Kibale Forest National Park Tour-Chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda, Chimpanzee habituation in Uganda, Primate safaris and birding tours in Uganda, community tours
Kibale National park is positioned in the two districts of Kabarole and Kamwenge in western part of Uganda. The park covers an estimated area of about 795km and it’s acknowledged to have one of Uganda’s most gorgeous tropical forests. The park was established in 1993 to help protect the large areas of natural forest that were at first managed and protected as a logged Forest Reserve. The park is the only Park in the whole of east Africa that has both montane and lowland forests. It’s also considered to the only park in Uganda the pearl of Africa that has the highest number of primates with 13 different species inhabited in the park including many families of chimpanzees and several types of Columbus monkeys. Bushbuck, waterbuck, duiker and giant forest hog may also be seen. The forests and the grasslands support abundant bird life – almost 375 species have been identified and 144 types of butterfly.
Unique tourist’s attractions in Kibale Forest National Park
Primate species/Chimpanzees Kibale Forest National Park
The diversity and density of primates in Kibale is the highest in Africa. The most famous of its 13 species is the chimpanzee, our closest relative, Kibale’s 1450 chimpanzee represent Uganda’s largest population of this endangered primate. Kibale is also home to the rare I’Hoest’s monkey and East Africa’s largest population of the threatened red colobus monkey. Other primates include the black and white colobus, blue monkey, grey cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkey, olive baboon, bush baby and potto.
Other Wildlife in Kibale Forest National Park
Though Kibale is famous for its varied primate species, the natural habitat in the park also home to an approximated 70 mammal species and these are thriving in the highly endowed perimeters of the park .The park has the ground-dwelling animals but these are rarely seen in the dense ever green forests of Kibale national park. Among the other species which can be easily seen in the park include the approximated number of 500 elephants that are reported to be living in the forest park, other mammal species involve the buffalos, bush pigs species, warthogs, leopards, duikers and golden cat .The rare species that may be only sighted by keen observers include the reptiles, amphibians and also the colorful variety of 250 individual species of butterflies.
Bird species in Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale forest park is proud of more than 375 birds species and these include the 6 birds species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift region, namely black-capped apalis, blue-headed sunbird, collared apalis, purple-breasted sunbird ,dusky crimson-wing,and red-faced woodland warbler. Other Kibale species include the African pitta, green breasted pitta, black bee-eater, yellow spotted nicator, yellow rumped tinker bird, little greenbul, black-eared ground thrush, brown-chested alethe, blue-breasted kingfisher, Abyssinian gound-thrush, and the crowned eagle.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary in Kibale Forest National Park
Bigodi is the only Sanctuary in the park that is blessed with variety of wonderful scenery and of eco-system; the impressive wetland is safe haven for bird lovers. It protects an estimated number of 138 bird species. Located outside the park in Magombe Swamp, Bidogo wetland is also natural home to about eight individual species of primates and these include the white-and-black colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey ,the red-tailed and East African’s threaten species of the L’Hoest’s and blue monkeys and the olive baboons. Bushbucks and mongooses can also be sighted in the sanctuary. The sanctuary was established to help preserve the threatened environmental features and the wetland resources. The wetland Sanctuary is managed and preserved with the local community around the park and the revenue generated from tourists is used to fund community development projects.
Interesting Tourists activities in Kibale Forest National Park
Primate Walk and Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
With 13 primate species, primate walk is the main activity done in Kibale forest national park. This highly rewarding activities in Kibale start from the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 08.00 and 15.00 and lasts 2-3 hours. Out of 9 diurnal primates namely L’Hoest’s , vervet, red-tailed, greycheeked manabey, blue monkeys, red colobus, black and white colobus, olive baboon, Chimpanzees are the most sought after by visitors, Although chimp sightings are not guaranteed, the odds are good with the chance of encountering them being high.Whilst trekking in the depths of the lush green forest, you will be entertained by the bird song and can expect to see at least 5 or 6 other types of primate, most probably the grey-cheeked managebey and the red-tailed monkey.
Bird watching in Kibale Forest National Park
With an estimated number of 375 Bird species in Kibale forest, the park is safe destination where visitors can watch wide –range of bird species. Bird watching tours in the park mainly starts at 7am at Kanyanchu which is located in the middle of the park. The rare species of birds which can be viewed in the park include the Papyrus Gonolek that can be easily found in the wetlands of the park, White-winged Warbler as well as the White-collared Olive back and Papyrus Canary. The other prominent birding areas in the park include the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary which is situated just few kilometers outside the park, .The wetland is home to roughly 138 bird species and these can be easily seen by the visitors participating in guided walks along the trails developed in the wetland and also other visitors can use the viewing plat forms set in the broad walking trails to enjoy the sights and sounds of the various bird species found this area. The different bird species which can be watched include White-spotted Fluff tail, Brown-backed Scrub-robin, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Black Bishop as well as Hairy-breasted Barbet, Yellow-billed Barbet.
Swamp Walk- Bigodi, Kibale Forest National Park
The trail developed in the Sanctuary offers one of the best guided bird trails in East Africa and gives walkers the attractive prospect of seeing various different primate species in just a few hours. Bigodi’s rich ecosystem makes it a spectacular venue for viewing numerous primate and bird species in their natural habitats. This two to three-hour walk can be tailored to your individual schedule and interests. All proceeds from this walk goes to developing community projects in the area and that are how the community is benefiting from the presence of Kibale National Park.
How to access Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale forest national park can be accessed from Kampala via Mubende to Fort portal (300km) and then connect to Kanyanchu (36km). The northern approach is shorter and quicker, with a 300km tarmac road running to Fort Portal followed by 36km on murram to Kanyanchu. Sebitoli Forest Camp, a secondary tourism Centre, is even easier to reach. This stands directly on the Kampala road, 16km before Fort Portal.
MAP SHOWING HOW TO GET TO KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK UGANDA
Where to stay in Kibale Forest National Park
While at Kibale Forest national park, one should not worry about the lodge to stay because there are various lodges suitable for relaxation and overnight. Within the park, there is Primate Lodge Kibale, Sebitoli Camping Ground, In Bigodi area; there is Kibale Safari Lodge, Chimps’ Nest, Kibale Forest Camp and Mantana Tented Camp.
WHERE TO STAY ON YOUR SAFARI IN UGANDA
Cheap Affordable Kampala City Hotels Uganda
Kampala as Capital City of Uganda has a stylish collection of individually designed hotels offering first-class accommodation services across the city. Modern function spaces are flexible for conferences, exhibitions and private event use, and are equipped with WI-Fi integration and most importantly, natural daylight or high specification intelligent lighting in all suites. The city is served with all types of accommodations right from luxury/upmarket, Mid-range to Budget hotels as seen below;Kampala Serena Hotel is an inspirational blend of 5-star polish, pan-African panache, social style and business reliability. Strategically located at the Centre of Kampala Business district, Kampala Serena hotel sprawls on 7.2 acres of landscaped grounds and water gardens. An oasis of cool and green, encircled by the seven hills of Kampala, the hotel is focal point for regional, national, business ,political and social life
Entebbe Hotels Uganda
Entebbe International Airport is the main international airport in Uganda and is located near the town of Entebbe, which is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. Other attractions in the area include the Entebbe Wildlife Education Center, the Entebbe Golf Course and the Sesse Islands. There are several hotels located near these attractions and within 5 minutes of the airport.Entebbe International Airport is the main international airport in Uganda and is located near the town of Entebbe, which is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. Other attractions in the area include the Entebbe Wildlife Education Center, the Entebbe Golf Course and the Sesse Islands. There are several hotels located near these attractions and within 5 minutes of the airport.
Cheap Affordable Jinja Hotels Uganda
Jinja is the second largest towns in Uganda and the former industrial town of Uganda. Jinja described as adventure capital of Uganda is endowed with a number of tourist attractions and place where the world’s longest river “The Nile River” sets of its course of 90 days to the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.
Jinja is located about 80kms East of Kampala Uganda’s capital city and is accessible by road, and air in small air craft and a number of tourists visit to see the sources of the Nile, to do Birding in Uganda’s Mabira forest, Bunjee jumping on the Nile, Sunset Cruise on the Nile, White water rafting and spot fishing.
This famous tourism destination in Uganda is served with number of hotels, lodges, apartments that range from budget, mid-range to luxury. All these are established to cater for all categorizes of visitor on business or leisure stay in Jinja.
Mbarara Hotels
Located on the junction to Kasese 2 kilometers from the Mbara town Centre, Lake View Mbarara Hotel is a large modern multi storied hotel set in its own serene environment. The perfect location of the park makes it a convenient stop over offering overnight accommodation to tourists travelling to and from south -Western Uganda as well as visitors to Lake Mburo National Park. Lake View Resort Hotel offers accommodation in 70 tastefully designed rooms with Adjoining Rooms for Families, Air-conditioning, and ensuite Bathroom. At Lake View Resort Hotel, you are free to choose from the hotel wide- range of Standard or Superior rooms. With over 15 years’ experience in event placement and organization, Lake View Resort has the very best venues for your conferences, board meetings, training sessions and parties in Mbarara.
Cheap Affordable Mbale Hotels Uganda
Mbale District is one of the largest districts located in eastern Uganda and is home to Uganda’s second highest mountain, the Mt. Elgon. Mbale is mainly covered by hills and a very famous agricultural town of Uganda. Mbale is mainly occupied by the Bagisu tribe and the local language used is Lugisu , though English and Swahili are also used. Mbale town is one of the towns in Uganda that receive a large population of travellers mainly hikers and those interested in cultural tourism. Below is a list of affordable hotels in Mbale, that one can choose from while on his or her next tour to Mbale.Mbale Resort Hotel is a five-star hotel situated in the Centre of Mbale town. The hotel is located within a walking distance from different places of including the Elgon Ranges, the historic Rocks precinct, Mbale Opera House and the beautiful Botanic Gardens, local market, super Markets among other places.
The hotel has 94 rooms where visitors can experience luxury Mbale accommodation. Some of the rooms have balconies with spectacular panoramic views of the Wanale, the Pool and the Amphitheater. All rooms have carpeted floors, Satellite TV, High Speed Wifi, Room service, Mini bar, Coffee and tea making facilities, Dresser and easy chair, Room telephone, Air conditioning, Hair driers and Bathrobe and slippers Mbale Resort Hotel has 3 restaurants and 2 bars
Fort Portal Town Accommodation
Fort Portal Town in western Uganda is a major tourist herb and the cleanest town in Uganda. Located in the foot hills of Mountain Rwenzori also nicked named Mountains of the Moon, Fort portal is a gateway to different national parks including Kibale, Semuliki, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable, Rwenzori and Toro-Semuliki Wildlife reserves. It is famous for the stalagmites and Nyakasura waterfalls linked to the rich Chwezi culture. The area is surrounded by scenic crater lakes, beautiful tea plantations and the Rwenzori mountain ranges besides a cool climate and hospitable people boasting of the youngest and most handsome king in the world. It is also known for the Bigodi wetland sanctuary. With search attractions, comes with them a variety of hotels and below is a list of the affordable world class hotels in Fort portal. Fort Motel is one of the most popular hotels in Fort Portal, thanks to its unique location in the heart of the town. With our modern rooms and suites that feature beautiful views of the Rwenzori Mountains and endless greenery that is characteristic of Fort Portal. Our guests soon discover the unique ambiance of gracious living which is without equal in our locality.
Gulu Hotels
The hotel is conveniently situated in a quiet location just a little outside Gulu Town Center off the main road to Juba in an enticingly serene natural green environment. Wherever your final destination, whether you are travelling for business or pleasure we guarantee your satisfaction.
The hotel has 28 spacious rooms designed with your comfort in mind. The hotel rooms are distributed as 4 Executive Suites, 2 Deluxe Twin rooms, 2 Executive Deluxe rooms, 8 Suite Single rooms and 12 Deluxe Single .The rooms are fully self-contained and have features like en-suite with solar water heaters, Bath and/or showers, 21-inch color TV’s showing local and satellite channels, Intercom system, Spacious study area with reading desk and light as well as Complimentary wireless internet connection.
The hotel also has tastefully designed multipurpose hall for conferences, seminars and workshops with 200 seat capacity and air-conditioning.
PLACES TO VISIT IN UGANDA, UGANDA SAFARI ATTRACTIONS
Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda’s most popular tourist destination. The park’s diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands, make it the ideal habitat for classic big game, ten primate species including chimpanzees and over 600 species of birds. The bird species include the black bee-eater, 11 types of king fisher, Shoebill storks and several species of falcons, eagles and other raptors.Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park’s magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into rolling green hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffalo and elephants, and the endless Ishasha plains, whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on herds of unsuspecting Uganda kob.
The park is known for its volcanic features, comprising volcanic cones and deep craters, many with crater lakes such as Lake Katwe where salt is mined. The national park has Maramagambo Forest and neighbors with Kigezi and Kyambura Game Reserves, Kibale National Park plus the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Kasese lying on its north-western wing.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP Tours
Bwindi Impenetrable national park is located in South Western Uganda, on the edge of the western rift valley, shared by Rukungiri, Kabale and Kisoro Districts. The Park with its dense ground cover of vines and shrubs is home to the world’s endangered species of the mountain gorillas, of which they are only 880 still left in the entire world and out of this, 400 hundred, are in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park remains the only park in the whole world where mountain gorillas co-exist with wild chimpanzees although there are no trekking chimps since no community has been habituated. Bwindi is one of the richest areas for flora in Eastern Africa. The forest is also sanctuary for Columbus monkeys, chimpanzees and many bird types including some endangered species. Because of its importance in protecting given bio diversities, Bwindi Impenetrable forest was recognized and up graded to a status of being a world heritage by UNESCO in 1994.
Mgahinga National Park Tours
Mgahinga National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park situated in the extreme southwestern part of Uganda in Kisoro district. The park is located on the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes namely; Mt. Muhavura (4,127 m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474 m), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645 m). Mgahinga National Park covering an area of 33.7sq.kms was gazetted in 1991 to protect and conserve the species of the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit the park’s hilly dense forests.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the parks in Uganda with an exceptional diversity of habitats, ranging from Afro-montane vegetation; plentiful bamboo vegetation to Lobelia Haegenia which supports the survival of at least 39 species of mammal and 79 birds found in the park. The Larger mammals supported in the natural habitat includes elephant, leopard, buffalo and bush pig but these are rarely seen. The famous ape species supported by the habitat involve the mountain gorilla and the less famous but equally rare and deserving of protection is the golden monkey which is found only in the Virungas and in one other forest in Rwanda. Notable bird species include the Rwenzori turaco, crowned hornbill, black kite and crowned crane.
Kibale Forest National Park Tour
Kibale National park is positioned in the two districts of Kabarole and Kamwenge in western part of Uganda. The park covers an estimated area of about 795km and it’s acknowledged to have one of Uganda’s most gorgeous tropical forests. The park was established in 1993 to help protect the large areas of natural forest that were at first managed and protected as a logged Forest Reserve. The park is the only Park in the whole of east Africa that has both montane and lowland forests. It’s also considered to the only park in Uganda the pearl of Africa that has the highest number of primates with 13 different species inhabited in the park including many families of chimpanzees and several types of Columbus monkeys. Bushbuck, waterbuck, duiker and giant forest hog may also be seen. The forests and the grasslands support abundant bird life – almost 375 species have been identified and 144 types of butterfly.
Lake Mburo National Park region tour
Mbarara district locally known as the land of milk and honey is situated in southwestern Uganda and is bordered by isingiro, Kiruhura, Sheema among other district. Because of its strategic location, Mbarara town has become a significant stop over town for travellers on Uganda safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi and Queen Elizabeth National Park. The district is also key tourism destination in Uganda and the key tourist attractions of the district are given below;Lake Mburo National Park is situated about 240 kilometers south-west of Kampala, 30 kilometers east of Mbarara town. At first, this park was located in Mbarara town but due to the creation of new districts, the park is part of Kiruhura district. In Lake Mburo National Park one can enjoy game drives to view unique wildlife such as buffaloes, Zebras, leopards, impalas, hippos among other animals. One can as well enjoy a highly adventurous boat cruise on the lake Mburo. For travellers who are bird lovers, Lake Mburo National Park is a home to exclusive bird list including rare shoebill stock. Within Lake Mburo national Park, there many lodges where one can spend a night. These include Mihingo Lodge; Mantana tented Camp, Rwakobo Rock, Mburo Safari Lodge, Arcadia Cottages and Rwonyo Camp.
Mount Elgon National Park Tour
This is an extinct volcano located on Uganda’s eastern border with Kenya. The mountain boasts numerous interesting features including gorges, ancient caves, waterfalls and hot springs. Birdlife is abundant on the mountain although various wildlife may also be encountered. Mt. Elgon is the fourth highest mountain in Eastern Africa, with the second-highest peak in Uganda (Wagagi Peak – 4321 meters). Mt. Elgon contains crater covering over 40 kms at the top of the mountain, surrounded by a series of rugged peaks.The ascent of Mount Elgon passes through a series of roughly concentric vegetation zones. The lower slopes of the mountain are intensively farmed up to the park boundary. The first zone of natural vegetation is montane forest which runs from the park boundary up to 2500m. this is followed by bamboo and low canopy forest (2400-3000m), then high montane health (3000-3500m) which includes the giant heather (Philipea excelsia) growing up to 6m tall. Above 3500m, cold temperatures and fierce winds force the heather to give way to open moorland. Finally, above 3800m, dramatic afroalpine vegetation is found among tussock grasslands and Carex bogs. This rare and spectacular vegetation type is restricted to the upper reaches of East Africa’s highest mountains and includes the giant groundsel (Senecia elgonensis) and the endemic Lobella elgonensisi.
Kidepo National Park Tours
Kidepo National Park Tours, Wildlife tours big 5 game drive safaris in Uganda, Safari Uganda tour. Visit and dance with the Karamajong and participate in part of their culture and tradition.
This great Park is located in the rugged, semi-arid valleys of the remote Karamoja region in north eastern Uganda between the border of Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan. The park which covers 1,442square kilometers of land is arguably the most diverse fauna of any park in Uganda. With over 77 species of mammal, several of which are restricted to the Kidepo and Karamoja region, the park also has circumscribed carnivores such as the bat-eared fox, cheetah, striped hyena as well as caracal and aardwolf. Other carnivores accommodated in the park area are lion, leopard side-striped jackal, spotted hyena, and black-backed. The rarely ungulates species include the lesser and greater kudu, chandlers Mountain reedbuck, klipspringer and Guenther’s dikdik among others. Other large ungulates include elephant, Rothschild’s giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, bush pig, warthog, Capped buffalo, eland, bushbuck, hartebeest and oribi, Defassa waterbuck, Bohor reedbuck, Jsckson’s hartebeest and oribi. Five pronounced primate species are recorded in the park including the endemic Kavirondo bush baby.