Kibale and Chimpanzee Trekking

Kibale National Park, a lush tropical rainforest in western Uganda, is often called the primate capital of the world, home to one of the highest densities and diversity of primates on earth, with thirteen species including a large population of chimpanzees. The star experience is chimpanzee trekking, hiking through the beautiful forest with guides to find a habituated group of these charismatic, intelligent apes, our closest living relatives, and spend a magical hour watching them feed, groom, play and swing through the canopy.

What you actually see

• The chimpanzees - the hour with a habituated group of wild chimps.
• The forest trek - the guided hike through the rainforest.
• The many primates - the monkeys and thirteen primate species.
• The Bigodi wetland - the community-run swamp walk for birds and monkeys.

When to go

The drier seasons, June to September and December to February, are best for trekking the forest trails, though it can rain in any season, being a rainforest. Chimpanzee permits are limited and best booked ahead, and the morning treks often have the best activity.

Honest expectations

Chimpanzee permits are required and limited, though far cheaper than the gorilla permits, and the trek is generally easier than gorilla trekking, but the chimps move fast and high in the canopy, so sightings, while likely, can be more fleeting and distant than the intimate gorilla encounter. It is easily combined with the gorillas and the Queen Elizabeth park for a superb primate-and-safari trip.

Nearby

The town of Fort Portal, the crater lakes and Queen Elizabeth park are within reach.