HOW MANY TIMES CAN CHIMPANZEES IN KIBALE BE VISITED IN A DAY

Habituated chimpanzees in Kibale can be visited two times in a day. There is a morning session that starts at 8:00 am and an afternoon session that starts at 2:00 pm. All these sessions are conducted after a thorough briefing about the dos and don’ts while working with chimpanzees in the forest.

Uganda Wildlife Authority had introduced another session called mid-morning session starting at 12:00 pm due to the increased number of tourists but was later scrapped off. That’s why some sources still say that Kibale chimpanzees can be visited three times in a day.

STANDARD CHIMPANZEE TREKKING IN KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

While it is possible to visit chimpanzees in Kibale National Park in a day, you can only spend one hour with a given party. Please note that chimpanzees live in communities and these communities break up into small parties during the day to share duties and reduce food competition.

Each party can be visited twice in a day but for one hour per session. Thus, a standard chimpanzee trekking permit allows an individual to trek chimps for one hour either in the morning or the afternoon.

Each chimpanzee community is visited by a group of 6-8 people per day and a minimum number of permits are issued out daily to tourists at Uganda Wildlife Authority.

WHY ARE CHIMPANZEES IN KIBALE VISITED TWICE A DAY?

Uganda Wildlife Authority management ensures that chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park are visited only twice a day and for one hour because of the fact that when humans spend more than one hour with these chimps, it results in stress for these chimps and also affects the day-to-day activities of these chimps.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is so controlled to ensure that minimal impacts on these individuals is effected. For more information about chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, please contact Encounter Africa safaris here.

ARE THERE CHIMPANZEE COMMUNITIES THAT CAN BE VISITED ONCE IN A DAY?

Yes, some chimpanzees under habituation are visited once a day and for a whole day. Chimpanzee habituation experience offers a whole day experience to tourists and once you find the chimps, you are allowed to spend 4-6 hours with them. Chimpanzee habituation experience permits costs slightly higher than standard chimp permits.

ABOUT KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Kibale Forest National Park is located in western Uganda and is home to some of the most habituated communities of chimpanzees. About 12 species of primates live here plus other special birds and butterflies.

Kibale Forest National Park is ranked number one in Africa when it comes to chimp trekking due to the fact that the chances of seeing habituated chimpanzees is 95+…. As long as you have a valid chimpanzee permit issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority and booked by a licensed Tour operator like Encounter Africa safaris.

HOW TO GET TO KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Kibale National park can be accessed by road as well as by air. Those planning to fly to Kibale, daily scheduled flights from Entebbe to Kasese Airstrip are always available. Those who prefer privacy, charter flights work for you.

There two daily scheduled flights conducted by different Airlines. The morning and afternoon flights departing Entebbe Airport to Kasese Airstrip from where you can then transfer by road to your overnight lodge. Chimpanzee trekking is normally done the next day.

The most common way of getting to Kibale National Park is by road where 5-7 hours from Entebbe or Kampala. Encounter Africa Safaris conducts road tours to Kibale in our comfortable 4x4 Vehicles driven by experienced English-speaking driver guides.

HOW TO BOOK KIBALE CHIMPANZEE PERMITS

To see or trek chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, each visitor must hold a valid chimpanzee permit for the day. All chimpanzee permits must be booked by licensed tour operators in Uganda. Please check with your tour operator to see of they are licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board.

Chimpanzee permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority at their head office in Kampala. To book your chimpanzee permit, please get in touch with Encounter Africa safaris with your preferred dates. We will then check on our online system and if permits are available, we will request you to make payment for your permit.

Please note that when we receive your money, we will make a payment to Uganda Wildlife Authority to secure your permit. It's upon payment that your space is guaranteed. Chimpanzee permits tend to sell out quickly most especially during high and peak seasons.

It's therefore advisable to secure your chimpanzee permits 6 months or more in advance for proper planning.

WHERE TO STAY IN KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

Kibale National Park offers a variety of accommodation options where one can choose. Budget, Mid range and Luxury properties are available for selection. Depending on your budget, interest and time Encounter Africa safaris is able to customize using our selected options for either budget, mid range or Luxury lodges in Kibale National Park.

WHO CAN VISIT KIBALE NATIONAL PARK FOR CHIMP TREKKING

Any individual who is 12 years of age and above of sound mind is allowed to trek chimpanzees in Kibale National Park as long as he or she is holding a valid chimpanzee permit for Kibale National Park. Children below 12 years are not allowed to trek chimpanzees here but can participate in other activities such as bird watching and forest walks.

BOOK YOUR CHIMPANZEE SAFARI WITH CONFIDENCE

Are you planning to visit Uganda for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park? Let Encounter Africa safaris take care of booking your chimpanzee permits and other services such as transport and accommodation.

Encounter Africa Safaris is a proven East African safari company that has been in operation for more than 15 years. We are highly rated on Safari Booking and TripAdvisor and our safari designers are on standby to serve you. You can get in touch with our safari staff on email or WhatsApp and they will gladly assist you accordingly.