Visitor characteristics and attitudes towards Kibale National Park, Uganda

Since the introduction of ecotourism to Kibale National Park in 1992 its visitor numbers have risen to about 5000 per annum, creating the need for proper planning and management, A visitor survey - the first major study to be carried out in Uganda - was therefore conducted with the aim of assessing visitor characteristics. The survey found that over 90% of visitors were from overseas and many were on vacation and visiting for the first time, Their visits were planned and they came mainly to view the chimpanzees, the main attraction at Kibale, Most visitors felt the recreational facilities at Kibale were of low standard and several changes were proposed, but some visitors indicated that the park should be kept as it is, It was concluded that these views should be considered in the planning and management of Kibale if sustainable ecotourism is to prove a realistic goal, Greater visitor control has been proposed as well as further research into visitor behaviour. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd