Are you visiting Kibale Forest National Park for the first time? Are you getting overwhelmed with numerous safaris or trekking options? Do you wonder how to make the right decisions? If yes, then you are not alone! So many travelers get perplexed by all the decisions that ought to be made. Fortunately, at Nature Nest safaris, we will make your job a lot simpler than you think. It is prudent when you don’t know what to do and what is your expectation. We provide everything you need to know when it comes to planning your first time at Kibale National Park Safari.
The wildlife & birdlife in Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park commonly known as “the home of chimps and primate capital of the world”, lies in Western Uganda. The wet rains forest of Congo basin and the drier West African forest make Kibale National Park a home to the highest concentration of primates in Africa. It is home to a large number of endangered chimpanzees, as well as the rare red colobus & L’Hoest’s monkey. Around 1,500 chimpanzees live in this area. It is a premier chimpanzee trekking destination with over more than three decades of trekking history.
Apart from the primate segments, this tropical rainforest is renowned as a home to 375 bird species and 250 incredible butterfly species. It is a paradise for most nature & bird enthusiasts and birdwatching remains the most appreciated safari activity in and around Kibale Forest National Park. A birdwatching trip here can be an exciting & peaceful adventure. It will let you spot colourful and unique birds in the forest or wetland areas. Birdwatching activity allows you to spend some quality time in nature.
The wet rains forest of the Congo basin and the drier West African forest. Being a rainforest, expect a dense forest with over 350 plant species including mahoganies, rare hardwoods, and fig trees. Such an ambiance will support a rich array of tropical plants and animals including the famously 13 primate species and 71 mammal species. You can also expect to see elephants and buffalo as well.
The dense forest makes it a challenge to spot such shy creatures. But the close encounters can be a magical experience. There is no better way to explore the birds, mammals, reptiles, Amphibians, trees, and butterflies of Kibale Forest than undertaking a guided safari trip. It will let you observe the stunning wildlife while relishing the peacefulness of the environment.
Things You Can Do Around Kibale
The park provides quite a lot of things to do for visitors coming to the park. It is a seamless option, especially for travellers, students, honeymooners, nature lovers, and researchers among others. A face-to-face encounter with the chimpanzees’ community is a dream come true. It seems to be an exhilarating safari adventure for most travellers in Uganda’s Kibale National Park! It is a unique experience uniquely balanced by intimate and immersive travel moments. A tailormade safari in Kibale Forest National Park allows you to appreciate and share it with your closest relative. Are you searching for things to do around Kibale National Park? We at Nature Nest Safaris have got you covered!
Community Walk Tour
Visiting the local communities on foot will offer you an insight into their livelihood and their daily lives. A 2-3 hour walk will let you visit the local Bakiga, Batooro, and other communities around this area. You can join their cultural dance session by to tune of the drum and other activities. The cultural experience of the locals around will surely spice your evening. Take a walk through the coffee, tea, and banana gardens to realize how the crops are grown, harvested, and processed. Do not miss the village walk on your safari trip.
Crater Lakes Tour
A journey to the crater lakes is an ideal additional activity outside the park. In the process, you will be able to encounter some of the most fascinating yet delightful African wildlife and remarkable scenery. It is recommended to reach some of these craters by foot.
Mountain Bike Tour
Do you wish to explore the beautiful scenery, landscape, and crater lakes around Kibale National Park? Mountain bikes could be the best option for adventure travellers. You can enjoy it along single tracks through small villages, farms, vanilla gardens, and coffee and tea plantations. It will let you explore real African life because you will be able to stay close to the locals while riding. Our expert local guides are there to assist you in this adventure journey.
Canoeing Ride Tour
Do you want to explore something special from the crater lakes? There is a local boat canoe for you to enjoy a unique adventure. On this tour, you get an opportunity to canoe on Kifuruka or Mwamba Lake. A few minutes’ walk will let you reach the lake shores. You also have a chance to see some butterflies, birds, and different monkey species, on your lucky day. Many visitors have opted to add a trip further down for an amazing wildlife game drive while others opt for the lifetime gorilla encounter.
What’s the Best Time of the Year
Kibale National Park is a tropical rainforest just north of the equator! You can expect rain any time of the year. Therefore, it is more about the temperature and of course the crowds in the “High Season.” The dry season here lasts from June to September and December to February. Trekking conditions are better during these months. The dry paths bring more opportunities to spot wildlife.
It is also ideal for chimpanzee trekking, as the animals tend to be more concentrated around water sources. You can expect more rain during April and May, which makes the trails muddy and slippery. It is less busy. We recommend September through November could be the best time for your Kibale National Park tour as it will likely be less busy too. The park is lush and green from April to May. The fewer tourists, make it an ideal time for a peaceful and secluded honeymoon.
How to pack for your visit to Kibale Forest
There are a few general universal guidelines for safari packing. It is different for your first-time visit to Kibale Forest. For clothing, make sure to pack long-sleeved shirts, safari pants, a rain jacket, and a warm sweater. Bring neutral and earth-tone options as bright-colored clothes are not ideal for observing wildlife in their natural habitats. Also pack comfortable hiking boots, a pair of binoculars, a good camera with enough batteries & memory space, sunscreen, insect repellant, a backpack, gardening gloves, a reusable water bottle, and a first aid kit among others.
Remember to plan, pack accordingly, and respect the park’s rules and environment to make the most of your camping adventure in Kibale Forest National Park. Our expert team will take care of this for you. We are happy to assist you in exploring the wilderness on our tailor-made Kibale National Park Safari packages. We will make your journey amidst the stunning natural beauty of the park an unforgettable experience. Contact us today and get started!
