Tracking chimpanzees in Kibale National Park is a thrilling and immersive experience, offering you the chance to observe these intelligent and charismatic primates in their natural habitat. Kibale National Park is renowned for its high population of chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee tracking.
The day typically starts with a pre-trek briefing by experienced guides. Once the chimpanzee community is located, visitors are allowed a limited time (usually one hour) to observe and enjoy the experience. Guides provide information about the chimpanzees’ behavior, social structure, and the surrounding ecosystem. You may witness various behaviors, including feeding, grooming, playing, and even vocalizations. Chimpanzees share a close genetic relationship with humans, and observing them can be a fascinating and sometimes emotional experience.
Affectionately known as the “Primate Capital” for its remarkable diversity, Kibale National Park is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees. Experienced trackers will guide you through the rainforest in search of a habituated chimpanzee family. Witnessing these intelligent primates swinging through the trees will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip. Keep an eye out for other primates, such as the red colobus monkey and the rare L’Hoest’s monkey, and listen for the songs of some of the 370 bird species in the area.
In the afternoon take a community the to meet locals that live near the national park. Look out for beautiful birds, and primates you may not have seen in the park.