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KIBALE
Kibale is an extensive National Park, protecting
a large block of rainforest that offers some
excellent forest for bird watching. It harbours
the greatest variety and concentration of
primates found anywhere in East Africa. Superb
birds and primates combined with
easy access, a good infrastructure and a variety
of interesting activities make this forest a
worthwhile destination. Many of the facilities
are community based, thus providing the local
community with the necessary revenue to keep
their interest focused on the long-term
protection of the area.
The area is mainly occupied
by two tribes ie Batooro and Bakiga
traditionally both tribes utilised the forest
for food, fuel, building materials and
medicines.
ABOUT THE PARK
District : Kabarole.
Elevation : 1110 metres to 1590 metres
Size : 560 km 2
Habitat : The forested section ( 77% ) of the
park is covered by medium altitude moist
evergreen forest in the north and medium
altitude moist semi-deciduous forest at lower
altitudes in the south. The remaining 23%
consist of grassland, swamps and some
plantations with exotic conifers.
Status : National Park since 1993
Birds Recorded : 335 species.
Timing : March - May, September - November
Time Required : 2 days
Key Species of Birds
Red-winged Francolin, Red-chested Flufftail,
White-naped Pigeon, Green-brested Pitta, African
Pitta, Joyful Greenbul, Grey-winged Robin,
Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Grey-throated
Flycatcher, White-bellied Crested Flycather,
Masked and Black-capped Apalises, Uganda
Woodland Warbler, Chestnut-winged Starling,
Orange-tufted and Tiny Sunbirds, Grey-headed
Olive-back.
OTHER WILDLIFE
Kibale has a well-established
Chimpanzee-tracking program with a high success
rate. Other primates that may be found on these
guided walks include Guereza Colobus, Olive
Baboon, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, L'Hoest's Gentle
( Blue) and Red-tailed Monkeys is more likely to
be found in open areas adjacent to the forest.
You may find evidence of Elephant, Bush Pig and
Bufallo along the trails, whilst Bushbuck, Blue,
Harvey's and Peter's Duickers are other shy
inhabitants of the forest interior. The guided
night walks are also rewarding: Potto,
Spectacled Demidoff's and Thomas's Galagos, Lord
Derby's Anomalure, African Civet and Common
Genet are all possible.
Other interesting mammals from the list of over
60 species include Ichneumon, Banded and Marsh
Mongooses, Alexander's Cusimanse, Swamp Otter,
Ratel ( Honey Badger ) and African Palm Civet.
Although Golden Cat, Serval, Lion, Leopard,
Warthog, Giant Hog and Hippopotamus are recorded
from the park, they are unlikely to be
encountered in the Kanyanchu area. Sitatungas
are known from Bigodi Swamp but are infrequently
seen. The spectacular and beautiful Rhinoceros
Viper is fairly common here but is,
unfortunately, less often found alive than as a
road-kill.
ACCOMMODATION
The best place to spend the night is in Primate
Lodge Kibale. Within a short period different
types of accommodation will be available,
including modern bandas, luxury tents and a
comfortable Sky Tree House. The lodge is located
in the middle of the forest, exactly where you
start the chimp tracking from. A charming
restaurant, bar and fire place will make sure
you will spend the evenings pleasantly.
Mantana Luxury Tented Camp located in the middle
of the forest.Bush type accommodation and quite
comfortable.
Ndali Lodge a luxury accomodation with thatched
cottages overlooking a crater lake.
The Rwenzori View Guesthouse located in Fort
Portal approximately 30 kms from the forest.
Comfortable, middle class rooms with or without
private bathrooms are available.
The park offers very affordable chimp tracking.
Groups ( limited to 6 people ) leave daily at
8:00 am and 3:00pm; the walks last about 3
hours. The highly recommended night walks depart
from Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 7:30 pm (book
in advance) . Bring your torch!
Facilities at Bigodi include; an observation
tower and a boardwalk that traverses the papyrus
beds. The path and boardwalk may be flooded and
muddy after heavy rain and gumboots are
recommended. They can be hired at the visitor
centre. The walk is about 4 km in length, taking
3-4 hours at birding pace. With all proceeds
from eco-tourism going back into the community,
this is a conservation project well worth
supporting.
ACCESS
Take the road from Fort Portal to Kamwenge,
which commences near the bridge over the Mpanga
River in Fort Portal and is well signposted.
Turn left at the junction 12 km from Fort Portal
and follow signpost for a further 24 km to
Kanyanchu Tourist Centre.
FOREST REGULATIONS
1. Please note that his 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 guides 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. Its 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 under 15 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 all in a hole all waste. |
