Can You Book All Kibale Chimp Permits for an Exclusive Trek?

Can You Book All Kibale Chimp Permits for an Exclusive Trek?

Yes, it’s entirely possible to book all chimpanzee permits in Kibale Forest National Park for an exclusive trekking experience. Known for its diverse primate population, Kibale Forest is home to 13 primate species, including Uganda’s largest population of chimpanzees—estimated at over 1,500. Other residents include bushbabies, pottos, monkeys, and baboons, alongside a rich array of over 335 bird species. To ensure an exclusive experience, all chimp permits for a specific day can be reserved directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or via a trusted operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

How to Secure All Kibale Chimp Permits for Exclusive Trekking

To book all permits and enjoy an exclusive trek with Kibale’s chimpanzees, you’ll need to secure 100%, 70%, or 30% of the total cost in advance. Each chimp trekking permit costs:

• $200 for foreign non-residents
• $150 for foreign residents
• 150,000 UGX for East African citizens

Kibale issues 90 chimp trekking permits each day, split between 54 for morning and 36 for afternoon sessions. For an exclusive experience, foreign non-residents would need to pay $18,000 to book all available permits, guaranteeing a private trek with only ranger guides present.

If you prefer the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, the permit cost is $250 for foreign non-residents, with only 12 habituation permits available daily. Blocking these for an exclusive experience costs $3,000.

Important Considerations for Exclusive Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale

Securing an exclusive chimpanzee trek requires planning, especially as Kibale’s permits sell out quickly during high season. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Advance Booking: We recommend securing your permits at least 3–4 months in advance.
• Flexible Payment Options: A 100%, 70%, or 30% advance payment is required to block permits.

Steps to Block All Kibale Chimp Permits for Exclusive Trekking

1. Confirm Your Travel Dates: Once you have set dates, contact us to check permit availability.
2. Availability Check: We’ll confirm availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and share an invoice for payment.
3. Make Payment: After payment is received, we will purchase the permits immediately.
4. Receive Confirmation: We’ll send a scanned copy of your permits for your records, confirming your exclusive chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale National Park.

How to Access Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is accessible by both road and air, making it convenient for travelers with various itineraries.

• By Road: From Entebbe or Kampala, take the main safari circuit to Fort Portal, which is about a 4-5 hour drive. You can also access the park via the Kampala-Mbarara-Kasese route. From Kasese, it’s a short 1-2 hour drive to Kibale Forest.
• By Air: Regular scheduled and charter flights operate from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kasese Airstrip. Domestic airlines such as Aerolink and Fly Uganda provide these flights. Once you arrive in Kasese, a transfer to Kibale can be arranged through your tour operator.

Where to Stay in Kibale Forest National Park

Accommodation options around Kibale Forest range from budget to luxury, with many lodges offering picturesque views of the forest or nearby crater lakes. Luxury choices include Ndali Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, and Papaya Lodge, each providing unique amenities and often special touches for honeymooners. For mid-range options, Primate Lodge and Turaco Tree Tops are excellent choices, while budget-friendly options include Chimpanzee Forest Guest House and Isunga Lodge. Alternatively, you can stay in Fort Portal, the closest town to the park.

Why Book Exclusive Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking with Trek Africa Expeditions

Trek Africa Expeditions is renowned for its well-curated safari experiences across Uganda and Rwanda. Highly rated on TripAdvisor, we specialize in eco-friendly, high-quality treks and wildlife safaris that prioritize biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection, and community empowerment. Our offerings go beyond gorilla and chimpanzee trekking to include Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, boat excursions, and rich cultural encounters across top African destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia. If you’re considering exclusive chimp trekking in Kibale, our team can handle all logistics to make your experience private, memorable, and truly extraordinary.