When can one book a chimpanzee permit to Kibale national park?
When can one book a chimpanzee permit to Kibale Forest National Park: Booking a chimpanzee permit for Kibale Forest National Park in advance is very important. It is best to book in advance at least 3-4 months ahead to avoid total disappointment, especially during the high season from December to February and June to September, when there are too many crowds.
Kibale Forest National Park offers 84 chimpanzee permits daily, which is less than the required number of visitors interested in trekking chimpanzees in their wilderness. There are 12 permits for chimpanzee habituation and 72 for chimpanzee trekking. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
Chimpanzee trekking and habituation experiences are popular activities in Kibale Forest National Park. It is recommended to book chimpanzee permits in advance, as they are sold on a first-come, first-served basis to those visitors that are interested in taking part in this primate chimpanzee trekking.
How to book a chimpanzee permit for Kibale Forest national park
Using a local tour operator
The best way to book chimpanzee permits for Kibale Forest National Park is through a local tour operator like Caracal Explorers. After you pay a deposit for your safari, they will book the permits for you, saving you time with their direct contacts at the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Finding the right tour operator can be challenging, but the Uganda Tourism Board makes it easier. Licensed companies can handle tourism activities and booking permits. Travelers can choose tour companies recommended by friends based on their past experiences.
Caracal Explorers is a local tour operator for booking chimpanzee trekking permits in Kibale Forest National Park. To book, get the dates of your visit and the group size, then contact us via email. We will check permit availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Once the permits are ready, we will request your banking details to transfer part of the money for your safari. Some of the deposit will go towards chimpanzee trekking permits. We will need your personal details for the booking and will send you a scanned copy of the permit after booking.
Directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority
Chimpanzee permits for Kibale Forest National Park can be booked directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority by tourists not using local tour operators. To book, check the dates you want to trek, then email the reservations office with the number of people and the type of permit needed.
The information will be used to check if permits are available. Once they are, you will receive banking details to pay for the permit. After payment, send a scanned receipt for confirmation and provide your personal details. The chimpanzee permit will be booked, and you must pick it up at the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices upon arrival.
The cost of chimpanzee permits in Kibale Forest national park
The normal chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale Forest National Park costs $250 for foreign non-residents, $200 for foreign residents, and UGX180,000 for citizens of East Africa. The chimpanzee trekking permits come with 1 hour around the chimpanzees but visitors who may prefer full day chimpanzee habituation have special permits known as chimpanzee habituation permit.
This chimpanzee habituation permit cost $300 for non-foreign residents, $250 for foreign residents, and UGX250,000 for citizens of East Africa. This permit offers visitors an opportunity to spend ample time with the semi-habituated chimpanzees and also participate in activities that make them get familiar to human presence. Both chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation permits in Kibale Forest national park come with paid park entrance fees, trackers, armed ranger guide fees, and community initiative and development fees.
What is the best time to visit Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale forest national park is open all year round for chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation. The dry season is considered to be the best for chimpanzee tracking activities since this season is characterised by little to no rainfall, accessible trails, and dry roads that are easier to navigate. More still, the vegetation cover is short with clear views of wildlife.
Tourists can visit Kibale Forest National Park during the rainy season from March to May and October to November but should expect heavy rain. This time is good for budget travelers as prices drop. However, the rain makes chimpanzee activities difficult due to muddy trails, tall vegetation limiting views, and impassable roads.
