Kibale National Park is in southwestern Uganda between 0°13′–0°41′ N and 30°19′–30°32′ E. The 795 km2 park has an average altitude of 1590mm and is mostly covered by moist evergreen or semi-deciduous forest. It is known to have 350 tree species, 71 mammal species, 370 bird species. Thirteen species of primates have been recorded in Kibale National Park, which is the highest number for any Ugandan park. This large population of primates includes chimpanzees, L’Hoest monkeys, Red Colobus Monkeys among others.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodyte) and bonobos (Pan paniscus) are the closest living relatives to humans which makes data about their life histories, births, deaths and incidence of disease, invaluable for comparative analysis with human life history.
Relative to other mammals of similar body size, chimpanzees grow slowly, start to reproduce late, and live long: chimpanzee infants are weaned around five years of age; females give birth for the first time when they are about 14 years old; interbirth intervals are typically 5–6 years. The average life span of chimpanzees is 33years. Research shows that few chimpanzees survive long enough to become post reproductive.
While the longest precisely measured lifespan among captive chimpanzees is 62 years, In 2015, there was a female alive that was estimated to be 78 years old. Their Maximum longevity in the wild is estimated to be well over 60 years. These growth, development, and longevity parameters are expected because chimpanzees are large-bodied, have relatively large brains, and are highly frugivorous animals.
Chimpanzee populations have largely surged in Kibale due to absence of predation by large carnivore’s and availability of abundance of food supply. Moreover, these primates have been protected from the major threats of poaching habitat loss and respiratory diseases of human origin which were a major source of mortality. These efforts are largely attributed to the Uganda wildlife authority and the associated research and conservation programs in Kibale.
Kibale National Park (formerly Kibale Forest NP) is the best place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Several Habituated groups of chimpanzees accustomed to human presence can be viewed in two locations in Kibale, Kanyanchu and the relatively newly established Buraiga. Visitors are required to arrive for registration at least 30 minutes before the trekking starts at 8:00 and 14:00. Chimpanzee trekking can last from 2 – 5 hours and each group of eight visitors is only allowed an hour with the primates. Chimpanzee tracking is typically done by experienced guides, who are able to lead visitors to the best spots for observing the chimps and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. These visitors must be over 16 years of age and must have Chimpanzee trekking permits booked in advance with Uganda Wild life Authority.
Chimpanzee Habituation in Kibale National Park
The chimpanzee Habituation experience allows the visitor join both researchers and habituators on their journey to make the Chimpanzees more accustomed to visitors. The chimpanzee groups involved are less accustomed to human presence making viewing them both interesting and challenging. The Chimpanzee habituation experience allows visitors to be with the primates for 4 hours and just like Chimpanzee trekking permits, Chimpanzee habituation permits must be booked in advance with Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Other Activities at Kibale National Park
Nature Walks
Walk through East Africa’s most beautiful and varied forest unencumbered while locating chimpanzees, primates and birds at leisure. This is also an ideal activity for young visitors unable to accompany relatives on the Primate Walk. Two-hour Nature Walks begin at 08.00, 10.00 and 14.00 from Kanyanchu Tourist Centre.
Night Walks
Night walks in Kibale Forest allow you to experience the forest’s nocturnal birds and mammals. It is an eerie yet exciting experience. Expect to see nocturnal birds such as Nightjars and Owls, and animals of the night such as Bushbabies, Pottos and Tree Hyrax.
Birding
Birding in Kibale can be done all year-round, but at its best done from March to May and from September to November. June to September is the main fruiting season, so food is abundant, and many birds are in breeding season around this time. Migratory birds, can be seen here in the months from November to April.
Wet months of March to May and September to November might limit your bird-watching time.
The most ideal location for bird watching in Kibale is Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary a community project where experienced guides take you on a 4-hour trail. Expect to see some common birds such as the African pied wagtail, Great blue turaco, Pin-tailed whydah, slender billed weaver, Tropical boubou and the most sought-after African Pitta.
Other birds not recoded in any other national park in uganda but can be found in Kibale include the Blue Headed Bee eater, Nahan’s Francolin and the Masked Apalis.
Other Attractions
Chimpanzee trekking will most often than most be combined with other activities in an around the park. Visitors have the option of exploring the scenic crater lakes along the western margin of the park or learn about tea planting and processing at the tea factory. Kibale National park is also a great stop over to the popular Queen Elizabeth National Park (The medley of wonders), hiking the Rwenzoiri Mountains and Semiliki National Park’s male and female Hot Springs.
Conservation projects at Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is also renowned for its conservation efforts and research programs, which aim to protect the park’s biodiversity and ensure the long-term survival of its iconic species. The Park is home to Kibale Chimpanzee Project, one of the longest-running and most successful chimpanzee research programs in the world. The project studies the behaviour, ecology, and conservation of the park’s chimpanzee population, providing valuable insights into these fascinating animals and helping to inform their conservation. In addition to the chimpanzee project, Kibale National Park is involved in a variety of other research and conservation initiatives, including monitoring wildlife populations, studying ecosystem dynamics, and engaging local communities in conservation efforts.
