Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park : One of the most popular tourist activities on a Safaris Uganda tour, where tourists congregate to learn about this endangered animals, is chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park. One must visit Kibale National Park if they want to go chimpanzee trekking in Africa at its best. Because of the habituated chimpanzees that reside in the tropical rain forests of the national park, Kibale Forest National Park is one of the most popular national parks in East Africa.
The western region of Uganda is home to the Kibale Forest National Park, which is best known as the “primate capital of the world.” It has an area of about 795 square kilometers and a diverse ecosystem that is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus, olive baboons, pottos, bush babies, endemic Uganda Mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, forest elephants, antelopes, and various bird species like green-breasted pit
Additionally, chimpanzee trekking is the main attraction in Kibale Forest National Park. Although there are many different ape species in the national park, chimpanzees are the main draw for tourists. Kibale Forest National Park is home to many different ape species. The Kibale Forest National Park has about 1500 habituated chimpanzees, making it possible for tourists to go trekking there.
The Kibale Forest National Park’s chimpanzee trekking activity begins at the Kanyanchu Visitors Center in the early morning with a one-hour briefing, then trekking begins at 8am and 2pm daily, respectively, with an expected duration of 2–5 hours. You must reserve your chimpanzee permit before visiting Kibale Forest National Park since only six guests are allowed to hike chimps. The time allotted for visitors to spend with chimpanzees in their natural habitat is one hour. In Kibale Forest National Park, four chimpanzee groups are accessible for travel and research. Kanyanchu is where the chimpanzee tourism group is located, and this area of Kibale Forest National Park is where the entire activity is conducted. Additionally, a group of about 200 people can be found in the park’s center. The study teams comprised of roughly 60 people can be located in Sebitoli and Kanyawara. The trails in the tropical forests offer breathtaking vistas of many animals, including monkeys and several bird species that sing in the treetops. Therefore, as they trek with the chimpanzees, tourists can see these animals.
In addition to chimpanzee trekking, there is a program called the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) that allows guests to go into the forest with researchers. Compared to the chimpanzee groups seen on the Primate Walk, these groups are less accustomed to humans. The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) is a half- and full-day experience that requires advanced scheduling. The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) is a tough and exciting experience all at once. Visitors adore this experience because they may observe chimpanzee behavior in its natural setting.
Rules and regulations to follow during chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park is subject to a number of rules and regulations, including;
You are always encouraged to maintain a distance of about 8 meters from the primates during the hour-long session with them; in other words, you are not advised to maintain physical contact with them. Chimpanzees are susceptible to infectious diseases that affect humans.
In Kibale National Park, visitors under the age of 12 are not permitted to go chimpanzee trekking.
Using flash photography is not permitted when trekking. Additionally, you should always turn off your flashlights.
Do not eat next to the chimpanzees.
To avoid chimpanzees from contracting an illness, you are not permitted to trek if you are ill, such as if you have a cold.
A pair of binoculars, light-weight hiking shoes to aid you in moving up the steep slopes, sleeved shirts for protection against thorns, a rain jacket, a bottle of water, and other items are also necessary for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park.
How to get the chimpanzee trekking permits
Permits for chimpanzee trekking are only available from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which has offices in Kampala and at the Ishunga Center in Kibale Forest National Park. To avoid crowds and drawn-out lines for chimpanzee permits, it is recommended that all visitors purchase their tickets in advance.
When to go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
Because these are the driest and busiest months in Uganda, June to September and December to February are the best times to visit Kibale Forest National Park. The beginning of the rainy season is in the months of March, April, May, and November. Although it is very difficult to transport the chimpanzees during the wet seasons, this is the best time to go bird watching.
How to get to Kibale Forest National Park for Chimpanzee trekking
Fort Portal and Kampala are both located roughly 300 and 336 kilometers from Kibale Forest National Park, respectively. You will need to travel 36 kilometers after arriving at Fort Portal to get to Kanyanchu Visitor Center. The routes Kampala-Fort Portal-Kamwenge-Kanyanchu or Kampala-Fort Portal-Sebitoli are additional options.
Accommodation
There are many hotels and lodges in the Kibale Forest National Park, including luxury, mid-range, and inexpensive or basic lodgings. Many of these are inexpensive and close to Kibale Forest National Park. In order for visitors to select what best suits them. These are just a few of many of them:
Primate Lodge:
In close proximity to the Kanyanchu Tourism Center, Primate Lodge is a luxurious lodging establishment with eco-friendly features, 8 cottages, and a camping area. A well-stocked bar and restaurant, a camping area, a storage room, and guest parking are just a few of the attractions. Within the boundaries of Kabale Forest National Park, it is one of the lodges.
Kyaninga Lodge:
The Kyaninga Lodge, which is next to Lake Kyaninga, one of the crater lakes, provides amenities like a restaurant, a double-sided fireplace, a well equipped bar, and a swimming pool. Eight cabins are available, each with raised platforms, a double or twin bed, and hot and cold running water.
Chimpanzee Forest Guest House:
The Chimpanzee Forest Guest House is a mid-range lodging establishment with a large lodge building and a variety of garden cottages that is close to Kibale Forest National Park. A bar with a view of the neighborhood, a dining room, and a lounge space are just a few of the attractions at Chimpanzee Forest Guest House.
Chimps Nest:
A mid-range lodging establishment, Chimps Nest is close to Kibale Forest National Park and offers cozy cottages with own balconies and outside bathrooms. A restaurant and a bar are also accessible, and there is parking space and solar lighting among other features.
Try out the moon, Rwenzori View GuestHouse, Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve and Community Campsite, Nyinabulitwa Country Resort and Safari Camp, Ndali Lodge, and other lodging options that are close to Kibale Forest National Park.
In conclusion, going chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park is one of the most exhilarating, unforgettable, and exciting things you can do while on vacation. You’ll get to interact with the monkeys in their natural environment, which is a wonderful and unforgettable experience.