Located in the western Ugandan districts of Kabarole and Kamwenge is the Kibale Forest National Park. Kibale Forest National Park was gazetted in 1932 and formally established in 1993 to protect a sizable area of forest that had previously been managed as a logged forest reserve. The park occupies an area of approximately 795 square kilometres and is located on an estimated elevation of 1,100 metres (3,600 feet) to 1,600 metres (5,200 feet). The broad range of landscapes found in Kibale Forest National Park is mainly made up of moist evergreen forests that include both lowland and montane forests.
Activities in Kibale Forest National Park
Chimpanzee Trekking
The most well-known activity in the park is chimpanzee trekking, which takes place at one of the best locations in Africa to witness chimpanzees in their natural habitat. This is one of the most popular national parks in Uganda. The main attraction for visitors to Kibale Forest National Park is chimpanzee trekking, which involves spending several hours tracking these amazing animals over the course of an hour in the forest. You can watch them swing from tree to tree, play, or move quickly across the ground in front of you. It is highly recommended that you make your reservations well in advance of the trekking date, though, as there are only a limited number of chimpanzee trekking permits available each day.
Guided Nature Walks
One of the most exciting activities in Kibale Forest National Park is hiking and taking nature walks, both inside the park and in neighbouring areas. A track that stretches the entire length of Kibale Forest National Park can be hiked. You can take day hikes in a variety of locations. Hiking offers the chance to explore a variety of environments. You will pass through grasslands, rivers, and swamps as you make your way into the forest. The Bigodi swamp is the most visited marshland close to Kibale. You get the chance to witness such magnificent, life-altering apes through the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.
Visit the Amabere Ganyina’mwiru Caves
One of the great caves with many natural wonders and folktales associated with it, Amabere Ganyina’Mwiru Caves will leave you changed. You can also visit Nakayima Witch’s Tree, a traditional worship and cultural site, while at Amabere Ganyina’mwiru Caves. Situated on top of a hill along the road leading to and from Kibale National Park, it boasts a breathtaking perspective and is most renowned as the Witch’s Tree.
Visit the Crater Lakes
Kibale National Park’s strategic location in the western arm of the Rift valley has resulted in the presence of crater lakes, such as Lake Nyamugasani, Lake Ntambi, Lake Mubiro, Lake Lyantonde, and Lake Nyanswiga. These lakes offer breathtaking scenery and are close to the park. Hiking to the crater lakes is a worthwhile endeavour, taking approximately three hours and passing through villages and tea plantations en route to the top.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience starts early in the morning and lasts the entire day. While you are in the company of researchers, trackers, guides, and other individuals, you witness chimpanzees being acclimated. It has been demonstrated that doing this helps acclimatise chimpanzees to human presence without interfering with their regular routines. From roughly 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., tourists may experience a day in the life of a chimpanzee.
Nature Walks in Bigodi Swamp
The Bigodi Wetland Walk leads you along several pathways where you can see butterflies, primates, and 137 different species of birds. The Bigodi villager’s project is the Bigodi Swamp Walk, and the local community splits the profits. You will have a closer encounter with the Bigodi Trading Centre on this guided walk. You will follow the village path and visit a primary school, Catholic church, traditional homesteads, learn about the crops, and listen to a local native tell a story that is worth seeing. Your knowledgeable guide will be with you the entire time, providing you with all the information you need to understand the customs and way of life of this tribe.
Best time to visit Kibale Forest National Park
The entire year is available for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park. The greatest months for this activity are December through February, as well as June, July, August, and mid-September, which are the driest months. This is a better time of year to walk the trails because it’s easier and generally more pleasurable.