Six Hours with a Chimpanzee Troop in the Kibale Forest Fly-in Luxury Safari
More time with the Chimps on this 3-Day Luxury Fly-In Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari-Kibale Forest
Experience an enriching primate adventure with the 3-Day Luxury Fly-In Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari in Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park, which is home to approximately 1,500 wild chimpanzees. This safari offers a unique opportunity to engage in chimpanzee habituation, allowing participants to spend up to six hours with a large troop of chimpanzees, working alongside expert researchers, trackers, and wildlife rangers.
Throughout this immersive experience, you will have the chance to observe the chimpanzees’ complex social behaviors and vibrant personalities within their natural habitat. Unlike gorillas, which tend to remain in one area, chimpanzees are highly active. They can be found in troops that vary in size from 50 to over 100 individuals, resulting in dynamic encounters.
Your participation in the habituation process is instrumental in helping these remarkable primates adjust to human presence, while also contributing to essential conservation efforts. This luxury fly-in safari is tailored for individuals with a moderate level of fitness and a strong interest in wildlife. It provides direct access to Kibale Forest, thereby eliminating lengthy road transfers.
With a focus on personalized service, expert guidance, and comfortable accommodations, every aspect of this safari is designed to ensure a memorable and impactful experience. For wildlife enthusiasts eager to establish a meaningful connection with one of Africa’s most intelligent primates, this safari is an invaluable opportunity. Book now to embark on an unforgettable journe
3-Day Luxury Fly-In Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari-Kibale Forest Highlights
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience: This is a six-hour-long activity where you spend more time with a chimpanzee troop.
- Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary: Hike through a Jungle swamp on mostly boar walks.
- Nocturnal Forest Walk: See the creatures of the night on this guided forest walk.
- Top of the World Hike: Hike along the crater lakes to the top of the world, where you see the Rwenzori Mountains, Queen Elizabeth Park, and the surrounding area on a clear day.
- Stay at Crater Lake Safari Lodge, Located near Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary.
- Choice of flying or driving: You can fly to Kibale Forest or take a long drive.
- Toyota Land-Cruiser: With your driver guide.
Please Note: The 3-Day Luxury Fly-In Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari in Kibale Forest can be adapted into a midrange, moderately priced safari by staying at comfortable midrange lodges. This option offers the same incredible chimpanzee habituation experience and expert-guided encounters while providing excellent value and accessibility for travelers seeking a more budget-friendly adventure without compromising on the immersive wildlife experience.
3-Day Luxury Fly-In Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari-Kibale Forest in Detail.
Day 1 – Kibale Forest: Chaimpanzeee Habituation Experience Safari Begins
Fly to Kibale Forest and Drive to Kibale Forest
Your adventure begins early in the day, with a scheduled pick-up from your hotel in Entebbe at 5:45 AM for a flight to Kibale Forest departing at 7:00 AM. This scenic flight offers stunning aerial views of Southwest Uganda’s lush landscapes, including brief stopovers in Kihihi and Kisoro before landing in Kasese.
Travelers are allowed a luggage limit of 15 kilos, so packing light is highly recommended. Duffel bags are particularly suitable for flying safaris, although suitcases can be accommodated with additional luggage stored safely at the airport. It is important to note that there is a $6 per kilo excess baggage fee for those who exceed the limit.
Comfort during the flight and your upcoming trek can be enhanced by wearing hiking shoes and a jacket. Upon arrival in Kasese, a driver-guide will transfer you to the Crater Lake Safari Lodge, conveniently located near Kibale Forest.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, a drive-in safari is available, though it involves a journey of over four hours by road. Opting for the fly-in experience is beneficial as it maximizes your time in the forest, reduces travel fatigue, and allows for full immersion in the chimpanzee habituation experience.
Welcome to Crater Lake Safari Lodge
Crater Lake Safari Lodge is situated on the rim of a volcanic crater, offering breathtaking views of a tranquil crater lake. This lodge provides a luxurious and serene base for guests embarking on chimpanzee adventures. Guests will stay in a Lake View Cottage, which is the closest luxury accommodation to Kibale Forest, ensuring convenient access to early morning and nocturnal forest walks without lengthy transfers.
The lodge has received international recognition, having been featured in publications such as Vogue and the Huffington Post, highlighting its unique setting and exceptional service. The dining experience at the lodge emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, skillfully combining African and Ugandan flavors into innovative fusion dishes. The kitchen accommodates various dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options, catering thoughtfully to the needs of all guests.
The staff at Crater Lake Safari Lodge are dedicated to providing outstanding service, ensuring guest comfort and a memorable stay. While WiFi is accessible at the main lodge, it is limited in the cottages; however, arrangements can be made for those requiring continuous internet access. Overall, a stay at this lodge enhances the safari experience through a harmonious blend of nature, luxury, and cultural richness.
Discove a Jungle Swamp: Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary
At 3 PM, participants can join a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, an intriguing jungle swamp rich in wildlife and biodiversity. The trail incorporates wooden boardwalks designed to keep visitors above the marshy landscape. While rubber boots are available for rent, sturdy hiking boots are also suitable for the terrain.
This three-hour exploration caters to various interests, including birdwatching, primate observation, and those seeking a unique natural experience. The sanctuary is home to an impressive array of primates, such as the Red Colobus, Gray Cheeked Mangabeys, L’Hoest, Vervet, Blue Monkeys, Baboons, and the rare Black and White Colobus. Visitors may even have the chance to spot a chimpanzee.
In addition to primates, the sanctuary hosts several mammals, including the elusive semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelope—recognized by its distinctive webbed toes—along with bush pigs, bush bucks, otters, and mongooses.
Birdwatchers will find the sanctuary especially rewarding, as over 138 bird species have been recorded, featuring notable species like the Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Gonoleks, hornbills, waxbills, weavers, cuckoos, kingfishers, and flycatchers. Overall, Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to experience a vibrant ecosystem where swamp meets forest, making it a significant highlight of any safari experience..
Meal Plan: Lunch – Dinner
Day 2 – Chimpanzee Habituation Experience – CHEX:
An early breakfast – and it is time for your Chimpanzee Habituation Experience – CHEX. You participate in an
orientation, and you are off into the deep forest to meet the group that is being habituated. You will be with researchers, trackers, and others in the Habituation Process, making Chimpanzees feel comfortable with humans near them. This process takes two years or longer; today, you are part of that process.
CHEX is a learning experience since you observe their habits and ways not just for one hour in the presence of a chimpanzee group but for four hours or longer. Your guide will also receive plenty of input since he informs you of what is happening before you.
The chimpanzees will not be the only primates or wildlife you will spot, but this is home to 12 other primates, the 350-plus species of birds, 200-plus primates, and mammals found in the park.
Kibale is a tropical rainforest in Uganda where the jungles of West and Central Africa meet. Kibale National Park is 795 km² and includes 351 species of trees, 375 species of birds, 70 mammal species, and most famously, 13 species of primate, some Nocturnal, including the chimpanzee.
Chimpanzee Trekking Gear – You will need a daypack, poncho or rain jacket, long trousers, long-sleeved shirt, hat, boots, packed lunch, 2 liters of water, a packed lunch, and some snacks.
Nocturnal Forest Walk:
A Nocturnal Forest Walk with Rangers and solar-powered spotlights leads the way. This is something out of the ordinary for most; this is not just a nocturnal forest walk but a nighttime walk in a Rainforest Jungle.
The Nocturnal Forest begins at 7:30 pm, about 45 minutes after sunset. You will see Kibale during the day tomorrow, but this evening is your encounter with the night creatures.
You’re most likely to see pottos, galagos, bush babies, tree hyrax, and, at rare times, even tree-climbing pangolins. There are the birds of the Night, such as owls and Nightjars, not to mention insects such as giant moths, glow-in-the-dark spiders, colorful caterpillars, and shiny millipedes with endless legs.
Dress for the Occasion: Boots, thick socks, tuck trousers into socks, a long-sleeved shirt, a day pack, a long-sleeved shirt a light Rain Jacket, and spray yourself liberally with a good Insect Repellent.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 3 –The 3-Day Luxury Fly-In Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari- Ends
Top of World Hike in the Morning 
Breakfast at Kibale Forest Camp, and we are off to the top of the world nature walk – the hike moves through villages and tea plantations. Still, crater lakes to the viewpoint where you see from above crater lakes, the Rwenzori Mountains of the moon, communities, and in the distance, Queen Elizabeth Park.
During this hike, having a daypack and a liter of water, a few granola bars, and hiking boots is best.
Lunch
Return to Kampala – Entebbe and arrive by early evening.
Fly back to Entebbe: If you have chosen to make this a flying Safari, you can fly out in the morning or afternoon from Kasese to Entebbe, depending on when your flight departs from Uganda.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch (Lunch depends on your schedule)
Please Note: We used to recommend the Chimpanzee Habituation over the regular Chimpanzee Trek. The chimpanzee habituation experience was an all-day trek that was very enjoyable. Changes were made to make it a six-hour activity plus. Most importantly, the present chimpanzee troop is habituated too far from the starting trailhead, making it a more iffy trek. You may not see any chimpanzees. We recommend a morning and afternoon chimpanzee trek with sure sightings until the situation improves. Read more here.
What this 3-Day Luxury Fly-In Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari- includes:
The 3-Day Luxury Fly-In Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari offers an all-inclusive package focused on providing a premium and immersive wildlife experience, particularly centered around chimpanzee habituation. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included and excluded:
What’s Included:
- Flights: Internal flights via AeroLink, making the safari a “fly-in” experience, which saves considerable travel time and adds to the exclusivity.
- Chimpanzee Permits: The often costly and essential chimpanzee permits are covered, allowing you access to the chimpanzee habituation experience.
- Transportation: You’ll have your own private Toyota Land Cruiser, ensuring comfort and flexibility during game drives and transfers.
- Amenities in Vehicle: WiFi access in the vehicle keeps you connected, and bottled water is provided for your convenience.
- Driver Guide: A knowledgeable and experienced driver-guide will accompany you, offering expertise on the wildlife, environment, and local culture.
- Accommodation: Full-board accommodation at Crater Lake Safari Lodge, meaning your lodging, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
- Medical Evacuation Insurance: AMREF Flying Doctors emergency medical evacuation insurance provides coverage in case of a medical emergency, offering peace of mind.
- Activities: All listed activities are part of the package.
What’s Not Included in the Safari
Please note that certain expenses are not covered in the 3-Day Luxury Fly-In Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari. These include the cost of all drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as well as any laundry services you may use at the lodges. Gratuities for your driver-guide and the lodge staff are also not included in the package. Any personal shopping you choose to do, such as purchasing souvenirs, will be at your own expense. Furthermore, the cost of obtaining necessary visas for entry into the country, and international flights to and from your home country are not covered. While emergency medical evacuation insurance is included, comprehensive travel insurance to protect your overall trip investment is recommended but remains your responsibility.
Why choose the 3-Day Luxury Fly-In Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari?
Eperience an unparalleled adventure in Kibale Forest with our 3-Day Luxury Fly-In Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari. This safari offers more than just typical chimpanzee tracking; it immerses you in the habituation process, allowing for extended observation of these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. The trails are relatively straightforward, making the experience accessible to individuals of various fitness levels. Knowledgeable UWA Rangers will expertly guide you, sharing their deep understanding of the forest’s diverse ecosystem, including primates, animals, and vibrant birdlife.
With Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, you are in experienced hands. Since 2009, they have specialized in crafting exceptional chimpanzee safaris, holding accreditation from the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and membership in the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). Their “Hakuna Matata, No Worries” approach ensures a seamless and stress-free journey, with every detail meticulously handled. Your well-being and safety are their top priorities, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the African wilderness.
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Contact us through the form below to book your 3-Day Luxury Fly-In Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari today!
Enquire about this Luxury 3-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience at Safari.
