1 DAY CHIMPANZEE TRACKING

​Kibale Forest National Park is the most magnificent of Uganda’s tropical rainforests and one of the most rewarding natural areas to explore in East Africa. Located near Fort Portal, this lush forest is famous for having the highest concentration of primates in Africa, with 13 recorded species. These include the rare Red Colobus Monkey, L’Hoest’s Monkey, and the endemic Uganda Mangabey.

The park’s main attraction is the chimpanzee, our closest living relative. Tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat is an exciting and emotional experience, as you watch them swing through the forest canopy, feed, socialize, and communicate. Kibale also hosts over 375 bird species, making it a paradise for bird lovers.

This 1-day chimpanzee tracking safari is ideal for travelers staying in Fort Portal who want a meaningful wildlife experience in a short time, combining chimpanzee tracking, forest exploration, birding, and cultural interaction.

Detailed Itinerary

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Morning: Transfer from Fort Portal to Kibale Forest

The tour begins with an early morning departure at 7:30 am from your lodge or hotel in Fort Portal. Enjoy a scenic drive through rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural villages as you make your way to Kibale Forest National Park.

Upon arrival at the park headquarters, you will register and receive a chimpanzee trekking briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will learn about chimpanzee behavior, forest safety rules, and trekking guidelines.

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Chimpanzee Tracking Experience

After the briefing, you will enter the forest with experienced ranger guides to begin your chimpanzee tracking adventure. The trek typically lasts 3 to 4 hours, depending on the movement and location of the chimpanzee families.

During the trek, you may encounter:

• Chimpanzees swinging through the tree canopy

• Red colobus monkeys

• L’Hoest’s monkeys

• Uganda mangabeys

• Olive baboons

• Forest birds, butterflies, and diverse plant life

Once the chimpanzees are located, you are allowed to spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, groom, play, and communicate in their natural environment.

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Optional
Guests may opt for the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, which involves following a chimpanzee community for most of the day, observing their daily routines and behaviors as they gradually get accustomed to human presence.

Afternoon: Bigodi Wetland Walk & Cultural Lunch

After the chimpanzee trek, exit the forest and head to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed eco-tourism site located near the park.

Enjoy a guided nature walk through the wetland, known for its rich birdlife and primates. Species often seen include:

• Great blue turaco

• Papyrus gonolek

• Kingfishers

• Monkeys and butterflies

Following the wetland walk, visit the community for a cultural experience to learn about local culture, craft making and local brew making experience.

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Late Afternoon: Return to Fort Portal

After lunch and cultural interaction, begin the return drive to Fort Portal, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening, marking the end of your 1 Day Chimpanzee Tracking Experience in Kibale Forest National Park.

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Tour Highlights

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park

• Sightings of primate species

• Guided forest walk with expert rangers

• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary birding walk

• Local Ugandan lunch

• Scenic views of tea plantations and countryside​