Kibale Forest National Park is situated in western Uganda and spans across Kabarole and Kamwenge districts. The park which covers an estimated are of about 795 square kilometers in size lying on an altitude that is estimated to be 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) to 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) in elevation. Kibale Forest National Park contains a diverse array of landscapes which encompass primarily moist evergreen forest which contain both lowland and montane forests. Kibale Forest National Park was gazetted in 1932 and formally established in 1993 to protect a large area of forest previously managed as a logged forest reserve.
Things to do in Kibale Forest National Park.
Chimpanzee Tracking is the most popular tourist activity in Kibale Forest National Park. Hiking and nature walks are some of the most rewarding activities done within the park and in nearby places. You can take a hike following a trail that goes across the length of Kibale Park. There are various places you can go to for a day time-hike. Hiking gives you the opportunity to see diverse habitats as you walk through the forest, you will find rivers, go through swamps and grassland. The most popular swampy area near Kibale is the Bigodi swamp. Chimpanzee Habituation Experience offers you a life time experience.
Visiting Abameere Ga Nyina Mwiru Caves is a good experience as well. These caves have a lot of natural wonders as well as cultural legends attached to them which will not leave you the same.
While still here you can also visit Nakayima Witch’s Tree which is a traditional worship and cultural site. It’s located on top of a hill along the road to and from Kibale Forest National Park therefore it has a really beautiful view and its mostly known as the Witch’s Tree.
Taking a hike to the crater lakes is worthwhile, it takes about 3 hours, where you pass through villages, walk past tea plantations as you enjoy the beautiful scenery once you reach the top.
Wildlife
Kibale Forest National Park has got abundant species of primates in the area known primarily for its chimpanzees which are the most sought after in Kibale with a bout of 1500 in number, representing Uganda’s highest population of this endangered primate with anther primates that have been recorded in this which include: the black and white colobus, red-tailed monkey, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkey, olive baboon, bush baby, red and blue duikers, bushbucks, sitatungas, bushpigs, giant forest hogs, common warthogs, and African buffalo and L’Hoest’s monkey also other mammals are present, though they are hardly seen. These consist of buffalo, leopard, bush pig elephant, and duiker.
Birds
The park has an impressive number of bird species which is home of about 325 bird species some of which are; the black-capped apalis, blue-headed sunbird, collared apalis, purple- breasted sun bird and many others. Additional to that of the countable natives of Albertine Rift destination, which are dusky crimson wing, black-capped apalis, blue-headed sunbird, collared apalis, red-faced woodland warbler and purple-breasted sunbird which are six in numbers.
Where to stay in Kibale Forest National Park.
The park has luxury excellent accommodation such as Ndali Lodge, Primate Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Kyaninga lodge and papaya lake lodge. Mid range accommodations which offer perfect service the visitors include: chimpanzee forest guests house, chimp nest, Kibale forest camp, mountain of the moon hotel. Budget accommodation is also available which meets the customer’s needs which include Rwenzori view guests house, Nkuruba nature reserve and community camp site as well Nyinabulitwa country resort and safari resort.