Trekking Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park

Trekking Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park: Your Ultimate Guide

If you’re planning a chimpanzee trekking adventure in Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park is one of the best places to go. Known for its incredible biodiversity, Kibale is home to the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda, with over 1,500 of these fascinating primates calling the forest home. A chimpanzee trekking safari here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you can witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

Chimpanzee trekking, much like gorilla trekking, has faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as primates are highly susceptible to human infections. However, as health protocols are put in place, chimpanzee trekking is now back in full swing and we are ready to help you plan your unforgettable adventure.

Why Choose Kibale Forest National Park for Chimpanzee Trekking?

Kibale Forest is renowned for its diverse primate species, with 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees, the nocturnal bushbaby, monkeys and baboons. It’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 335 species of birds. Kibale offers a unique opportunity to track chimpanzees in a lush forest environment, where you’ll also have the chance to observe other wildlife and flora.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale takes place twice a day: in the morning and the afternoon. Your permit determines which session you’ll join, so it’s important to book accordingly.

Our Popular Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Packages

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we offer a variety of chimpanzee trekking safari packages, from budget-friendly options to luxury experiences. All our safaris are tailored to suit your interests and travel preferences. Below are some of our most popular packages:

• 3-Day Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
• 5-Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
• 5-Day Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Habituation Safari

How to Book Your Chimpanzee Trekking Experience in Kibale Forest

Booking your chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest starts with securing your chimpanzee trekking permit. Once you’ve decided on your travel dates, simply contact us via email at Trek Africa Gorillas. We’ll check availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and confirm if permits are available for your selected dates.

Once availability is confirmed, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. After we receive your payment, we will immediately purchase your chimpanzee trekking permits and send you a scanned copy for your records. This will confirm your chimpanzee trekking booking in Kibale Forest National Park. We recommend booking your trek at least 2-3 months in advance, as permits are limited and sell out quickly.

Chimpanzee Trekking Permit Costs in Kibale Forest National Park

Here’s a breakdown of the cost for a chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale Forest National Park:

• USD 250 for Foreign non-residents
• USD 200 for Foreign residents
• UGX 180,000 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan)

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the chimpanzees in the forest. Please note that additional costs will apply for transport, accommodation and guiding services.

Example Costs for Our 3-Day Chimpanzee Trekking Safari:

• USD 1,150 per person (sharing, group of 2)
• USD 1,500 for a solo traveler
• USD 1,160 per person (group of 3)
• USD 1,150 per person (group of 4)

Feel free to contact us for more details or to book your chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest National Park.

Best Time to Go Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

The best time to embark on chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park is during Uganda’s dry seasons, from June to October and December to March. During these months, rainfall is minimal, making the trails more accessible for trekking. The vegetation is also less dense, allowing for better visibility and providing fantastic opportunities for photographs.

While you can enjoy chimpanzee trekking year-round, the wet seasons (April, May and November) result in higher vegetation, which can sometimes make sightings more challenging. However, during the rainy months, the treks tend to be shorter because the chimpanzees don’t roam as far in search of food, as resources are abundant. Nonetheless, you still have a 99% chance of spotting the chimpanzees throughout the year, thanks to the well-managed and organized nature of the activity.

How to Get to Kibale Forest National Park for Your Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

By Road

Kibale Forest National Park is easily accessible from Entebbe or Kampala. The drive typically takes around 4-5 hours via the main safari circuit. Alternatively, you can take the Kampala-Mbarara-Kasese route and drive for an additional 1-2 hours from Kasese to reach the park.

By Air

For a quicker option, you can take a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kasese Airstrip, which is about an hour’s drive from the park. Domestic airlines like Aero Link and Fly Uganda offer scheduled and chartered flights. Be sure to coordinate with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to the park.

Accommodation Options Near Kibale Forest for Your Trekking Safari

Kibale Forest offers a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury, ensuring that you have a comfortable stay during your chimpanzee trekking adventure. Here are some options:

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

Why Book Your Chimpanzee Trekking Safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we are committed to ensuring your safety and comfort throughout your journey. We follow all WHO guidelines and Uganda Tourism Board recommendations to provide a safe and enjoyable chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale Forest National Park.

We offer a variety of customized safari packages that include everything from gorilla trekking to chimpanzee habituation experiences, cultural tours and more. Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning to Uganda or Rwanda, we will make sure your adventure is unforgettable.

Contact us today to plan your dream Uganda safari! Your safety and satisfaction are our top priority and we’ll ensure that all health protocols are followed throughout your trek. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime!