Attractions for tourists in Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is a popular ecotourism and tourism destination in western Uganda. It is 795 square kilometers in size and ranges in elevation from 1100 to 1600 meters. The park is an important natural system because it preserves the last lowland and montane forests in Africa and provides habitat for moist evergreen forests.
You can combine your safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, and Mountain Rwenzori National Park with a visit to Kibale National Park, a particularly fascinating tourist destination. One of the main reasons Kibale National Park is considered one of the most popular tourist sites in Uganda and East Africa is because of its many attractions.
Primates
The largest chimpanzee population in Uganda is found in Kibale National Park, which is primarily covered in dense forest with large, towering trees where primates congregate, feed, and construct sleeping and feeding nests. Statistics show that 13 amazing species of primates, including chimpanzees, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Ugandan Red Colobus Monkey, and Central African Monkey, live in Kibale National Park. With 1450 individuals, chimpanzees have the biggest population of any of these primates. The most exciting chimpanzee tracking and habituation experiences may be found in Kibale National Park, primarily around Kanyanchu. Pottos and bush infants, two nocturnal primates found in Kibale National Park, appear during nighttime forest hikes.
Animal species
In addition to monkeys, Kibale National area is home to a variety of other wildlife species that make their home in the dense forests that around the area. Elephants, golden cats, leopards, lions, Peter’s and Harvey’s duiker, serval cats, buffaloes, bush pigs, African palm civets, Alexander’s cusimanse, marsh mongoose, warthogs, bushbucks, gigantic forest hogs, Sitatunga, swamp otter, and many more creatures can be found in the park. An estimated 500 elephants, golden cats, leopards, and lions can occasionally be observed migrating from Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is next to Kibale National Park. Sitatunga and swamp otters can also be spotted close to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Birds
Because of its forested environment, Kibale National Park is a popular destination for birdwatchers. It is home to over 375 visually appealing and colorful species, including rare Ground Thrush birds. In general, the park is home to a variety of woodland and migratory bird species, including the western Tinkerbird, African Grey parrot, Olive long-tailed Cuckoo, blue-breasted kingfisher, yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, brown crested Alethe, red-chested owlet, red-faced woodland warbler, black bee-eater, Nahan’s francolin, little greenbul, little green bul, brown illadopsis, black-eared ground thrush, yellow spotted Nicator, African pitta, black-capped Apalis, purple-breasted sunbird, white naped pigeon, and many more.
Beautiful vegetation
About 250 tree species make up the dense, moist, evergreen and semi-deciduous forest cover of Kibale National Park. Among these tree species are some endangered timber species, including Cordia millenii, Entandrophragma angolense, Lovoa swynnertonni, and many more. Pine and eucalyptus trees are among the other species. Despite the fact that the park has lost several tree species as a result of illicit logging by locals, this illegal activity has been stopped thanks to a lot of hard work.
Culture
Kibale National Park is a place where real African culture can be found. It is encircled by the Batooro and Bakiga communities. Through their affiliation with the Kibale Association of Rural Environment Development (KAFFRED), these villages provide a variety of authentic African cultural events, such as traditional songs and dances and handcrafted goods.
Craters of Ndali-Kasenda
As an extra to your safari in Kibale National Park, you can explore the nearby lakes known as Ndali-Kasenda Craters, also called Kibale Crater Lakes, which provide a serene panoramic perspective. A number of 60 seasonal and stable freshwater crater lakes, such as Lake Nyamasingiri, Lake Ntambi, Lake Mubiro, Lake Nyanswinga, Lake Nyinabulitwa, Lake Kifuruka, Lake Lyantonde, Lake Nyinambuga, Lake Nyabikere, Lake Kuruba, and many more, are scattered throughout this region.
When you visit these lakes, you may take in the beauties of the Rwenzori highlands, tea plantations, butterflies, and monkeys in addition to the lovely, dense greenery. In addition to being stunning, these lakes have a fascinating tale surrounding their creation. According to legend, Ndahura, a Chwezi king, created the lakes when he was fleeing his country after his son Wamala overthrew him.
Species of butterflies
Approximately 250 different types of colorful butterflies can be found at Kibale National Park.
Accommodation Options in Kibale National Park
Both inside and outside the park, Kibale National Park offers a variety of lodging options. These establishments are very welcome to all guests, regardless of status, and provide services that are customized to meet your needs. Primate Lodge Kibale (luxury), Kanyanchu River Camp, Sebitoli Campground (camping), Nyinabulitwa Resort and Safari Camp, Crater Valley Kibale Lakeside Resort, Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve, Chimpanzee’s Nest, Kibale Safari Lodge, Kibale Forest Camp, Mantana Tented Camp, Safari Hotel Bigodi, and many more are among these facilities.
Kibale National Park directions
Kibale National Park is a highly accessible national park located in western Uganda with many routes connecting to it from Kampala, the country’s capital. The drive to the park, which is 308.1 kilometers long, takes five hours. Road transportation or air transportation are the two options available when traveling to Kibale National Park for a safari. The park is accessible from both the north and the south. The Kampala-Mubende-Fort gateway route, which leads to the northern part of the park via Kanyanchu, is the speedier and shortest way to get there by car. When traveling by air, domestic flights are offered from Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airstrip to Kasese Airstrip. The Kampala-Mbarara-Kamwenge road leads to the southern part of the park.
In conclusion, Kibale National Park is an enchanted national park that provides the most thrilling chimpanzee tracking and habituation experience in Uganda. It is a great place to come, and you will be astounded by all of its charms.
