The impenetrable forests of Bwindi and the rain-forests of Kibale are among the most toured destinations in Uganda. The two aforementioned national parks are known for residing the two world’s great apes; the endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, in abundance.
Both Bwindi and Kibale are of course the best places in the world to see these two great apes, and just because of that Uganda is every tourist’s favorite!
Bwindi Impenetrable inhabits almost 500 endangered mountain gorillas, which is about a half the total population of mountain gorillas on the planet. On the other hand, Kibale is a home to over 1,450 chimpanzees and is the busiest location for chimpanzee tracking excursions in the world.
Going for a Uganda safari and visit both Bwindi and Kibale is indeed an extraordinary trip, so memorable! It is very possible to tour both Parks at ago as they are within a proximity to each other.
So you can either kick start your trip with a gorilla trekking excursion in Bwindi and then head for a thrilling chimpanzee expedition last or vice versa.
Bwindi is nestled in the southwestern region of the country as Kibale also nestles the western region. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a unique experience because you can either decide to go for a trekking session or engage in the unforgettable gorilla habituation activity.
It is only in Bwindi that a gorilla avid can view how these great apes are trained to get used to human presence (gorilla habituating) – though this activity costs a bit higher than gorilla trekking.
A gorilla permit in Uganda is currently costing US$ 600, though with effect from July 2020 the activity will be reformed and the permit will be costing US$ 700. On the other hand a gorilla habituation permit costs US$ 1500, which is also worthy the activity.
As of current, Bwindi consists of 20 habituated gorilla families and the trekking excursions are done in the Park’s four sectors; Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Ruhija.
Out of the four sectors, the legendary Buhoma sector is the busiest and most wanted sector by gorilla trekkers simply because it resides the oldest gorilla family in Uganda (Mubare gorilla family) and also its vicinity to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park which is popular for its unique residents – the amazing tree climbing lions.
Gorilla trekking is done in groups of 8 individuals per trekking group and each of the groups are given experienced Park rangers to accompany them as well as a specific gorilla family to trek.
With chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, a maximum of 6 individuals in each tracking group are allowed to go in the rain-forests of the Park to track the primates. A chimpanzee tracking permit for Kibale costs US$ 150 and starting from July 2020 on wards the permit will be costing US$ 200 on course of bettering the activity.
A chimpanzee aficionado also has a huge opportunity of engaging in the chimpanzee habituation experience while in Kibale, a permit which currently costs US$ 200 until July 2020 when it will be purchased at a fee of US$ 250.
Ill and faint-hearted people are not advised to go for the above activities; gorilla and chimpanzee tracking – because they are strenuous activities which require a lot of determination and courage.
If you’re 15-plus years of age, that makes you eligible to trek the endangered mountain gorillas and for the case of chimpanzee tracking you have to be with a minimum age of 12 years for you to qualify for this lifetime experience.
Both Parks comprise of several accommodations, of all types – budget, mid-range and high-end accommodations, to match every traveler’s fancies. Meanwhile, advance booking is always essential.