Is trekking chimpanzees of Kibale safe
Is trekking chimpanzees of Kibale safe: Yes, trekking chimpanzees of Kibale Forest National Park is very safe for all kinds of travelers. Located in Kabarole district, Kibale Forest National Park is a 321 sq.km piece of land managed and protected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This is a government agency that protects all national parks in the country and it has played a very big role in maintaining the park’s attraction and safety of both animals and travelers.
Is trekking chimpanzees of Kibale safe
Visiting Kibale Forest National Park for any activity is very safe for all travelers including solo and those who travel more than one. The security within the park is very tight where by the Uganda Wildlife Authority has trained armed ranger guides to protect the wild animals and tourists. For safety, all trekkers must be accompanied by armed ranger guides inside the forest.
Apart from the armed ranger guides, Kibale Forest National Park is not home to dangerous wild animals like lions and leopards. The other animals that are found in the forest are not dangerous which means it’s very okay if tourists meet them. Another thing that makes Kibale safe to visit is the well-constructed trails. Tourists have routes to use not that they are passing through vegetation which can harm them.
Trekking chimpanzees of Kibale forest
The trekking activity within this part starts early in the morning and the second session starts after lunch. For one to be part of the trekkers of the day they must have trekking permits which are from the Uganda Wildlife Authority a government agency managing and controlling park activities. All trekkers gather at Kanyanchu Visitor’s Centre or a briefing from the park rangers.
Trekking chimpanzees of Kibale forest starts with a briefing here trekkers are taught the rules and regulations of trekking. Groups not exceeding 8 trekkers are formed and given armed ranger guides to lead them into the jungle. Trekkers and armed ranger guides drive to the starting point of the trek and they head into the jungle where they start searching for where the chimpanzees could be.
Inside the forest of Kibale, trekkers do use different trekking trails to search for where the chimpanzee troops could be. As they search, they get an opportunity to see a number of forest attractions among which include mammals, primates, birds, vegetation, and water sources. It takes 2 to 3 hours to find the chimpanzees and once spotted, trekkers get to have 1 hour around the members.
While around chimpanzees, trekkers get to watch the members carry out daily activities like nesting, breastfeeding, hunting, mating, playing, and resting among others. Trekkers are allowed to take photos, and record videos for memories back home. When the time around chimpanzees is done, trekkers are asked to move away from the chimpanzees and let them continue with their daily activities.
How much does a chimpanzee permit cost?
A single chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale Forest National Park costs $250 for foreign non-residents, $200 for foreign residents, and UGX180,000 citizens of East African Member States. This permit is sold by Uganda Wildlife Authority a government agency managing and controlling park activities. It does come with entrance fees, guide fees, and a nature walk on the day of trekking.
Tourists that are intending to do chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, especially in the high season when the country receives a lot of tourists are advised to book their permits in advance. Even though this park has the highest number of chimpanzee permits, they do sell out quickly since it’s the favorite for the activity. Tourists are advised to buy the permits 3 to 4 months in advance.
Best time to trek chimpanzees of Kibale
Tourists can go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park at any time of the year however the driest months of the year are the best. June to September and December to February are the best times to visit. This is because these months have the best weather which is characterized by little rainfall and plenty of sunshine.
Tourists who go chimpanzee trekking in the dry season find the trekking trails dry and easier to walk through which eases locating the chimps. The vegetation within the park is short and scattered which gives trekkers a clear view of the chimpanzees and roads leading to the park are in good condition.
For tourists who find time in the rainy season, the park is always open for chimpanzee trekking activities. From March to May and October to November, tourists should know that there is plenty of rainfall and little sunshine within this park. This weather makes the trekking trails muddy and slippery, the vegetation is tall with unclear views of chimpanzees, and roads to the park are in a poor state.
Accommodation around Kibale Forest National Park
Tourists that are intending to visit Kibale Forest National Park to see chimpanzees and spend a night or two in the available accommodation around Kibale Forest park the park should know that there are safe accommodation facilities ranging from budget to mid-range to luxury options. These include Primate Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Chimpundu Lodge, Turaco Treetops, Isunga Lodge, Rubalika Lodge, and Bweza Lodge to mention but a few.
Accessing Kibale Forest National Park
Accessing Kibale Forest National Park by road, one needs to use road transport, and from Entebbe/Kampala, it takes about 5 to 6 hours. The journey goes through Mityana, Mubende, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo, Fort Portal, and Kabarole, where the park is located. This journey is beautiful and offers great views of different attractions along the way.
