Follow a chimpanzee community in Kibale from first light, with far more time among them than a standard trek.
Standard chimpanzee tracking gives you an hour with a community that is used to visitors. The habituation experience is different: you follow a community that is still learning to accept people, from the moment the chimpanzees leave their nests, and you can stay with them for much of the day.
It takes more effort and more patience, and you should expect a long day on your feet. In return you see chimpanzees behaving as they do when no one is looking: feeding, travelling, playing and resting.
Uganda
Luxury safari
Handpicked luxury lodges and camps, chosen for their setting, service and guiding.
Private safari
Your own vehicle and guide for the whole journey, never shared with other travellers.
Made to measure
Change the pace, a lodge or an activity and we rebuild the itinerary around you.
Start any day
Travel on the dates that suit you, subject to lodge and permit availability.
Solo travellers welcome
Priced for one on request, with the single supplement shown under Rates.
Minimum age 18
Suitable for travellers aged 18 and over.
Pace and fitness
Active, fitness: challenging.
Drive west to Fort Portal and Kibale Forest, arriving at Primate Lodge for a late lunch. In the afternoon walk the Bigodi Wetland with a community guide, then turn in early before a start before dawn.
Overnight
Primate Lodge Kibale (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
The only lodge inside Kibale Forest, a short walk from the chimpanzee briefing.
Set out in the dark to reach the chimpanzees as they leave their nests, and follow the community with the researchers and rangers for much of the day. Carry lunch and plenty of water. The chimpanzees set the pace, and the ground can be steep and wet.
Overnight
Primate Lodge Kibale (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
The only lodge inside Kibale Forest, a short walk from the chimpanzee briefing.
A slow morning at the lodge and a last forest walk if your legs allow, then drive back to Entebbe, arriving in the evening.
Primate Lodge Kibale (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
The only lodge inside Kibale Forest, a short walk from the chimpanzee briefing.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Important to know
Rates per person
| Season | Solo | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7+ people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High season (Jun to Oct, Dec to Feb) | US$3,090 | US$2,620 | US$2,463 | US$2,463 | US$2,463 | US$2,463 | Get quote |
| Low season (Mar to May, Nov) | US$2,710 | US$2,300 | US$2,162 | US$2,162 | US$2,162 | US$2,162 | Get quote |
Prices are per person, in US dollars, and depend on the number of travellers sharing the vehicle and guide. They are sample rates for planning and will be confirmed when you enquire, as lodge and permit prices change each year. The habituation permit is included and subject to availability. The minimum age is 18 and travellers should be fit enough for a long day on foot.
Best time for this trip Jun to Sep, Dec to Feb
For gorilla and chimp treks, bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers you can tuck into your socks, a long-sleeved shirt, a light rain jacket and gardening gloves for grabbing vines. Porters are available at the trailhead and we recommend hiring one: it helps your trek and supports the local community.
Pack light, neutral colours for game drives, a warm fleece for early mornings, a sun hat and good sunscreen.
Made to measure
Every Uwera safari is private. Slow the pace, add a night by a lake, swap a lodge or bring the children: tell us in your request and we will rebuild the itinerary around you.
Request a free quoteCookies
Essential cookies keep this site working. With your permission we also remember the safaris and places you have viewed. You can change your mind any time from Cookie settings in the footer.
