Forest walks in Kibale forest national park
Forest walks in Kibale forest national park
Forest walks in Kibale forest national park : Crowned as the primate capital of Africa, Kibale Forest National Park is a top primate destination in Uganda and the world at large. The park is one of the best destinations in Uganda to do forest walks which is one of the magnificent way to explore the dense jungle in the park, this nature oriented activity offers visitors a chance to enjoy and discover the picturesque lush forest, grasslands, marshes and wildlife in the park.
Forest walks in Kibale National Park last for about 2 – 6 hours allowing visitor to connect with nature and also enjoy spotting different wildlife inhabiting in the thick rainforest.
Kibale National Park is located in Western Uganda in Kabarole district, the forest is the most popular destination for chimpanzee trekking as it is home to a high population of chimpanzees with over 15000 individuals which is a reason to why it is referred to as the primate capital of Africa.
Kibale National Park is home to 13 species of primates including chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, Uganda red colobus, Demidoff Galago, potto, Uganda mangabey and patas monkeys.
Kibale National Park is home to 70 mammal species and over 325 bird species, in addition to primates other wildlife include forest elephant, duiker, bushbuck, sitatunga, bushpigs, giant forest hogs, common warthogs, and African buffalo, predators such as leopard, serval, African golden cat, mongooses, otter, and occasionally visiting lion.
Birds in Kibale National Park include the White-spotted Flufftail, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Yellow-billed Barbet, Western Nicator, Grey-winged Robin-chat, White-tailed Ant-thrush, Brown-backed Scrub-robin, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Superb Sunbird, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Bocage’s Bush-shrike, Black Bishop, White-breasted Negrofinch and Black-crowned Waxbill among others.
Forest walks are one of the most popular activities in Kibale National Park offering visitors an opportunity to explore the forest, get close to nature and spot a variety of wildlife.
Forest walks in Kibale National Park start from either Kanyanchu or Sebitoli and they are offered as day forest walks and night forest walks also referred to as nocturnal walks.
Day Forest Walks in Kibale National Park
Day forest walks in Kibale National Park are majorly done a 12 kilometer long walk trail passing through swamplands, grassland, forest along rivers and tropical forests. The walk last for about 6 hours and are done with an armed guide and a ranger.
Day forest walks start as early 08: 00 am with briefing at the visitor center, set off into the forest and return by 2 pm.
During the walk, you will encounter forest elephants, chimpanzees, olive baboons and many birds such as Western Nicator, Grey-winged Robin-chat, White-tailed Ant-thrush, Brown-backed Scrub-robin, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Superb Sunbird, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Bocage’s Bush-shrike, Black Bishop, White-breasted Negrofinch among others.
Night Walks in Kibale National Park
Night Walks in Kibale National Park normally start at 07:30pm with briefing at the park’s headquarters from an expert ranger at Kanyanchu Vistor’s Center, after briefing with company of armed rangers and park guides you will embark on a 1-2 hour hike into the jungle looking for the primates.
During the night walk expect to hear hoots and see Chimpanzees, monkeys and several birds. Some of the nocturnal creatures to lookout for include bushbabies, potto, tree hyraxes, serval cats, African civets, Night jars and owls and crickets.
Best time to visit Kibale National Park for Forest Walks
Forest walks in Kibale National Park can possibly be done all year round, however the best time to do this fascinating experience is during dry season which is in December – February and June – August. In these months of the year, little rainfall is received and the trails tend to be drier and mud free.
What to pack for forest walks in Kibale National Park
To enjoy forest walks in Kibale National Park, you need to have the right equipment and they are as follows
A back pack – help you keep your hiking essentials such as the camera and extra clothes like rain jacket among others
A camera and binocular –you need a good camera with good lens for capturing moments in the forest and binoculars to see some of the forest creatures from far.
Powerful and clear touch – for visitors going on a night forest walk in Kibale national park, you need to have a powerful and clear torch to help you spot animals in the tree canopy such as bush babies.
Long sleeved shirts and trousers – long sleeved shirts, t-shirts and trouser will save you from scratches and insects bites on your body.
Comfortable hiking boots – You need to have sturdy and waterproof boots for walks in the forests of Kibale, these shores are ideal for slippery trails.
Insect repellents – the rainforest of Kibale Forest is filled with bugs such as mosquitoes that is why you need to carry insect repellents to save you from bites from insects like mosquitoes among others.
Warm jumper – it is always chilly in the forests of Kibale most especially in the night (for visitors doing night walks) which is why you should bring a jumper to keep you warm. If possible carry a pair of gloves.
Rain Jacket – Kibale National Park is dominated by a rain forest meaning it receives rain throughout the year which is why you should carry a rain jacket just in case it rains while in the forests.
