Kibale Forest National Park has been recorded as one of the important birding sites of Uganda, the national park is commonly referred to as the capital of primates, home to over 13 species of primates notable for the Chimpanzee, despite it being described as home to the primates, it is also definitely a paradise of birds over 350 species have been recorded in the protected conservation area 6 of which are endemics to the region. The Kibale Forest National Park is a large forest occupying 795 square kilometers in the Kabarole district, it was declared a national park in 1993 as a way of protecting the endangered species that live here for example there are large populations of the endangered red colobus monkeys, the park is managed through the Uganda wildlife authority.
Bird Watching in Kibale Forest National Park is one of the best activities of the conservation area, there are birds everywhere in the park region from the Crater Lakes region, inside the forest, communities, and at the Bigodi swamp area, on a visit to the national park you will hear the sound of birds literally at the rest of your bed, the forest is the reason for the many birds, popular species present in the park include the Rwenzori turaco, brown chested Alethe, crowned eagles, Nahan’s francolin, little green bull, breasted kingfisher, black and white shrike flycatcher, swamp warbler, Blue-throated roller, green breasted pitta, great blue turaco, black-billed barbet, red-fronted tinker bird, masked Apalis, Cassin’s spine tail to mention a few.
Bird Watching in Kibale Forest National Park is done through the trails of the forest, along the crater walks, and the Bigodi wetland sanctuary, this sanctuary is the best to spot many birds in the national park, it is situated about 6 kilometers away from the forest, into the forest the activity begins in the morning at 7:00 am from the park headquarters in Kanyanchu, you will be assigned an experienced guide more so of birds, it takes a lot of patience while conducting the activity so that you have more views of the birds. On the guided walk-through park guests have the chance to see many animal species of primates like the blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, and olive baboons among others.
Bird watching in Kibale Forest National Park is done all year round, it is best during the wet season in the months of March, May, April, November and October, during this time the forest experiences a lot of migratory species which adds to the already existing number. What to pack during your bird-watching activity includes binoculars, waterproof covers for phones and cameras, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, proper hiking boots, a rain jacket, a birder book, and any other items of a personal nature.
In conclusion, Kibale Forest National Park can be reached by air or by road, by road it takes approximately 6 hours’ drive to arrive at the destination, charter or scheduled flights can be arranged from Entebbe of Kampala Kajjansi to land at the Kasese airstrip or Semliki airstrip.