Trek Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park on a Weekend
Trek Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park on a Weekend
Trek Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park on a Weekend. Do you have a busy schedule yet wish to enjoy a chimpanzee trek in any part of Uganda? Or better still, are you in Uganda for work or a business meeting and wish to add a chimpanzee trek for a chance to get up close and personal with mankind’s closest relatives in their natural habitat? Allow us to introduce you to our weekend chimpanzee trek to Kibale Forest, the renowned Primate Capital of the World.
Set on the western side of Uganda, the park is approximately 300 kilometers away from Kampala. It is on well-maintained tar roads. Kibale Forest National Park is the most popular chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda. It is home to over 1500 of the 5000 chimpanzees in Uganda. This 795-square-kilometer national park will be your home for the next three days/2 nights for the weekend chimpanzee trek.
How To Trek Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park on a Weekend- Itinerary
Transfer to Kibale National Park- Friday
To Trek Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park on a Weekend, you begin by departing from Kampala or Entebbe. This happens on a Friday and it is advisable to be early enough (between 7 and 8 am). This allows you to beat the morning traffic jam. Two routes lead to Kibale Forest from Kampala/Entebbe. However, you’ll use the shorter option (via Mityana and Mubende). The journey takes about 5-6 hours with en-route stops along the way. These stops allow you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, photography, and a cup of coffee. This is a way of making the journey more exciting. We shall be in Fort Portal Town by early afternoon for lunch.
You will then proceed to the Lodge, which will be our home for the next two nights. There are numerous accommodation options in/around Kibale Forest National Park. These cater to the needs and aspirations of all categories of travelers. Once you check-in, you’ll freshen up, rest for a while, and later have a moment to explore the surroundings via a Crater Lake tour, village walks, or simply relax while enjoying the beauty of the area.
2. Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park- Saturday
The next day; Saturday is when we get the chance to enjoy your chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest. This unforgettable day begins with breakfast at the Lodge. A transfer to the Kanyanchu Visitor Center for registration and briefing then follows. Here, you will be handing in your details (passport, chimpanzee permit/s, receipts, and others). You’ll do so before partaking in a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow while trekking. Later, the guide will allocate you the chimpanzee community to trek.
Then, you’ll meet your Ranger guide/s for the trek, to start the search for these creatures in their natural habitat, this lasts 1-4 hours. Once you spot the chimpanzees, you’ll have one hour of viewing and photographing them. The beauty of this trek is that it isn’t just about chimpanzees. But also, it’s about other residents of the Park. These include primates, birds, butterflies, and tree species which you will spot during the chimpanzee trek.
Depending on the location of the Lodge, we shall either return for lunch or have it from a nearby Lodge. Later, you explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary via a guided walk. This allows you to encounter some of its birds such as the Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus gonolek, and crowned eagles as well as primate species. This wetland walk is followed by a village tour (optional) for an insight into banana juice and the beer-making process. Afterward, return to the Lodge for dinner and overnight (our second night in/around Kibale Forest).
3. Transfer back to Kampala to end the tour- Sunday
On Sunday, we bid farewell to the jungle as it marks the end of our weekend chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest. You’ll transfer to Entebbe or Kampala while enjoying more breathtaking views along the way.
What to Carry to Trek Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park on a Weekend
Hiking boots: This is so vital due to the nature of the forests and altitude as well as the terrain, you need lightweight hiking boots for this activity. The hiking boots are a must as you can decide on what to pack for your chimpanzee trekking adventure in Uganda’s Kibale forest. This is because of the nature of the forest and the altitude as well as the terrain; you will need lightweight boots for the activity.
Gloves: You will protect your hands during your chimpanzee trekking. As you move in the forest, remember it can get slippery and you might get to hold on to something just in case it happens to avoid scratches
The long-sleeved shirts/Blouses: You need long-sleeved trousers/shirts/blouses for your Chimpanzee trekking. Make sure that you take your trousers in the hiking boots to avoid insects entering your trousers. The jeans and kachi trousers can do this better.
Cameras and extra batteries are also among what to carry for a chimpanzee trekking; Taking photos is so important for any safari. This means that having your camera is so important. You have to charge your batteries very well and always carry extra batteries as you will need to take more photographs.
Sunglasses and a hat; in case it’s hot, carry a hat to protect you from the strong sun rays or anything that may follow down. You might also need to carry some sunglasses.
Pair of binoculars; always want to have great views of the wildlife species, a pair of binoculars will do you good on your safari and among others. What to carry for a chimpanzee trekking visit can also be used on Uganda gorilla tracking safari in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
Accommodation options for your weekend chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest.
For the 2 nights, we can choose to stay at Primate Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Volcanoes Kibale Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Kibale Forest Camp, Kibale Safari Lodge, Turaco Treetops, Chimpundu Safari Lodge, Isunga Lodge, or Papaya Lake Lodge. We tailor the tour depending on your budget, and we will recommend lodges accordingly.
If you have an interest in Chimpanzee trekking, why not contact us!? The experience we have generated over the years allows us to offer excellent services to our clients. You can check out our TripAdvisor Page to see how many clients have appreciated our services.
