Chimpanzee Trekking Rules and Guidelines in Kibale National Park

Chimpanzee trekking rules and regulations in Kibale National Park must be followed by travelers undertaking Uganda chimpanzee trekking safari expeditions in Kibale Forest National park.

These guidelines “chimpanzee tracking rules” are put in place to protect the endangered Chimpanzees as well as tourists who track them. Chimps are amazing primates sharing over 98-99% DNA similar to that of humans- science proves it!

Therefore, being almost humans, these intelligent apes can easily be attacked by humanlike diseases such as flu and cough! And to them, they are very fatal!

Be part of conserving the lives of the endangered Chimpanzees by following chimp trekking rules.

Chimpanzee Trekking Rules and Regulations in Uganda Kibale National Park

 Here are the chimpanzee trekking rules in Kibale Forest National Park:

1. Travelers with contagious diseases (flu & cough) should not track Chimpanzees.

 Chimps can easily be attacked by human-like primates and to them, they are deadly! It can affect the whole chimpanzee community.

2. The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking is 15 years

Usually, children are prone to flu and cough therefore, they shouldn’t undertake chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park. The other reason is that children might not follow the ranger’s instructions while on the chimpanzee trekking trail.

Kids can enjoy other amazing children activities in Kibale National Park.

3. A group of 6 people is allowed to visit a Chimpanzee group at a time

This helps not to scare chimps with large crowds of visitors.

4. Don’t litter the forest while on the chimpanzee trekking trail

While on the Kibale National Park chimpanzee trekking trail, you must keep your litter in the backpack probably if you have it. Then you’ll empty it in designated points when you return to the chimpanzee tracking briefing point (park headquarters).

5. Speak in a low voice while on a chimpanzee trekking trail

This can offer you a golden opportunity to encounter other rare game animals in Kibale forest national park. For example, beautiful bird species, Bushbucks, giant forest hogs, as well forest Elephants if lucky.

6. Human wastes must be buried 30cm deep

If it’s necessary, while on the chimp trek and you’ll feel urinating or defecting, you must go off the tracking trail! After, cover your wastes in a 30cm (12 inch) hole.

7. Follow always the ranger’s guides

When on the Kibale National Park chimpanzee tracking trail, you must follow the ranger’s guide! These people have great knowledge about Kibale Forest, wildlife as well as chimps themselves.

8. You must keep 7-8m from Chimpanzees at all times

When you encounter chimps, you must always keep a safe distance of 8m. Please note that, although Chimpanzees are habituated “used to people”, they remain wild animals and can act weirdly!

9. Stay in a group upon encountering Chimpanzees and avoid noise

Upon meeting Chimpanzees, visitors undertaking chimp tracking expeditions in Kibale National Park must stay in a group. It helps not to scare our cousins- the chimps, amazing unique creatures!

10. It’s not allowed to mimic Chimpanzees

This is very bad, you never know what you might be saying! Indeed, it’s fun to mimic Chimp vocals but, you might end up making a chimpanzee community attack you.

11. Never chase Chimpanzees

It’s not allowed to chase Chimpanzees while on chimpanzee trekking expeditions in Kibale forest national park. Chimps need their freedom, they are in their natural habitat.

12. It’s illegal to eat, drink, or smoke near Chimpanzees

Chimps can grab your eats and this is not safe for their health.

13. Don’t use flash photography

Flashlights agitate or scare Chimpanzees. Therefore, travelers undertaking Uganda Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Kibale National Park must disable their flashlights while taking photos.

14. Visits with chimps are limited to 1 hour

Travellers undertaking chimp trekking in Kibale forest national park are limited to one hour on spotting them.

Kibale National Park Chimpanzee Trekking Park List- What Should I pack for Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park?

Avoid traveling bulky! Only come with essential items on your Uganda chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale National Park.

These include:

• Rain jacket- helps in case rain finds you on the chimp trekking trail in Kibale Forest
• A camera- It must have good storage space to cater for many photos
• Comfortable hiking boots- they are ideal for the forest trail in Kibale forest national park
• Insect repellents- safeguards you from biting insects mostly Mosquitoes prone in tropical rainforests “Kibale forest national park”
• A sunhat- will protect you from direct scorching sunshine in case you undertake Uganda chimpanzee safaris in dry months.
• Sunscreens- keep your skin safe from the effects of the tropical sun rays.
• Sunglasses- safeguard your eyes from strong light rays especially, if you visit Kibale National Park in dry months.
• Warm jumper- Helpful in the rainy season as it keeps you warm while on the chimpanzee trekking trail.
• Water proof light backpack- Easily keeps your chimp trekking essentials such as insect repellents, a camera, and a rain jacket.
• Drinking water- keeps you hydrated while on the Kibale Forest chimp tracking trail

Is Chimpanzee Trekking Safe in Kibale Forest National Park?

All Uganda chimpanzee trekking safaris in Kibale National Park are safe! During the chimp trek, you’ll be accompanied by trained rangers from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). These rangers ensure your safety!

Also, all Uganda chimpanzee tours in Kibale forest national park are done on fully habituated chimpanzee communities. In Kibale Forest, chimp tracking mainly takes place on the Kanyantale chimp group- visited for over 25 years.

Also, there are chimp trekking rules and guidelines to follow in Kibale park.

All these make Kibale National Park chimpanzee trekking tours safe!

Best Time to Trek Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park- When to Trek Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park?

The best time to visit Kibale National Park for Uganda chimpanzee trekking tours is during the dry months of June-August and December-February. However, you can visit Kibale all year round.

In dry months, minimal rainfall inconveniences are expected in most hours of the day. Therefore, chimp-tracking trails are drier and easier to hike.

September-November & March-May are rainy months in Uganda. Thus, much rainfall is received in most hours of the day in Kibale forest national park.

Budget travelers on Uganda safaris should consider undertaking Kibale chimpanzee trekking safaris in wet months! Several lodges give out discounts as this is a low season.

What Is the Best Time of the Day to Undertake Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park?

Chimpanzee trekking Uganda tours in Kibale forest national park are possible at 8 a.m. and also at 2 p.m. All shifts offer a rewarding experience with chimps!

With great experience in organizing Uganda chimpanzee trekking safaris in Kibale Park, we mostly recommend our clients to undertake chimpanzee tracking in the morning. At this time, chimps are more playful and active to watch.

In the afternoon, normally chimps are found sleeping, resting under tree sheds.

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

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

How Long Is Chimpanzee Trekking?

The duration for chimpanzee tracking expeditions in Kibale forest national park is about 2-5 hours. This time depends on the movement of these lovely cousins of man.

It includes the 30 minutes of the chimpanzee trekking briefing at the park headquarters.

Getting to Kibale National Park – How to Get to Kibale National Park

From Kampala, the quickest route to Kibale forest national park is via the Kampala-Fort Potal Highway. This lovely drive is about 326km taking almost 5-6 hours. From Fort Portal Town, Kibale is just about 30 minutes drive.

On your Uganda wildlife safari tours, it’s possible to access Kibale Forest from Murchison Falls National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park.

For a memorable chimpanzee trekking tour in Kibale Forest National Park, always follow the chimp trekking rules. These guidelines not only protect the life of the endangered Chimpanzees but also the safety of tourists.

These chimpanzee trekking rules in Kibale forest national park should also be followed while on Uganda chimpanzee trekking tours in Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest as well and Kyambura Gorge.

Book your chimp trekking permit in advance, they’re limited.

Travel With Us For A Wonderful Chimpanzee Trekking Safari In Uganda!