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December – February & June – September (Dry ground makes trekking easier, though it is a rainforest)
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Forest Lodges / Eco-Cottages
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4x4 Land Cruiser (Mandatory for the terrain and long transfer from Kampala/Entebbe)
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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Professional English-speaking Driver/Guide & UWA Ranger Guides
Destination Overview
At Maudie Safaris, we believe that while the savannahs of Kenya offer scope, the forests of Uganda offer depth. Kibale Forest National Park is a lush, tropical wonderland located in western Uganda, famous globally as the “Primate Capital of the World.”
This ancient rainforest is home to the highest density and diversity of primates in East Africa. While the star attraction is undoubtedly the Chimpanzee, our closest living relatives sharing 98% of our DNA – the forest is a cacophony of life, echoing with the calls of 13 different primate species. Walking through Kibale is not just a safari; it is a journey back in time to the dense jungles that once covered much of the continent. The forest floor is soft with leaf litter, the canopy is high and filtering sunlight, and the experience is intimate and thrilling.
Preserving the Ecosystem
Kibale is a critical biodiversity hotspot. It connects to Queen Elizabeth National Park, creating a massive wildlife corridor that allows forest elephants and other species to migrate. Maudie Safaris is deeply committed to the conservation of the endangered Chimpanzee. By purchasing a tracking permit, you are directly funding the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s protection efforts. Furthermore, we support the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run initiative on the forest fringe. This project has turned former poachers into conservationists, proving that tourism can provide a sustainable livelihood for the local communities living alongside these great apes.
Highlights
- Chimpanzee Tracking: The adrenaline rush of tracking a troop of wild chimpanzees and watching them feed, groom, and play in their natural habitat.
- 13 Primate Species: Look out for the rare L’Hoest’s monkey, the endangered Red Colobus monkey, the Grey-cheeked Mangabey, and the Black & White Colobus
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary: A birdwatcher's paradise and a community success story, offering sightings of the Great Blue Turaco and swamp-dwelling primates.
- The Green-Breasted Pitta: For serious birders, Kibale is one of the few places to spot this elusive and colorful bird.
- Crater Lakes: The region surrounding the park is dotted with explosive volcanic crater lakes, offering stunning panoramic views and hiking opportunities.
- Forest Elephants: Smaller and hairier than their savannah cousins, these elusive giants traverse the forest trails.