Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale National Park

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale National Park: Chimpanzee habituation is a process where the wild chimpanzees are trained to get used to human presence for trekking. Kibale Forest National Park is located in western Uganda in Kabarole and Kamwenge districts. The national park is a home of wildlife species including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons, mammals like forest elephants, buffaloes, duikers, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, and variety of bird species.

Chimpanzee habituation process in Kibale national park takes a period of 2 to 3 years and it’s done by a team of researchers, scientists, trackers, park guides among others. The habituation experience starts early in the morning with a briefing about the rules, regulations and expectations at the park headquarters. After the briefing you will start trekking in the forest in search of the wild chimpanzees and once found spend four hours with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to observe their behaviors, habits, watch the chimpanzees feed, breastfeed, hunt, fight, mate, groom young ones, play, rest among others.

Cost of a chimpanzee habituation permit in Kibale national park

A chimpanzee habituation permit is a legal document that is issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) allowing any traveler above the age of 15 years to visit a wild chimpanzee family under habituation process. A single chimpanzee habituation permit in Kibale national park costs USD 250 for foreign non residents, USD 250 for foreign residents and UGX 150,000 for East African citizens. The rates include 4 hours with the chimpanzees, park entrance fees and services of a park guide.

How to book a chimpanzee habituation permit in Kibale national park

Chimpanzee habituation permits can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) by contacting the offices in Kampala via email or telephone calls. You can also book a chimpanzee habituation permit through a trusted tour operator like Achieve global safaris. When booking through a tour operator you will contact us with your names, date, month and year when you wish to engage in chimpanzee habituation experience. We will check for permit availability and once the permits are available you will be asked to make a deposit. When we receive the payments, we will purchase the chimpanzee habituation permit on your behalf and send you a scanned copy as confirmation. Booking through Achieve global safaris is the best option to use when booking a chimpanzee habituation permit because we will not only purchase a permit for you but also plan for your entire safari which involves transport, accommodation, meals and other interesting activities to engage in which on the safari.

Chimpanzee habituation permits in Kibale national park should be booked 2 to 4 months in advance before the trekking date because the permits are few, competitive and usually get sold out quickly especially during the peak season in the months of June to September and December to February.

Best time to go for chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale national park

Chimpanzee habituation can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry/peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. During the dry season, there is less rainfall in the park therefore vegetation will be thin hence allowing you to have clear views of the chimpanzees and other animals, trekking trails will be passable compared to the wet season when the trails are muddy and slippery.

Where to stay during your chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale national park

There are several accommodation facilities where you can stay during your chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale national park. The accommodations range from budget, mid-range, luxury, campsites and they include Kibale Forest Camp, Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, Chimps Nest, Ndali Kasenda, Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Primate Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Papaya Lake lodge, Rwenzori Guest House, Nyankuruba Nature Reserve and Community Campsite, Nyabulitwa Country Resort and Safari camp among others.

How to get to Kibale forest national park

Kibale forest national park is located in western Uganda and can be accessed by road transport means whereby you will drive from Entebbe or Kampala through Fort Portal to Kanyachu visitor’s center in Kibale which takes about 5 to 6 hours drive in a 4WD safari vehicle.