Have you ever imagined walking in the forest at night? Let’s do it in Kibale Forest National Park in the western part of Uganda. It is an exciting activity as you seek to discover what takes place in the night with the animals, birds, and nature night interactions. It could be scary, but how is fear defeated? Night walks at the park are very safe, and visitors are accompanied by the park rangers who have vast knowledge about the forest and its inhabitants.
The nocturnal walks present a chance of encountering the nocturnal animals and birds such as the bush babies, and pottos. You get lost in the quiet Jungle, as you enjoy the bird calls such as that of the owls. The ranger guides will help you identify and name whatever is seen or heard. Visitors get the aid of torches for light to see the path and the nocturnal animals that become active at night as they search for notably what to eat. Common of those are the bats and owls that take advantage of the night to feed. The trail chosen for the night nature walk is safe.
Night nature walks commence by 7:00 pm with a briefing session at Kanyanchu headquarters by the ranger guides who will explain the importance of the walk possible sightings, and the dos and don’ts. This is followed by the hiking sessions that last for about 2-3 hours with chances of encountering among others the serval cats, crickets, giant forest hog, the night owl, tree hyrax, night jar, the pottos, and more. After the walk, everyone gets to return to the lodge with amazing memories. If asked about the possibility of encountering primates during night walks that is a probability.
Cost of night forest walk in Kibale Forest National Park
The forest walk costs USD 40 for foreign nonresidents, USD 20 for foreign residents, and UGX 15,000 for East African citizens. The prices are per person, per session, and it excludes the park entrance fees and other costs involved in the trip. By choosing to do a night nature walk, there is an unforgettable discovery of what transpires in the forest at night, possible sighting of some nocturnal creatures, contribution to wildlife conservation, and improvement of the welfare of the guides and the communities living at the boundaries of the park.
What to carry for a night nature walk in Kibale Forest National Park?
You only need to pack what is essential for the trip. This decision will be guided by the duration of your visit and other activities you intend to do in addition to the night walk. The following are some of these items.
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect your skin
- Waterproof hiking boots for your foot
- A hut to protect your head
- Backpack
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Garden hand gloves
- Insect repellent to guard against night insects
- Warm sweaters
- A good camera for photography and extra batteries
- A bottle of water
- A torch
However, most of these items can be acquired upon arrival in Uganda/Fort Portal City.
About Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park is located in western Uganda and is referred to as the primate capital of the world. It is home to over 13 primate species, dominated by the chimpanzees. Other notable primates include olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and more. Over 375 bird species and mammals such as the warthogs, giant forest hogs, forest elephants, buffalos, and more call the park their home. The park can be accessed by road on a 6-7 hour drive from Kampala the capital city of Uganda. By air, one can board from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airstrip to Kasese or Semiliki airstrip and then transfer to the park headquarters of the lodge in the Fort Portal on the road.
One can combine a night nature walk in Kibale Forest National Park with a chimpanzee trekking experience, bird watching, day guided nature walk, community walk, Bigodi swamp visit, and crater tours around the magnificent Fort Portal City.
Best months for Kibale night nature walks
The nature walk is offered all year round however, during the dry months the hike is smooth and fun. December to February and June to October are the most ideal months for night walks. There is no worry about abrupt rains and too much that makes the activity tiresome.
In conclusion, night nature walks in Kibale Forest National Park are very adventurous and offered all year round. Regarding where to sleep after the hike, Kibale Forest National Park has amazing accommodation facilities ranging from budget to luxury campsites, lodges, and hotels.
