3-Day Chimps Trekking in Kibale and Bigodi Swamp Walks

The trek involves walking on uneven forest terrain for one to a few hours depending on where the chimpanzees are found that day. Reasonable fitness and sturdy closed shoes are recommended, but this trip suits most fitness levels.

Habituation tracking is a full-day program that follows researchers as they work to habituate a chimp community to human presence, giving a longer and closer encounter than the standard one-hour trek. It's a worthwhile upgrade for travellers who want more time with the chimps and don't mind a longer, more demanding day; the standard trek is a great experience on its own for those with less time.

Trekking is possible year-round, but the two dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, offer easier trail conditions. The wetter months can mean muddier walking but fewer visitors on the trails.

The price covers park fees for non-residents, one chimpanzee permit per person, all activities unless labelled as optional, all accommodation unless listed as an upgrade, a professional driver-guide, all transportation unless labelled as optional, all taxes and VAT, roundtrip airport transfers, and the meals and drinking water specified in the day-by-day itinerary. International flights, additional accommodation before or after the tour, the optional habituation experience, tips and personal items such as souvenirs, travel insurance and visa fees are not included.

Yes, though Bwindi is several hours further south of Kibale, so adding gorilla trekking usually means extending this into a longer itinerary. See our 4-Day Best of Gorilla Tracking or 7-Day Empire of Apes Safari, which combine both primates.

Most nationalities can obtain a Uganda tourist visa online before travel, and a regional East Africa visa covering Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda is also available. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is recommended for any safari trip.