Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale From Canada
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale from Canada: Kibale Forest National Park is known for its large chimpanzee population, making it a top destination for primate enthusiasts. It is highly protected and offers the best opportunities for chimpanzee trekking. Located in western Uganda, the park covers several districts. For travelers from Canada interested in seeing chimpanzees in their natural habitat, Kibale guarantees a 91% chance of sightings. The park is a major attraction for visitors worldwide, earning its title as the primate capital of the world.
The park has more than 13 chimpanzee families, but Canadian travelers can trek only one family. This family allows 72 people daily in both morning and evening shifts. Visitors need a chimpanzee trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority to access a family in Kibale.
What is the Cost of Chimpanzee Trekking Permits in Kibale from Canada?
Visitors from Canada pay the same chimpanzee trekking permit rates as others. The permit for Kibale Forest National Park costs $250 for non-foreign residents, $200 for foreign residents, and UGX 180,000 for East African citizens. When booking, you must provide travel details to determine your category for availability. To book from Canada, use a local tour operator or the Uganda Wildlife Authority. You need to give the specific dates you plan to trek, as this information is used to check permit availability.
After your permits are confirmed, you will need to pay using the provided banking details. Send a scanned copy of your payment proof and personal details to book your chimpanzee permit. If booked with a tour operator, your permit will be with your safari guide; if booked with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, it will be at their head office in Kamwokya.
The Chimpanzee Trekking Exercise in Kibale from Canada
On the trekking day, all visitors, including those from Canada, will meet at the park’s visitor center in Kanyanchu for morning and evening briefings before searching for chimpanzees in the jungle. The briefings cover safety rules for both the chimpanzees and trekkers. Afterward, the ranger guides will lead the group into the jungle, where the search for chimpanzees lasts about 2-6 hours, with possible encounters with other wildlife.
Trekkers will see chimpanzees in their groups after a search, guided by armed rangers. They will have one hour to observe the chimps according to activity rules. Trekkers can learn about chimp behavior, take photos, and watch them engage in daily activities.
What to Pack for Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale from Canada?
Travelers visiting Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking from Canada should pack several essentials for a great experience. Important items include a camera, bottled water, waterproof hiking shoes, binoculars, gaiters, long socks, gardening gloves, a light backpack, snacks, long-sleeved clothing, a sweater, a rain jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, and extra batteries.
When to visit Kibale Forest National Park
Visitors from Canada can trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest year-round, but the best times are during the dry season from June to September and December to February. These months provide little rainfall, clear trails, good wildlife visibility, and accessible roads, making for an ideal trekking experience in Kibale Forest National Park.
Budget travelers from Canada can visit Kibale Forest National Park during the rainy season, which is from March to May and October to November. Lodges and tour operators usually offer discounts to attract visitors. However, it is not the best time for chimpanzee trekking because heavy rains make trails slippery, the vegetation is thick, views of wildlife are unclear, and roads to the park may be impassable.
Where to Stay on Your Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Kibale from Canada
Visitors from Canada can find a range of accommodation options within and outside the park. Choices vary from luxury to mid-range to budget options, depending on the travel budget. Some of these accommodation facilities include Papaya Lake Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Rweteera Safari Park, Crater Safari Lodge, Primate Lodge, Bahundu Safari Lodge, Chimpanzee Forest Lodge, Rweetera Safari Park, Turaco Treetops, Guereza Canopy Lodge, and Chimpundu Lodge, among others.
How to Access Kibale National Park
Travelers from Canada will first fly to Uganda to reach Kibale Forest National Park. They can choose to go by road or air. By road, access is possible from Entebbe/Kampala via two routes: one through Masaka and the other through Mityana.
If you are in Canada and want to fly to Kibale, you should tell your tour operator in advance to book a seat with an airline like Pearl Sky, Aerolink Uganda, or Bar Aviation Uganda. Kibale Forest National Park does not have an airstrip, so travellers can fly to Kasese Airstrip and drive to the park in less than 2 hours. Flights start from Kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe International Airport and take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Kasese Airfield.