Kibale National Park | Chimpanzee Kingdom in Uganda
Kibale National Park is one of the perfect destinations in Africa for chimpanzee tracking Experience . This park has the largest number of Chimpanzees in the whole World hence the primate capital world . It is also home of over 70 species of mammals including 13 primate species like chimpanzees and more than 375 bird species. Kibale national park is at the west part of mountains of the moon , the Rwenzori mountains that is snow caped throughout the year with grasslands and Queen Elizabeth National Park that stretch to the south.
The park is the best destination for eco-tourism and experiential Chimpanzee habituation and sighting other primates . This park is also a home of forest elephants , buffalos and over one third of bird species in Uganda. Kibale forest National Parks sits at 795sqkm with an altitude of 1,100 -1590m abovevsea level. It is typically covered by rainforest that makes the park so wet because it receives annual rainfall throughout the year making the climate and temperatures so conducive for chimpanzee tracking and chimpanzee habituation.
Geological Location
Geologically, Kibale national park is in a region that is composed of sedimentary rocks that are folded to make stunning and elevated crater ridges that contain crater lakes. These small crater lakes were formed by violent volcanic eruptions between 8,000 -10,000 years ago . This process was also responsible for the formation of Semliki hot springs that comprise of male and female and male hotsprimg , Amabere Ganyina Mwiru caves and rolling escarpments that lie in the great rift valley. Moreso , this park is a home of Bigodi sanctuary were primate walk and cultural experiences are done.
The common primates encountered during the walk are red-tailed monkeys , black-white colobus monkeys , baboons , vervet monkeys and L’Hoest monkeys. During the cultural walk , a lot of activities are done like coffee roasting, local beer making and basketry that are done by the indigenous Batooro tribe who live at the boundaries of Kibale forest national park .
Safaris To Kibale National Park
Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is the major highlight for the visit . It is one of the most visited parks in Uganda and a home of the biggest number of primates in Africa. The most tourist activity is chimpanzee trekking and birding in Uganda . Chimpanzee trekking is done by walking to the forest with armed rangers for safety and you will meet the chimpanzees depending on how far or near the trackers will have seen them.
Arrive to where they are, take great photos, videos and engagement from trained rangers who have good knowledge about primates . During the trek , more primates will be sighted including red-tailed monkeys , black-white colobus monkeys , baboons , vervet monkeys and L’Hoest monkeys. Only one hours is given to spend with the chimpanzees and 30 minutes lunch break. Chimpanzee trekking safari can be booked at any time with Pieland Gorilla Safaris and a chimpanzee trekking permit should be booked atleast 3 months before the safari . The Chimpanzee permit costs $250
The whole activity takes 3-5 hours.
NB: For visitors who would wish to explore Rwanda, there is also chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park and famous canopy walk
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Chimpanzee habituation experience is an activity to the forest to spend 4 hours with the chimpanzees . It starts early in the morning between 6:00-6:30am . This is an extraordinary activity to learn and observe the entire social life/ their traits into depth about them like feeding habits , copulating , hunting and resting . You will go with armed rangers alongside packed lunch and enough drinking water since this activity is almost for the whole day.
For visitors who are interested in filming, spending more time with chimpanzees and primates research in Africa this is the best recommended activities . This safari can be booked at anytime with Pieland Gorilla Safaris who will arrange for the chimpanzee habituation permit . It is reccommended to book the safari before 3 months and the the chimpanzee habituation permit costs $300
Birding Safaris
Kibale national park is a wonderful destination for birding safaris in Uganda . For visitors interested in learning , seeing and documenting birds in Africa , this is the best place for the activity . It is a home of over 370 bird species and over 6 Albertine endemic bird species . Some of the birds in Kibale forest national park are yellow-spotted nictor , Little Greenbul , Black-billed Turacco , Green breasted-pitta , white-thighed hornbill , superb sunbird , the african pitta and many more.
Recommended Days To Visit Kibale Forest.
- 3 Days Chimpanzee trekking safari.
- 4 Days birding safari and chimpanzee trekking .
- 4 Days Chimpanzee habituation and chimpanzee trekking.
- 5 Days birding safari , chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation .
Combined Wildlife Safaris With Chimpanzee Trekking In Kibale National Park
- 4 Days chimpanzee and gorilla trekking safari in uganda .
- 6 Days chimpanzee trekking with Queen Elizabeth national park and Gorilla safari .
- 8 Days Murchison falls Wildlife safari with primate experience .
- 10 Days wildlife safari with primate experience and walking tours in lake Mburo national park.
- 14 Days big five Africa safari with primate safari holiday in Uganda.
NB: All our safaris and tours with chimps trekking can be customized to suit client’s interests .
What To Pack For Chimpanzee Habituation And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari.
- Waterproof sturdy hiking shoes
- Raincoat
- Insect and Mosquito repellent
- Long sleeved safari shirts and trousers
- Hand gloves and gaiters
- Anti-malaria drug
- Thick stockings
- Hat
Where To Stay In Kibale National Park
Budget lodges in kibale national park
- Little monkey camp
- Kibale forest camp
Midrange lodges in kibale national park
- Chimpundu safari lodge
- Kibale forest cottages
- Turacco treetops lodge
Luxury lodges in kibale national park
- Ndali lodge
- Tibebuia spa and safari resort
- Kyaninga safari lodge