TOURIST ACTIVITIES TO DO IN KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Kibale is the major trekking centre for Chimpanzees. In other words, Kibale Forest National Park is a home for the chimps and trekking them is guaranteed! The trekking is a life changing activity that every one should enjoy before death.
Kibale National park is dominated by tropical forests which is characterized by tall trees, buttress roots, low under growth, ever green forests and so on.
Kibale forest is home to a total of 70 mammal species, most famously 13 species of primate including the chimpanzee. It also contains over 375 species of birds.
When you visit Kibale forest, expect to participate in the following activities basing on your interest, budget and strength;
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale forest National Park – Chimp trekking is guaranteed in Kibale Forest! Enjoy a guided primate walk in the lush expenses of the tropical rainforest, in search of the wild chimpanzees. The ranger guide will explain you more about the animals and plants species that you encounter on your way. If you are lucky, expect to encounter other primates like the Red-Colobus Monkeys and Mangabey, birds, tracks of mammals and so on!
Chimpanzee Habituation in Kibale Forest National Park – it is the process by which chimps are made familiar to human being in order to make trekking possible. It is done by qualified ranger guides and takes like one to two years while training chimps. Great Blue TuracoThe project, initiated by Uganda Wildlife Authority in cooperation with the Jane Goodall Institute, focuses on habituating the chimpanzees to human presence, without necessarily altering their natural behavior. With the Habituation Experience you will spend an entire day with these amazing creatures and learn about their way of life. It is wise to move with your packed lunch and water because a full day will be spent in the forest.
Forest Walk in Kibale Forest National Park– Be educated and entertained by experienced ranger guides. This walk especially caters for children who are too young to participate in the chimp tracking. While the parents enjoy their chimpanzee experience, the young ones will go for a forest walk and learn more about the ecosystem, followed by creative activities and games.
Birding in Kibale Forest National Park – Guided birding to meet birds. Of the 325 that are recorded in this national park, 6 species of birds are endemic to the Albertine Rift region, including the Black-capped Apalis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Collared Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Purple-breasted Sunbird and Red-faced Woodland Warbler.
Nocturnal Walk/ night walks in Kibale Forest National – An exciting hike in the heart of the forest at night! A guide will take you into the forest to look for night moving animals like bush babies, pottos and other night moving creture.
Bigodi Swamp Walk in Kibale National Park – Bigodi wetland is situated in Eastern side of the park. The wetland is dominated by primates like Black-and-White Colobus Monkey, Vervet monkeyTea and a variety of birds. Also expect to see insects and unique tree species.
Bigodi Village Walk in Kibale Forest National park – Another project initiated by the community is the Village Walk. This guided walk takes you for a closer meeting with the Bigodi Trading Centre. Accompanied by a guide, who can tell you everything about the traditional customs and lifestyle of this tribe, you will follow the village path and visit a primary school, Catholic Church, traditional homesteads, learn about the crops and listen to the story telling of a Mzee (elderly man).
Exploration of the Crater Lakes – As you drive from Fort Portal to Kibale Forest you will pass the area of the Bunyaruguru Crater Lakes region. Here you can simply enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and the stunning views. Take a hike at Lake Nkuruba to encounter different species of primates and birds. Or visit the hidden Mahoma Falls while you meet the local people as you walk through their villages and learn more about the customs of the Batoro tribe.
Activities outside Kibale Forest National Park
Sebitoli Forest – it is located 12 Km from Portal in the direction of Kampala. The area offers different walking trails for excellent bird and primate viewing in moist evergreen forest.
Cultural Heritage and Nature Trail -A hike of 2 till 6 days for the adventurous guests, a sublime combination of nature and culture! You can start the walk at either Primate Lodge Kibale or Sebitoli Forest Camp and follow a trail deep into the forest. Not only you will explore the natural environment with its rich flora and fauna, but you will also get the chance to meet the local people and gain insights into the Batoro and Bakiga culture. Overnights will be arranged in community-run campsites near the villages of Kikoni, Nyaibanda and Nyakalongo.
Hike at the slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains
Kibale Forest is located near mountain Rwenzori. Here you can enjoy a guided nature walk, with scenic views of the rolling hills, green valleys and large banana plantations. You will get a glimpse of the village life and visit a traditional healer at this home, participate in their cooking, digging, fetching water among others.
Visit to the tea estates – Depending on time, you can visit the green tea plantations, touch the fresh tea leaves and watch the workers tipping, plucking and weeding. Of course you are invited to participate!