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EAST
AFRICAN HOLIDAYS:
KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Kibale is an extensive
National Park, protecting a large block of rainforest that
offers some excellent forest for bird watching. It harbours the
greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in
East Africa. Superb birds and primates combined with easy
access, a good infrastructure and a variety of interesting activities make this forest
a worthwhile destination. Many of the facilities are community
based, thus providing the local community with the necessary
revenue to keep their interest focused on the long-term
protection of the area.
The area is mainly occupied
by two tribes ie Batooro and Bakiga traditionally both tribes
utilised the forest for food, fuel, building materials and
medicines.
ABOUT THE PARK:
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District : Kabarole.
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Elevation : 1110 metres to
1590 metres
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Size : 560 km 2
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Habitat : The forested
section ( 77% ) of the park is covered by medium altitude moist
evergreen forest in the north and medium altitude moist
semi-deciduous forest at lower altitudes in the south. The
remaining 23% consist of grassland, swamps and some plantations
with exotic conifers.
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Status : National Park since
1993
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Birds Recorded : 335
species.
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Timing : March - May,
September - November Time Required : 2 days
Key Species of Birds
Red-winged Francolin,
Red-chested Flufftail, White-naped Pigeon, Green-brested Pitta,
African Pitta, Joyful Greenbul, Grey-winged Robin, Abyssinian
Ground Thrush, Grey-throated Flycatcher, White-bellied Crested
Flycather, Masked and Black-capped Apalises, Uganda Woodland
Warbler, Chestnut-winged Starling, Orange-tufted and Tiny
Sunbirds, Grey-headed Olive-back.
OTHER WILDLIFE
Kibale has a
well-established Chimpanzee-tracking program with a high success
rate. Other primates that may be found on these guided walks
include Guereza Colobus, Olive Baboon, Grey-cheeked Mangabey,
L'Hoest's Gentle ( Blue) and Red-tailed Monkeys is more likely
to be found in open areas adjacent to the forest. You may find
evidence of Elephant, Bush Pig and Bufallo along the trails,
whilst Bushbuck, Blue, Harvey's and Peter's Duickers are other
shy inhabitants of the forest interior. The guided night walks
are also rewarding: Potto, Spectacled Demidoff's and Thomas's
Galagos, Lord Derby's Anomalure, African Civet and Common Genet
are all possible.
Other interesting mammals
from the list of over 60 species include Ichneumon, Banded and
Marsh Mongooses, Alexander's Cusimanse, Swamp Otter, Ratel (
Honey Badger ) and African Palm Civet. Although Golden Cat,
Serval, Lion, Leopard, Warthog, Giant Hog and Hippopotamus are
recorded from the park, they are unlikely to be encountered in
the Kanyanchu area.
Sitatungas are known from
Bigodi Swamp but are infrequently seen. The spectacular and
beautiful Rhinoceros Viper is fairly common here but is,
unfortunately, less often found alive than as a road-kill.
ACCOMMODATION
Mantana Luxury Tented Camp
located in the middle of the forest.Bush type accommodation
extremely comfortable .
Ndali Lodge a luxury
accomodation owned by a white man, thatched cottage overlooking
a crater lake.
The Rwenzori View GuestHouse
located at FortPortal approximately 30 kms from the forest.
The Kanyanchu Tourist Centre
has five 2-bed bandas. The beautiful campground costs $3 per
person. There is a cooking shelter and pit latrines; water and
firewood is provided. The community-based canteen offers cheap
basic food ( the best beans in Uganda !) and drinks.
Alternatively, try the
Safari Hotel 3 km further along the road towards Kamwenge. Basic
rooms cost $ 4 per person inclusive of all the tea you can drink
and free laundry!
The park offers very
affordable chimp tracking. Groups ( limited to 6 people ) leave
daily at 8:00 am and 3:00pm; the walks last about 3 hours.
The highly recommended night
walks depart from Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 7:30 pm ( book in
advance) . Bring your torch!
Facilities at Bigodi
include; an observation tower and a boardwalk that traverses the
papyrus beds. The path and boardwalk may be flooded and muddy
after heavy rain and gumboots are recommended. They can be hired
at the visitor centre. The walk is about 4 km in length, taking
3-4 hours at birding pace. With all proceeds from eco-tourism
going back into the community, this is a conservation project
well worth supporting.
ACCESS
Take the road from Fort
Portal to Kamwenge, which commences near the bridge over the
Mpanga River in Fort Portal and is well signposted. Turn left at
the junction 12 km from Fort Portal and follow signpost for a
further 24 km to Kanyanchu Tourist Centre.
FOREST REGULATIONS
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Please note that
this is
not a Zoo--it is a tropical rainforest and sightings depend on
factors such as time of the day fruit. availability, weather
and how quiet the primate group is.
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The maximum number of
people in a group is 4 visitors per guided walk.
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The maximum time allowed
with the chimps is one hour, however, the time might be shortened
under the guides discretion to eliminate stressful situations for the
chimps
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When trekking you are
advised to remain in a tight group and follow the guides directions at all
times.
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Please remain at a
distance of 8 meters from the chimps or the distance that your guide
recommends.
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Under no circumstance
shall you chase while they descend or to or walk on higher ground.
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You are advised not to
enter the forest if you are sick as this can put the animals at serious
risk
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Please refrain from
eating near the chimps and other primates.
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Please do not shout
in the forest.
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Its advisable to wear long boots that cover
your toes and long trousers as there are
red ants and slippery trails, also carry along water proof clothing
in the rainy season.
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Children under 12 years
are not allowed to view the chimps for safety reasons.
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If you need to urinate
please do so off the trail system.
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If you need to defecate,
please do so off the trail system and bury all waste in a hole.
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