally cool unless you visit the south where the altitude is lower tending to the hot rift valley bed.

Flora and Fauna in Kibale National Park

Kibale forest is blessed with over 60 mammal species with the main attraction being the 13 species of primates that reside in Kibale forest with chimpanzees being the prime attraction. Some of the primates include primates include bush babies, L’Hoest’s monkey, red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, olive baboon, blue monkey, Vervet monkeys, Potto and Chimpanzees.

With over 375 bird species, KIbale National Park is a birding paradise with the main attraction as the Green breasted Pitta for birders visiting the park. Other bird species to look out for include; Red-chested owlet, Purple breasted sunbird, African Grey Parrot, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Crowned Eagle, little Greenbul, Black Bee eater, White-naped pigeon, andScaly-breasted Illadopsis,Western bronze-naped Pigeon, Nahan’s Francolin, Yellow-throated Nicator, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Red Headed malimbe , Yellow-spotted barbet , Dusky-blue Flycatcher and many more.

The other wildlife found in Kibale National Park include leopards, duikers, antelopes, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, golden cats, warthogs, and bush pigs.The park is also home to over 250 species of butterflies, several reptiles, and amphibians.

The wide diversity of the wildlife population is supported by the different varieties of habitat, ranging from moist evergreen tropical forest along the Fort Portal plateau,then through the moist semi deciduous tropical forest, and then to the woodland & savanna along the rift valley floor.

Kibale’s vegetation rises to over 55m, establishing a semi closed canopy of massive stratified tree crowns. The forest has over 351 tree species,variety of ferns, shrubs and broad leaved forest grasses, the undergrowth is sparse.

Accessing Kibale National Park

Kibale National park can be accessed by either road or air.

The direct route from Kampala that takes between 5 to 6 hours driving past Mubende and Fort Portal. Those approaching the park from the southern section can use the Kamwenge or Mbarara road.

The park can be accessed  from Entebbe International airport with a scheduled/charter flights to Kasese Airstrip which is an hour from Kibale National park

Accommodation in Kibale National Park

After Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park is the most frequented park with a lot of travelers attracted to its wildlife and terrain. The park is a very busy destination thus accommodations should be pre booked to avoid inconveniences. Some of the lodges available to travelers in and around the park include;

• Primate Lodge
• Ndali Lodge
• Kyaninga Lodge
• Crater Safari Lodge
• Mountains of the moon Hotel
• Chimpanzee Guest house
• Kibale forest camp
• Chimps nest
• Kibale Forest Lodge
• Rwenzori View Guest house
• Papaya Safari Lodge
• Nyinabulitwa
• Crater Valley Kibale
• Kanyanchu River Camp
• Sebitoli Camping Ground

Kibale Forest National Park has accommodation for all classes of travellers from the budget traveler to the upmarket traveler, thus all travelers needs are catered for.