Compare Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale & Kyambura Gorge
Compare chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park & Kyambura Gorge is one of the frequently Asked Questions we receive time and again. The comparison between chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park and Kyambura Gorge can be possible based on several factors. Chimpanzee trekking tours in Uganda are majorly done in these two safari destinations. Kibale National Park is located in western Uganda covering the districts of Kabarole and Kamwenge. Kyambura Gorge, on the other hand, is located in western Uganda in the Rubirizi district. Kyambura Gorge is part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park Conservation Area. It is usually referred to as “A Valley of Apes.”
Both Kyambura Gorge and Kibale National Park are famous for being homes to primates like monkeys and chimpanzees. An exclusive Uganda chimpanzee or primate safari will take you to either both or one of these places. In this article, you will be able to tell the differences and similarities of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park and Kyambura Gorge. Just Read on.
Distance from Entebbe Airport to Kibale Vs Kyambura Gorge
Kibale National Park is about 6 hours drive from Entebbe International Airport. This is when you are using the Kampala – Fort Portal highway. Kyambura Gorge, on the other hand, is about 7 hours from Entebbe International Airport. This is when you opt for the Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara – Kasese highway. The other alternative route (Kampala – Fort Portal – Kasese road) is less by about 40 minutes. This implies that reaching Kibale National Park from Entebbe Airport is shorter than reaching Kyambura Gorge.
By air, it is easier to reach Kyambura Gorge than reach Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking. This is because Kyambura Gorge is closer to both Kasese Airstrip and Mweya Airstrip. This implies that travelers on a Uganda flying safari find it easier to reach Kyambura Gorge than to reach Kibale National Park.
Compare the Chimpanzee trekking experience in Kyambura Gorge and Kibale National Park
Both Kibale National Park and Kyambura Gorge offer amazing chimpanzee trekking experiences to safari goers on a Uganda primate tour. The difference lies in the terrain and the number of chimpanzee families found in these destinations. To begin with, Kibale National Park is bigger compared to the small Kyambura Gorge. If you plan to trek chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, you should expect to walk a longer distance while searching for these giant apes. The chimpanzee trekking experience in Kyambura Gorge involves short walks on the steep slopes of the valley (gorge) while observing the chimps. It is easier to meet chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge than it is in Kibale National Park. Choosing between these two chimpanzee destinations may depend on the level of your physical fitness. The bottom line is that seeing chimps in both Kyambura Gorge and Kibale National Park is guaranteed.
It should also be noted that Chimpanzee habituation tours can only be done in Kibale National Park. During this activity, travelers are allowed to spend more time in the presence of a chimpanzee family. The activity is done by only 4 people, unlike the 8 people for the chimpanzee trekking experience.
The price of Chimpanzee trekking permits (Kibale National Park Vs Kyambura Gorge)
However much both Kibale National Park and Kyambura Gorge offer chimpanzee trekking tours, the price of trekking permits differ. A chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale National Park for foreign non-residents costs USD 250 per person per trek. On the other hand, a chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura Gorge costs USD 100 per person per trek for foreign non-residents. Remember that the permit prices are not determined by tour companies. They are rather determined by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. All that a tour company or tour operator in Uganda can help you with is booking these permits on your behalf.
Compare other activities done in Kibale National Park and Kyambura Gorge other than chimpanzee trekking
One thing you need to keep at the back of your mind while planning a Uganda chimpanzee safari is that the activity can be done alongside other activities. Both Kyambura Gorge and Kibale National Park offer diverse safari activities alongside chimpanzee trekking tours.
To begin with, in Kibale National Park, one can take part in other safari activities. These include; guided nature walks in Bigodi Village, Birding tours in the Magombe Swamp, crater lake tours, visiting Amabere Caves, and hiking to the top of the world. Talking of birding, Kibale National Park is a reliable birding safari destination in Uganda.
The park is home to both common and rare species of birds. A good example is the blue Rwenzori turaco that can be spotted in the Bigodi wetland. For bird lovers, visiting Kibale National Park is an ideal choice. More so, the park offers amazing community tours. It is a good habit to practice sustainable tourism while taking on a chimpanzee trekking tour in Uganda. Community tours around Kibale National Park are equally amazing. Visiting the Banana Man is a dream come true. You will enjoy seeing local beer brewing and the traditional women dancing.
Other safari activities in Kyambura Gorge
Do not be made to think that Kyambura Gorge is only for chimpanzees. The gorge is close to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Uganda’s most famous safari destination in Uganda. Kyambura Gorge is a haven for bird lovers. Many species of birds find their dwelling in this area. You will witness some of the migratory birds roaming the gorge during a chimpanzee trekking session in Kyambura Gorge. Other than birding, one can take part in several activities like boat cruises, wildlife safari game drives, community tours, and many more. Some of the animals to be spotted in Queen Elizabeth National Park include; lions, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, antelopes, bushbucks, and many more.
Time for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge and Kibale National Park
In Kibale National Park, you can track chimpanzees early in the morning and mid-morning. On the other hand, Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge can be done in the morning, mid-morning, and afternoon. The experiences are equally rewarding and they offer travelers memorable stories to tell. Talk to us about the best time that you need your chimp trekking experience.
What is the best time to do a chimpanzee tour in Uganda?
Both Kibale National Park and Kyambura Gorge are open for chimpanzee trekking all year round. However, the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) stand out as the best time for chimpanzee trekking. During these times, the terrain is not slippery and vegetation is not that thick. The rainy seasons have advantages like less traffic and a reduction in accommodation prices. Book your Uganda chimpanzee trekking tour now and create a signature of memories.
