Compare chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park with Kalinzu forest

Kibale Forest National Park located in western Uganda is very popular due to the numbers and variety of wild animals in this forest. Kibale National Park boasts over 13 species of primates, including the largest population of Chimpanzees. It is estimated that there are more than 1,500 chimpanzees in Uganda, as well as other primates living in the Kibale forest. Other primates, such as nocturnal baby bass, pottos, monkeys, and baboons, can be seen. Kibale Forest National Park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, with more than 335 species of birds registered here. Chimpanzee trekking is a half-day program and done in two sessions in the morning and afternoon determined by the permit you will be holding. All chimpanzee permits for Kibale Forest National Park are issued and sold by Uganda Wildlife Authority on first come first serve.

Kalinzu Forest is located in the Rubirizi district of the greater Bushenyi region of southwestern Uganda. The forest reserve is close to Maramagambo forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park, it is home to six species of primates which chimpanzees, baboons, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, Vervet monkeys, black and white Colobus monkeys. Kalinzu forest has two habituated communities of chimpanzees that are open for trekking by tourists. Kalinzu forest is still under National Forest Authority and all permits are issued through concessions.

Compare chimpanzee permit price in Kibale National Park with Kalinzu forest

The cost of a chimpanzee permit in Kalinzu forest is $50. This is far less than the $200 charged for trekking in Kibale National Park. For Kalinzu forest Chimpanzee permits can be booked at the reception Centre of the reserve or more conveniently through a tour operator. Although the Kalinzu Forest chimpanzee permits can be obtained on the day of the trek, it is important to do this well in advance for safety. For Kibale forest National Park chimp permits can be booked at the head reservations of Uganda Wildlife Authority or at Kibale Forest National Park The chimpanzee treks at both Kibale National Park and Kalinzu forest start early morning with a briefing about the dos and don’ts at the forest headquarters, you are later grouped in groups of members each with Park guides, Rangers who lead you to the forest for your chimpanzee experience. The trek takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the movement of the chimpanzees.

After finding the chimpanzee, spend an hour with these incredible creatures to watch them eat, rest, and play. The trek gives of chances of viewing other primates, reptiles, and mammals and the chances of seeing chimpanzees at Kibale National Park and Kalinzu forest are 95%. In every chimpanzee permit, one is guaranteed of services of a ranger guide from Uganda Wildlife Authority for Kibale and National Forest Authority for Kalinzu. The permit also includes one hour with chimps as well as park entry fees for both places.

What is the best time for Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park and Kalinzu forest?

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park and Kalinzu forest is best done in the months of June to October and December to March during this time it is a dry season in Uganda with mild rainfall making it easy for Chimpanzee trekking in the Forest, as well, during this time, the vegetation has not fully grown; it is easy to spot chimpanzees; they provide a magnificent view in the other months are April, May, and November. Usually, the rainy season makes the vegetation taller and obscures the observation, but walking is usually shorter during this time. In short, food is available because chimpanzees stop looking for food. We can do chimpanzee trekking in both Kibale National Park and Kalinzu forest throughout the year given the fact it is a very well-organized activity and you have 99% chance of seeing the Chimpanzees.

In terms of Chimpanzee communities,

Kibale National Park has more chimpanzee families open for trekking than Kalinzu forest.

 In terms of the best Chimpanzee trekking experience,

Both Kibale National Park and Kalinzu forest have chimpanzees and there, As for the experience at the end of the hike, there is not much difference. Chances of seeing chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and Kalinzu forest are 95% so whichever forest you visit, you will see these great apes in their natural environment. The reason for this 95% success in seeing chimpanzees in both places is that there are advanced teams of trackers who depart very early to trace where these creatures will be, and then afterward, they will direct you and your guide to where they will be at that time. They also keep following and monitoring their movements.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park also gives you an option to spend more time with the chimpanzees through chimpanzee habituation experience, a chimpanzee habituation permit costs USD250 per person Non-Foreign Residents, USD250 Per person Foreign Residents and USD41 for Uganda Citizens giving you more hours encounter with the semi habituated chimpanzees under the guidance of trackers and researchers as opposed to one hour for the normal

 In terms of Lodges,

Both Kibale National Park and Kalinzu forest have budget accommodations and camping grounds in forests. The Mid Range and Upmarket Lodges can also be found close to the forest that is in Queen Elizabeth National Park close to Kalinzu forest. Kibale has more options for lodges, which most are found in the park compared to Kalinzu

How to access Kibale Forest National Park for Chimpanzee Trekking

On the highway; Kibale Forest National Park can be reached via the main safari loop from Entebbe/Kampala to Fort portal. The drive takes approximately 45 hours. You can also enter the park via the Kampala-Mbarara-Kasese highway, which runs from Kasese to the Kibale Forest in 12 hours.

By plane; you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala Kajansi Airport to Kasese Airstrip, from where you will head to Kibale National Park. Regular and charter flights are provided and operated by the national airlines Aero Link and Fly Uganda. You need to plan with your travel agency for the road transfer service to the park.

How to access Kalinzu forest for Chimpanzee Trekking

By Road; Kalinzu forest can be accessed through the main safari circuit from Entebbe/Kampala to Kasese either via Fort portal or Bushenyi which is approximately 6-7 hour’s drive. You can as well access the park through Kampala-Fort portal-Kasese highway, from Kasese you will connect to the Kyambura Gorge with 1-2 hours drive. The best way to get to Kalinzu forest from Kampala is by driving through the Kampala-Mbarara-Busenyi highway.

By Air; You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi Airfield to Kasese airstrip from here you will transfer to Kalinzu forest. You will need to plan with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to Kalinzu forest for chimpanzee trekking.

Where to stay during Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park offers many accommodation options for chimpanzees to spend the night while hiking in Kibale. Lodges here range from cheap to medium to luxurious, now let us make a corresponding reservation for you. Accommodation in Kibale Forest National Park, budget options include Chimpanzee Forest Hotel, Isonga Hotel, Moon Mountain,Rwenzori View Guest House, Kibale Homestay costs US$90,100 per person per night, and the middle class includes Kibale. Forest Camp, Turaco Treetops Lodge, and Prime Lodge Kibale cost USD 150,-200 per person per night, suite. Options: Ndali Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge, and Kyanninga Lodge, each costing US$250-700.

Where to stay during Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest.

There are many accommodation options in Kalinzu forest where you can stay during your Chimpanzee trekking here these range from budget, mid-range to luxury let us know we will book for you accordingly. The best places to stay are accommodations in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishaka or Busenyi town Options include Tuza Hotel, Kyengabi Resort, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Budget options include Pumba Safari Lodge, Elephant Hab lodge among others these cost USD90-100 per person per night, mid-range include Buffalo Safari Lodge among others these cost USD150-200 per person per night, Luxury options include Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Katara Lodge, and Mazike Lodge these cost USD250-700 per person per night.

What you need to know about chimpanzee trekking in Uganda (FAQ)

Let’s try to answer some of the frequently asked questions about chimpanzee trekking in Uganda to give you some of the answers you need to know before, including chimpanzee trekking in your Uganda tour.

Where can I see chimpanzees in Uganda?

Uganda is known as the primate capital of Uganda because of the so many species of primates here. Popular places to see habituated chimpanzees in Uganda are Kibale Forest National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Budongo, and Kalinzu forest. Uganda Wildlife Authority controls chimpanzee trekking in Kibale while National Forest Authority is in charge of Budongo and Kalinzu forests, respectively.

What do I need to see chimpanzees in Budongo, Kalinzu or Kibale National Park?

For one to visit or trek chimpanzees in Budongo, Kalinzu, or Kibale, you need a valid chimpanzee permit issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority for Kibale National Park and permits issued by National Forest Authority (Through its agents) for Budongo and Kalinzu. It is this permit that will give you access to these forests to spend one hour with habituated communities of chimpanzees. This permit is booked in advance and, depending on your choice or availability, you may choose to trek in the morning or afternoon since there are two sessions every day.

How long can spend stay with chimpanzees on my trek?

All chimpanzee treks in Uganda and almost everywhere in Africa are for one hour. A chimpanzee permit for Kibale, Kalinzu or Budongo will allow you to spend one hour with habituated chimpanzees. They do this in order to allow enough time for chimps to go about their daily duties and to limit human interaction with these endangered creatures. For those interested in spending more time with chimps, the chimpanzee habituation experience is the best to boo. Please contact us for more details about chimpanzee habituation and how much time you are given when booked.

How old should I be to trek chimpanzees in Uganda?

Just like all other primate experiences in Africa, chimpanzee trekking in Uganda has a minimum age one must have to visit them. The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is 15 years and above. This is highly enforced by requesting Passport details at booking or trekking. There is no maximum age for chimpanzee trekking. As long as you are physically fit and able to hike to these chimpanzees, you will be good to go.

How do I book my chimpanzee permit for Kibale and or Kalinzu?

You need a valid chimpanzee permit for Kibale, Budongo, Kyambura, or Kalinzu for you to be allowed to trek chimpanzees in any place mentioned. You can book your permit directly by contacting UWA by phone or email or employ the services of a tour operator who will handle all processes involved in securing your chimpanzee permit. If you contact Encounter Africa safaris, we will check availability, reserve, and secure your chimpanzee permit once you make a payment on our account. T

How many people are allowed to visit a party of chimpanzees?

Unlike mountain gorillas that have families, chimpanzees live in communities of 50 to more than 150 individuals. During the day, they break up into small parties to reduce the competition for food. So in Uganda, 6 people visit each party. In Kibale National Park, several permits are available for morning and afternoon treks, and on the day of trekking, you will be divided into small groups of 6 people and assigned a ranger guide who will trek with you in the forest in search of a party of chimpanzees.

What else is there to see in Uganda apart from chimpanzee trekking?

Uganda is endowed with so many things to see and do besides chimpanzee trekking. Uganda is one of the three countries that have rare mountain gorillas. Adding a gorilla trek on your Uganda tour is extremely rewarding. Other things to do include game drives and boat cruises in Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls National Parks. You can visit the Source of the Nile, which is the longest river on planet earth, or take a boat cruise on Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa. There is so much more to see, including visits to communities to learn about the culture of the people. One needs over a month to explore what Uganda has to offer. For more information about things to do and see, kindly contact Encounter Africa safaris.

Why book your chimpanzee trek with Encounter Africa Safaris

Encounter Africa Safaris was founded in 2003 and prides itself on providing customized safaris. Encounter Africa has a very hardworking and reliable team. Our team of professional travel consultants will answer your questions within 20 minutes. These consultants will make travel plans for you and answer all your questions. And make sure to book all your services in advance to avoid any inconvenience. We also provide a knowledgeable safari guide based on your language preference. There are some Kibale Forest National Park and Kalinzu forest safari packages; the 3 day Kibale Forest National Park chimp safari, 6 Day Kibale Forest National Park, and Kalinzu forest safari, it all depends on your preference. Feel free to contact us.