Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by greeting the fascinating chimpanzees of Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda. These share over 98% of our DNA, intelligence, and creativity thus worth your visit. During the trek, you’ll witness their unique communication tactics and behaviors, such as using sticks as folks and living in family units. Plan a trip with friends or solo to explore the chimpanzees in the morning hours.
Morning chimpanzee trekking starts at 7 am with a 30-minute pre-trekking briefing. During the briefing season, UWA will be explaine the trekking rules and regulations, the facts about chimpanzees, and the expected code of conduct around the chimps. After, the ranger guide will lead you on a search through the forest. You will encounter other species like birds, and other primates in the forest such as the different monkey species, notably the white and black colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and many more. Upon locating the chimpanzees, you have an hour of watching their unique behaviors. Chimpanzees are brave, intelligent, and creative hence have a lot of interesting skills that will entertain you.
Kibale Forest National Park is sits in the Fort Portal district in the western part of Uganda within the Albertine Rift Valley region. The 776 square kilometer tropical forest got its national park status in 1993 under the management of the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The Bakiga and Batoro are the two major tribes living around this park thus offering visitors an unmatched cultural experience. The forest harbors about 13 primate species. This including over 1500 chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-checked monkeys, Ugandan mangabey, and more. There are forest elephants, buffalos, bushbucks, and more residing around the park.
How much is the morning chimpanzee trekking permit?
A chimpanzee trekking permit for the morning session costs USD 230 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, USD 200 for foreign residents, and UGX 200,000 for East African citizens including Ugandans. The charge includes the park entrance fee, payment to the ranger guide, and contribution to the conservation of wildlife. You can be obtaine trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority through a registered local tour operator. The permit is a one-off use and the fee is non-refundable. It is advisable to book at least six months in advance for a slot.
What to pack
A quick guide on what to pack when heading out for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park. Trekking permits, a camera for photography, hand gloves to protect your hands from scratches and thorns, insect repellants, hiking boots. Items like a waterproof jacket, warm clothes, long stockings, binoculars to watch distant animals, and lots more are also nessesary .
It is recommended that one does light parking, to avoid spending much on luggage fees, the porter fees and transportation. The number of days you will spend in Kibale National Park should guide the size of the luggage.
Best time to go chimpanzee trekking and lodging options
Chimpanzee trekking is an all-year-round activity done in the heart of Kibale forest. Following weather patterns is important in guiding on how to know months with no rain. June to September and December to March have low or no rains that can affect the entire hiking experience. On the contrary, visiting during the low season comes with an advantage of discounted rates, and privacy since the visitor numbers are low. Lodging around Fort Portal City ranges from budget to luxury lodges, hotels, and cottages. you are advised to book a morning chimpanzee trekking session at least three months in advance to get a slot.
In conclusion, morning chimpanzee trekking is the best since you encounter the chimps start the day and are very active. Jumping from one tree branch to another, feeding, playing and so much more. It also enables you to catch up with other activities of the day or transfer to other destinations such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife tours, Lake Mburo, Bigodi swamp, Isunga cultural community, Murchison Falls National Park and lots more. The park is open all year round for your visit.