Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park is one of the most sought after activities in Uganda. Situated in western Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park is also referred to as the Primate capital of the world. It has the highest concentration of primates in Uganda with Chimpanzees being the most sought after primate species. The park sits on 766 square kilometers protecting moist evergreen rainforest that contains a diverse array of landscapes. Kibale Forest National Park is one of the last remaining areas containing both lowland and montane forests.
More about Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park joins Queen Elizabeth National Park from the south creating a 180 km-long corridor for wildlife exchange between the two parks. The purpose of gazetting Kibale into a National Park in 1993 was to purposely conserve its biological diversity consisting of tree species, birds, mammals and butterfly species. The Park is a haven to more than 70 mammals including 13 primate species which makes it a Primates Capital of the World, over 350 bird species, 351 tree species and more than 200 species of Butterflies. Visitors can enjoy all these attractions through a guided nature walk in the park.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park is one of the Vibrant Holiday Safaris you wouldn’t want to miss during your Safari. The forest is one of the best Chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda among others which include; Budongo, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest and Bugoma Forest. Kibale forest inhabits the biggest portion of chimpanzees compared to other national parks in East Africa hosting over 1500 chimps and this makes it the ultimate place for chimpanzee tracking in the world.
What is involved
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park can be done in 2 sessions, the first session starts in the morning and the second one in the afternoon. In addition, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest National Park involves hiking into the forests with experienced guides who are well versed with the forest and its inhabitants. Once you locate a group, a maximum of 1 hour is allowed in the presence of these primates to observe and photograph them quietly without disturbing them.
The adventure starts at 8am with a briefing from the rangers at the visitor’s center in Kanyanchu. It covers important aspects of the activity like what to expect, length of the activity and how to behave in the presence of the chimpanzees.
When to go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
Visitors can go Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park throughout the year. However, the best time for the activity is during the dry season in the months of June to August and also December to February.
Cost of Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking permits cost $250 for foreign non-residents, $200 for foreign residents and Ugx 180,000 for East African citizens. Visitors should note that these rates include park entrance, guide fee, and a Nature walk.
Other Activities to do in Kibale Forest National Park.
Chimpanzee Habituation
Besides Chimpanzee Trekking, visitors can engage in a chimpanzee habituation experience. This is quite similar to the normal chimpanzee trekking. However, it involves spending 4 hours in the presence of the chimpanzees. It starts very early in the morning at 6:00am as you follow up the chimps while they run their day. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has set aside four chimp communities for research and tourism purposes. These are Kanyanchu which is the most visited, Kanyawara with over 60 individuals and Sebitoli.
Bird watching
Kibale Forest national park is one of the most rewarding birding destinations. In addition, it inhabits about 470 bird species and coming across more than 100 species on a single track is a great experience. You will spot them during a nature walk in Bigodi sanctuary and they include African Pitta, Green-breasted Pitta. In addition, you will spot White-naped Pigeon, Crowned Eagle, Red-chested Owlet, Black Bee-eater, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, African Grey Parrot. Also, the Blue-headed Sunbird, Collared Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Yellow Spotted Nicator, Black-eared Ground Thrush and the Abyssinian.
Cultural encounters
A Safari to Kibale Forest National Park can never go complete without Cultural Encounters. These allow visitors to engage with the nearby local communities like Bigodi. You will get to learn about their lifestyles, traditions, practices and taste some of the local gins brewed from bananas. Furthermore, the locals will entertain you with local dances.
Nature and Forest walks
Nature and Forest Walks are among the most interesting activities in Kibale Forest. The activity runs for about 6-7 hours through the savannah grasslands, riverine forest, tropical forest and the swamp regions. Nature walks start from Kanyanchu visitor center giving you an opportunity to spot mammal species like bush bucks.
How to get to Kibale Forest National Park
Finally, visitors can access Kibale Forest National Park by Road and Air transport means.
By Road
Kibale Forest National Park is about 308.1km from Kampala, approximately 5 hours drive. There are several routes like Kampala-Mubende-Fort portal, Kampala-Hoima-Kyenjojo or Kampala-Mbarara-Kamwenge route.
By Air
For those Visitors who have limited time or would prefer a luxurious feel, can book flights with Aero-link. This can be from Kajjansi or Entebbe International Airport to kasese airstrip which only takes 1 hour.