Chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale forest national park; Chimpanzee habituation is a process where the wild chimpanzees are trained to get used to human presence for trekking. Chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale forest national park takes a period of about 2 years to be complete and it involves a team of researchers, scientists, chimpanzee doctors, park guides, trackers, park rangers among others. Chimpanzee habituation is one of the popular activities that you can engage in during your safari in Kibale forest national park and this article will guide you on how to plan a successful chimpanzee habituation Uganda safari.
Chimpanzee habituation experience
Chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale forest national park starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules, regulations and expectations at the park headquarters. After the briefing, you will start trekking in the forest in search of the chimpanzees which takes a whole day. During trekking you will be able to view other primate species, mammals, different bird species among others and once the chimpanzees are located, you will be allowed to spend four hours with them in their natural environment which gives you an opportunity to watch and monitor their habits, behaviours, watch them feed, breastfeed, play, rest, groom young ones, hunt, build nests, take photos and record videos.
Best time to go for chimpanzee habituation safari in Kibale forest national park
Chimpanzee habituation in Kibale forest national park can be done anytime throughout the year though the best period is during the dry season also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February because during this time there is less rainfall in the park therefore chimpanzee trekking trails will be dry and passable which makes chimpanzee habituation easy compared to the rainy season when the trekking trails are muddy and slippery which makes chimpanzee habituation difficult.
Cost of chimpanzee habituation permits in Kibale forest national park
Chimpanzee habituation permits in Kibale forest national park cost 250 USD per person for foreign non residents, 200 USD per person for foreign residents and 150,000 UGX per person for East African citizens. Uganda Wildlife Authority however increased chimpanzee habituation permits in Kibale forest national park to 300 USD per person for foreign non residents, 250 USD per person for foreign residents and 180,000 UGX per person for East African citizens effective 1st/July/2024.
How to book chimpanzee habituation permits in Kibale forest national park
Chimpanzee habituation permits in Kibale forest national park can be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris where you will contact our tour consultants via email or telephone with the date, month and year when you wish to visit the chimpanzees. After contacting us we will check for permit availability from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and if there are permits available on your preferred dates, you will be asked to make a deposit. Once the payment has been made, we will be able to purchase the permit on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.
Where to stay during your chimpanzee habituation safari in Kibale forest national park
Kibale forest national park has a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging from budget, midrange and luxury where you can stay during your chimpanzee habituation experience. The lodges include Kibale Forest Camp, Kibale Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Chimpanzee Forest Lodge, Isunga Lodge, Primate Lodge Kibale, Turaco Treetops, Isunga Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Kibale Forest Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Kibale Guest Cottages, Papaya Lake Lodge, Rweetera Safari Park, Chimpundu Lodge, Rubalika Safari Lodge and Farm, Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge, Guereza Canopy Lodge, Mountain of the Moon Hotel, Fort Motel, Nyaika Hotel, Tabebuia Spa and Safari Resort, Kibale River Camp among others.
How to get to Kibale forest national park
Kibale forest national park is located in western part of Uganda and can be accessed by road transport means where you will drive from Entebbe/Kampala via Mubende, Fort Portal road or Masaka, Mbarara road and then to the park headquarters which takes about 6 to 7 hours’ drive.
Kibale forest national park can also be accessed by air transport means where you will book scheduled or charter domestic flights with Aerolink Uganda from Entebbe international airport to Kasese airstrip and then connect to the park headquarters which takes about 2 hours’ drive.
Chimpanzee habituation is an amazing activity in Kibale forest national park that can be combined with wildlife viewing in Lake Mburo national park. For more information about chimpanzee habituation experience, you can reach out to us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for various chimpanzee habituation packages.
