Nocturnal safaris in Kibale Forest that was established in 1993 to preserve the wetland and Kibale National Park, together with its fauna, and is situated next to Fort Portal district in western Uganda. The Uganda Wildlife Authority is in charge of managing and overseeing the park, which is well-known for its chimps despite having over 12 other primates, 70 animal species, and over 375 bird species.
Yes, with the assistance of an armed ranger guide, nighttime nature walks in Kibale Forest National Park begin at around 7:30 p.m. You may explore the dark forest and see some of the species you might have missed on your daylight chimpanzee trekking excursions by going on nighttime walks.
You will need to walk with a very strong and clear torch to assist you find the creatures if you want to see them clearly. Bush babies, galagos, gigantic forest hogs, pottos, tree hyrax, and night owls are some of the nocturnal creatures that you are most likely to see in the Kibale forest when on nighttime hikes. Additionally, you may have the chance to encounter predators like serval cats and the rare civet. You have the chance to witness nocturnal species, such nightjars and owls, to name a couple.
In Kibale Forest National Park, nocturnal walks might last one to two hours, and they always begin with a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters.
In addition to night nature walks, Kibale Forest National Park offers day walks along several paths that take you to distinct, stunning locations that take one to eight hours to visit.
The primary activity in Kibale Forest National Park is chimpanzee trekking. There is a greater probability of sighting chimpanzees in the park than anywhere else in the world since it is home to the greatest population of chimps worldwide. In Kibale Forest National Park, chimpanzee trekking permits costs $200 per person for Foreign Residents (FR) and $250 for Foreign Non Residents (FNR) every trip, and they may be taken in the morning or the evening. You may spend an hour with these monkeys if you have a chimpanzee permit, but the journey also offers the chance to observe many animals, birds, and plant species.
Chimpanzee habituation, which involves acclimating chimpanzees to human presence in their natural environment, is another activity available at Kibale Forest National Park. Those aged 15 and up can purchase chimpanzee habituation licenses, which cost $250 per person for FR and $300 for FNR. Researchers use chimpanzee habituation in their everyday work with the primates. Chimpanzee habituation allows visitors to spend longer time with chimpanzees while learning about their habits and behaviors through photography.
Things to pack for nocturnal walks
Like daytime walks, nocturnal treks require preparation, but much more so. You should bring a rain jacket, long-sleeved, warm clothing, a bright lamp, insect repellents, garden gloves, and waterproof hiking boots.
The best time to go for nocturnal walks in Kibale Forest
Although Kibale Forest National Park is open year-round, there are a few months that are better than others. These include the dry season months of June through September and December through February, when the park’s roads are in good shape and the chimpanzee trekking paths are accessible. Chimpanzees may also be seen in Uganda at the Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, and Budongo Forest, which is close to Murchison Falls National Park.
Activities in Kibale National Park besides night walks
In addition to the breathtaking nighttime treks, Kibale Forest National Park is a popular tourist attraction in Uganda. The list of activities at the park is as follows:
Chimpanzee habituation experience
According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, chimpanzee habituation the process of acclimating them to humans around them can take up to two years. Only in Uganda’s Kibale National Park is this possible, although the cost of the chimpanzee habituation experience is rather greater. The most thrilling chimpanzee habituation experience in Uganda can be found at Kibale National Park. It often lasts half a day or a full day, giving you plenty of time to spend with chimpanzees as you observe them hunting, mating, nursing, patrolling, and relaxing.
Four individuals participate in the chimpanzee habituation experience, which begins at 6:30 am and requires a chimpanzee habituation permit, which may be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The activity is led by a qualified guide and researchers. while a full day costs USD 300 for foreign Non Residents and USD 250 for Foreign Residents and UGX 250,000 for East African community members. The price might vary.
Tracking with chimpanzees in Kibale
There are more than 1450 chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, the largest chimpanzee population in Uganda. The chimpanzee tracking activity involves hunting for chimpanzees along designated pathways through dense jungles. You may see chimpanzees leave their nest, nurse, copulate, hunt, patrol, and awaken in their nests during chimpanzee tracking, which begins at six in the morning.
Other primates, however, such as the central African monkey, the black and white colobus monkey, the L’hoest’s monkey, the grey checkered mangabey, the red colobus monkey, and the blue monkey, can be seen as you stroll through the forest. However, a permission from the Uganda Wildlife Authority is required to engage in chimpanzee tracking, and it costs USD 250 for FNRs, USD 200 for FRs, and UGX 180,000 for East African citizens in Kibale forest National Park
Whereas chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura gorge of Queen Elizabeth National Park costs USD 100 for Foreign Non Residents (FNR) and 80 for Foreign Residents (FR) and 50000 UGX for East Africa Citizens
bird-Watching
With 375 different species of birds, Kibale National Park is a great area to go bird watching. The black bee eater, little green bul, yellow spotted nicator, African pitta, purple-breasted sunbird, black bishop, brown crested owlet, yellow-rumped tinker bird, and black naped pigeon are just a few of the stunning birds that can be seen during chimpanzee tracking and nature walks.
Cultural encounters
You can visit the Batooro and Bakiga and see their traditional artwork, homes, and dances while taking part in cultural tours in Kibale National Park. You can also watch locals perform local dances and plays organized by the Rural Environment Development Association. Additionally, you will get the opportunity to engage with elderly folks who will share fascinating tales with you.