Chimpanzee Habituation and Conservation Experience
Country
Uganda
Duration
4 days
From
US$795
Highlights
- Full day chimpanzee habituation experience
- Tree planting with local communities
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Forest walks
- Bird watching
- Visit to the historical caves of Western Uganda
Overview
As part of this exclusive conservation safari, you will join a unique chimpanzee tracking and conservation experience, visit Kibale National Park, Bigodi and ‘Amabere ga nyina mwiru’ cultural sites in Fort Portal, participate in tree planting activities, support a project called “Save River Mpanga”, enjoy a hot springs experience, nature walks, hill climbing, and crater lakes viewing.
Kibale National Park, located near Fort Portal in western Uganda, is a renowned ecotourism destination. It’s famous for its habituated chimpanzees and diverse primate species, including Baboons, Red Columbus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and Black and White Colobus monkeys, observed on guided forest nature walks.
Spanning 776 square kilometers, the park features various ecosystems, primarily rainforests where forest elephants dwell, smaller than their savanna counterparts. Other inhabitants include buffalos, giant forest hogs, and elusive antelope species. Bird enthusiasts can spot over 335 bird species, with the rare Green Breasted Pitta being a prized find. Knowledgeable guides are on hand to identify numerous butterflies.
The forest boasts trails for chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, and nature walks, with additional bird watching at the nearby Bigodi wetland sanctuary.
Day-to-Day
Upon your arrival, your safari guide will warmly welcome you and arrange your transfer to one of the nearby hotels, such as Lake Height Hotel, Lake Victoria, or Palm Beach Hotel, conveniently located a stone’s throw from Entebbe International Airport, ensuring a relaxing overnight stay.
Day 1: Kampala to Kibale National Park (Fort Portal Tourism City)
Your adventure begins with a hearty breakfast followed by a 4-5 hour scenic drive to Kibale National Park. En route, we’ll make stops to appreciate the picturesque countryside. Afternoon arrival in Fort Portal offers a delightful lunch experience at lodges like Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Fort Motel, Rwenzori Travellers Inn, or Fort View Hotel. Following lunch, we’ll explore Fort Portal and engage with local communities in tree planting and ecotourism initiatives. As the day winds down, we’ll check in at Primate Lodge, Ndali Lodge, or Kibale Forest Camp for relaxation, dinner, and a peaceful night’s rest.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Habituation and Conservation Experience
An early start begins with breakfast, leading us to Kibale National Park for a full-day Chimpanzee Habituation and Conservation Experience at Kanyanchu visitors center. Witness the chimpanzees’ captivating behaviors, from feeding and playing to hunting, from their morning nests around 6:00-6:30 am to new nest building in trees around 7:00 pm. We’ll carry packed lunches as we spend the entire day immersed in the jungle with these remarkable creatures. After this exhilarating experience, we’ll return in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and a restful night at our hotel.
Day 3: Nature Walk and Cultural Encounters
After a satisfying breakfast, we’ll head to Bigodi for a guided nature walk, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and an enriching conservation experience. A delicious lunch back at the hotel will recharge us for our next adventure. We’ll visit ‘Amabere ga nyina mwiru’ cultural site to explore mysterious caves, engage in hill climbing, and savor the beauty of crater lakes. As the day concludes, we’ll settle in at Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Fort Motel, or New Fort View for relaxation, dinner, and a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 4: Fort Portal to Entebbe International Airport (Kampala)
On your last day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before embarking on an exciting road trip to Kampala. We’ll pause in Mubende Town for a satisfying lunch en route. As the sun sets, we’ll arrive at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport, allowing you to catch your evening flight back home, concluding your memorable journey.
Costs
| TYPE | 1 person | 2 persons | 3 persons | 4-12 persons |
| Upmarket accommodation | $2,228 | $1,684 | $1,479 | $1,286 |
| Mid-range accommodation | $1,498 | $1,290 | $1,078 | $895 |
| Budget accommodation | $1,286 | $964 | $885 | $795 |
Included
- Tree planting costs at Pearls of Uganda
- All park entrance fees
- Chimpanzees habituation and conservation experience fees
- All park entrance fees
- Nature walk fees
- Park Ranger Fees
- All relevant Government Taxes
- Full Board Accommodation and en-route meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Full-time English-speaking Driver/Guide
- Ground Transportation by a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Airport transfer.
Excluded
- Airfares
- Visa Fees
- Personal Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature such as; drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, accommodation & meals not indicated in the itinerary and optional activities.
What to bring?
- Wear stout shoes or walking boots suitable for steep muddy slopes.
- Gardening gloves are excellent in the forest during tree planting activities.
- Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather can be unpredictable) and insect repellent.
- Porters are available to hire when need a rise.
Tour information
| Trip type | Tailor-made |
| Lodging | Safari Hotels and Guesthouses |
| Activities | Trekking |
| Transport | 4×4 Safari Vehicle |
