Uganda Parks
By Ariadne van Zandbergen
Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides, including the guide to Uganda.
Kibale’s diversity of primates is one of the highest in Africa, with 13 species identified. Chimpanzee trekking is the most popular activity at Kibale. Additional primates regularly spotted include black-and-white colobus, Ugandan red colobus, Uganda mangabey, red-tailed monkey and blue monkey.
Kibale is home to many mammal species aside from primates but they are rarely encountered. Elephant and buffalo roam the forest and other species present are giant forest hog, warthog, bushpig, bushbuck, blue, red and Peter's duiker.
Wildlife Highlights
The chimpanzee community visited by trackers in Kibale is the best habituated in Uganda and sightings can be excellent. The park provides refuge to the world’s largest population of the endangered red colobus monkey, and it is an important stronghold for Uganda mangabey, a national endemic first recognized as a full species in 2007. Several nocturnal primate species are present as well, including potto, Demidov's dwarf galago, and the eastern needle-clawed bushbaby. The very specialized sitatunga antelope can be found in the marshy areas.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
The Dry seasons (from June to July and December to February) are the best time for tracking chimpanzees. The park stays open throughout the year, but in heavy rain, the trails might be difficult to walk and the overall experience might be compromised.
Wildlife Rating Per Major Park
- Bwindi NP 4.9/5 91 Wildlife Ratings
- Kibale NP 4.5/5 57 Wildlife Ratings
- Murchison Falls NP 4.4/5 89 Wildlife Ratings
- Queen Elizabeth NP 4.2/5 96 Wildlife Ratings
