This 2 days chimpanzee trekking safari will bring you on a chimp trek inside kibale forest. There are 2 times for trekking opportunities per day i.e. morning or afternoon. You are allowed to stay with the chimps for a maximum of one hour after locating them.
The forest is located in western Uganda with several crater lakes in the region. The area also has a number of tea plantations and factories because of its all year cool temperatures. You have an opportunity to visit a tea farm instead of the afternoon Bigodi swamp walk.
Safari highlights
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park
- Community Walk in Bigodi Swamp
Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Kibale National Park
As you drive through the countryside, enjoy the remarkable landscapes, traditional homes and catch glimpses of the different striking bird species. Have a stopover for lunch in Fort portal town – the tourism capital of Uganda because of the beautiful landscapes and attractions. You will arrive at your lodging for the night in the Crater Lake region.
In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. The reserve is abundant with butterflies, plants, animals and spectacular birds like Great Blue Turaco and rare Papyrus Gonolek will be of great interest to birders. The swamp is also home to elusive animals such as Red Colobus monkeys and Sitatunga.
Journey time – 4 hours
Meal plan – Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
- Upmarket – Papaya safari lodge
- Mid-range – Primate lodge
- Budget – Chimpanzee guest house
Day 2: Chimpanzees trekking in Kibale national park
Today morning after an early breakfast, your driver guide will transfer you to the briefing place in kibale forest. He will then hand in your details and permits for registration and allocation of chimpanzee community to trek. After attending the briefing and learning on how to behave while in the forest, they will divide you into different chimp trekking groups. The ranger guide will then lead you on the trek in search of this great ape. Watch the chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as they swing from the branches in the canopy high above the forest floor, feed, play and rest. Once you locate them, you are only allowed one hour in their presence – sometimes they are resting and sometimes they are feeding in which case you follow them as they feed.
In the afternoon, your Kagera Safaris driver guide will transfer you to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe international airport.
Meal plan – Breakfast & Lunch
Tour includes
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Bigodi wetland walk
- Ground transport
- Bottled water
- Full board accommodation for two nights
- Service of an English-speaking driver guide
- All mentioned activities except for the optional ones
Tour excludes
- Extras at the accommodation i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.
- Tips to porters and driver/ guide
- Insurance
What to bring
- Rain jacket/Poncho
- Water proof hiking shoes
- Trousers and long sleeved shirts
- Insect repellent
- Sun hat