Crowned “Africa’s Primate Capital”, Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park is the best place to see chimpanzees in the wild. This tropical rainforest-dominated park offers visitors an exhilarating chimpanzee experience uniquely balanced by intimate and immersive moments, allowing you to appreciate and reflect on our closest living relatives, the chimpanzees.
Kibale National Park is home to 13 different primate species thriving in a 191,700-acre protected tropical rainforest. These primates include a huge population of chimpanzees, red and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, the red-tailed monkey, L’Hiest’s monkey, Olive baboon, and galago species (bush babies).
Kibale is a premier chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda as well as Africa, with over 30 years of trekking history. Over 1,500 chimpanzees are estimated to live in this area. In addition to the fascinating primates, this tropical rainforest is home to 375 bird species and 250 incredible butterfly species. Also expect to see forest elephants and buffalo, which normally wander the forest floor, crossing over from Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kibale Forest is a dense forest with over 300 species of trees, including mahoganies, rare hardwoods, and fig trees.
Basics of Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale: What to Expect
Over 1,500 chimpanzees are estimated to be living in community groups within the tropical rainforest of Kibale Forest National Park. Out of these chimpanzees, about four communities are habituated. This means that these chimpanzees’ communities are accustomed to humans visiting and behaving predictably, though still wild. The number of people trekking for each chimpanzee community is limited to 8 people.
Due to demand for chimpanzee permits, it is important to book your permit in advance. At GoExplore Safaris, our team will take care of this for you.
The Structure of Chimpanzee Trekking Experience
Depending on the number of days you decide to stay in Kibale Forest, you can choose between a morning or afternoon chimpanzee trekking experience. The experience of these two sessions simply depends on the many environmental, social, and even political factors. It is not easy to predict the experience as some guides might suggest.
However, both treks will follow a similar structure or timeline.
First, you will meet at the briefing area approximately an hour before your trek is due to start. Here you will be briefed by one of the Uganda Wildlife Authority Park Rangers, who will provide a little more information on Kibale and guide you through the rules and regulations of the trek. After the briefing by the park UWA Ranger, you will be divided into small groups and introduced to your assigned official park ranger for the duration of your chimpanzee trek in the Kibale Forest National Park. At the start of your trek, your ranger will brief you on what to expect during the entire experience. It is here that you get to learn an essential difference between gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.
Tracking team out in front
While you are being briefed at the Briefing Center, there is a UWA tracking team out in front trying to relocate the chimpanzee community from their last known position. Your dedicated ranger is also in constant communication with the teams throughout the trekking experience, so they have a good idea of what is happening.
How long does the trek take?
A chimpanzee trek is estimated to take between three and four hours, depending on the movements of the chimpanzees. You then have an hour to move with the community and observe their human-like behavior and interactions. Like all wild encounters, it is fairly difficult to predict the kind of sighting you will have. However, it will be uniquely special for sure.
You will have 1 hour with the chimpanzee Community
How fit do I need to be?
The trek is not a walk in the park by any stretch, but you definitely do need to be a trail runner or advanced hiker to enjoy the chimpanzee trekking experience. The descriptions of slippery and muddy terrain are just that, and with the correct shoes, you will be fine. A medium to moderate fitness is recommended, as you do have to move quickly enough to follow the chimpanzees if they are on the move. Expect the terrain to get thick while moving with the chimpanzee community, so be prepared to push through a few areas.
Will I be safe during the trek?
Yes, however, it is important to remember that you are visiting wild primates, but they have been habituated for many years to human presence. Therefore, they are comfortable with you and your predictable behavior. Unhabituated chimpanzees would rather avoid confrontations; they tend to move away from you. This all being said, like all safaris, it is important to listen to your guide and keep to the etiquette described to you during the briefing, as these are wild animals. Keep a respectful distance where possible and don’t eat, smoke, mock, or mimic their behavior. You don’t know what they are saying, so don’t repeat them by imitating their behavior or vocalisations.
Also, it is more important to have correct footwear and clothes to prevent slipping on the muddy trails or stinging nettles.
What to Carry on your trek
The following should be on your packing list for a chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest National Park.
- A small backpack (rucksack)
- Water-resistant rain jacket
- Water bottle and snacks (supplied by the lodge)
- Camera (no flash)
- Insect repellent
- Gratuities (Tips) for UWA Ranger (speak to us for guidance)
- For the birders – Swarovski binoculars
What to wear on your Chimpanzee trek
- Water-resistant hiking boots with grip (not trail running shoes)
- Thick cotton socks
- Long sleeve shirt to save you from prickly foliage
- Thin, quick-drying long pants to protect you from insect bites
- Gaiters (don’t be a hero, you need them)
Chimpanzee Trekking Etiquette: The Dos and Don’ts
Protecting the fragile wilderness is paramount, so show respect for where you are and what you are doing. Below are some of the official regulations to help make your experience as safe and authentic as possible.
Religiously listen to your guide (It’s not a debate)
- Chimpanzees can contract our diseases. Please do not take part in the trek if you are sick
- Wear a mask while viewing the chimpanzees
- Maintain your distance where possible. If they approach you, listen to the instructions of your guide. Sometimes it is best to stay still and let them pass
- Keep quiet and speak with a lowered voice
- Do not mimic the chimpanzees in any way, both vocalisations and physical movements. You do not know what you might be saying.
- Do not chase the chimpanzees
- Do not eat or smoke near the chimpanzees
- No flash photography
Best time to Do Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park is a tropical rainforest situated just north of the equator, so you can expect rain pretty much anytime of the year. Therefore, the best time to visit for chimpanzee trekking is more about the temperature and the crowds. The best time is during June and August, which is High Season in Uganda, expect crowds in the park and high competition for chimpanzee permits. Because it is dry season, it can be hot.
In April and May, expect more rain, which makes the trails muddy and slippery but it is less busy. September through to November is a more recommended time of the year as it is not as hot (humid) and it is less busy too.
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