Chimpanzee Tracking and Habituation Guidelines in Kibale NP.

Chimpanzee Tracking and Habituation guidelines are the rules and regulations put in place by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to protect both travelers and the Primates from uncertainties. Kibale Forest National Park is in the western Part of Uganda; it is most sought after when it comes to primates. Also, termed as the “Capital of Primates,” during a visit to the conservation area, there are high chances of seeing the chimpanzee compared to other destinations in the country. There are 13 primate species present in the park, for example, the chimpanzees, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, pottos, grey checked Mangabey, and over 300 species of birds.

Chimpanzee tracking provides an opportunity for visitors to meet and observe chimpanzees in their natural habitats. The habituation process allows visitors to accompany researchers and habituates into the forest with the purpose of getting used to the presence of humans while they perform their day-to-day activities. Guidelines to chimpanzee tracking and habituation include,

Chimpanzee tracking and habituation are done on a timeline. The normal trekking is done in the morning hours and afternoon for 2-3 hours, depending on how far the chimps have moved. Upon meeting these, an hour is allowed to interact, while habituation takes place from 6:30 am for 4 hours daily during the activity visitor are required to maintain the standard operating procedures.

The minimum age limit for tracking chimpanzees is 12 years; visitors below this age are not allowed to participate in the activity.

The group size for the chimpanzee and habituation process is limited; habituation takes only 4 individuals, while tracking takes only 6 persons per session. For this reason, you are advised to book permits on time. Permits normally run out fast during the peak seasons of January, February June, July, August, September, and December.

Booking and procedure of acquiring the chimpanzee permit, these are sold strictly to Ugandan registered companies licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). The permits are graded in different categories, including foreign Residents, foreign nonresidents, East African citizens, and the rest of Africa. East African citizens are required to have a valid National identity card, while other travelers must have a valid passport.

Littering in the forest is not allowed. Chimpanzees are just like humans; anything a human can eat, so do they. To meet the ecosystem criteria and for the protection of the primates, it is important to avoid litter in the forest.

Human waste is supposed to be buried 30cm deep and off-track way from where the chimps are.

Keeping a 10-meter distance upon meeting the primates, this allows travelers to be within proximity with the mammals, take pictures, and watch them jump from one tree to another without being very close.

Communicable diseases, guests with diseases that can easily spread, like the flu, are not allowed to travel.

Visitors are urged to maintain minimal noise while in the forest; it is not allowed to call back to the chimpanzee, as you never know what you might be saying.

Flash photography is prohibited as this can easily cause distress to the primates.

What to carry for a chimpanzee tracking includes waterproof covers for phones and cameras, sunscreen, waterproof hiking boots, binoculars, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, insect repellants, rain Jackets, garden gloves, hats, backpack, water bottle, sunglasses, and any other important items of personal nature.

Kibale Forest National Park is found in the western part of Uganda, approximately 6 hours drive from the Entebbe International Airport. Domestic scheduled flights or charter flights can be arranged to the Kasese airstrip.

There is available accommodation at the destination, ranging from the best budget to luxury facilities, which offer a comfortable place to stay for travelers.