Night forest walk in Kibale National Park is a rare encounter on a Uganda Safari. The nocturnal forest Walk is an ‘eye-some’ experience in Kibale Forest National Park, which is located near Fort Portal in western Uganda. The park covers an area of about 795sqkm, and it’s acknowledged to have one of Uganda’s most gorgeous tropical rain forests.
Night forest walk Kibale National Park starts at around 7:30pm, from the park headquarters through the trails. This lasts for about one and half or two hours while in the chimpanzees homeland. The walk starts with a briefing orientation from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and then set off onto the trail, into the jungle of the primate forests.
What to See
Exploring Kibale Forest National Park at night is a very rewarding experience as you watch nocturnal creatures or animals moving around. These include, Tree Hyrax, nightjars, with chilling shriek, as well as the occasional civet cat and Pottos and Bush Babies. You stand 80% chances to see these primates while other animals are busy sleeping, such as the chimpanzees.
Night forest walk in Kibale National Park is not only about seeing nocturnal animals or birds but also experiencing the forest at night in an unusual experience, walking silent into the jungle of chimpanzees. It so pleasant to plunge into this endless verdure as you feel the breath of fresh air on your face, smell divine fragrance of flowers as you walk on winding paths all the time listening to the sounds of singing birds and bubbling brooks in a more incredible experience.
Apart from the chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest National Park, the night forest walk is rated to be one of the most exciting adventures. That’s why many tourists with plenty of time have opted to do it since it gives them rarest encounters.
What To Bring On a Night Forest Walk in Kibale National Park
The night forest walk in Kibale National Park is so exciting and adventurous. All visitors who have booked for this experience must carry a rain jacket, a hat, solid boots, long trousers, well tucked into the heavy sock. These are all meant to give protection against insect bites and scratches.
In addition, a long-sleeved shirt, hand gloves, one liter of water as well as applying insect repellent are also important. Visitors who come for this walk in Kibale National Park are advised to sleep near the park headquarters for convenience.
Besides this night forest walk, possible extension to other national parks in Uganda include visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an outstanding gorilla safari. You can also choose to spend a night in Queen Elizabeth National Park, for an opportunity to enjoy the best African wildlife safari, and see the tree climbing lions of Ishasha.