Exciting 3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park
This thrilling 3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale itinerary explores the stunning and densely forested Kibale Forest National Park.
In just three days, you will discover why this protected area is referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World” by coming face-to-face with not just the chimpanzees but also other primates that include L’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, Patas monkeys, bush babies, Pottos, and olive baboons, among others.
Kibale Forest National Park was gazetted in 1993 and boasts 795 square kilometers to its name with about 76 mammal species as well as about 375 bird species. This protected area is the main chimpanzee trekking destination in the country, with over 6 habituated communities.
Highlights of the 3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale
- Track the endangered chimpanzees in the wild.
- Walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to see part of the 8 primate species as well as 200 bird species that call this are home.
- Visit the Nakayima ancestral tree on Mubende Hill.
- Sightseeing and photography through the beautiful countryside.
3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Kampala City to Kibale Forest National Park, 5-6 hours’ drive.
- Day 2: Explore Kibale Forest National Park—chimpanzee trek & Bigodi wetland walk.
- Day 3: Depart Kibale Forest National Park: End of the trip.
Detailed Itinerary of the 3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale
Day 1: Kampala City to Kibale Forest National Park, 5-6 hours’ drive
Following your breakfast at the hotel in Kampala, meet with your private safari driver, who will offer a briefing on the 3-day itinerary and the 5-6 hours journey that includes stops along the way for photography as well as lunch.
This stop includes a visit to the Nakajima Ancestral Tree in Mubende, a renowned cultural site that draws locals from near and far seeking healing from the century-old tree believed to possess remarkable powers.
From this site, you will make your way to Fort Portal Town through the vast tea plantations, and once there, proceed to the Lodge for lunch.
Unwind at the lodge while exploring the surrounding area before getting treated to dinner and one of the most unforgettable nights.
Overnight at:
- Turaco Treetops (luxury).
- Kibale Forest Camp (midrange).
- Chimps Nest (budget).
Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2: Explore Kibale Forest National Park – Chimpanzee trek & Bigodi wetland walk
Early morning, after a sumptuous breakfast, you will either walk or get picked for a drive with your safari driver for a briefing at Kanyanchu Visitor Center.
Meet the trekking team (armed Rangers and guides) who will take you through the guidelines to be followed while trekking or spending quality time in the presence of Kibale Forest’s chimpanzees.
At 8:00 am, begin searching for the allocated chimpanzee community and expect to go on for 1-4 hours while coming across different primates, birds, and tree species of special interest.
This unforgettable trek will culminate in a one-hour encounter to watch these creatures go about their daily activities and later return for a hot lunch at the lodge.
A visit to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary in the afternoon will complete your unforgettable tour of Kibale Forest National Park. Managed by KAFRED (Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development), this wetland sanctuary is a haven for 8 stunning primate species as well as 200 bird species.
Spend the next 3-4 hours walking through the wetland while spotting different creatures that call the area home.
Overnight at:
- Turaco Treetops (luxury).
- Kibale Forest Camp (midrange).
- Chimps Nest (budget).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: Depart Kibale Forest National Park: End of the trip
It is now time to bid farewell to Kibale Forest National Park! In the morning, get driven back to Kampala City after breakfast with packed lunch. This will allow you get there after 5 hours, then connect to your flight back home. Safe travels!
End of the 3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale
What’s included in this 3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale?
- Chimpanzee trekking permit.
- Fees for the Bigodi wetland walk.
- Relevant government taxes and levies.
- 2 nights’ accommodation in the most exquisite accommodation facility.
- Meals, including the ones en route.
- Bottled water was was provided throughout the journey.
What’s excluded on the 3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale?
- Ugandan visa if required.
- Personal expenses like souvenir shopping, laundry fees, telephone calls, tipping, and cigarettes, among others.
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Duration of Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest:
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale typically takes 2-5 hours, including a 30-minute briefing at Kanyanchu Visitor Center and 1 hour with the chimps once located.
Morning treks (8 AM) are ideal for active chimps, while afternoon treks (2 PM) may catch them on the ground.
For a deeper experience, the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) lasts a full day (6 AM-7 PM), allowing 4 hours with chimps.
Attractions Along the Trek:
As you hike through Kibale’s lush rainforest, expect to spot other primates like red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and L’Hoest’s monkeys, plus 375 bird species, including the great blue turaco. The forest’s 250 tree species and butterflies add to the immersive experience.
Preparation Tips for Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure:
Moderate fitness is required, as the rainforest terrain can be muddy and uneven. Wear waterproof hiking boots, long sleeves, and neutral-colored clothing (green, khaki) to blend in and avoid insects.
Tuck pants into socks to deter safari ants, bring a raincoat, insect repellent, and at least 1 liter of water. A zoom lens (300mm) is ideal for photography.
The minimum age is 12, and those with contagious illnesses (e.g., flu) cannot trek to protect the chimps.
About the Journey from Kampala to Kibale:
The 326-km drive from Kampala to Kibale takes 5-6 hours via the scenic Kampala-Fort Portal Highway.
You’ll pass vibrant countryside, traditional villages, and papyrus swamps, with a lunch stop in Fort Portal, a charming town framed by the Rwenzori Mountains.
The route offers glimpses of tea plantations and crater lakes, making the journey visually spectacular.
Nearby Attractions:
Extend your adventure with a guided walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, rich with birds and primates, or explore the Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru caves and Toro Kingdom’s royal tombs near Fort Portal.
Combine your trip with a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park (2 hours away) for game drives or a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to see elephants, lions, and hippos.
Best Time to Trek Chimps:
The dry seasons (June-September, December-February) offer less muddy trails, though treks run year-round.
Rainy seasons (March-May, September-November) bring fewer crowds, cheaper permits, and abundant chimp food, potentially shortening treks.
About Chimpanzee Trekking Permits:
Permits cost USD 250 for trekking (1 hour) or USD 300 for habituation (4 hours) and are bookable through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a trusted tour operator like us.
Limited to 6-8 people per group, permits sell out fast in peak season, so reserve 1-2 months ahead.
Why It’s Rewarding:
With a 90%+ sighting rate, you’ll witness chimps swinging, feeding, and socializing, sharing 98% of our DNA.
This intimate encounter, set in Kibale’s vibrant ecosystem, is a humbling, life-changing experience that supports conservation and local communities.