Chimpanzee Trekking Tour In Kibale Forest National Park : Kibale Forest National Park is located in southwestern part of Uganda. The national park is famous for large concentration of habituated chimpanzees. Kibale National Park was first identified as a forest reserve in 1932 because of its great bio-diversity before finally being made a game park in the 1990’s. The park has become the primates’ capital of Uganda and to a great extent East Africa and it covers an area of approximately 766 square kilometers. Apart from chimpanzees, the park is home to 13 other primate species, including the endangered red colobus monkey, the rare L’Hoest’s monkey, and the grey-cheeked mangabey. This incredible diversity of primates, combined with the park’s rich birdlife boasting over 375 bird species—makes Kibale a haven for nature enthusiasts and researchers.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is an exciting adventure that offers a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife, but it does need some planning. It involves on the foot walk through the lush forest in search for the habituated chimpanzee group. This remarkable activity starts early, around 6:30 AM, when the forest is bustling with sounds from various animals waking up.
Trekkers gather at the park’s headquarters for an important briefing from the guides, who share essential rules and what participants can expect during the journey. After the briefing with Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides and you will be allocated a chimpanzee family to trek and a park guide who is knowledgeable about the gorillas and well conversant with trails in the jungle. They use their skills to locate the habituated chimpanzee groups, often relying on the chimps’ vocalizations to pinpoint their location. The duration of these treks can range from two to five hours, depending on how the chimpanzees are moving and the conditions of the terrain. Because chimpanzees prefer to roam around in search of food, hiking with them in Kibale Forest National Park might take anything from thirty minutes to four hours, depending on their location.
During trekking you will have views of animals like forest elephants, buffaloes, other primates like red colobus monkey, the rare L’Hoest’s monkey, and the grey-cheeked mangabey, different bird species like Abyssinian Ground thrust, crowned eagle, yellow spotted nicator, little greenbul, ash flycatcher, chubb’s cisticola, black capped waxbill, Africa shrike flycatcher, yellow rumped tinker bird among others.
Once the gorillas are found you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their habitat which gives you an opportunity to watch them carry out their daily activities like feeding, breastfeeding, playing, observe their behaviors, take great photos and record the breathtaking moments to show people back home.
Observing these creatures up close also underscores their similarities with humans. Sharing about 98.7% of our DNA, chimpanzees exhibit emotions, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities that mirror our own, making the encounter deeply moving and thought-provoking.
Best time to go for chimpanzee trekking tour in Kibale Forest National Park
The ideal time for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is during the dry seasons, specifically between December and February and again from June to September. These months are preferred because the trails are drier, making the hike smoother and more pleasant. However, Kibale’s rainforest environment means that it can rain at any time of year, so being prepared for wet conditions is always advisable.
Cost of chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale Forest National Park
If you’re planning to track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, you’ll need to secure a chimpanzee tracking permit. This permit allows individuals aged 12 and older to observe these endangered primates in their natural environment. The cost for this permit varies: it is $250 for foreign tourists who do not reside in the country, $200 for foreign residents, and UGX 180,000 for East African nationals. To ensure you get a spot, it’s wise to book your permit three to four months in advance, either through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a reputable tour operator like Achieve Global Safari.
Packing list for chimpanzee trekking tour at Kibale Forest National Park
Visitors planning to embark on a chimpanzee trekking tour at Kibale Forest National Park are recommended to pack wisely for a memorable chimpanzee safari in Uganda. Here are some of the required packing items you should move along with such as long-sleeved shirts and long trouser, Knee-length hiking boots, A waterproof rain jacket, Garden gloves, Warm sweater, Insect repellent, A camera and binoculars, A waterproof day backpack and Water bottle and snacks among others
Other activities carried out in Kibale National Park
When planning a chimpanzee trekking safari to Kibale National Park, there are plenty of other exciting activities to enjoy as well. Visitors can explore the lush forest on guided nature walks, where they can immerse themselves in the vibrant ecosystem. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting over 150 different bird species that call the park home. Some of the bird species you may spot here includes Dusky Crimsonwing, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Black-capped Apalis, Collared Apalis among others. Additionally, a trip to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary offers a chance to appreciate the area’s unique wetland environment.
For those interested in scenic beauty and local folklore, a visit to the Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru is a fascinating site to visit. A primate walks also offers you will the chance to explore the park’s incredible primate species such as, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus and grey-cheeked mangabey, L’hoest monkeys, patas monkeys, pottos among others. While a visit to the Crater Lakes offers the stunning volcanic landscape of the region among others. The abovementioned activities can be carried out all year round and are to be booked and paid for separately from chimpanzee trekking.
Best accommodation safaris for visitors while on a chimpanzee trekking safari at Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park offers a wide range of accommodation facilities for group travelers. These accommodations ranges from luxury, midrange and budge such as Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Kibale Forest Camp, Isunga Lodge, Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Primate Lodge, Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge, Chimp Nest lodge, Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, Fort Motel, Kibale Guest cottages, Kibale safari lodge, papaya Lake Lodge, primate safari Lodge, Rwetera Safari Park, Turaco Treetops and Westend Motel among others.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information and inquiries about chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park and book with our tours and travel companies, such as Achieve Global Safaris, who offer the best tour packages while on your Uganda safari.