Kibale forest national park

The park is located near the foothills of the Mountains of the Moon in western Uganda and occupies an area of 795 sq km. And it’s the most accessible of all Uganda's major tropical rainforests. Kibale forest national park is home to13 primate species with both nocturnal and diurnal species. These include chimpanzees, the localized red colobus monkey, L’Hoest monkey, black and white colobus monkey, pottos, Guereza Colobus, Olive Baboon, Grey-cheeked Mangabeys, and Red-tailed Monkeys etc.

Various vegetation zones which include mature, mid-altitude, moist semi-deciduous and evergreen forest (57%), grassland (15%), woodland (4%), lakes and wetlands (2%), colonizing forest (19%), and plantations of exotic trees (1%) ; primarily Cupressus lusitanica, Pinus patula, P. caribaea, and Eucalyptus species.

The vegetation has attracted a number of other interesting mammals which include the elusive forest elephant, Buffaloes, Ichneumon, Bushbucks, African Civet cats, Banded and Marsh Mongooses, Bush pigs, Alexander's Cusimanse, Swamp Otter, Ratel and African Palm Civet. Although Golden Cat, Serval, Lion, Leopard, Warthogs, Giant Hogs and Hippopotamus etc.

The park has 335 bird species which include Red-chested Fluff tail, Red-winged Francolin, Joyful Greenbul, Green-breasted Pitta, Grey-winged Robin, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Grey-throated Flycatcher, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher and so many others.

Accessibility
The Park lies 320km from Kampala along a mostly surfaced direct road. From Kasese is a one hour’s drive from fort portal, the park lies only 26km and can be accessed via a dirty road that connects to Kanyanchu tourist centre. For those who prefer to travel by air, a private charter flight to Kasese airstrip can be arranged and combined with a transfer to Kibale by road it’s a 1 hour drive.

Safari activities
Chimpanzee tracking is the major tourism activity that is carried out in the park. Tracking these habituated and delightful apes is an unforgettable experience. Closely related to humans than to any other living creature, chimpanzees gives tremendous fun to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees within the park.

The Nature walks through the Bigodi swamp where a number of birds can be seen on the trail as well as conservation projects is also another activity in Kibale National Park.
Short walks involved with tree identification.
There are educational walks for children who are not allowed to track the chimpanzees.
Community walks are also part of the activities that take place in the neighboring local villages.

Accommodation and meals
Primate Lodge offers four ordinary Bandas these Bandas have two beds with beddings. Food can also be provided on order at primate lodge. This operates from 7:30am up to mid-night, offering meals, snacks and drinks etc.

Local people
The park is surrounded by two major tribes that is to say, the Batooro, and Bakiga.
And as the tradition is, both tribes utilize the forest for food, building materials, and timber. It should be noted however that this park is protected area by the Uganda wild life authority which allows both the local people and the visitors to have sustainable access to selected office resources.

General park regulations
The reception is open for visitors from 7:30am and closes at 5:00pm daily.
You are not supposed to enter the forest with out a park guide.
You are not supposed to take anything from the forest not even a flower.
All domestic animals are not allowed to enter the park.
Firearms and ammunitions are prohibited.