Echoes of the
Rainforest
Track over 1,500 chimpanzees in the lush canopies of Kibale National Park, home to the highest density of primates in Africa.
Kibale National Park
Located near Fort Portal in Western Uganda, Kibale National Park is renowned globally as the “Primate Capital of the World.” This tropical rainforest supports 13 different primate species, including L’Hoest’s monkeys, Red Colobus monkeys, and the stars of the show—our closest relatives, the Chimpanzees.
Tracking chimps here is an exhilarating rush. Unlike the slow movement of gorillas, chimps are active, noisy, and mobile. You’ll hear their pant-hoot calls echoing through the tall mahogany trees before you see them swinging effortlessly through the canopy.
“We spent the whole morning following a family as they woke up, hunted for figs, and played on the forest floor. It wasn’t just a sighting; it was a day in the life of a chimp.”
Chimpanzee Habituation
Experience (CHEX)
For those who want to truly understand these complex apes, the standard one-hour trek might not be enough. The Habituation Experience allows you to spend a full day (or half-day) with a troop that is currently undergoing habituation.
You will accompany researchers, witness de-nesting (waking up) or nesting (sleeping), and observe raw, wild behaviors rarely seen by regular tourists.
Inquire About Habituation PermitsMore Than Just Chimps
Enhance your Kibale safari with these unique local activities managed by the community.
Bigodi Wetland Walk
A community-run swamp walk famous for birding (Great Blue Turaco) and sighting rare primates like the Red Colobus and Grey-cheeked Mangabey.
Crater Lakes Tour
Hike to the “Top of the World” to view the stunning Ndali-Kasenda crater lakes with the Rwenzori Mountains in the backdrop.
Nocturnal Forest Walk
Enter the forest after dark with spotlights to find Potto, Bush Babies, and nocturnal civets. A thrilling auditory experience.
Kibale Safari Packages
Combine Chimps with Queen Elizabeth or the Crater Lakes.
2 Days Kibale Chimps
Perfect weekend getaway from Kampala.
- Private Transport from Kampala
- 1 Chimp Tracking Permit
- Bigodi Wetland Walk
- Full Board Accommodation
3 Days Chimps & Craters
A relaxed pace exploring the Fort Portal region.
- Morning Chimp Tracking
- Afternoon Bigodi Swamp Walk
- Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru Caves
- Crater Lakes Hike
Where to Stay
From crater-rim luxury to cozy forest cabins.
Kyaninga Lodge
Stunning log cabins perched on the rim of an extinct volcanic crater lake.
Primate Lodge
Located right at the park headquarters. Wake up to the sounds of chimps.
Chimp Forest Lodge
Beautiful grounds on a tea plantation bordering the park.
Answer the Call of the Wild
Permits are easier to get than gorillas, but high season dates fill up fast. Let Rwenzori Hantravel organize your perfect primate safari.
We arrange everything: Permits, Transport, and Lodging.