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 Uganda safaris
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.
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
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.
The maximum
number of people in a group is 4 visitors per guided
walk
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
When trekking you
are advised to remain in a tight group and follow the
guides directions at all times.
Please remain at
a distance of 8 meters from the chimps or the distance
that your guide recommends
Under no
circumstance shall you chase while they descend or to or
walk on higher ground.
You are advised
not to enter the forest if you are sick as this can put
the animals at serious risk
Please refrain
from eating near the chimps and other primates
Please do not
shout in the forest
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.
Children under 15
years are not allowed to view the chimps for safety
reasons.
If you need to
urinate please do so off the trail system.
If you need to
defecate, please do so off the trail system and bury all
in a hole all waste.
