3 Days Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park

Perfect for primate lovers, especially those interested in meeting face to face with mankind’s closest relatives in the animal kingdom, 3 days Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest itinerary covers a wide range of landscapes in the stunning protected Area and two main activities that only Kibale Forest can offer with a guarantee of unforgettable experiences. Starting in Kampala/Entebbe, you will head west passing through vast tea plantations, huge rock boulders/kopjes, roadside markets, lush rainforests, and Crater Lakes. Stay two nights within or at the edge of Kibale Forest National Park before returning back to Kampala/Entebbe.

Highlights

• Indulge in chimpanzee tracking within Kibale Forest.
• Spend time walking through Bigodi wetland Sanctuary discovering the swamp-dwelling birds and several primate species.
• Undertake a road trip from Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park and back.

Brief itinerary

• Day 1: Drive from Kampala/Entebbe to Kibale Forest (via Mityana & Mubende).
• Day 2: Kibale Forest tour- Chimpanzee tracking & wetland walking experience.
• Day 3: Drive from Kibale Forest back to Kampala/Entebbe.

Detailed Itinerary: 3 Days Chimpanzee Tracking

Day 1: Drive from Kampala/Entebbe to Kibale Forest (via Mityana & Mubende)

On this day, after breakfast at the Lodge, you will get on the road and make way to Kibale Forest National Park with a number of interesting detours along the way. Your first stop is Mubende Hill, location of the 600-year old “Nakayima Ancestral tree” believed to be a spiritual tree that gives blessings to locals hence also worshiped. You will take a 30-minute guided walk while being introduced to its riveting historical and cultural significance. Next it’s time to proceed to Fort Portal Town for a well-deserved African lunch and continue with the drive through the crater road while taking in amazing views and learning about the mind-blowing formation of Crater Lakes in the region. Following this informative tour, you will continue with the drive to your reserved place of lodging in or around Kibale Forest National Park where you will be for the next two nights.

Accommodation options

• Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga Lodge (Luxury).
• Turaco Treetops or Primate Lodge (Midrange).
• Kibale Forest Lodge or Chimps Nest (budget).

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.

Travel time: 6-7 hours, including en-route stops for photography.

Day 2: Kibale Forest tour- Chimpanzee tracking & wetland walking experience

Your wonderful day will start with breakfast at the Lodge, followed by chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. The chimpanzee tracking tour begins at Kanyanchu Visitor Center where you will be registered and briefed on the guidelines to be followed and given insight information on Kibale Forest National park as well as the number of mammals, especially primates, number of habituated chimpanzee communities and there after follow the ranger guide in following chimpanzee trails.

Be assigned one of the habituated chimpanzee communities and begin walking through the jungles and this will take anywhere between one and three hours. The chimpanzees will then be found and one hour will be spent watching and photographing them. From here, you will enjoy your packed lunch or return to the Lodge for a hot meal.

Rest for a while and later join in the guided wetland walk through Bigodi wetland Sanctuary. Situated at the edge of Kibale Forest National Park, Bigodi is a wonderful birding Paradise with over 200 bird species and about 8 primate species. Take 2-3 hours to walk through the wetland while watching great blue turacos, papyrus gonolek and other birds before getting back to the Lodge for a well-deserved dinner and overnight.

Accommodation options

• Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga Lodge (Luxury).
• Turaco Treetops or Primate Lodge (Midrange).
• Kibale Forest Lodge or Chimps Nest (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 3: Drive from Kibale Forest back to Kampala/Entebbe

After a lovely breakfast, the next thing is to make your way back to Kampala/Entebbe. At the designated time, you will meet your private driver and begin the 5-6 hours transfer back to the Capital/Entebbe.

You will be transferred to the agreed drop-off point or Airport. It is recommended to book an International Flight departing after 1700hrs. This marks the end of your 3 days of Chimpanzee tracking in the Kibale Forest tour.

Meal Plan: Breakfast.

What’s included in the 3 days Chimpanzee tracking in the Kibale Forest package?

• Chimpanzee tracking permit issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority.
• Park entry fees.
• 2 nights’ accommodation within or around Kibale Forest.
• Meals, per the day’s provided meal plan.
• Bottled water throughout the journey.
• Services of a private and experienced safari driver.
• Wetland walk.
• Relevant Government taxes & levies.
• Transportation by a customized land cruiser.

What’s excluded on this 3 days Chimpanzee tracking in the Kibale Forest package?

• Accommodation in Kampala/Entebbe.
• Optional activities that aren’t part of the itinerary.
• Premium alcoholic drinks- spirits, brand wines and imported beers.
• Gratuities to guides, driver, porter, waiter/waitresses.
• Laundry serves.
• Telephone calls.
• Shopping expenses, to mention but a few.

What to pack for your 3 days Chimpanzee tracking tour in Kibale Forest

• Hiking boots.
• Rain jacket.
• Wide-brimmed hat.
• Gardening gloves.
• Rainproof backpack.
• Insect repellant.
• Extra cash for tipping (recommended tip for the driver is $5-$10 per day, for Park Ranger, is $5-$10 per person per trek, and for the Lodge, the staff is $10-$20 per night and this is shared among all Lodge staff), souvenir shopping and paying for en-route meals.
• Safari pants in Khaki, dark green, and black color.
• Long-sleeved shirts.
• First aid kit.
• Toiletries like hand and body lotion, deodorant, wet wipes, toothpaste, toothbrush, and many others.