Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park is an activity that involves trekkers going into the jungle to search for any chimpanzee troop and thereafter be around the members for a maximum of 1 hour. In Uganda, the activity is mainly done in Kibale Forest National Park which is located in Kabarole district. It was gazetted in 1993 to protect different wildlife species.
Kibale is a tropical rainforest in Kabarole district known as the primate capital of the world. It harbors about 13 primate species among which include the famous chimpanzees which are said to be closest relatives to human beings. The park has the highest population of chimpanzees in the whole world making trekking the most done activity.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park is carried out by all kinds of travelers who are above the age of 12 years old. They must have a valid chimpanzee trekking permit to be part of the activity that allows them to be around the chimpanzees for a maximum of 1 hour in their natural habitats. Kanyanchu Visitors Centre is the park’s headquarters where all trekkers for the day gather before heading into the jungle.
Chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest National Park
On the day of trekking, tourists must gather at the briefing point early in the morning or afternoon with their trekking permits. All trekkers must attend the briefing to learn about the rules and regulations of the activity which are taught by the park rangers. When done, trekkers are grouped and given armed ranger guides to head into the jungle where they search for where these apes could be.
From the briefing, trekkers and armed ranger guides are driven to the starting points of the trek where they are given sticks to help them balance in the jungle. Using different trails, trekkers start looking for where chimpanzees could be. As they do so, they get an opportunity to meet different forest mammals, primates, and birds among others.
Searching and locating a chimpanzee troop may take 2 to 3 hours and when members are spotted, trekkers do get an opportunity of being around the members for 1 hour. While around chimpanzees. Trekkers get an opportunity to take photos and record videos. They also get an opportunity to watch the members carry out different activities of the day like nesting, hunting, breastfeeding, and mating among others.
After spending a good time with the chimpanzees, trekkers are asked to leave the chimpanzee troop and get out of the jungle. As they move out, they get to spot more of the forest attractions including those they could have missed out on earlier while searching for the chimpanzee troop. Tourists visiting Kibale should know that the forest has the highest chance of meeting these apes.
What to pack for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale?
To have the best of chimp trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, one must have all the essentials for the activity. These include waterproof hiking shoes, long cotton stocks, a pair of gaiters, long-sleeved shirts and pants, a rain jacket, a hat, sunscreen, gardening gloves, a pair of binoculars, cameras, drinking water, and energy-giving snacks to mention but a few.
When is the best for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale?
The driest months of the year June to September and December to February are the best for chimpanzee trekking. They have good weather that is characterized by little rainfall and plenty of rainfall which favors the activity. The trekkers find the trekking trails dry and passable, the vegetation is short with nice views of chimpanzees, and roads leading to the park are passable.
Tourists can still do chimpanzees in the rainy season from March to May and October to November. These months have plenty of rainfall and little sunshine which keeps the trekking trails muddy and slippery. The vegetation is tall with unclear views of chimpanzees and the roads to the park are in poor condition.
Cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in Kibale Forest National Park.
To carry out chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, one needs to have a chimpanzee permit. This is a document from the Uganda Wildlife Authority allowing tourists to trek the chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Each chimpanzee trekking costs $250 for foreign nonresidents, $200 for foreign residents, and UGX180,000 citizens of East African Member States.
Getting to Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking
Tourists visiting Kibale Forest National Park use road transport to get to the forest which is located in Kabarole district. From Entebbe/Kampala, tourists drive through Mityana, Mubende, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo, and Kabarole where the park is found. The journey of 5 to 6 hours comes with great views of different attractions along the way.
Where to stay on a chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale
Tourists can stay in any accommodation facility of their choice based on their travel budget. Kibale Forest has budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodation facilities around the park and they include Ndali Lodge, Kibale Lodge, Rubalika Lodge, Bweza Lodge, Isunga Lodge, Turaco Treetops, Chimpundu Lodge and Primate Lodge among others.
