Kibale Forest National Park is nestled in the western part of Uganda 26-kilometers south-east of Fort portal Town; it covers an area of almost 776 kilometers squared dominated by the rain forest interspersed with tracts of grassland and swamp spanning altitude of almost 100 meters and 1600meters.
This park is a place of safety to numerous wildlife animals, primates, bird species, insects among others harboring lush greenery vegetation species, while at this place guests are offered chance to engage in to numerous activities including bird watching, guided nature walk chimpanzee tracking, community walks and many more such a good spot for nature enthusiasts.
In this article we are to break down the guided night nature walks activity this outdoor experience requires tourists to walk on foot following trailheads exploring and learning more about the natural surroundings accompanied by armed rangers and tour guides.
Expectation for the Night Nature walks
The night nature walks always begin with the briefing session at the Kibale National Park head quarters conducted under the guidance of experienced tour guides and armed rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) who are familiar with the behaviors and habits of the nocturnal creatures.
During this session tourists are informed about the rules and guidelines that govern this activity including maintaining a quiet presence, make use of minimum light to avoid scaring the animals, always stay within a given group among others.
After the briefing session tourists fully immerse themselves in to the tropical rain forests escorted with armed ranger and tour guides who manly ensure that the walk is both secure and informative.
During the walk expect to encounter numerous nocturnal species enjoying their haven the notable seen ones include wild cats, bush babies that are mostly seen leaping from one tree branch to the other, pottos, tree hyrax, occasional African civets, bats, giant forest hogs as well as sighting at some rare night birds namely African wood owls, nightjar’s insects like moths, crickets to mention but a few.
Essential gears to carry while going for Night Walks
Tourists are advised to always bring these items while going for this wild adventure for proper preparation as listed below.
- A rain jacket
- A fully charged torch with other extra batteries
- Garden gloves
- Head lamp
- water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Warm long -sleeved clothes
- Water proof hiking boots among others
The best time to engage in Night walks
Night walks can be conducted throughout the whole year however the best timing is during the dry season that typically happens from December to February and June to September when the trail heads are less muddy and slippery always the activity starts after the sunset and lasts for almost one to two hours.