3-Day Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking Safari (Kibale Forest NP)

Safari Overview:

Kibale Forest National Park is home to around 1,500 chimpanzees and is the main chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda. Located in South-West Uganda, the rainforest is easily accessible from Kampala. The forest has excellent chimp populations, and the park has become synonymous with chimpanzees. The chances of sightings here are at 90% or more, and the park sits along the south-western safari circuit, so it is easy to combine with other experiences. The tracking excursions depart twice a day at 08:00 and 14:00, and the morning excursions are busier since many itineraries combine it with an afternoon visit to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Tracking permits are required, and they can be booked through the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Chimp habituation experiences are also available at Kibale. For those joining for the full day, you will join the chimps from when they break nests at about 06:30 until they nest again for the night at about 19:00.

Chimpanzee trekking, one of the most popular wildlife activities in Uganda, allows you to step into the world of chimpanzees in the wild. Uganda Wildlife Authority Interpretive Rangers lead a small group (maximum of 8) into the realm of the chimps. The treks last about three hours and include a maximum of one hour with the chimps, during which you can expect to see them from a safe but intimate distance of 8-10 metres. Get up close and personal with the chimpanzees and discover their beauty, intelligence, and social structures

Highlights

• Chimp trek
• Bigodi
• crater lakes
• Fort Portal scenic drive
• Who it’s for (wildlife lovers, birders, photographers, short-term)
• Trek schedule (08:00 / 14:00; 1 hour with chimps)

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3-Day Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking Itinerary

Our itinerary is architected to maximize your time, ensure full immersion, and align with the most comprehensive traveler expectations for a three-day journey. You won’t just trek, you’ll experience the full breadth of Kibale’s biodiversity and culture

Day 1 — Transfer to Kibale via Fort Portal

Depending on your location in Kampala/Entebbe, you will meet your guide/driver for a transfer to Kibale forest. This is about a 5-6 hour drive with a route lunch. Arrive in Fort Portal early afternoon and proceed to your lodge for relaxation. Dinner and overnight stay at Isunga Lodge – Budget/Chimpanzee Forest Lodge for mid-range/Primates lodge for luxury

Day 2 — Chimp trekking & Bigodi Wetland walk

This is the core of your safari. After an early morning briefing at the Kanyanchu Visitors Centre, you will follow expert UWA rangers deep into the forest to track the habituated chimpanzee community. Standard Trek: Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will be allowed a magnificent, up-close one-hour encounter to observe them feeding, socializing, and playing in their natural habitat. Chimpanzee Habituation Experience: For a profound, multi-hour immersion, you can opt for the CHEX. This exclusive experience allows you to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated community, accompanying them throughout their morning routine. This deep interaction provides unparalleled photographic opportunities and understanding of chimp behavior. In the afternoon, after lunch, connect for a nature walk in Bigodi wetland, where you will get to enjoy walking through a wetland with a variety of bird species. Later in the evening, return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight as above

Day 3 — Ndali-Kasenda crater lakes, Amabere caves & departure

To conclude your 3-day journey, we ensure Day 3 is more than just a transfer. Before heading back to Kampala/Entebbe, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the breathtaking Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes region and explore the legendary Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru caves. This geological and cultural detour offers diverse scenery and justifies the final day, providing maximum value for your investment

What’s Included / Excluded

• Includes: 4×4 transport, driver-guide, accommodation/meals, chimp permit, Bigodi walk (if included)

• Excludes: tips, personal expenses, optional CHEX upgrade (optional)

 Mandatory Requirements for Chimpanzee Trekking

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