2 Best Sights in Kibale National Park, Uganda

A true naturalist’s delight, this immersive half-day experience at this research and monitoring site hosts visitors for tailor-made forest and wildlife experiences. Leisurely walks follow along forest-edge trails, home to 300 bird species, 280 butterflies, beetles, reptiles, frogs, and native plants. Expert local naturalists will help you spot the intriguingly named Flying Handkerchief, and the elusive Black Bee-eater and share camera trap evidence of nocturnal visitors such as the elusive serval cat. On this private 43-acre rewilding site, you won’t want to miss the elephant trench, healing garden, or Village Bird Club for local youngsters. Visitor donations support the nonprofit group, In the Shadow of Chimpanzees, and includes refreshments, plus access to the Birders’ Lounge and natural history library. Overnight nature experience available on request.

This community-run conservation project managed by the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED) offers a popular guided nature trail through Magombe Wetland, near Bigodi. Its more open terrain frequently delivers better bird-watching and monkey-spotting than neighboring Kibale Forest. Here, endangered red colobus are common, with the chance of seeing black and white colobus, the endemic Uganda mangabey, L'Hoest's and red-tailed monkeys. Serious birders will enjoy the knowledgeable guides, who can identify the wetland's 200-odd species with ease. The 5-km (3-mile) trail takes two to three hours. Established in 1992, KAFRED is the only swamp walk that directly funds the community; its success has birthed multiple copycat swamp walks so be wary of whom you're signing up with. If you don't have waterproof boots, KAFRED can lend you a pair. Porters can be booked in advance. Village walks, or traditional lunch at the ever-popular Tinka's Homestay, are also on offer.