Uganda National Parks
Kibale National Park - Africa Adventure Safaris| Chimpanzee Tour|Primate Safari
Introduction
With lush tropical rainforest and a fascinating diversity of animals, Kibale national park (KPN) is one of the most beautiful of the uganda national parks and has one of the most stunning forests in Uganda. Kibale forest is certainly worth protecting as it is home to the largest number (in Uganda) of our closest living relative, the endangered chimpanzee, as well as the threatened red colobus monkey and the rare L’Hoesti monkey. The forest has one of the highest diversity and density of primates in Africa totaling 13 species including the black and white Colobus, blue monkey and grey-cheeked mangabey red tailed monkey, bush babies and pottos. The park also hosts over 325 species of birds including the yellow spotted nicator, yellow rumped tinkerbird, little greenbul, green-breasted pitta, the African Pitta, the crowned eagle and the black bee-eater. There are a number of impressive mammals including forest elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, duikers and bats. A keen observer may see some of the reptiles and amphibians as well as colourful variety of butterflies. Further more, over 250 tree species have been recorded.
The most famous inhabitants of Kibale National Park are the chimpanzees with over 1,450 individuals protected within the park.This park has the highest population of the chimpanzees of all the uganda national parks. At Kanyanchu, a community of chimpanzees has been habituated since 1991, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to view these great apes in their natural environment (with more than 90% chances of viewing).
Tourist Activities.
Kanyanchu River Camp is the centre of the major tourism activities. The friendly and experienced tour guides will share their Knowledge with you on primates, birds, elephants, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians, trees, medicinal plants and of course the chimpanzees.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Chimpanzee habituation experience is an on-going activity that entails following up the chimpanzees to get them used to human presence without necessarily altering their natural bahaviour.
While on habituation, you expect to experience the chimps de-nesting (coming out of nest) between 5:30 am and 6:30 am and you can then follow them in their daily activities up to nesting(making nests and going to sleep) time between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Therefore, a visitor has to be ready to start on this activity by 5:30 am from Kanyanchu River Camp.
Primate walk
This walk starts from Kanyanchu River Camp at 8:00am or 3:00pm. It lasts for 2-4 hours and is the most popular walk, highlighting the diversity of different animals and plant species within the forest. This walk is restricted to three groups of six people each, in the morning and the same number in the afternoon.
Forest Hike
This is a seasonal 12kms hike is restricted to the dry seasons (mid-November to February and June to September). It highlights the diverse habitats of the park including tropical rainforest, reverine forest, swamp and grassland. Visitors will have the chance to see a variety of birds and monkeys and sometimes duiker and bush pigs. The walk begins at 8:00 am and ends at the elephant wallow around 2:00 pm, packed lunch or snacks are essential. Arrangements for packed lunch can be made with the canteen
Long distance walk
From the adventurous visitor who wants to enjoy more in the forest, may take a 64 km guided walk which starts from either Kanyanchu or Sebitoli and ends at either site, passing through different habitants and local communities over a period of 2-6 days, camping at the community camp grounds. Community campsites at Kinoni, Nyaibanda and Nyakalongo offer local dishes, traditional dances and walks to community shambas. Visitors can hire a porter (s) to carry their bags.
Children Activities
On offer are educational walks that last 1-2 hours followed by creative activities. This especially caters for children under 12 years of age that are not allowed to view the chimps. This enables visitors to enjoy their chimpanzee experience or nature walk or forest hike whilst their children are supervised, educated and entertained by experienced ranger guides. Four ranger guides form the education team. They were trained to handle local, national and international children by the Jane Goodall Institute. The children access the forest and learn about the ecosystem and its inhabitants through interesting walks, games and creative activities such as pond-dipping, paper- making, cyanotype, photography and batik making.
Sebitoli Forest centre.
On Kampala /Fort portal road 12kms from fort portal, there is a new site within the park called Sebitoli Forest Centre. It offers bird and primate viewing and a forest walk to the water falls. Visits to the Tea Estates can also be arranged.
Accommodation and Meals
Kanyanchu River Camp offers four ordinary bands. The bandas have two beds with bedding. Evenings can be cold, so bring warm clothes. There is one elevated banda, which is self –catering (self-contained and kitchenette) and two general campsite.
Food can be provided on order at Kanyanchu River Camp canteen. The canteen operates from 7:30 am up to midnight, offering meals snacks and drinks. It is advisable to book cooked meals at least one hour in advance.
In addition, Kanyanchu River Camp offers the unique accommodation experience for visitors to stay in the Sky Tree House, over looking the scenic elephant wallow. The Sky tree house can accommodate two people. It is 10 minutes walk from the camp.
There are also accommodation facilities at Sebitoli forest centre. It has a maximum capacity of 11 beds (2 doubbles, 3 singles and 2 twins). Similar services are offered as in the case for Kanyanchu River site Camp.
Conservation Value of Kibale National Park.
Besides being an exciting holiday destination, this is one of the uganda national parks is an important site for conservation and research. The Uganda wild life Authority with assistance from Jane Goodall Institute started the Kibale primate Habituation project, which focuses on habituating the chimpanzees to human presence. This has increased the chances of viewing chimpanzees to over 90% allowing visitors that fantastic opportunity to view these great apes in their natural environment. Funds generated through tourism help to further protect the park and its biodiversity, carry out research and support local community
Research
Makerere University has also established a Biological Field Station at Kanyawara where several researchers are based. Though there are accommodation facilities here, only researchers and those attending conferences and seminars use these facilitate. Those visiting Kibale for its tourism experience are advised to stay at Kanyanchu River Camp or Sebitoli forest camp.
The local people.
Two major tribes living around the park are the Batooro and Bakiga. Traditionally, both tribes utilize the forest food, fuel, building materials and medicines. The park is a Protected Area under the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which allows local people to have controlled and sustainable access to selected forest resources. The majority of the staff are from the community surrounding the park. As per the law establishing the Uganda wildlife Authority, the community receives 20% of the part entrance fees for their development projects.
At the eastern edge of Kibale National park, there is Bigodi wetland sanctuary, which is managed by the local community. The sanctuary is situated in Magobe swamp and it is known for a wide range of biodiversity including many species of primates such as red Colobus monkey, black and white monkey, L’Hoest mangabey, vervet monkey, blue monkey and baboon. Mammals like sitatunga, bush pigs, bushbucks, otters, mangoose and chimpanzees also visit the swamp from Kibale National park.138 bird species have so far been identified. One of the main bird species found in the sanctuary is the great blue turaco. Board walks, tree houses that are pavilions for bird watching, visitor information centre, camping site and tourist guides area also available at the sanctuary. What is happening at Bigodi wetland sanctuary is a good example of a community based approach to natural resources management that can be of economic benefit to the local residents of the area as well as the tourism industry.
Forest Regulations
These regulations are of benefit to the visitors and the wildlife of Kibale National Park. Please observe them:
- Please remember this is not a zoo, it is a tropical rain forest and animals’ sightings depend on several factors, such as time of the day, fruits availability, weather and how quiet the visitor group is.
- The maximum number of visitors is 6 per group.
- Please remain in a tight group (do not scatter) and follow the guide’s directions at all times.
- Please remain at a distance of at least 8 meters from the chips or other animals.
- Under no circumstances should any one chase the chimps or other animals while they are descending to or walking on the ground.
- Please do not enter the forest if you are sick, since this puts the animals at serious risk of disease transmission.
- Please refrain from eating near chimps and other primates.
- Please do not shout in the forest.
- Due to red ants and slippery trails it’s advisable to wear boots that cover your toes, long trousers and water proof clothing in the wet season.
- Children under 12 year’s will not be permitted to view the chimps for safety reasons.
- Please follow proper waste disposal methods.
- Do not throw rubbish within the forest.
- If you need to urinate during the walk, please do so off the trail system.
- If you need to defecate, please do so off the trail system and burry wastes and toilet paper must be buried away from the trails system at a minimum of 8 meters.
Remember you are one of the many visiting Kibale National Park, so keep it safe for all.
General Park Regulations
- The reception opens for visitors from 7:30 am and closes at 5:00 pm
- Do not enter the forest without a park guide.
- Refrain from taking anything out of the forest (flowers butterflies etc)
- Dogs and other domestic animals are prohibited.
- Firearms and ammunitions are prohibited.
Access
Fort Portal is the closest town to Kanyanchu River camp, 36kms away and Sebitoli Forest Centre is 12 kms away. Public transport is available from fort portal in a Matatu (local minibus) from the Kamwenge stage to Kanyanchu bus stop. Vehicles are available at all times through out the day up to about 6:00 pm as there are several sites in Kibale National Park, ensure you ask the driver to drop you at the right site. Similar transport is available for the return journey from 7 am to 6 pm at Kanyanchu.
Sebitoli Forest Camp is situated 290 kms from Kampala and 12 kms from Fort portal on the tarmac road to Kampala. If traveling from Kampala by public transport, use a bus or amatatu from the Kampala Bus Park or new taxi park. Public transport from fort portal to Sebitoli Forest centre is available from Kyenjojo stage.
Fees
Fees are charged both for park entrance and for guided walks. Different rates apply for different activities and visitors’ categories (adult, and youth, foreign non-residents, East African residents and Uganda shillings, US dollars and Euros based on current rates quoted at the point of entry.
How you can help.
The Kanyanchu River Camp is at an exciting stage of development. We are currently aiming at increasing the opportunities for visitors whilst ensuring efficient park management and protection of the park’s resources
Just by taking a walk with one of our trained and experienced ranger guides you have already contributed towards the conservation of Kibale National Park. You can also make another contribution by filling a form and giving your financial or in kind contribution. You should get a receipt from the cashier at the park or UWA headquarters.
