Morning vs Afternoon Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park runs in two daily sessions — one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Both sessions take you deep into the forest to search for chimpanzees in their natural habitat. With over 1,500 chimpanzees living in the park, your chances of spotting them stand at over 80%. However, choosing between the morning and afternoon sessions can shape your overall experience. At Anthill Safaris, we help you decide which session suits your preferences and travel plans best.
How Both Sessions Work
The morning session begins at 7:30 AM, while the afternoon session starts at 2:00 PM. Both sessions depart from the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre. Before entering the forest, guides conduct a briefing covering the rules, safety guidelines, and what to expect during the trek. You must hold a valid chimpanzee trekking permit to join either session. Armed ranger guides lead both sessions, using the shortest routes to locate the chimpanzees. Rangers are already moving through the jungle, radioing back the chimps’ location to guides accompanying the group, which helps minimise walking time.
Each trek lasts between two and six hours, depending on where the chimpanzees are and the pace of your group. Regardless of the session you choose, you will see chimpanzees. Both sessions also follow the same rules — keep your voice low, maintain a distance of at least seven metres from the chimps, avoid eating or smoking nearby, and never use a flash camera.
What the Two Sessions Have in Common
The permit price is identical for both sessions. A chimpanzee trekking permit costs USD 250 for foreign non-residents, USD 200 for foreign residents, and UGX 180,000 for East African nationals. Groups are limited to a maximum of eight people per chimpanzee family, ensuring a low-impact and intimate encounter. Armed ranger guides lead every trek, protecting visitors from potentially dangerous wildlife while navigating the forest trails efficiently.
Key Differences Between the Two Sessions
Although both sessions offer rewarding experiences, there are important differences worth knowing before you book.
In the morning, chimpanzees are just leaving their overnight nests. They are still grouped, which means you have a higher chance of seeing a large family in one place. As a result, morning treks often take less time to locate the chimps, and trekkers tend to feel less physically tired by the end of the experience. The trails can be slightly muddy in the morning, particularly during the dry season, and the forest air is noticeably cooler and fresher at this time.
In the afternoon, the chimpanzees have already scattered across the forest in search of food. This means the search can take longer, and trekkers may cover more ground. However, during the dry season, afternoon trekkers enjoy warmer temperatures and brighter sunshine, which creates better lighting conditions for photography. The trails are also drier in the afternoon, making walking easier underfoot. During the rainy season, the difference between morning and afternoon conditions is less significant, as clouds and rainfall affect both sessions equally.
Which Session Should You Choose?
If you want the best chance of seeing a large group of chimpanzees together and prefer cooler conditions, the morning session is the better choice. If you prefer warmer weather and good natural light for photography, the afternoon session works well — especially during the dry season. At Anthill Safaris, we generally recommend the morning session for most visitors, as chimps are easier to locate and the experience tends to be more relaxed.
Best Time to Visit Kibale for Chimpanzee Trekking
Uganda’s dry seasons run from December to early March and from June to September. These months offer the most comfortable trekking conditions, with drier trails and clearer skies. However, Kibale is a tropical rainforest, so expect rainfall at any time of year, regardless of season. The park also gets busier during the dry season, so book your permits well in advance. If your sole purpose is chimpanzee trekking and you prefer fewer crowds, the low season can be a surprisingly good option.
Trekking Rules to Follow
Trekking is open to visitors aged 12 and above. You must follow your guide’s instructions at all times, as entering the forest without an official UWA guide is not permitted. Do not participate if you have a contagious illness such as flu, a cough, or diarrhoea, as chimpanzees are highly susceptible to human diseases. Keep a distance of at least eight metres from the nearest chimpanzee, and never offer food to the animals. Flash photography is strictly prohibited throughout the trek.
What to Pack
Bring a light backpack containing your camera, binoculars, snacks, and spare clothes. Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip for slippery terrain. Dress in long-sleeved clothing to protect against insects and sharp grass, and always carry a rain jacket. Pack insect repellent, sufficient drinking water, and energy snacks in case the trek runs longer than expected. A camera with a strong zoom lens will allow you to capture clear images of chimps high up in the forest canopy — just remember, no flash.
Getting to Kibale and Where to Stay
Morning vs Afternoon Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale. You can drive from Kampala to Kibale via Fort Portal in approximately four to five hours. Charter flights are also available from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kasese Airstrip, followed by a short road transfer. Accommodation options near the park include the centrally located Primate Lodge, the award-winning Crater Safari Lodge with its stunning crater lake views, the luxurious Kyaninga Lodge, and the budget-friendly Chimpanzee Forest Guest House. Each option offers a comfortable base for your Kibale adventure.
Beyond Chimpanzees
Morning vs Afternoon Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale. Kibale offers much more than chimpanzee trekking. You can explore 12 other primate species on a guided primate walk, go birdwatching among 375-plus species, take a nature walk through the forest, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, or discover the beautiful crater lakes scattered across the region.
Contact Anthill Safaris today to book your Kibale chimpanzee trekking permit and let us plan every detail of your Uganda safari.
