Kibaale National Park is in western Uganda and protects the moist evergreen rainforest. It is 766 square kilometres (296 sq mi) in size and ranges between 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) and 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) in elevation. Kibale is one of the last remaining expanses of lowland and montane forests. In eastern Africa, it sustains the last significant expanse of pre-montane forest. It is a lesser-known gem that offers visitors a mix of beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and cultural experiences. It’s one of the most pristine parts of Uganda that’s not as crowded with tourists so you get a more peaceful intimate nature
The park was gazetted in 1932 and formally established in 1993 to protect a large area of forest previously managed as a logged forest reserve. The park forms a continuous forest with Queen Elizabeth National Park. This adjoining of the parks creates a 180-kilometre wildlife corridor. It is an important eco-tourism and safari destination, well-known for its population of habituated chimpanzees and twelve other species of primates. It is also the location of the Makerere University Biological Field Station. Attractions in and around Kabaale National Park
Locals and the park
Two major tribes, Batooro and Bakiga, inhabit the area around the park. They use the park for food, fuel, and other resources with the help of the Uganda Wildlife Authority. In the last century, the population around the park has increased by sevenfold. This is speculated to be because the park directly brings in revenue for those living around it and the tourism industry creates jobs. In addition, many farmers believe that the soil is better for growing crops year-round. This increase in the population has caused the area around the park to be divided and developed or turned into plantations and farmland and demand for firewood puts pressure on the park’s wildlife habitat. Cutting trees for fuel has already strained many of the forest areas outside Kibale.
Biodiversity
Kibale National Forest has one of the highest diversity and concentration of primates in Africa. It is home to a large number of endangered chimpanzees, as well as the red colobus monkey and the rare L’Hoest’s monkey (Vulnerable).
Chimpanzee eating figs
There are 13 species of primates in Kibale National Park. The park protects several well-studied habituated communities of common chimpanzee as well as several species of Central African monkey including the Uganda mangabey the Ugandan red colobus. Other primates found in the park include the black-and-white colobus and the blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis). The park’s population of elephants travels between the park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Kibaale is home to one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in the world. Visitors can go on guided chimpanzee tracking tours to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.
Mammals found within Kibale National Park
Red and blue duikers
Bushbucks
Sitatungas
Bushpigs
Giant forest hogs
Warthogs
African buffalo.
The carnivores include
Leopards
African golden cats
Servals
Different mongooses
Habituated chimpanzee
Bird life is also prolific. The park boasts 325 species of birds, including
olive long-tailed cuckoo
Western tinkerbird,
Two species of pittas (African and green-breasted)
The grey parrot Primates
There are many species of primates and these species persist in the less disturbed areas of the forest in their natural habitats. Some disturbances are hindering some of these species. Logging effects have been studied specifically by a few people. Most studies find that logging seems to be on the species but there are some contradictions. Some species of primates occur less frequently in logged areas but others were unaffected.
Degraded lands occur when land is cleared for agriculture and abandoned after a few years. These lands are coming back at different rates and some are showing no possibility of re-growth. The effect these lands have on primates is still slightly unknown but some studies have started weeding out answers. Most primates are evenly distributed throughout the entire forest whether there was agricultural encroachment or not. Different species have different diets and many of the species are folivorous. One study found that black-and-white colobus eat younger leaves over older.
Flora
Approximately 229 species of trees are found within the moist tropical forests of the park. Some endangered timber species of trees include Cordia millenii, Entandrophragma angolense, and Lovoa swynnertonnii. The forest understory is dominated by shade-tolerant shrubs and herbs, which include Palisota schweinfurthii and Pollia condensate.
Forest management
Many studies have been conducted within the park to assess the factors influencing forest regeneration and forest management techniques. One such study’s results suggested that forest restoration could be achieved by preventing fires within the park and allowing natural succession to occur so that the grasslands formed due to human activity could naturally regenerate into forests. The results showed that plots within the park and the highest tree species diversity.
Tree species that require animal dispersal of their seeds were far more abundant than non-animal dispersed species in the plot with the longest duration of fire exclusion. This suggests that seed-dispersing animals were also more abundant in areas where fire was excluded. The presence of seed dispersers and animal-dispersed species of trees in some grassland plots suggests that suppressing fire and allowing natural seed dispersal to occur can encourage forest regeneration.
Another study evaluated exotic pine and cypress tree plantations as a forest restoration technique within the park. This study showed a high level of natural regeneration of Indigenous trees within pine plantations most likely due to the use of these plantations by seed-dispersing animals such as redtail monkeys, chimpanzees, duikers and bushpigs all of which were sited or tracked within the plantations.
Wild coffee project
Robusta coffee grows natively in the Kibale forest area. From 1999 to 2002 an effort was made to coffee a premium consumer brand, emulating and extending the success of shade-grown in Central America. Revenue from the coffee production was intended to finance conservation management activities.
Initial funding for project development came from USAID. The project was implemented with funding from the Ford Foundation. The project in setting up local production standards and procedures and control infrastructure. Initially, it was led by the Uganda Coffee Trade Federation until the independent US-based non-profit Kibale Forest Foundation was created to take over the project.
The sustainable annual yield was estimated at 680 kg (1,500 lb. It was subsequently discovered that there was no demand for the product, as the robusta variety is perceived as inferior to arabica coffee typically demanded by the premium market.
practical information
If you’re planning a tour at Kibale National Park in Uganda, there are key things to know to make your visit smooth and enjoyable.
Permits and Entry Fees
Chimpanzee Tracking Permit and this is the main activity in Kibale, and permits are required. It’s advisable to book this in advance as they can sell out, especially during peak seasons.
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (December to February, June to September): Best time for wildlife viewing since trails are easier to navigate and animals are more active.
Wet Season (March to May, October to November): Expect rain, which can make the trails slippery and difficult to walk on, but the park is less crowded.
Chimpanzee Tracking
The tracking usually takes 3-4 hours depending on the location of the chimpanzees. It involves a guided trek through the forest and once you find the chimps, you’ll spend around an hour with them.
What to Bring
Good hiking boots, long pants, rain gear, a camera (without flash), water, and snacks.
Accommodation
There are a variety of accommodations around the park, ranging from budget to mid-range lodges and upscale resorts. Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, Primate Lodge and Kyaninga Lodge are some of the popular options nearby.
Getting There
Kibale is located about 320 km (200 miles) west of Kampala. The drive takes around 5-6 hours. You can get there by private car, tour vehicle, or public transport, though private transport is the most comfortable and flexible option.
Health and Safety
It’s recommended to get vaccinations for Yellow Fever and take Malaria prophylaxis, as malaria is present in the region.
Physical Fitness: The chimpanzee trekking can be physically demanding (you may have to hike for an hour or more through the forest), so be sure you’re prepared for a moderate hike.
2- day itinerary from Kampala to Kibaale National Park
Day 1: Kampala to Kibale National Park
Departure from Kampala: Start early around 6:00 AM to make the most of the day. The drive to Kibale National Park is approximately 5-6 hours (around 300 km) so be prepared for a scenic road trip.
Stopover: Stopping at Fort Portal for a quick rest, stretch and a breakfast.
Afternoon:
Arrival in Kibale: Arrive at Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse by around 12:30 – 1:00 PM.
Lunch: Have lunch at your accommodation or a nearby restaurant.
Late Afternoon: Head to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided walk. It’s a great way to stretch the legs, spot birds, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Evening: Return to lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Return to Kampala
Morning: Chimpanzee trekking at 7:00 AM) in Kibale National Park. The park is famous for its chimpanzee population, and trekking is an incredible experience where you can spend time with the chimps in their natural habitat.
Optional: Visit to the Primate Research Center:
Afternoon: Return to the lodge to enjoy lunch.
Departure: After lunch, drive back to Kampala. Depending on traffic and stops, you’ll likely arrive back in Kampala by late evening, around 6:00-7:00 PM.
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