3-Day Chimp Trekking
3-Day Chimpanzee Trekking In Kibale & Bigodi Tour
Tour Overview
On the second day, you’ll venture deep into the forest with expert guides to track and observe wild chimpanzees up close, hearing their calls echo through the trees and watching their lively social interactions. The day also includes a walk through the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where you’ll spot a variety of monkeys and colorful birds while learning about the local community and their relationship with the forest. Your accommodation options range from budget tents to luxury lodges, ensuring comfort for every traveler. The final day offers a relaxed drive back to Kampala or Entebbe through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, completing your immersive wildlife and cultural experience. This safari is perfect for nature lovers eager to explore vibrant forests, encounter incredible wildlife, and enjoy stunning landscapes.
Trip Highlights
- See wild chimpanzees up close in their home.
- Walk Bigodi Swamp and spot monkeys and colorful birds.
- Enjoy a beautiful drive past tea fields and crater lakes.
- Watch many types of monkeys and birds in the forest.
- Feel the jungle come alive with sounds and sights.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Past tea fields and crater lakes to Kibale Forest
Your adventure begins in the morning with a friendly welcome and a briefing from your guide about the journey ahead. Your destination is the lush and lively Kibale Forest National Park. As you drive, you’ll pass through charming villages, dense rainforests, rolling tea plantations, and scenic crater lakes on your way toward Fort Portal.
On a clear day, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains, their snow-capped peaks rising above the horizon like something out of a dream. When you arrive at Kibale Forest, it feels like stepping into another world—a forest alive with movement and sound. This is truly a “monkey world,” where primates leap through the trees and the forest hums with the rhythm of wild nature.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest is one of the most primate-rich rainforests in all of Africa. This beautiful, ancient forest is home to 13 different species of primates, including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, red colobus, diademed monkeys, mangabeys, and the small, nocturnal galagos. The park sits at an average altitude of 1,300 meters, giving it a cool, refreshing climate. It’s surrounded by lush tea plantations in the north and wide papyrus swamps in the south, creating an incredible variety of landscapes and habitats. In addition to primates, Kibale is also a paradise for bird lovers.
Many rare and colorful bird species live here, especially around the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. The forest and its surroundings are full of hidden treasures, making this an unforgettable stop on your journey through Uganda.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Kibale Fores Camp – Non-Self-Contained Tents (Full Board)
Middle Class: Turaco Treetops – Standard Cottage (Full Board)
Semi-Luxury: Turaco-Treetops – Luxury Cottage (Full Board)
Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge (Full Board)
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
Today is all about exploring the rich primate life of Kibale Forest and the nearby Bigodi Wetlands. You’ll encounter some of the many fascinating monkey species that call this region home, and the highlight of the day is trekking to see wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Between your adventures, you’ll enjoy a tasty lunch and take some time to relax at your lodge.
Please note: The order of activities depends on the availability of chimpanzee trekking permits. You may do the swamp walk in the morning and the chimpanzee trek in the afternoon.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest – Morning or Afternoon
This unforgettable experience takes you deep into the rainforest in search of one of our closest relatives—the chimpanzee. As you walk through the forest, guided by expert trackers, you’ll hear the calls and hoots echoing through the trees. Then, suddenly, a group of chimps may appear, swinging through the branches or foraging on the ground just meters away. Watching them up close—interacting, grooming, playing—is both thrilling and deeply moving. Kibale is the best place in Africa to see chimpanzees in the wild, with a high chance of successful sightings.
Bigodi Swamp Walk – Morning or Afternoon
The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community-run nature reserve located just outside the park. A guided walk here takes you along wooden boardwalks and forest trails through the swampy landscape.
In the cooler hours of the day, especially in the late afternoon, this area comes alive with activity. You’ll likely spot several monkey species—including red colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys—along with many colorful bird species. The walk also offers a chance to learn about the plants and culture of the local community. It’s a peaceful and rewarding experience that perfectly complements your chimpanzee trek. By the end of the day, you’ll have a deeper connection with Uganda’s incredible natural world—and unforgettable memories to take with you.
Accommodation Options
Budget: Kibale Fores Camp – Non-Self-Contained Tents (Full Board)
Middle Class: Turaco Treetops – Standard Cottage (Full Board)
Semi-Luxury: Turaco-Treetops – Luxury Cottage (Full Board)
Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge (Full Board)
Day 3: Drive Back To Kampala/ Entebbe
After a wonderful time in the rainforest, it’s time to head back to Kampala or Entebbe. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge before starting the scenic drive through Uganda’s beautiful countryside. You’ll pass tea plantations, rolling hills, and small villages along the way, offering one last chance to soak in the charm of rural Uganda. Depending on your schedule, you may stop for lunch or souvenirs before continuing your journey. By late afternoon or early evening, you’ll arrive in Kampala or Entebbe, marking the end of your unforgettable adventure in Kibale Forest.
What Is Included
- Professional guide and driver throughout the trip
- Transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle
- Park entry fees for Kibale Forest National Park and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Guided chimpanzee trekking experience
- Guided Bigodi Swamp Walk
- Accommodation for 2 nights with meals as per the selected package (full board)
- Bottled drinking water during drives and activities
- All government taxes and service charges
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