A chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale National Park ought to be a priority for primate lovers. Kibale National Park is located in western Uganda, about a 6-hour drive from Kampala. It is home to chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. The park, therefore, offers memorable chimpanzee trekking safari adventures and journeys of Discovery. We have come up with this Kibale chimpanzee trekking safari guide to highlight key information need for a successful adventure.
Chimpanzee trekking safari expeditions in Kibale are rewarding because of the park’s high chimpanzee population. Its diverse ecosystem and abundance of other wildlife species make it a must-visit Uganda Safari destination.
This chimpanzee trekking safari guide discusses the experience, chimpanzee habituation, and other Kibale National Park adventures.
About The Chimpanzee trekking safari
Chimpanzees are primates and man’s closest relatives, with over 98% DNA similar to humans. They are highly social and live in communities of up to 20 individuals led by a dominant male. Their DNA similarity to humans makes them intelligent and capable of learning human sign language.
Kibale National Park has the highest chimpanzee population, with five habituated communities. These are open for the normal chimpanzee trekking safari and the habituation experience.
Chimpanzee trekking starts with a briefing at the park headquarters, after which you are guided on a walk to the forest. This takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the movement of chimpanzees since they are mobile. Once you get to them, you are allowed in their presence for an hour, taking photos and learning more about them. After this remarkable encounter, you are led back to the park headquarters where you are awarded certificates of participation.
The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
The Chimpanzee habituation experience takes you behind the scenes as you follow the chimps’ daily routine. It also starts with a briefing at the park headquarters and allows you up to 4 hours in the presence of chimpanzees. Chimpanzee habituation is experiential and recommended for primatologists with an interest in closely studying chimpanzees.
A few chimpanzee habituation permits are available daily and it is recommended to book them early.
What to expect
You must obtain your trekking or habituation permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This can be acquired directly or through a licensed tour operator. Permit fees vary depending on one’s nationality. East African Citizens and Foreign Residents with valid work permits have discounted rates.
Trekking is done in the company of well-knowledgeable ranger guides who have traversed Kibale Forest for years. Some rangers are involved in the habituation process and know the chimpanzee behavior. They track the movement of chimpanzees and ensure a safe encounter.
Hiking through Kibale National Park can be challenging because of the uneven terrain. It is, therefore, important to wear appropriate hiking shoes and comfortable clothing. Long-sleeved pants and shirts are recommended to avoid getting irritation from the plants.
During the chimpanzee encounter, you are debriefed by the rangers to keep a distance and minimize noise. Touching and feeding chimpanzees is prohibited as they are still wild animals that can misinterpret your intentions.
Best time for a chimpanzee trekking safari
Chimpanzee trekking safari adventures are best experienced in the dry season. The dry season in Uganda covers the months of December and February and from June to September. The minimal rainfall disturbances in the dry season make navigation through the forest trails easy.
Chimpanzees also gather near water sources and it is easy to spot them.
Where to Stay
Kibale National Park has several lodging options ranging from budget to high-end. They are located a few minutes from the park headquarters making it easy to access the park on the day of the trek.
Primate Lodge is the only safari lodge situated within the park. It is located within a walkable distance to the headquarters. Other notable safari lodges include Chimpundu Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Turaco Tree Tops, and Isunga Lodge.
Getting there
Kibale Forest can be accessed by road and air transport. The road transfer takes a 6-hour drive from Kampala. This includes en-route stopovers for photography at places of interest. It takes a 3-hour drive to get to the park from Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Air transport is the most convenient option from Entebbe, with an hour’s flight to Kasese Airstrip. From there you connect to the park in under 2 hours.
Other Kibale Forest Safaris
Kibale Forest offers several Discovery Journeys adventures in addition to the chimpanzee experiences. Birding tours are ideal as the park is home to over 300 bird species. Notable birds you can spot here include the Great Blue Turaco, the purple-headed starling, and the Western Nicator.
The forest has provision for day and night guided walks. Day nature walks are ideal for scenic views and exploring other wildlife species in the forest, especially plants, and butterflies. Night nature walks are best for viewing nocturnal wildlife most active at night. You stand a chance of seeing night jars and bush babies on a Kibale night nature walk.
The Bigodi Wetland is another option you can check out when visiting Kibale National Park. It is adjacent to the park and offers guided walk opportunities to see primates and birds. It is also home to reptiles easily spotted on guided nature walks.
As you plan your Uganda Discovery Journeys, follow this ultimate chimpanzee trekking safari guide for a successful adventure in Kibale. Uganda has other adventure experiences, including mountain gorillas and predator tracking. These can be done alongside adventures to our other featured destinations like Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
