How long does chimpanzee trekking take in Kibale Forest National Park
How long does chimpanzee trekking take in Kibale Forest National Park: Kibale forest national park is located in Kabarole district harboring 13 primates, 120 mammals and over 339 bird species. Its known as the primate capital for harboring over 13 primate species with the most famous ones being chimpanzees. Kibale harbors the highest population of chimpanzees in the whole world making it a popular chimpanzee destination in the word.
Chimpanzee trekking is the most done activity in Kibale Forest National Park
It’s one hour around habituated chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park however the time taken for chimpanzee trekking to get complete differs. We usually tell tourists that searching chimpanzees might take 2 to 4 hours and when spotted everyone gets to have 1 hour around the members. Getting out of the jungle takes a few minutes because the rangers use the shortest trekking routes.
Chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale forest national park
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest national park is done in the morning and evening hours. The activity is done by tourists 12 years and above who have valid chimpanzee trekking permits. These gather at Kanyanchu Visitors Centre for a briefing which teach the rules and regulations of the activity. Trekking is done by 8 people who are led by armed ranger guides into the jungle.
After the briefing is done, trekkers are driven to the starting points of the trekking where they are left to head into the jungle with the armed ranger guides. Different trekking trails are used to search for the habituated chimpanzees and trekkers usually take 2 to 4 hours to locate them. Time taken to locate them depends on the nature of trekking trails and the speed of the trekkers.
When the chimpanzees are spotted, trekkers are given 1 hour to be around the members which enables them to learn about their habits. Human beings share around 98.8% of their DNA with chimpanzees making them the closest relatives to human beings. Still with chimpanzees, trekkers get to take photos and record videos for future memories.
What to pack for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest national park
To have successful safari in Kibale Forest National Park, tourists must come well prepared for the activity. There are chimpanzee trekking essentials which include waterproof hiking shoes, long sleeved shirts and pants,
The cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in Kibale
To trek chimpanzees of Kibale Forest National Park every tourist will need a trekking permit. These permits are sold by Uganda Wildlife Authority a government agency managing and controlling park activities. A single chimpanzee trekking permit costs $250 for foreign non residents, $200 foreign residents, and UGX180,000 Citizens of East African Member States.
The best time to trek chimpanzees in Kibale
Are you wondering what could be the be the best time to trek chimpanzees in Kibale? Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park can be trekked at any time of the year however the driest months of the year are the best for the activity. June to September and December to February are the best months for trekking because they have good weather. The trekking trails are dry and easier to walk through which makes it easy for the trekkers to locate the chimps and the vegetation is short with good views of the chimpanzees.
Tourists can still go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest national park during the rainy season. This happens from March to May and October to November with months characterized by plenty of rainy fall and little sunshine. The trekking trails are muddy and slippery which delays the activity and the vegetation is tall with unclear views of attractions.
