Activities You can add on Your Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale
Activities You can add on Your Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale
Activities You can add on Your Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale, Combining chimpanzee trekking with other activities in Uganda offers numerous options tailored to your African holiday. Trekking chimpanzees in Kibale National Park is thrilling, as you can encounter habituated relatives of humans. Additionally, there are various activities you can incorporate into your chimpanzee trek at Kibale National Park.
Chimpanzees have 98% human DNA. They behave like humans and live a democratic life where the community votes for their Alpha male. Females have an upper hand in selecting the new alpha male
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park is one of Uganda’s top wildlife experiences, but you can add plenty of activities to enhance your visit. Here are some exciting options:
Bird Watching
Birdwatching in Kibale Forest National Park is one of the primary activities in this area with possible sightings of different species during your forest walk or chimpanzee tracking, Kibale Forest is the number one destination in Uganda for birdwatching safaris in Africa, this park is home to the incredible 375 bird species, on your forest walk you can spot different types of birds, this forest is also well-known as the best birding location in Uganda and also Bigodi swamp is another best birding location in this area, Bigodi wetland is bordering with Kibale forest
Book your Uganda trip with us, all our birding tours are accompanied by expert Ugandan birding guides who help you to spot the different bird species as he/she explains the detailed habitats and nesting habits of different species.
Nature Walks and Hikes
Nature walks in Kibale National Park start at the Kanyanchu visitor center where Visitors are led by park guides through the forest to get closer to nature. Visitors get to learn more about the forest and its inhabitants. Along the nature walks different animals are seen like forest elephants, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and many bird species plus plants. Listening to the forest sounds and taking in the fresh air is such a great experience everyone should have.
Besides Nature walks in the Kibale forest, visitors can opt to take a nature walk outside the park to the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Bigodi wetland also referred to as the home of the Great Blue Turaco is a gem of biodiversity as you explore the 8 kilometers of circular trail.
Bigodi nature walks promote the conservation of natural and cultural heritage while directly benefiting the local people through funding community development projects like schools, health, and sanitation, and creating employment opportunities for the locals. Guided nature walks in Bigodi wetlands last for 2-3 hours and visitors can spot a variety of Birds turacos, kingfishers, hornbills, warblers, crakes, parrots, and swamp endemics.
Visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Bigodi swamp has 8 species of primates with over 138 species of bird species, this swamp takes its name from the Rutooro word “kugody”, which means to walk wearily, and this swamp is managed by the local community eco-tourism Associations, this Bigodi wetland has created job opportunities and other occupations have also emerged among the local communities, mainly centering on visitor presence in the area. Tourism has supported the higher number of education of the children in the communities, different groups Mostly women groups in the Bigodi area create handicrafts using sustainable raw materials from the Bigodi wetlands which have created income for locals
Crater Lakes Exploration
While in the Kibale forest, you get also an opportunity to visit different crater lakes of the Albertine Rift Valley, the walk to these crater lakes includes the hike to the Top of the World where you will have amazing views of the surrounding landscape with some bird species, on this visit to crater lakes you can as well enjoy fishing and canoeing.
Kibale Forest National Park is within the Albertine Rift Valley line so there are few crater lakes within Kibale forest conservation areas and surrounding areas, it is very easy for visitors who are in Kibale forest to go for a simple hike up the hills that cradle the lakes and revel in the spellbinding views from the top as you enjoy different bird spices and monkeys along with the lakeside areas. Among the crater lakes in this area are Lake Kasenda, Lake Nyabikere, Lake Nyamirima, Lake Nyinabulitwa, Lake Nkuruba, and Lake Nyinambuga among others, the walk to these crater lakes takes you through different homestays and plantations of different crops which make it even more interesting
Cultural Encounters with Local Communities
There is no better way to learn more about the local people than going for a cultural trip to the nearby villages. This is the best way to know about the lifestyle of the local people and interact with them. you also get a chance to purchase some souvenirs as a way of supporting the community. The local communities that live around Kibale National Park are mainly Batooro and Bakiga. The local people formed a group to unite them known as the Kibale Association For Rural Environment Development (KAFRED) and through this association, the locals sell their merchandise to tourists improving their living standards, they also entertain visitors with traditional songs and dance, serve traditional dishes and visitors also get to see the Crater Lakes, Tea plantations, Vanilla plantations and the Rwenzori Mountains.
Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park after chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park is amazing. The mountain gorillas are some of the remnants of the Ice Age era. In the entire world, mountain gorillas live in Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R.Congo.
You must acquire a gorilla trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority at a current cost of about $800 per person per trek. The park has four renowned gorilla trekking areas that is Buhoma area, Ruhija gorilla trekking area, Rushaga gorilla trekking area, and Nkuringo gorilla trekking area. You must know where your permit is booked before securing overnight accommodation.
On the day of gorilla trekking, carry all the gorilla trekking gear so that you do not have to borrow from others or even not keep memories of this lifetime dream come true experience.
Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru Caves
From chimpanzee trekking, you can step outside the boundaries of Kibale National Park for a hike to the Mabere Ga Nyinamwiru and Tooro kingdom. The Mabere Ga Nyinamwiru is a local word meaning breasts of Nyinamwiru. This mythical tale is a geographical feature of stalactites and stalagmites is located in the bushy scrubs at the periphery of Fort Portal town.
As you descend the ridge, an amazing sparkling waterfall stands out just a few steps off the paths. The guide gives you the folk tale surrounding the name of this feature.
Continue for an evening in the Tooro Kingdom with its dome-shaped palace. This beautiful palace overlooks Fort Portal town. The Batooro king is called Omukama and the current reigning King of Tooro is Omukama Oyo Rukidi Kabamba Iguru.
Sebitoli Sector Exploration
This quieter section of Kibale National Park offers unique wildlife experiences and is less crowded compared to the main Kanyanchu area. Spot primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys and vervet monkeys, as well as a variety of birds and butterflies. Ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful escape into nature.
Explore Fort Portal Town
Known as the tourism capital of Uganda, Fort Portal is a charming town with lots to offer, including markets, cultural centers, and scenic spots. Visit the Tooro Kingdom Palace or enjoy views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Combine a Fort Portal visit with other nearby attractions like the Amabere Caves or Crater Lakes.
Wildlife Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is just a short drive from Kibale National Park. the southern point of Kibale adjoins Queen Elizabeth National Park creating a protected area of about 180 km. Here some animals cross from Queen Elizabeth National Park into Kibale Forest.
The drive from Kibale National Park to the main entrance in Queen Elizabeth National Park is about an hour. You may decide to do a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, especially the crater lakes area with both dry and wet craters. The most outstanding is the Nyamunuka Crater Lake with a putrid smell of rotten eggs. Its smell results from dead animals that normally move to the lake for treatment. This is why it is referred to as the animal hospital. Those that fail to make it die here and no one is there to bury their carcasses.
Taking the Kasenyi tracks is amazing as this grassland is a common hangout point for Uganda Kobs. The sneaky lions wait to prey on them from the camouflage of dry grass. The chances of seeing the wildlife drama are more open here.
During a game drive, you may get to spot animals like lions, leopards, elephants, cape buffaloes, hyenas, water bucks, bushbucks, warthogs, Uganda Kobs, giant forest hogs, a variety of birds and so much more
Rwenzori Mountain Hikes
The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” are close to Kibale and offer breathtaking hiking trails. Explore lush valleys, waterfalls, and unique flora and fauna. Choose a day hike for a shorter experience or embark on a multi-day trek if you’re adventurous. Adding these activities to your chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kibale National Park allows for a well-rounded, enriching experience. Would you like help planning a detailed itinerary?
How to Get To Kibale National Park
By road
Drive from Kampala the capital city of Uganda taking two that can form a circuit once you decide to use both either when going or returning from Kibale National Park. You can use either of the below are two routes you can follow.
Take the Kampala to Mubende to Fort Portal and drive to the main park administrative center of the park at Kanyancu Visitor Center. The distance from Kampala city to Kibal National Park is 300 km. This is the northern route from Kampala city.
Drive from Kampala to Mbarara to Kamwenge to Fort Portal, which is the southern route to Kibale National Park. Get off the tarmac road and drive on a marram road for 36 km up Kibale National Park. Enjoy the route scenery, especially the local people’s gardens, herds of cattle, and sometimes zebras from Lake Mburo National Park that may come close to the road taking a stop at the Equator for some photos is gorgeous.
You may also arrive at an alternative tourism center for the Kibale National Park at Sebitori Forest Camp. This center is located near the Kampala main road to Fort Portal. Get ready to drive for about 16 km before approaching Fort Portal town.
To enjoy the safari experience of both routes you can from the northern route and return to the southern route according to the driver guide’s advice. Go through the Kampala-Mubende- Fort portal and depart with the Kibale-Fort Portal-Mbarara-Kampala.
From Bwindi Impenetrable National Park you need about 6 hours to arrive at Kibale National Park driving for about 252.9 km.
By Air Flights
Domestic daily flights depart Kajjansi Airstrip or Entebbe Airport in the morning and afternoon to Kasese Airstrip. This is not the stopping point to Kibale National Park. You need to hire a transfer vehicle to Kibale National Park in advance. There are no Airstrip Cabs ready for you.
For a more private experience, you may book a private flight, Charter flights can be arranged from Kajjansi Air Strip or Entebbe Air Strip.
How To Book Chimpanzee Trekking Permits For Kibale National Park
To do Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park you need a permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority. The chimpanzee trekking permit costs $300 per person per trek. You must check for availability because even these permits limit how many can be sold per day.
Uganda Wildlife Authority is the only body mandated to sell chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation permits in the county. Two sessions per day are available to book in case you want to do chimpanzee trekking that is in the morning or afternoon.
What Accommodation To Book For Chimpanzee Trekking In Kibale National Park
The vacation memories are made by a comfortable sleep in a facility of your budget. Kibale National Park provides a range of accommodation facilities for you to choose from. The park offers Luxury facilities Midrange Facilities to Budget accommodation facilities. You may choose to overnight in Fort Portal town before gorilla trekking or facilities close to the park premises.
Kibale accommodations facilities include you can overnight at Mountains Of the Moon Hotel, Ndali Lodge, Rwenzori Guest House, Kyaninga Lodge, Kibale Safari Lodge, Primates Lodge, Mantana Luxury Tented Camp, CVK, Chimpanzee Guest House, Chimps Nest Camp, and others
What To Pack For Chimpanzee Trekking In Kibale National Park
Packing in a portable bag in an organized way, packing relevantly and lightly makes your trip enjoyable since you do not need to worry about unpacking and repacking your luggage. It gets nasty if you have to repack and change facilities especially if you have more than one destination to visit.
- A pair of Binoculars to bring a closer view of far-ranging objects.
- Sunscreen to smear your entire body and protect your skin from sun rays
- A foldable hat to protect your hair from dripping water off the tree leaves
- A fleece or sweater because it gets cold during the morning and late evenings.
- Travel An adapter and charger in case you need them for your electronic equipment.
- A torch to use in the nights when lights go out.
- Raincoat in case it rains during chimpanzee trekking
- Comfortable shoes to use for trekking in the jungle and for the safety of your feet while in the wilderness.
- Sunglasses to use for protecting your eyes from dripping water from the leaves and buzzing insects
- Medicated Insect repellant for covering your skin from stinging insects
- Bug spray to use in case bugs invade you
- Safari convertible trousers and shirt for protecting your body against rough jungle surfaces like biting nettles.
- The camera to use when taking photos of the chimpanzee trekking experience and other activities you combine with
