Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest national park: Chimpanzee trekking is an interesting and unforgettable activity that involves moving into the forest on foot in search of the habituated chimpanzee families and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Kibale forest national park also known as the primate capital is located in western Uganda in Kibale and Kabarole districts. Kibale national park is a home of various wildlife species including 13 primates such as chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, olive baboons, mammals like forest elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, warthogs, sitatungas, different bird species like little greenbul, black eared ground thrush, black bee-eater, collared apalis among others.
Chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale national park
Kibale national park harbors a population of over 1500 chimpanzees which makes it the best chimpanzee trekking destination in the world. Trekking of chimpanzees in the park starts in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters where after you will be divided into groups of 6 people where each group will be allocated a chimpanzee family to trek and a park guide who is well conversant with trails in the forest. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale national park starts at around 8:00am and takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on their location because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to view other primate species like black and white colobus monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkeys, mammals like buffaloes, duikers, elephants, different bird species, plant and tree species among others. Once the chimpanzees are found you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn about their behaviors, watch chimpanzees feed, breastfeed, groom young ones, fight, mate, hunt, play, rest, take photos and record the incredible moments to show people back home after the safari.
Cost of a chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale forest national park
Chimpanzee trekking permit is a legal document or card that is issued to any visitor allowing him or her to visit a habituated chimpanzee family in Kibale national park. A chimpanzee trekking permit in the permit is issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority a government body in charge of wildlife conservation and it costs USD 200 per person for foreign non residents, USD 150 per person for foreign residents and UGX 150,000 per person for East African citizens. The chimpanzee trekking fee includes one hour with the chimpanzees, services of park guide and park entry fees.
How to book a chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale forest national park
There are two options of booking chimpanzee trekking permits in Kibale national park for example booking directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) by contacting the head offices in Kampala via telephone calls or email. The second option is booking through a 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 visit chimpanzees in Kibale national park. We will later check for permit availability and when there are permits available you will be asked to make a deposit. When we receive the payments we will purchase the permit on your behalf and then send you a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation. Booking through Achieve global safaris is the best option because we will not only book your chimpanzee trekking permit but also plan for your entire safari which includes accommodation, transportation, meals, other activities to participate in among others.
Best time to go for chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale forest national park
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest national park can be done anytime throughout the year though the best period is during the dry also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season there is little or less rainfall in Kibale national park therefore vegetation will be thin which helps visitors to have clear views of chimpanzees and other animals in the park. During the dry season chimpanzee trekking trails will be passable compared to the wet season when the trails are wet, muddy and slippery.
Where to stay during your chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale national park
Kibale national park has got several accommodation facilities where visitors can stay during the chimpanzee trekking safari. The accommodations range from budget, campsites, midrange, luxury and they include Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, Chimps Nest, Kibale Forest Camp, Ndali Kasenda, Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Nyabulitwa Country Resort and Safari Camp, Rwenzori Guest House, Nyankuruba Nature Reserve and Community Campsite, Crater Safari Lodge, Kibale Guest Cottages, Kibale Safari Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge, Primate Safari Lodge, Rwetera Safari Park, Isunga Lodge among others.
For more information about gorilla trekking in Kibale forest national park and safari bookings you can contact Achieve global safaris.