Kibale Forest Chimpanzee Tracking Guide

Kibale Forest is the leading chimpanzee tracking destination in Uganda. Though chimpanzee research started in the turbulant years of the 1970s, the chimpanzee tracking experience started in 1993. This makes Kibale forest the oldest chimpanzee tracking destination in Uganda. With a population of around 1500 chimpanzees, Kibale national park also stands out as the most populated chimpanzee habitat in Uganda.

Kibale Chimpanzee Tracking Rates

Kibale national park is the most expensive chimpanzee tracking destination in Uganda. Each chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale goes for $250 for foreign none residents, $200 for foreign residents and Ugx 150,000 of East Africans. There are no low season chimpanzee tracking permits. The rates are standard through out the year.

The prices of chimpanzee tracking have evolved over the years. In 1993 a chimpanzee permit used to cost $15. It was later increased to $50. The price increase two about 20 years to come to $150 per permit. However in period of 10 years, the price has almost doubled. Though this is not a speculation, we cannot tell what the price will be after the end of the current Uganda wildlife Authority tariff.

Chimpanzee Tracking Time

There is currently an inconsistence between the time listed on the permit and the actual time that the tracking begins. The tracking usually begins as early as 6:30 am while the afternoon trek starts at 2:00pm. Tourists are always expected to be at the park offices at least by mid day to leave room to correct things in case anything has been forgotten such as your very chimpanzee tracking permits for that day. Though not very common, sometimes the permits are forgotten in the lodges where people spend the night before chimpanzee tracking.

Where to Sleep during your Kibale Chimpanzee trek

Kibale national park is currently one of those places that have a wide range of options when it comes to accommodation. Unless you wish to spend the night with in the national park, that is when the options kind become limited. The ones closest to the park offices are luxury and mid range options. I would not recommend one above the other, we really recommend that you explore your options probably given by the reviews of the former travelers as well as the rates.

What to Pack For Your Chimpanzee Trek

There is little to pack for your chimpanzee trek. You can hire gumboots are the park offices. You can also have breakfast at the park offices cafe. The most important thing could be insect repellants. Besides that you can pack things best on your preferences not necessarily out of necessity. However in case you wish to have an idea on what to pack that is not out of necessity; a camera, sun glasses, a light jacket, hiking snacks, and some water.