Best Time For Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda Kibale National Park- When to Track Chimpanzees in Africa?

Uganda chimpanzee safaris in Kibale National Park are possible all year but, what is the best time to go chimpanzee tracking? In this wonderful Uganda chimpanzee trekking blog, you’ll get to know it all!

The Pearl of Africa- Uganda is a tropical country, it experiences 2 rainy seasons as well as dry seasons. This weather influences Uganda chimpanzee trekking tours as well as other safaris, for instance, Uganda gorilla trekking safaris and game viewing safaris.

Depending on your budget and interest, you can undertake Kibale chimpanzee tracking tours in the dry season or wet season.

In dry months (peak season) most lodges are full, and it can be challenging to book chimpanzee trekking permits. Budget travelers should consider undertaking chimpanzee safaris in Uganda Kibale National Park during wet months as some lodges give out discounts during this period.

We are available to advise you on the best time for chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda Kibale National Park. Feel free also to inquire about the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Inquire Now and Travel with Experts in Organizing Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris!

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park During Dry Season

June to August and December to February are the dry months in Uganda Kibale National Park. This is the peak season for tourism in Uganda!

To many, this is the best time to track Uganda chimpanzees in Kibale National Park. During this time, less rainfall is received in the tropical rainforest (Kibale Forest).

This applies in all sites for Uganda chimpanzee tracking safaris for instance:

• Kalinzu Forest near Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Budongo Forest adjacent to Murchison Falls National Park and,
• Kyambura Gorge within Queen Elizabeth National Park

Advantages of Trekking Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park During Dry Months

Uganda chimpanzee trekking tours are always amazing during dry months due to the following reasons:

• Minimal rainfall is expected in most hours of the day in Kibale forest national park

Although little rainfall is probable, always come on a chimpanzee tracking trail in Kibale with a rain jacket. Rain can come at any time in tropical rainforests.

• Most trails for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park are normally dry

Therefore, the walks are always lovely unlike those in the wet season where some trail points are slippery with mud.

Disadvantages of Trekking Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park During Dry Season

Though dry months offer the best time for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda Kibale forest national park, mind about this also:

• Dry months are the peak season for tourism in Uganda

Normally, tourism components such as safari lodges raise their rates due to high demand. And we advise you to book your hotel room in advance before your Uganda chimpanzee trekking trip.

• Limited chimpanzee tracking permits

Being a peak season with many tourists, it can be a bit challenging to book your chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale National Park. We advise our clients in dry months to book their Uganda chimpanzee tracking permits in advance.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda Kibale National Park During Wet Season

Wet months in Uganda Kibale forest national park include March-May and September-November. In these months, rainfall is received in most hours of the day in Kibale National Park.

Merits of Undertaking Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda Kibale Park During Wet Season

Enjoying chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park during the west season is a blessing in disguise! Here is why:

• Ideal time for budget travelers

Usually, safari lodges in Uganda give out discounts to guests in the wet season (low season with few tourists). Therefore, a budget traveler intending to undertake wildlife safaris in Uganda should consider traveling in this season. The rate for hotel rooms is friendly unlike in the peak season.

• Easier to spot chimpanzees on the chimp trail

Kibale National Park chimpanzee tracking expeditions usually take a shorter time during the wet season!

In rainy seasons, there is always much food in the tropical rainforest (Kibale Forest) thus, chimps don’t move deeper into the jungle searching for food. They are easily spotted along chimp trekking trailheads.

You just need to get ready for some little mud!

• Easier to book chimpanzee tracking permits

Since it’s a low season, there are very few chances of failing to get a chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale National Park.

Therefore, you can even book a last-minute chimpanzee trekking permit!

Demerits of Undertaking Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest During Wet Months

When you choose to undertake Uganda chimpanzee trekking safaris in Kibale National Park during wet months, get to know that:

Rainfall can be received in most hours of the day in Kibale Forest

The chimpanzee trekking trail can be muddy at some points and rainfall can inconvenience you.

Kibale Forest is always humid!

Cost of Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park- How Much Is a Chimpanzee Permit in Uganda?

Here is the cost for a Uganda chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale forest national park:

• Foreign Non-Residents: 200 USD
• Foreign Residents:150 USD
• Citizens of East Africa:150,000 UGX

Chimpanzee Trekking Rules and Regulations in Kibale National Park

These guidelines are set to protect the close cousins of man- the endangered Chimpanzees as well as the travelers tracking them.

On your Uganda chimpanzee safaris in Kibale National Park, these must be followed!

Also, they apply why on Kalinzu chimp tracking tours, Budongo forest chimpanzee trekking safaris as well as Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee trekking expeditions.

These guidelines include:

1. 6 people are allowed to visit a chimp community at a time
2. It’s not allowed to track Chimpanzees if you have a contagious disease (flue and cough)
3. The minimum age to track chimpanzees in Kibale forest national park is 12 years
4. It’s illegal to litter the park while on the chimp trekking trail. Keep your litter till you get a designated area to put it
5. Speak in a low voice while on the chimp tracking trail
6. Always follow the park ranger’s instructions on the trail
7. If it’s necessary, travelers in need of defecting must go off the chimpanzee tracking trail and cover their wastes in a 30cm hole.
8. You must keep an 8m distance from Chimpanzees upon encountering them
9. Never mimic chimps- It’s not wise as you don’t know what you might be saying. Don’t cause trouble to yourself.
10. Don’t eat, drink, or smoke near chimpanzees
11. Never use flash photography
12. Avoid chasing chimps- they need their freedom!
13. You’re limited to one hour in the presence of chimps.

Packing List for Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Kibale National Park- What to Pack for a Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Uganda?

These are the essential items you should bring on your Kibale National Park chimpanzee trekking tour:

• A camera for taking photos
• Rain jacket- In case rain finds you on the chimpanzee trekking trail, it’s so helpful
• Insect repellents- will protect you just in case of biting insects on the chimp trekking trail
• Hiking boots– Are recommended while on Kibale National Park chimpanzee trekking trail
• Bottled drinking water- will keep your body hydrated while on the chimp tracking trail in Kibale Forest
• Light backpack- keeps your day essentials safe while on the chimpanzee tracking trail
• A sunhat- protects you from direct sunlight mostly in dry months.
• Sunglasses- reduce sun rays entering into your eyes
• Sunscreens- help to safeguard your skin from tropical sun rays.
• Warm jumper– will keep you warm in case you visit in wet months.

Accommodation in Kibale National Park- Where to Stay During Your Chimpanzee Trekking Tour in Kibale National Park?

There are several lodges in Kibale National Park ranging from budget to midrange as well as luxury facilities. You’ll choose which one to use on your chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale park!

Common luxury lodges in Kibale National Park

1. Ndali Lodge
2. Primate Lodge Kibale
3. Crater Safari Lodge
4. Kyaninga Lodge

Ideal midrange lodges in Kibale National Park

1. Kibale Forest Camp
2. Isunga Lodge
3. Chimps Nest Lodge
4. Chimpanzee Forest Guest House
5. Kibale Safari Lodge

Top budget lodges in Kibale forest national park

1. Rwenzori View Guest House
2. Tinka’s Homestead
3. Rwateera Safari Park
4. Lake Lyantonde Eco Campsite and Lodge

Budget Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris – How to Undertake a Budget Chimp Tracking Safari in Kibale Park?

Have you been looking for different ways of enjoying an affordable chimpanzee trekking tour in Uganda Kibale forest national park?

If yes, here is what you should do:

1. Consider traveling in the low season.

In low season, some safari lodges in Kibale National Park offer discounts to their guests.

2. Use more budget lodges than luxury facilities.

In comparison, budget lodges are cheaper than luxury lodges.  Therefore, using them gradually reduces the cost of your chimpanzee trekking trip in Uganda Kibale National Park.

3. Book your trip with a local tour operator.

Normally, booking your trip through a local Uganda chimpanzee trekking tour operator is cheaper than using international safari agents.

4. Use budget means of transport.

We advise budget travelers undertaking Uganda chimpanzee safari tours to use budget means of transport. For example, they should consider using safari vans rather than extended land cruisers or domestic chattered flights.

5. Opt for a short Uganda chimpanzee trekking trip

Short trips are cheaper than long holiday vacations. Therefore, if you’re a budget traveler on Uganda safaris, you can think of checking on our short chimpanzee Uganda tours.

Is Chimpanzee Trekking Safe in Kibale Forest National Park?

With no doubt, all Uganda chimpanzee expeditions in Kibale National Park are safe!

Ø Kibale forest national park chimpanzee trekking safaris are done on fully habituated chimps. They have been tracked for over 25 years- since 1993 therefore, don’t think of getting attacked by a Chimpanzee community.

Ø When tracking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, you’ll be escorted by trained armed park rangers from Uganda Wildlife Authority. Expect to be always safe!

Ø Also, during the chimp trek, there are rules to follow, and these are made to protect you as well as the endangered Chimpanzees. For instance, keeping a 7-8m distance from chimps.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Go Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda Kibale National Park?

According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), children below 12 years are not allowed to track chimpanzees.

Your child can undertake other amazing children’s activities at the park. They won’t get bored!

Conclusively, Uganda chimpanzee tracking safaris in Kibale National Park are possible all year round! However, dry months offer the best time for chimpanzee trekking tours in Kibale Uganda Africa.

Also, the dry season is the ideal period for most Uganda safaris, for instance, Uganda gorilla tours, Uganda game viewing safaris, mountain hiking as well as Uganda bird watching tours.

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