Kibale Forest Opens 3 Chimpanzee Tracking Sessions
As one of the most attractive safari destination in Uganda for chimpanzee tracking and also famous to the world as one of the most populated primate capital in Africa,Kibale Forest now runs three chimpanzee trekking sessions a day in line with conservation and tourism demand. Most travelers to Africa love tracking gorillas and chimpanzees at the same time though some still don’t different that they have a choice to go chimpanzee habituation instead of trekking and spend a all day in company of the first moving primates.
Because gorilla tracking and Chimpanzee trekking go hand in hand, the high demand for gorilla tourism lead to a high demand for chimpanzee trekking as well.However, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) the government body that manages all Uganda national parks passed a new chimpanzee tracking session for Kibale forest to be thrice a day instead of twice a day in respect of conservation and tourism demand. This has enabled many primate lovers to track chimpanzees as well as gorillas in the right time one after the other. Its also great news to those planning to visit Uganda for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking tours to Kibale forest and Bwindi Impenetrable National park since the number of chimpanzee permits has been doubled.
Important Things to Know About Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Best time to Go Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is all year activity just like gorilla tracking but those interested in Chimpanzee habituation can visit the park in the months of March, April, May and November when the tourists are low. Since chimpanzee habituation is done in groups of 4-6, you get enough chances of getting close to the chimps, make clear observation and photography. But also tracking chimpanzees in March, April, May and November is great in Kibale Forest National Park.
Cost of Chimpanzee permits in Kibale
Chimpanzee trekking permits for Kibale Forest National Park cost $150 per trek while chimpanzee habituation go for $22o for a day but the trekking fee goes to $100 per a trek during low season months a price valid until 2019 when Uganda Wildlife Authority plans to revise its park tariff rates. It is anticipated that this Uganda tour adventure will also become a little bit costly in future for conservation reasons so better to do it once you can provided there is money and time.
Other places where to go chimpanzee tracking grounds in Uganda include;
- Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Budongo forest in Murchison falls national Park
- Kalinzu forest Reserve in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary on Lake Victoria for chimpanzee viewing and feeding.
