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Nyungwe Forest or Kibale Forest which is best for chimp trekking. Both Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda and Kibale Forest in Uganda are excellent destinations for chimpanzee trekking, but they offer different experiences. Here are some comparisons to help you decide which might be best for you:
Kibale Forest National Park (Uganda)
- Chimpanzee Population: Kibale has one of the highest densities of chimpanzees in Africa, making it a popular spot for viewing them.
- Trekking Experience: The park offers guided chimpanzee treks that last about 1-3 hours. You are likely to encounter a larger number of chimpanzees during your trek.
- Biodiversity: Kibale is home to various primate species (over 13 species) and rich birdlife, making it great for those interested in more than just chimpanzees.
- Accessibility: Kibale is relatively accessible from the town of Fort Portal, which has various accommodation options.
Nyungwe Forest National Park (Rwanda)
- Chimpanzee Experience: While Nyungwe has fewer chimpanzees than Kibale, the park is known for its pristine environment and beautiful landscapes.
- Trekking Experience: Chimpanzee trekking here is also guided, but treks can be longer and more challenging due to the terrain.
- Other Activities: Nyungwe offers additional activities, such as canopy walks and bird watching, making it a diverse ecological experience.
- Scenery: The park features stunning high-altitude rainforest and is known for its beautiful hiking trails.
Conclusion on Nyungwe Forest or Kibale Forest which is best for chimp trekking
- If your primary goal is to see chimpanzees, Kibale Forest may be the better choice due to its higher population and easier trekking.
- If you want a more diverse experience with beautiful scenery and additional activities, consider Nyungwe Forest.
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.
Price of chimpanzee permits in Kibale compared with Nyungwe National Park. A Chimpanzee permit for Kibale Forest National Park costs USD250 for the Foreign nonresident, USD200 for the Foreign resident, this chimpanzee permit gives you an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park. A Chimpanzee permit for Nyungwe Forest National Park costs USD150 for the Foreign nonresident per person per trek, this chimpanzee permit gives you an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
What is the best time for Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and Nyungwe National Park?
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and Nyungwe National Park 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 Nyungwe and Kibale Forest National Park can be done throughout the year given the fact it is a very well organized activity and you have 99% chance of seeing the Chimpanzees.
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 approximately 4-5 hours drive. You can as well access the park through 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 approximately 5-6 hours drive. You can as well access the park through 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 Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest or Kibale Forest Through Eco Adventure Safaris
Eco Adventure Safaris is experienced in organizing amazing chimpanzee safari experiences to Uganda and Rwanda. We are also highly rated and reviewed on trip Advisor. We combine gorilla trekking safaris with eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that help preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife and uplift local communities, these include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and game viewing, Mountain Hiking, Boat cruises excursions and Cultural encounters to give you a memorable and best African Safari experience including popular and great African safari destinations Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia. Feel free to contact us about Nyungwe Forest or Kibale Forest which is best for chimp trekking.