Kibale National Park

Chimpanzees, Baboons, Monkeys, Elephants

Gazetted in 1934 and established in 1993 to protect the large area of forest which is managed as a logged forest reserve, Kibale National Park is located in the western part of Uganda and its southern part borders Queen Elizabeth national park. Collectively, the two parks protect a 180 km long migration corridor stretching from the southern part of Queen Elizabeth national park to the northern part of Kibale.

The most popular tourist activity in Kibale National Park is the Kanyanchu Primate Walk. With 13 different species, the number and diversity of primates in Kibale National Park are the highest in the whole of Africa. Kibale is home to the uncommon L’Hoest’s monkeys, East Africa’s biggest population of the endangered red colobus monkeys, the black & white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, bush babies as well as potto among many others. The most sought-after primate on this trail however is the Chimpanzee. Since 1933 Kanyanchu chimps have been tracked by tourists during guided nature walks.

The park is home to 325 different bird species, including 6 that are native to the Albertine Rift area like the dusky Crimsonwing, black-capped apalis, blue-headed sunbird, collared Apalis, red-faced woodland warbler and purple-breasted sunbird. During the Bigodi Nature walk, different birds can be spotted as this offers the best bird-watching opportunities. It also houses numerous mammals, amphibians and reptile species but these are hardly seen.

Take part in the community walks to interact with the native Batoro and Bakiga tribes living near the park. Visit a traditional village to see the traditional lifestyle of these tribes, visit the local church, primary school, and traditional healer and get a closer encounter with these natives by participating in their cultural dances and storytelling. In addition, visit the 50 different crater lakes which are surrounded by steep-sided volcanoes, a visit to this picturesque area will allow you to appreciate the unique landscape of this area.

Primates Uganda
Chimpanzee in Kibale National Park
Great blue turaco on Uganda birding safari

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