what is the best place to see chimpanzees?
If you have been looking for the perfect place to see chimpanzees in the world. The tropical rainforest of Kibale Forest National Park is a place to go.
Where is Kibale forest situated?
Kibale Forest National Park is in Kabarole district in the western side of Uganda covering a total area of 321 sq. km. The national park comprises of tropical rainforest which a home to 120 mammals. 370 bird species, and 13 primates, chimpanzees are the prime attraction. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale park is one of enormous experiences one would dread while in Uganda.
What is the best activity in Kibale forest?
Observing chimpanzees is the best activity in Kibale Forest National Park. It attracts thousands of tourists from different corners of the world.
Where are the highest chimpanzee populations in the world?
Kibale forest park has the highest population of chimpanzees in the whole world.
Other primates in Kibale National Park
It also hosts other 12 primate species which are the olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys. Uganda mangabeys, grey checked mangabeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, galagoes and pottos.
The chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest
The primate walk in Kibale Forest National Park starts very early in the morning. After breakfast, trekkers move to Kanyanchu Visitor’s Centre. This is where trekkers gather for a briefing from the rangers which is about the rules and regulations of the activity. After the briefing, trekkers move in groups each with ranger guides who will lead them throughout the hike.
Trekkers and ranger guides drive to the starting points of the trails which are inside the Kibale forest. Here they do a small briefing with their ranger guides and the search for chimpanzees begins. Searching for chimpanzees goes through different trekking trails. Ranger guides making sure that the trekkers are safe.
When searching, the ranger guides look for where these primates could have passed or left food. There is always communication between the rangers to know where the chimpanzees could be. Searching goes through different vegetation covers that are homes to birds and animals of the park and trekkers have a chance to see wildlife that lives there.
After several hours of moving up and down the Forest. Searching for chimpanzees, they are finally spotted. After spotting them, the armed ranger guides allow trekkers to be around them for 1 hour. This comes with an opportunity to study their habits, see them carry out daily activities, take photos, and record videos.
After completing the chimpanzee moments, trekkers still follow the rules and regulations. As they move away from the group back to the lodge. Trekking out of the jungles comes opportunities like seeing the monkeys, olive baboons. Mammals, and primates that exist in the park are also available
What is the cost of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
There are not so many chimpanzee tracking permits in Kibale Forest National Park. Therefore tourists who decide to visit Kibale Forest National Park and spend some time with close relatives to human beings are advised to book 3 to 4 months in advance. This is advised to avoid last-minute disappointments.
How many chimpanzee trekking permits are available in Kibale Forest
There are currently 72 trekking permits in Kibale Forest National Park a day. Some of these permits are used in the morning and the others by afternoon trekkers. The number of permits is few compared to the number of trekkers so travelers who have decided to go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park are advised to make early bookings. (at least 3 to 4 months in advance). Especially those coming in the high season of June to September and December to February.
Best time to do chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park is done throughout the year. HOWEVER June to September and December to February are the best seasons. It’s during the driest months that Kibale Forest National Park receives little rainfall and plenty of sunshine. The trekking trails are dry and it becomes easy for tourists to walk through while the vegetation is short with good views of the chimps.
Tourists can still use the rainy season to visit Kibale Forest National Park. They can get tour packages at discounts since lodges reduce prices. The rainy season in March to May and October to November has too much rainfall. Tourists should expect heavy rainfall at any time of the day.
Tourists can still use the rainy season to visit Kibale Forest National Park from March to May and October to November. These are rainy months which means that there are high chances of rainfall while you are in the park which might spoil the activity. The trekking trails will be mussy and slippery and if vegetation is tall you will have unclear views of the chimpanzees.
Getting to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking
The most convenient way tourists can get to Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking is by use of road transport. It’s a 6 to 7-hour journey full of great views along to way from Entebbe/Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park. From Entebbe, tourists pass via Kampala, Mityana, Mubende, Kyegegwa, Kyenjonjo, and Fort Portal where they drive south to the park.
Where to stay on a chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale Forest
Chimpanzee trekking is best done in the morning hours in Kibale Forest National Park and tourists who come far from places need to spend a night before the trekking date. There are lots of lodges mid-range, budget, and luxury in Kibale where tourists can stay before or after trekking. Turaco treetops, Chimpundu Lodge, Isunga Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Ndali Lodge, and Primate Lodge to mention but a few.
