Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park takes you to one of Uganda’s most popular parks. Kibale National Park is located in the districts of Kibale and Kabarole in western Uganda. The park was founded in 1995 to protect the forest and prevent illicit logging, but chimps have since become a major draw. The Park is also surrounded by the Rwenzori Mountain Ranges, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Park, and Fort Portal town – Uganda’s tourism city.
Kibale is known as the world’s primate capital due to the vast variety of primates and for being the greatest spot in East Africa to trek chimpanzees. Kibale shelters more than 1500 chimpanzees (almost half of the world’s population of chimpanzees). The Park also has 12 other primate species including monkeys, and olive baboons, among others. Besides that, Kibale is home to approximately 324 bird species, including the Black-capped Apalis, African Pitta, Crowned Eagle, Woodland Warbler, Black-eared Ground Thrush, Blue-headed Sunbirds, Yellow-spotted Nicator, Little Greenbul, Black-bee Eater, etc. Wild animals in the Park also include Golden cats, Warthogs, Hippos, Buffaloes, Forest Elephants, Bush Pigs, Bushbucks, Sitatungas, Duikers, Mongooses, Buffaloes, and leopards, among others. Lions from Queen Elizabeth National Park also visit the park regularly. In addition, there are various butterflies, amphibians, and reptiles.
Kibale Forest National Park is surrounded by the Batoro and Bakiga natives, however, as mentioned from the beginning, chimpanzees are the main attraction in the Park.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
Chimpanzees in Uganda can be trekked in Toro-Semliki game reserve, Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest Reserve, Kibale Forest National Park, and Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Those interested in seeing chimps in captivity can go to the Ngamba Island sanctuary for rescued and orphaned chimps or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre near Entebbe (Entebbe Zoo).
Nonetheless, Kibale Forest National Park, with a population of approximately 1500 chimps, is undoubtedly the best area in the world for trekking chimps. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale begins at 8 a.m. with a briefing from rangers at the Kanyanchu visitor’s center. Conducted by rangers, the briefing covers crucial components of the activity such as what to expect, how long the activity will last, and how to behave around the primates. The rangers will also provide a basic history of the forest and chimps in general. After the briefing, it’s time to head out into the jungle and search for the chimpanzees. The ranger walks around with a gun to scare off large species that are too wild, such as elephants and chimps (not habituated).
The best part about following chimps in Kibale is that you don’t have to trek for long to find a troop. Kibale Forest National Park is the only place where you can nearly always see chimps. The apes are quite loud, and you can hear them hooting from miles away before you see them. You will, however, have to follow them – sometimes at tremendous speed – to catch up with them. Chimps are keen observers, so much so that by the time you notice them, they will have already noticed you.
Chimpanzees are not as gentle as mountain gorillas though! Expect a lot of drama and activity once you’re in the thick of it. You’ll get to see them hunt for food, breastfeed, groom each other, and mate. Fights between members of the group or larger males are also possible. Each chimp, like us, has its personality and behavior. Some people are quiet, others are bashful, and some enjoy bullying others. Group dynamics and politics in chimpanzees exist, just as they do in humans. While on the trek, always follow the Guide’s lead because they are familiar with each chimp’s behavior and personality. They will advise you on which individuals to approach and which to avoid. Chimpanzee trekking can cause neck pain because the primates prefer to stay on top of the trees. You must be cautious of fallen fruit, pee, and even excrement. After the chimps have calmed down, you are only permitted one hour with them. And while you are at it, you can enjoy snapping the best shots of the chimps in their habitat.
The price of Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
For chimpanzee trekking, one requires a chimpanzee trekking permit to visit the chimps in Kibale. These permits cost $200 for foreign non-residents, $150 for foreign residents, and UGX 150,000 for East African Citizens. The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience costs $250 for foreign non-residents, $200 for foreign residents, and UGX 200,000 for East African Citizens. This cost includes park entry fees and ranger costs. You can hire a porter for $20 if you are transporting big equipment such as cameras. The chimpanzee trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The permits may be obtained on the day of trekking; however, we strongly advise you to book in advance with the authority or with your tour company.
Best time for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
The optimal time for chimp monitoring in Uganda, like most equatorial countries, has two seasons: wet and dry. The wet season lasts from April to May and from October to November, whereas the dry season lasts from December to early March. The dry season is the greatest time for chimp trekking in Kibale forest. However, due to the forest’s popularity for chimp trekking, it can become congested during the dry season. If you want to view the chimps as well as other activities and animal adventures in the other game parks, the dry season is best. If you are simply visiting Uganda to view the chimps, I recommend visiting during the low season (rainy season) to avoid crowds. Furthermore, Kibale is a rain forest, thus rain should be expected at any time of year. Book for the morning session if feasible because the weather in the afternoon is unpredictable.
How to get to Kibale Forest National Park
If you are traveling alone, you will need to take a bus or taxi from Kampala Fort Portal town, which is about 300 kilometers away. Kibale Forest National Park is 36 kilometers away from Fort Portal. For international visitors, the most convenient method to go to the park is to schedule a safari with a reputable tour company. They will handle everything, including meals, transportation, lodging, and a guide/driver.
Guidelines for Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is only available to individuals over the age of 12. Exceptions can be given if a youngster is old enough, fit, strong, and able to follow the Rangers’ instructions.
- Only six persons can track a specific chimp colony per session. A large number of unfamiliar faces may make the chimps uneasy and aggressive.
- Always listen to and follow your Guide’s directions during the chimpanzee trekking. They have a good understanding of what the chimps are communicating. You are not permitted to enter the forest unless accompanied by an approved Guide.
- When chimps are sick or ill with transmissible diseases such as flu, cough, or diarrhea, it is impossible to trek them.
- Chimps are more unpredictable than gorillas. Keep an 8-meter distance from the nearest chimpanzee troop.
- It is forbidden to eat or drink near the chimps. They may take your meal violently or forcefully.
- Using flash cameras is not permitted while trekking with chimpanzees.
- Before going out to trek the chimps, try to eat a substantial breakfast. Remember to use the restroom before venturing into the wilderness. You never know how long the journey will be. For individuals who want to go on long calls deep in the forest, the rangers frequently dig a hole.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park packing List
We propose that you bring the following materials to have the most interesting experience tracking the chimps: –
- A rucksack: A lightweight backpack to transport vital items such as cameras, binoculars, refreshments, and extra clothing.
- Good hiking boots: The shoes must be strong, have high traction and be water resistant. You’ll be climbing slick, muddy slopes.
- Stockings with clothing: Clothing for chilly weather and a rain jacket are required. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are recommended to protect you from sharp grass and insects. Stockings should be quick-drying, woolen (if possible), and water-resistant (if possible).
- Insect Repellents: Don’t forget to bring some insect repellents. In tropical rain forests, there exists a wide variety of insects. Most are innocuous, but if they can find their way to you, they will worry you.
- Binoculars and a camera: A decent camera to capture the chimps’ memorable moments and a binocular to spot them while still on top of the trees. The binoculars and camera should not be too hefty that you become fatigued. To obtain nice images of the chimps when on top of the trees, the camera should have good zoom lenses. There are no flash cameras permitted.
- Water and a snack: These are crucial in case the exercise lasts longer than intended and you become hungry or thirsty.
Other things to do in Kibale Forest National Park
Primate Walk
Kibale is home to 12 other smaller primates, in addition to chimpanzees. Because of the enormous variety and number of monkeys, the park is commonly referred to as the world’s primate capital. Unfortunately, you cannot have it all. Kibale is devoid of mountain gorillas. If such were the case, it would be one of Africa’s most visited national parks. Along the way, you’ll see red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, baboons, bush babies, pottos, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and black and white colobus monkeys.
Birdwatching:
Uganda is home to an astounding diversity of birds, and Kibale Forest is one of the best areas in Uganda to go bird-watching. The African grey parrot, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Double-toothed Barbet, Great Blue Turaco, Green Crombec, Hairy-breasted Barbet, little Greenbul, Lizard Buzzard, olive long-tailed cuckoo, Pygmy Kingfisher, Western green tinker bird, etc., are among the 375 recorded bird species in Kibale.
Nature Walks
Nature walks are organized at Kibale Forest National Park to allow people to get up close and personal with forest wildlife including chimpanzees, monkeys, butterflies, birds, insects, and wild animals. The nature walks are divided into three sessions, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The activity begins at the Kanyanchu Tourist Centre and might last up to three hours. Several small primates and birds will be encountered as you trail through the forest. You might even get lucky and see the chimps while walking along one of the existing pathways. The park organizes night walks too, to spot nocturnal primates such as bush infants and pottos. Night nature walks begin at 8:00 p.m. and end at 10:00 p.m.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Tour:
The Bigodi wetlands are close to Kibale forest and are one of the best spots in Uganda to see birds. It’s also an excellent place to see primates and butterflies. The excursion is strolling a 4.5-kilometer track with an expert Guide to spot around 139 different bird species. The Kibale Association for Rural Development (KAFRED), a community-based organization, manages the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. The group is also in charge of the Magombe wetland. KAFRED offers hikes into the marshes that make use of constructed routes and boardwalks. The marsh is rich in vegetation, particularly papyrus, which serves as a breeding place for several birds. The sanctuary also hosts the sitatunga antelope, hippos, several amphibians, and reptiles.
Crater Lakes Exploration:
The enormous African Rift valley cuts through much of western Uganda, leaving many crater lakes in its wake. The lakes are organized into four clusters: Kasende, Katwe, Fort Portal, and Bunyaruguru. The Kasende cluster is located in Kibale’s western region. Queen Elizabeth National Park, on the other hand, is home to the Katwe cluster (close to Mweya Lodge). The Kasende cluster in Kibale Forest National Park contains multiple lakes that serve as sanctuaries for endemic birds. Visiting these lakes provides wonderful vistas as well as the opportunity to enjoy great wildness and wildlife.
Accommodation in Kibale forest national park
Kibale National Park features a variety of hotel alternatives, including cheap, mid-range, and luxury options. Among these are:
Primate Lodge
This lodge is located in the heart of Kibale Forest National Park. The environment is spectacular, and if you want to experience the authentic African wilderness, here is the place to go. It is ideal for individuals interested in chimp trekking and the habituation experience. The lodge is made of beautiful local materials and has solar-powered rooms. Primate Lodge has 16 rooms divided among luxury and ordinary cottages. All of the cottages are self-contained, with room service, free WiFi, and a verandah. Laundry services and a small library are among other amenities provided to residents. Residents can also go to the campfire or the bar for refreshments in the evening. By hiring locals, the lodge gives back to the community.
Crater Safari Lodge:
This award-winning eco-lodge is located 7 kilometers from the park. If you’re going on a chimp tour, this is arguably one of the greatest spots to spend the night. Crater safari resort provides a true wilderness experience. Each of the 21 rooms has a balcony with breathtaking views of a crater lake. The resort offers a bar, swimming pool, restaurant, and lounge. It hosts a campfire in the evenings for residents to exchange stories about their experiences in Uganda.
The Kyaninga Lodge:
This luxurious lodge overlooks one of Uganda’s deepest crater lakes, Lake Kyaninga. The lodge features nine spacious individual cottages that are self-contained and designed to provide true tranquility and a sense of being out in the African wilderness. The cottages include comfy mattresses with plush cushions and a balcony with far-reaching views of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges. The bathrooms are composed of marble and feature both hot and cold showers. The main restaurant and room service serve both foreign and local cuisine. During the hot season, you can cool yourself in the pool or go to the bar for some Ugandan beer or soft beverages.
Guest House in the Chimpanzee Forest:
This is one of the most popular budget and mid-range lodges among Kibale Forest National Park accommodation facilities. The Guesthouse is located near the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Visitors Center. The Chimpanzee Guest House offers breathtaking views of the surrounding tea fields and woodland. Visitors can swim in the enormous swimming pool and the rooms are self-contained.
