Chimpanzee Tracking or Trekking in Kibale National Park Uganda
Chimpanzee tracking or trekking is the main activity in Kibale Forest National Park famously known as the primate’s capital of the world is one of Uganda’s most spectacular tropical forest parks.
The park which was founded in 1993 has a forest cover with patches of grassland, swamp and s 351 tree species with some rising at 55 meters and over 200 years old. For chimpanzee tracking or trekking experience, Kibale national park offers the best choice. At least 90% of of all chimpanzee tracking or trekking is carried here.
The Primates Capital is now home to more than 1500 Chimpanzees as recorded and other 13 apes, for example, the localized Red colobus, endemic Uganda Mangabey, the rare L’Hoests monkey, olive baboons, pottos, bush baby, Red-tailed monkey, Black and white colobus monkey, blue monkey among others.
The 795 square kilometres protected area also inhabits large animals like the African forest elephants, Buffaloes, Giant forest hogs, Antelopes, Bush pigs, 3 Duiker species and 2 Otter species.
It also contains over 350 exceptional bird species including the 2 Pitta Species-African and green breasted pittas, Noisy hornbills, African grey parrots, and many others.
The park is between Kabarole and Kibale districts about 320 kilometres by road in Western Uganda.
While at the park you can choose to go for the morning track, afternoon track or whole day which is termed as the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.
Major Chimpanzee tracking rules and regulations
Tourists get a maximum of one hour viewing the Chimpanzees.
Everybody is asked to observe or keep a distance of 8 meters away from these creatures.
Chimpanzees are susceptible to human infectious diseases. They share about 98% of their DNA with humans which means humans can infect them with diseases like flu or diarrhoea.
Tourists are not allowed to eat next to the chimpanzees.
Visitors under the age of 15 are not allowed to go for chimpanzee tracking however they can be given friendly rangers who will show them the wonders of the forest like wildlife, plants trees, birds and monkeys.
Flash cameras are prohibited for this safari if your camera has a flashlight; you are advised to turn it off while taking photos.
Chimpanzees require maximum freedom and this means they need not be irritated once you are in the forest.
Each guide has to go with a group of 6 people and they should be near him or her at all time.
Tourists are asked not to shout in the forest as it may privacy the Chimps.
You are all advised to wear long boots that cover your toes and long trousers as there are safari ants and slippery trails.
Talk to us today to learn more about experiencing chimp trekking first hand.
