Since the introduction of ecotourism to Kibale National Park in 1992 i
ts visitor numbers have risen to about 5000 per annum, creating the ne
ed for proper planning and management, A visitor survey - the first ma
jor study to be carried out in Uganda - was therefore conducted with t
he aim of assessing visitor characteristics. The survey found that ove
r 90% of visitors were from overseas and many were on vacation and vis
iting for the first time, Their visits were planned and they came main
ly to view the chimpanzees, the main attraction at Kibale, Most visito
rs felt the recreational facilities at Kibale were of low standard and
several changes were proposed, but some visitors indicated that the p
ark 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 b
een proposed as well as further research into visitor behaviour. Copyr
ight (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd