3-Day Chimpanzee Trekking Safari In Kibale Forest
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Venture into the heart of Kibale National Park, a primate paradise, for an unforgettable 3-day chimpanzee trekking adventure. Home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, this tour offers an up-close encounter with these fascinating creatures in one of Africa’s most diverse rainforests.
Beyond chimpanzees, Kibale is home to over 60 mammal species, 375 bird species, and 351 varieties of trees, some towering 55 meters high and over 200 years old. You may also spot forest elephants, leopards, warthogs, and unique birdlife as you trek through the lush green rainforest.
For those seeking a deeper experience, this safari offers an optional Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, where you’ll spend an entire day alongside researchers, observing the chimps as they wake up, forage, interact, and nest for the night.
Why Choose This Tour?
Best chimpanzee trekking experience in Uganda.
Walk through pristine rainforest, rich in wildlife and birds.
Optional Chimpanzee Habituation Experience for a full-day adventure.
Guided nature walks & local community visits and Bigodi swamp.
Travel in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional guide.
Tour Highlights
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe to Kibale National Park – Afternoon Bigodi Nature Walk.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking (or Full-Day Chimp Habituation Experience).
Day 3: Visit to the Local Community – Return to Kampala/Entebbe.
Included/Exclude
- Chimpanzee trekking permit ($250 per person) OR Chimpanzee Habituation permit ($300 per person).
- Bigodi Wetland nature walk & community visit.
- Professional English-speaking guide/driver.
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle.
- 2 nights’ accommodation (Full Board).
- All meals & bottled drinking water.
- All park entrance fees.
- International flights & visas.
- Alcoholic beverages & cigars.
- Tips (for guides, park rangers, porters, hotel staff).
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, extra activities).
- Pre- & post-tour accommodation (can be arranged on
Tour Plan
Your adventure begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe at 6AM - 7:00 AM. After a briefing by our Gusa Travels expert guide, we embark on a scenic drive to Kibale National Park, passing through Uganda’s stunning countryside, tea plantations, and rolling hills.
After a delicious lunch in Fort Portal, we proceed to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for an afternoon nature walk. This community-run eco-tourism project is home to over 200 bird species, butterflies, and primates like colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and baboons.
Drive Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation:
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
- Mid-Range: Turaco Treetops Lodge
- Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge or other
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, head to the Kanyanchu Visitor Center for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking etiquette. Led by expert guides, trek into the dense rainforest in search of a troop of wild chimpanzees.
Chimpanzee Trekking Experience (Standard Option):
- Spend 1 hour observing the chimps as they play, groom, and communicate.
- Encounter other wildlife, including monkeys, forest birds, and butterflies.
- Trek duration: 2–5 hours depending on chimp movements.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (Extended Option):
- Spend a full day with researchers as they habituate a chimpanzee troop.
- Observe unique behaviors like hunting, tool use, and social interactions.
- Trek duration: entire day, requiring early morning departure and packed lunch.
After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation and an optional evening nature walk.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
- Mid-Range: Turaco Treetops Lodge
- Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wake up to the sounds of the forest, enjoy a relaxing breakfast, and embark on a cultural visit to a local community. Engage with the Batooro and Bakiga people, learn about their traditional way of life, and take part in craft-making, storytelling, and traditional dances.
After the visit, we start our return journey to Kampala or Entebbe, arriving in the late afternoon.
Drive Time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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