Mountain Gorillas are the most threatened primate species in the world with the remaining living in Africa and in countries; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The Mountain Gorillas are 10th of the most endangered species in the world recorded to be only about 700 individuals in the world. Approximately 400 species are left in the Virunga Mountains of Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kibale National Park
District : Kabarole.
Elevation : 1110 metres to 1590 metres
Size : 560 km 2
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.
Status : National Park since 1993
Birds Recorded : 335 species.
Timing : March - May, September - November
Time Required : 2 days
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.
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.
BIRD'SPECIES.
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.
ACCOMMODATION
The best place to spend the night is in Primate Lodge Kibale. Within a short period different types of accommodation will be available,
including modern bandas, luxury tents and a comfortable Sky Tree House. The lodge is located in the middle of the forest, exactly where you start the chimp tracking from. A charming restaurant, bar and fire place will make sure you will spend the evenings pleasantly.
Mantana Luxury Tented Camp located in the middle of the forest.Bush type accommodation and quite comfortable.
Ndali Lodge a luxury accomodation with thatched cottages overlooking a crater lake.
The Rwenzori View Guesthouse located in Fort Portal approximately 30 kms from the forest. Comfortable, middle class rooms with or without private bathrooms are available.
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.
For the Finest Accomodation In the diffrent parts of the Country and Hotel bookings for to suite the budget of the different kinds of travellers
More>>
Uganda Travel Information
Rwanda Travel Information
Akagera National Park
Nyungwe National Park
Short Uganda Safaris
Bwindi Forest Park Tour - 3 days
Queen Elizabeth Tour -3 days
Special Offers For Uganda Tours
Mburo-Bwindi-5days
Uganda Birding-7 days
Murchison,Queen,Kibale-7 days
Super Uganda Safari -14 days
For the ultimate wildlife safaris to various safari destinations in uganda and rwanda .
Aabsaf Safaris organizes Uganda Gorilla safaris to the three gorilla parks – Parc National Virunga
Located astride the equator, Uganda has a network of 10 national parks and several other protected areas.