Kibale forest chimpanzee tracking – Gorilla trekking tours in Uganda
Kibale forest Chimpanzee tracking -Kibale is highest at the park’s northern tip, which stands 1,590m above sea level. The lowest point is 1,100m on the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley to the south. 351 tree species have been recorded in the park, some rise to over 55m and are over 200 years old. Kibale’s varied altitude supports different types of habitat, ranging from wet tropical forest on the Fort Portal plateau to woodland and savanna on the rift valley floor.
Kibale is one of Africa’s foremost research sites. While many researchers focus on the chimpanzee, others are investigating Kibale’s ecosystems, wild pigs and fish species, among other topics.
Kibale National Park contains one of the loveliest and most varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. Forest cover, interspersed with patches of grassland and swamp, dominates the northern and central parts of the park on an elevated plateau. Kibale is famously known for chimpanzee tracking
The park is home to a total of 70 mammal species, most famously 13 species of primate including the chimpanzee.
It also contains over 375 species of birds
ABOUT CHIMPANZEES
Chimpanzees are among our closest relatives, sharing over 98% of our DNA. They typically live in family groups of 15 to 20 (though some may be much larger, up to 100), and each chimpanzee group has a unique personality of its own. Group life is crucial because chimpanzees are highly sociable, intelligent, and communicative animals; their complex social relationships and hierarchies (groups are usually led by a dominant male chimpanzee) help provide mental and emotional stimulus they need. They communicate largely through body language and hoots, pants, and barks, and are one of the only species to create and use tools. Digging insects out of tight spaces or opening hard nuts or fruits with rocks are common, creative activities chimpanzees are known to engage in. This helps keep their diet varied, ranging from fruits and other plants to insects, eggs, meat, and even carrion. Plus, because most wild chimps live about 40 years, they have plenty of time to pass on their special skills to younger generations.
Kibale forest chimpanzee tracking in Uganda
Chimpanzee trekking adventure starts at 8AM with briefing with park rangers before heading out. Maximum of 8 Clients are accompanied by 1 armed ranger guide
Best time to visit kibale forest
Straddling the equator, there is little temperature fluctuation in Uganda throughout the year, with average temperatures in the 80s. It is quite humid, especially in the mountainous areas where you do your trekking. The best time to go chimpanzee trekking to avoid crowds is April through May, during the rainy season. But you’ll be trekking in a rainforest so you’re likely to get wet any time of year! The best months to visit Uganda for drier weather are also its peak tourist season from June to October.
What to bring for your chimp trek
- A small day pack for personal items
- A few snacks of your preference
- Camera. Trust us, you’ll want to take lots of photos, but remember no flash!
- Durable, water-resistant boots with good traction in case of muddy slopes
- Durable, water-resistant jacket
- Layered clothing to adjust for a variety of weather (rain, heat, etc.). Long sleeves and long pants are recommended for any prickly foliage you might trek through.
- Insect repellant
What you need to know about Kibale forest chimpanzee tracking
- Our consultants must be book your permits in advance
- To prevent transmitting human-borne diseases to the chimps, anyone who is ill (with the flu, for example) is not allowed in the park.
- You must be at least 12 years old to go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
- Keep a Distance of at least 8 meters between you and the chimpanzees
- Don’t eat next to the chimpanzees
- Listen to your guide at all times – they really do know best
- There are typically 8 people per trekking group
CHIMPANZEE TREKKING VS. GORILLA TREKKING
Here is the most important fact in comparing chimp and gorilla trekking: chimps spend more time in trees. While gorillas eat and move through the forest on the floor, chimps spend a lot of their day moving through the trees. Watching them swing through the trees or build nests is fascinating but makes them harder to spot, harder to get good pictures of, and it can also make your neck hurt! Sometimes you just have to enjoy watching them and accept that your pictures won’t be amazing. That said, we got a few good ones!
I found that the chimps made more noise and were livelier than gorillas. You feel like you are in among the group, surrounded by them and it makes the whole experience really exciting in a way that was quite different from my gorilla trekking experience. The chimp trek was much flatter than the gorilla trek but the forest was quite dense. Because the trek wasn’t as strenuous I felt like I had more time to appreciate the forest, to take in the birds and other monkeys that were around.
Like gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking requires a permit and the total number of permits per day is restricted. In Kibale there can be a maximum of six guests per group. Unlike gorilla trekking because the treks are not as long, you can go either on a morning or afternoon visit to the chimps. Some people say it’s better to go in the morning because the chimps are sleepy in the afternoon and some people say it doesn’t matter. We went in the morning and they were definitely active! Just like a gorilla trek you should wear sturdy shoes and layers, including rain gear. Bring gaiters if you have them or tuck your pants into your boots to hinder the safari ants! Gardening gloves to avoid stinging nettles are also a good idea.
Chimpanzee tracking VS chimpanzee habituation experience
In addition to chimpanzee trekking, Kibale offers a chimpanzee habituation experience where you get to spend a full day with the chimps, contributing to research and the habituation process with experts from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It is a fascinating experience for primate enthusiasts.
The habituation experience involves staying with a group of chimpanzees all day. This gives you time to really connect with the group and learn about their different characters and habits, and group dynamics. This experience offers a real chance to develop fieldwork skills and learn about behavioral research. Guests are also accompanied by both UWA rangers and guides who know the chimps intimately and will be able to answer any questions you may have during the habituation experience, and can discuss the history of the group and changes over time. Overall, the chimpanzee habituation experience is more immersive than chimpanzee trekking due to sheer time spent with the chimps.
You can also explore the Bigodi Wetlands on a nature walk or enjoy a traditional Ugandan lunch at a local community leader’s house.
Where to stay near Kibale forest
There are several great places to stay around Kibale including Ndali lodge and primate lodge, kyaninga lodge and really enjoyed it. The whole property is set on raised wooden walk-ways which I loved. It has huge rooms with fabulous views over a Crater Lake, great food and lovely management and staff. The atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful. Great Adventure safaris remains your premier tour operator in Uganda , and we can help you arrange Kibale forest chimpanzee tracking, gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris, contact us for more details.