Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale national park; Chimpanzee trekking is the major activity done in Kibale national park and the second famous activity in Uganda after gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale national park involves moving on foot deep into the forest in search of the habituated chimpanzee families and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Kibale national park is located in western Uganda and its known for harboring over 13 primate species including 1,500 chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, olive baboons among others.

Chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale national park

Chimpanzee trekking is the most famous activity in the park and it starts very early in the morning with a briefing at Kanyachu visitors centre about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking. After the briefing you will be allocated a park guide and start trekking in the forest which takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on where the chimpanzees are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will enjoy great views of other primates like l’hoest monkeys, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, view different bird species, plant species among others. Once the chimpanzees are found you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their environment which gives you an opportunity to take photos, learn about their behaviors, habits, watch them carry out their daily activities like feeding, playing, grooming young ones, resting, hunting, fighting, record the fascinating moments among others.

Cost of a chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale national park

A chimpanzee trekking permit is a legal document or card that is issued to any visitors above the age of 15 years allowing him or her to visit chimpanzees in Kibale national park. A single chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale national park costs 200 USD per person for foreign non residents, 150 USD per person for foreign residents and UGX 150,000 per person for East African citizens.

A chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale national park should be booked 2 to 4 months in advance before the trekking date because the permits usually get sold out especially during the dry season in the months of June to September and December to February.

How to book a chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale national park

A chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale national park can either be booked directly through contacting Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris. When booking through a tour operator, you will contact us with your names and date when you wish to visit the chimpanzees. After contacting us we will check for permit availability and once the permit is available you will be asked to make a deposit and we will acquire the chimpanzee trekking permit on your behalf. Booking through a Achieve Global Safaris is however the best option because we will not only purchase the permit for you but also plan for your entire trip which includes accommodation, transportation, meals, other activities to engage in among others.

Best time to go for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale national park

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale national park can be done anytime throughout the year though the best period is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season there is less or little rainfall in the park therefore trekking trails will be passable compared to the wet season when the trails are muddy and slippery which makes chimpanzee trekking difficult.

What to carry for your chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale national park

Hiking boots to support your ankles and keep your feet dry especially while trekking in muddy areas.
Long sleeved shirt and trouser to keep you warm and protect your body from thorn and nettle scratches.
Waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rainfall because Kibale national park is a tropical rainforest therefore it can rain anytime of the day regardless of the season.
Insect repellent to protect you from insect bites
Camera and extra batteries to take beautiful photos and record the breathtaking moments to show people back home after the safari.
A pair of binoculars for clear viewing of chimpanzees and wildlife species in a distance
Energy snack and drinking water to keep you hydrated during trekking.
Back pack to carry all your chimpanzee trekking items such as camera, insect repellent, a pair of binoculars, energy snacks among others.

Chimpanzee trekking rules and regulations

Visitors should follow the guides instructions during trekking
Keep a distance of about 7meters away from the chimpanzees
Do not smoke, drink or eat anything while in the presence of the chimpanzees as some food particles might fall down which increases the risk of disease transmission.
The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking is 15 years
Chimpanzee trekking allows only a maximum number of 8 people
In case you are ill or not feeling well you are advised not to visit the chimpanzees because they can easily be infected by human diseases.
Do not use flash light cameras when taking photos as it frightens the chimpanzees
Keep your voices low during trekking and while in the presence of the chimpanzees

For safari bookings and more information about chimpanzee trekking in Kibale national park, you can contact us on Achieve Global Safaris.