3 Days Chimpanzee Tour to Kibale Forest
Embark on this 3-day chimpanzee tour to Kibale Forest for the intimate chimpanzee trekking adventure with Superfine Safaris Limited. A visit to trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National park is one of the most sought-after wildlife adventures on Uganda safaris, especially for primate lovers. Located in western Uganda, Kibale National Park is the center of chimpanzee trekking, sheltering the highest population of chimpanzees in Uganda and the whole of East Africa. The rain forest park is home to 13 primates, which is why it’s called the “Primates Capital of Africa”. The 3-Day chimpanzee tour also entails a nature walk in Bigodi wetland and a visit to the Amabera Ga Nyinamwiru in Fort Portal. The tour starts and ends in Kampala/Entebbe, Uganda
Trip summary
Day 1: Pick up, transfer to Kibale Forest-En route Amabera Ga Nyinamwiru
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi wetland nature walk
Day 3: Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up, transfer to Kibale Forest-En route Amabera Ga Nyinamwiru
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi wetland nature walk
Rise early, grab your cup of hot coffee, and get ready for the adventure. Drive to the Visitor Information Centre at Kanyanchu, where you will be registered and briefed on the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking. The hike into the jungle starts at 8:00 am, lasting for between 2 and 6 hours. This depends on the location of the endangered chimpanzees and the speed of movement of the slowest person in your group. The ranger guides will lead you into the forest following the trails where chimpanzees were last seen the previous evening. The loud laughers and hoots of chimpanzees heard from a distance guide you in which direction to take.
During the trek, travelers get an opportunity to meet other primates such as the Red-tailed monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Olive monkeys, baboons, Forest Elephants, and several bird species which call this forest home. You will finally meet the chimpanzees and spend an hour in their presence! Embrace the human behaviors of chimpanzees, see how adult females take care of the infant just like mothers in human families. Remember to observe the rules and take as many photos as you can for remembrance. Return to the lodge for refreshment. In the evening, go for a nature walk in Bigodi Wetland to experience more of what nature offers on foot. The wetland is home to several birds, primates, and ground insects. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge
Day 3: Departure
Have a relaxed breakfast as you enjoy your last moments in Kibale Forest National Park, check out, and embark on a drive to Kampala for your connecting flight at Entebbe International Airport
End of the tour
Tour inclusions
Chimpanzee trekking permit
Accommodation and meals
Bigodi wetland walk
Full-time English-speaking guide
All activities included in the itinerary
Bottled drinking water
Miscellaneous
Tour exclusions
Porter’s fee
Tips
Alcoholic beverages
Extra activities not included in the itinerary
Visa fees
Cost of a chimpanzee trekking permit
Travelers visiting chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park MUST possess a valid chimpanzee trekking permit. Each permit costs $250, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This permit is a pass to visit chimpanzees, and anyone without it will not be allowed to trek with the primates. Superfine Safaris Limited helps you book and secure the chimpanzee permit. Booking of Chimpanzee permits is highly advised in advance due to high demand, especially in the high season
What to pack for chimpanzee trekking
In order to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kibale Forest, travelers are advised to pack the right clothing and other essentials. Among the things you must pack are sturdy hiking boots/shoes for easy walks through the Forest, hand gloves, a rain jacket, a scarf, long stockings, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and toiletries. You also need insect repellents, bottled drinking water, and energy-giving snacks
Age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
15 years is the eligible age to trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park. Children at this age are believed to be mature enough to understand and adhere to the rules and regulations of trekking. Passports are required to confirm the age and other details of all travelers taking part in chimpanzee trekking. In cases when a child is not yet 15 but has a few days to make 15, parents are asked to write a letter to the Uganda Wildlife Authority requesting that the child be allowed. In the letter, parents consent to be responsible for anything that happens to the child during trekking
Other activities done in Kibale Forest National Park
In addition to chimpanzee trekking, travelers to Kibale Forest National Park can take part in experiences such as bird watching, butterfly watching, nature walking, community tours, and chimpanzee habituation experience, among others