Kibale: the primate capital
Kibale National Park, in western Uganda near Fort Portal, protects tropical rainforest with one of the highest densities of primates in Africa — around 13 species, including chimpanzees, red colobus, black-and-white colobus and L'Hoest's monkeys. Several chimpanzee communities are habituated to people, so sightings are very likely. Kibale is included on our 10-day, 7-day primates and 14-day trips.
Permits
Chimpanzee tracking needs a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority — less expensive than a gorilla permit, but also limited. We arrange it with your trip. Book early for the dry months.
What a trek is like
Treks start in the morning or afternoon with a ranger briefing. Small groups follow a guide into the forest, listening for the chimps' loud calls and drumming on tree roots. Unlike gorillas, chimpanzees move fast, often high in the trees, so be ready to walk briskly. Once found, you spend about an hour with them, watching them feed, groom and squabble.
For a longer, deeper experience, some parks offer a full-day "habituation experience", following a community that is still getting used to people.
The rules
- Keep at least 8 metres away from the chimpanzees.
- Stay with your group and keep your voice down.
- No flash photography, no eating near the chimps.
- Do not trek if you are unwell.
- Minimum age is usually 12 years.
Other places to see chimps
- Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park — a sunken forest in the savannah.
- Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Next to Kibale, the community-run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary offers a guided walk through papyrus swamp with excellent birding and more monkeys — and the income supports the local community. It is part of our Kibale days.
What to wear
Long trousers tucked into socks, long sleeves, waterproof boots and a rain jacket. See the packing list.
