Chimpanzee Trekking Tips

Due to demand of chimpanzee trekking information, we decided to bring this to visitor’s attention, to aid them be aware of some tips and be prepared enough to enjoy the chimpanzee trekking experience during your visit at Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking.

• Chimpanzee habituation gives you more time (full day) than chimpanzee trekking (half day)
• The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is during the low-season months of March, April, May and November when there are fewer tourists, but keep in mind this is also the rainy season.
• Always remember to carry good water proof boots for the walk in the forest, some points are boggy as you may have to follow the chimps
• CHEX permits must be booked in advance (the earlier, the better), as only 6 people are allowed per day.
• Carry enough water for yourself, as you may get thirsty as you hike in search of chimps.
• Listen and follow your guide instructions for a better experience.
• Watch where you step, you may head a tree root and fall.
• Daily trekking takes 2 -4 hours and CHEX takes full day.
• 8 tourists are assigned per group, you may be mixed with other tourists to make up a group
• Remember to maintain silence while in the forest, talk in a low tone.
• Take note of the sleepily ground, you may land unknowingly
• Morning trekking start at 0800 with a briefing, keep time
• Afternoon trekking start at 1400 hrs with a briefing at the visitors center
• To prevent transmitting human-borne diseases to the chimps, anyone who is ill (with the flu, for example) is not allowed in the park.
• A day pack will be required to carry your lunch. (I recommend placing it in a plastic bag in case the food leaks through the paper bag.)
• In case you have mobility complication, say it to your driver guide so that he tells the park head guide and your put in matching group or given a special guide, this has no extra charge, but you’re taken care of.
• Respect everyone in your group, for you to all enjoy your trek.
• Feel free to ask your guide for any information you would wish to know. When you seek, you’re informed.
• The weather is unpredictable, so rainproof gear, including boots with strong traction, is recommended, especially during the low/rainy season when the slopes are muddy. If needed, a heavy-duty rainproof poncho can be rented for USh.10,000
• Don’t forget insect repellent!
• The foliage can be prickly — a long-sleeved shirt and long pants will protect your skin.
• Wear hiking gaiters or tuck your pants into your socks/boots to prevent ants from climbing up your legs.
• Beside chimpanzee trekking, you can do bird watching, nature walks in the park
• After chimpanzee trekking, you can visit Bigodi wetland for a swamp walk or take a tour to the craters.
• With respect to photography, chimpanzees can be challenging to shoot in the dense, shaded forest. Add to that their tree-top lounging habits and swift movements, and you’ll fumble with your camera if you’re not prepared. Use a telephoto lens and increase your ISO to capture sharp images of them in action.
• Remember to tip your guide for a good service rendered, it’s a sign of humanity
• Keep an eye on tree and around as you move in search for chimps, don’t be surprised to find a chimp following you up at the back, or you have a chance to see other primates, there are lot of monkeys in the forest.
• Remember to carry a camera and an extra battery.

With the above guidelines, we wish you a successful chimpanzee trekking adventure. Don’t worry of the chimps, you will see them.