Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

If you’re looking to trek chimpanzees in one of Uganda’s most famous destinations, Kibale Forest National Park offers an incredible opportunity to encounter our closest relatives in the wild. While chimpanzee trekking is available in other parts of Uganda, like Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest is by far the best-known location, with a rich variety of primates and wildlife.

Why Kibale Forest for Chimpanzee Trekking?

Kibale Forest is home to 13 primate species, including the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda, with over 1,500 individuals. The forest’s diverse ecosystem is also home to other primates like baboons, monkeys, potto, and bush babies, making it a paradise for primate lovers. Additionally, bird enthusiasts will enjoy spotting over 335 bird species recorded in the park.

Chimpanzee trekking is offered in both morning and afternoon sessions, depending on your trekking permit and itinerary. Whether you’re seeking a short adventure or a longer stay, Excursia Adventures offers a variety of trekking packages that can be customized to fit your needs.

Booking Your Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

To secure your chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale, you’ll need to book your chimpanzee permit in advance. Once you’ve confirmed your travel dates, simply reach out to Excursia Adventures, and we’ll check the availability of permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. If permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. After your payment is processed, we’ll purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy as confirmation.

Since chimpanzee permits are in high demand, especially during peak times, we recommend booking your trek at least 2-3 months in advance to ensure you don’t miss out.

Cost of Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

• For Foreign Non-Residents: USD 250 per person
• For Foreign Residents: USD 200 per person
• For East African Citizens: USD 50 (180,000 Uganda Shillings) per person

This fee includes your one-hour chimpanzee encounter, which allows you to observe the chimps in their natural habitat, take photos, and learn from your guide. Additional costs for transport, accommodation, and guiding services may apply.

For example, our 3-Day Chimpanzee Trekking Package (all-inclusive) starts at:

• USD 1,050 per person (based on 2 people sharing)
• USD 1,400 for solo travelers
• USD 1,060 per person (based on 3 people sharing)
• USD 1,050 per person (based on 4 people sharing)

Reach out to us for a personalized quote based on your group size and preferences.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

The best time to trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest is during Uganda’s dry seasons, from June to October and December to March. During these months, the weather is mild, and the vegetation is less dense, making chimpanzee sightings easier and more enjoyable for photography.

Though chimpanzee trekking is possible year-round, April, May, and November tend to have higher rainfall, making the terrain more challenging and the forest vegetation denser. However, the treks are often shorter, as the chimpanzees do not roam far in search of food during the wet season.

How to Access Kibale Forest National Park

• By Road: Kibale Forest can be accessed by road from Entebbe/Kampala to Fort Portal, a journey that takes around 4-5 hours. You can also take the Kampala-Mabara-Kasese highway and continue to the park with a 1-2 hour drive.
• By Air: For a quicker journey, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield in Kampala to Kasese Airstrip. From here, you’ll transfer to Kibale Forest by road. Domestic airlines like Aero Link and Fly Uganda operate scheduled and chartered flights.

Accommodation Options for Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

Kibale Forest offers a range of accommodation to suit different budgets, from budget guesthouses to luxury lodges. Here are some of the options:

• Budget:
  • Chimpanzee Forest Guest House
  • Isunga Lodge
  • Rwenzori View Guest House
  • Kibale Home Stay
    (USD 90-100 per person per night)
• Mid-Range:
  • Kibale Forest Camp
  • Turaco Treetops Lodge
  • Prime Lodge Kibale
    (USD 150-200 per person per night)
• Luxury:
  • Ndali Lodge
  • Crater Safari Lodge
  • Papaya Lake Lodge
  • Kyaninga Lodge
    (USD 250-700 per person per night)

Let us know your preference, and we’ll book the accommodation that best suits your needs.

Why Book Your Chimpanzee Trekking Tour with Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures is committed to offering authentic, safe, and memorable chimpanzee trekking experiences. We follow strict health protocols to ensure the safety of our clients and the preservation of the natural environment. Our knowledgeable guides and experts will ensure you get the most out of your trek, providing you with fascinating insights into chimpanzee behavior and the forest ecosystem.

Whether you’re trekking for the first time or you’re a seasoned traveler, Excursia Adventures is here to make your trip to Kibale Forest National Park a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Get in touch with us today to start planning your chimpanzee trekking adventure!