How many Chimpanzees are in Kibale National Park

How many chimpanzees are in Kibale National Park? With fewer than 170,000-300,000 chimpanzees left in the world, chimpanzee tracking safari in Uganda is a lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with our closest relatives in their natural habitat. In Africa, about 55,000 chimpanzees still exist and more than 5000 of them are found in the different parts of Uganda. Of the 5000 chimpanzees in Uganda, over 1500 of them are found in Kibale National Park alone.

Chimpanzee tracking/primate walking in Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park in Uganda is East Africa’s premier chimpanzee trekking destination offering an enriching chimpanzee experience to primate lovers each year. The park holds up to 1500 chimpanzees, with more than 4 habituated chimpanzee communities.

Visiting chimpanzees in Kibale National Park is possible on guided primate walk or chimpanzee tracking starting at Kanyanchu Tourist Center at 8:00am and takes 2 to 4 hours. Chimpanzees are among the most looked for primates on Uganda safaris and in Kibale, expect to encounter more than chimps because over 13 primates live here.

There are also l’hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons, to mention but a few. A maximum of 6pax are assigned to an experienced park guide to lead through the trek to see chimpanzees in Kibale National Park with a maximum of 1 hour to be enjoyed face-to-face with these large apes. On daily basis, there are 2 sessions of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale -in the morning and afternoon.

Brief about chimpanzees

Chimpanzees are charming creatures and fully grown adult male weighs from 35 to 70kgs with a height of about 3m. Females’ average weight is 26 to 50kgs and height ranges from 2 to 4ft. In terms of life expectancy, chimpanzees can live up to 40 years in the wild and in captivity, 60 years. These are also the closest relatives to humans in the wild with their DNA consisting of 98% similar to that of humans. They live in communities, and in each community, there are 10 to 100 members, each led by an adult alpha male.

Location of Kibale National Park in Uganda – Africa

Kibale National Park is found in the far Western side of Uganda, Kabarole district, and adjacent to it, there is Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Park, and Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Kibale was established as a Uganda National Park in 1993 and its land area measures up to about 795sq. km.

Chimpanzee trekking permits Kibale National Park

Valid chimpanzee trekking permits are essential on any chimpanzee tour in Kibale National Park. The cost of Kibale chimpanzee permits for foreign non-residents is USD200, foreign residents 150, and East Africa Citizens Ugandans inclusive UGX150,000 per person. The rates for chimpanzee permits in Kibale include guide fees, park entrance fees, and 1 hour of a close encounter.

Other inspirational experiences to expect at Kibale National Park; are a guided nature walk, chimpanzee habituation experience, birding, visit the Bigodi wetland. Note, chimpanzee habituation permits cost USD250 per person for foreign non-residents, USD200 for foreign residents & East African citizens UGX200,000.

Accommodation facilities to book for overnight stay

The main places worth considering for overnight stay on chimpanzee trekking safari include luxury, midrange, and budget. They include Ndali Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge (luxury), and midrange options – Primate Lodge, Chimp Nest, Isunga Lodge, and budget facilities include Kibale Forest Guesthouse etc.

Other Uganda chimpanzee trekking destinations

Trekking chimpanzees in Uganda never leaves primate lovers out of choice. Other than Kibale National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Uganda is also possible while at Budongo Forest where 800 chimpanzees reside, Kalinzu Forest and Kyambura Gorge at Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve.

Best time to travel for chimpanzee trekking

The best time to visit Kibale National Park and Uganda in general for chimpanzee trekking is during the dry season. This is from June, July, August to September or December, January to February, the months of the year when there is low rainfall and trails are drier.

What to carry for a Uganda chimpanzee trekking safari?

The must-have items for a guided Kibale chimpanzee trekking safari include; waterproof hiking boots, insect repellent, bottled water, a camera free of the flashlight, a long-sleeved shirt, trousers, daypack, sun hat, sunscreen, and many other items.