Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda
The most accessible of Uganda's major rainforests, Kibale Forest National Park was gazetted in 1993, covering 766 km of forest and forms a contiguous block with nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kibale's major draw is the opportunity to track habituated chimpanzees and the chance to follow a troop through the forest as they squabble and play in fruiting trees is a thrilling experience.
The park is home to a remarkable 13 other primate species, including the much localised red colobus and L'Hoest's monkey, making this wildlife rich park one of the best safari destinations in the whole of the Uganda. For botanists and butterfly lovers the network of shady forest trails provides much to delight, while birders are in for a treat with 335 species recorded including the endemic Prirogrine's ground thrush and a visit to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is one of the best bird spots in the region.
The elusive forest elephant, smaller and hairier than its savannah counterpart, moves seasonally into the developed part of the park, while other terrestrial mammals include buffalo, giant forest hog and a half dozen antelope species.
Accommodation includes the converted homestead and working farm at Ndali Lodge set in the dramatic Bunyaruguru Crater Lake region, with views of the Rwenzoris nearby, or the recently refurbished Primate Lodge, set right on the edge of the forest where the chimpanzees can be heard at night!
For further information on Kibale Forest National Park or advice on Uganda wildlife tours please contact Chris on 01285 643 333.