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Difference between Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale and Nyungwe Forest National Parks, the whole truth is that both Kibale National Park and Nyungwe forest have chimpanzees and there is no big difference when it comes to the experience obtained at the end of your trek. Chances of seeing chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and Nyungwe forest are 95% so whichever forest you visit you will be able to see these great apes in their natural environment.
Kibale Forest National Park is best known for its number and variety of resident primates with 13 species of primates including the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda estimated at over 1500 chimpanzees, other primates found in Kibale Forest include the nocturnal bushbaby and potto, Monkeys, baboons among others. Kibale forest national park is also a popular destination for birders with over 335 bird species recorded. Chimpanzee trekking is done in two sessions in the morning and afternoon this will be determined by the chimpanzee permit you purchase and your itinerary to trek in a given session accordingly. Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. It is rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. It is home to home to chimpanzees as well as other 12 species of primates, including the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift and wildlife.
Popular Safaris including Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale and Nyungwe Forests
22 Days Best of Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Difference between the cost of Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale and Nyungwe Forest
The cost of a chimpanzee permit in the Nyungwe forest is $50. This is far less than the $200 charged for trekking in Kibale National Park. For Nyungwe forest Chimpanzee permits can be booked at the reception Centre or through the Rwanda Development Board of the reserve or more conveniently through a tour operator. Though Chimpanzee permits in Nyungwe forest can be got on the day of tracking, it is important to book in advance to be on the safer side. For Kibale forest, National Park chimp permits can be booked at the head reservations of Uganda Wildlife Authority or at Kibale Forest National Park
Difference between the time spent during Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale and Nyungwe Forest
The chimpanzee treks at both Kibale National Park and Nyungwe forest start early morning with a briefing about the dos and don’ts at the forest headquarters, you are later grouped in groups of members each with Park guides, Rangers who lead you to the forest for your chimpanzee experience. The trek takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the movement of the chimpanzees. Once the chimps are found you will stay for one hour with these amazing creatures to watch them eating, resting and playing. The trek gives of chances of viewing other primates, reptiles and mammals and the chances of seeing chimpanzees at Kibale National Park and Nyungwe forest are 95%.
What is the best time for Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park and Nyungwe forest?
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park and Nyungwe forest is best done in the months of June to October and December to March during this time it is a dry season in Uganda with mild rainfall making it easy for Chimpanzee trekking in the Forest, as well during this time the vegetation is not fully grown and it is easy for viewing the chimpanzees offering great sights for photographs. During the other months of April, May and November which is normally a wet season this makes the vegetations grow high making the sightings unclear however during this time the treks tend to be shorter given the fact chimpanzees don’t move further distances looking for food, food is readily available. Chimpanzee trekking in both Kibale National Park and Nyungwe forest can be done throughout the year given the fact it is a very well organized activity and you have 99% chances of seeing the Chimpanzees.
In terms of Chimpanzee families, Kibale National Park has more chimpanzee families open for trekking than Nyungwe forest.
In terms of the best Chimpanzee trekking experience, Chances of seeing chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and Nyungwe forest are 95% so which ever forest you visit you will be able to see these great apes in their natural environment. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park also gives you an option to spend more time with the chimpanzees through chimpanzee habituation experience, a chimpanzee habituation permit costs USD250 per person Non-Foreign Residents, USD250 Per person Foreign Residents and USD41 for Uganda Citizens giving you more hours encounter with the semi habituated chimpanzees under the guidance of trackers and researchers as opposed to one hour for the normal trekking.
How to access Kibale Forest National Park for Chimpanzee Trekking
By Road; Kibale Forest National Park can be accessed through the main safari circuit from Entebbe/Kampala to Fortportal which is approximately 4-5 hours drive. You can as well access the park through the Kampala-Mabara-Kasese highway, from Kasese you will connect to the Kibale Forest with 1-2 hours drive.
By Air; You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kasese airstrip from here you will transfer to Kibale Forest National Park. Scheduled and chartered flights are available and operated by domestic airline operators of Aero link and Fly Uganda. You will need to plan with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to the Park
How to access Nyungwe Forest National Park for Chimpanzee Trekking
By Road; Nyungwe Forest National Park can be accessed through the main safari circuit from Kigali to Nyungwe via Kivu Gisenyi which is approximately 5-6 hours drive. You can as well access the park through the Kigali-Gisenyi highway, from Kivu you will connect to the Nyungwe Forest with 1-2 hours drive.
By Air; You can fly from Kigali International Airport to Rusizi/Kamembe airport which is 55km/34mi from Rusizi from here you will transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Scheduled and chartered flights are available and operated by domestic airline operators. You will need to plan with your tour operator for a transfer from Kamembe airport to the Park
Where to stay during Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
There are many accommodation options in Kibale Forest National Park where you can stay during your Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park these range from budget, mid-range to luxury let us now we will book for you accordingly.
Accommodation in Kibale Forest National Park, Budget options include Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, Isunga Lodge, Mountains of the Moon, Rwenzori view Guest House, Kibale Home Stay among others these cost USD90-100 per person per night, mid-range include Kibale Forest Camp, Turaco Treetops Lodge and Prime Lodge Kibale among others these cost USD150-200 per person per night, Luxury options include Ndali Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge and Kyaninga Lodge these cost USD250-700 per person per night.
Where to stay during Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
There are many accommodation options in Nyungwe Forest National Park where you can stay during your Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park these range from budget, mid-range to luxury let us now we will book for you accordingly.
Accommodation in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Budget options include Nyungwe Guest House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel and Gasakura Guest House among others these cost USD90-100 per person per night, mid-range include Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel among others these cost USD150-200 per person per night, Luxury options include One&Only Nyungwe House which ranges from USD500 to USD100 per person per night.
Why book your chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park with us
Eco Adventure Safaris takes pride in customizing tailor-made safaris to Uganda and Rwanda. It has a very diligent and trustworthy team. Your inquiry will be are answered within 30 minutes by our team of professional tour consultants. These consultants will make a travel plan for you, answer all your questions, and make sure all your services are booked in advance for you to avoid inconveniences. We also have very knowledgeable safari guides depending on your language preferences. Feel free to contact us.
