Quick answer: Kibale National Park, near Fort Portal in western Uganda, is the best place to track chimpanzees during AFCON 2027. It is about 5 to 6 hours from Kampala by road, so a 2 to 3 day trip fits between matches. In 2027 the Kibale chimpanzee tracking permit costs US$300 per foreign non-resident. Kibale also sits on the way to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi, so it combines easily with gorillas.
- Park
- Kibale National Park, near Fort Portal
- Kampala to Kibale
- About 5 to 6 hours by road
- Chimp tracking permit 2027
- US$300 foreign non-resident
- Chimp habituation permit 2027
- US$400 foreign non-resident
- Time with chimps
- One hour on a standard tracking
- Combines with
- Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi gorillas, crater lakes
Chimpanzees are our closest living relatives, and watching a community move, call and feed in the forest is one of Uganda’s great wildlife experiences. Kibale has the highest density of primates in East Africa and some of the most reliable chimp sightings anywhere. For AFCON 2027 visitors with a few free days, it is an excellent alternative or addition to gorilla trekking.
Why Kibale during AFCON 2027
- Closer than Bwindi: Kibale is several hours nearer to Kampala than the gorilla parks.
- Lower permit cost: The chimp permit is much cheaper than a gorilla permit.
- Dry season: June and July are drier months, which helps on forest trails.
- Easy to combine: Kibale sits on the classic route to Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi.
Tracking or habituation?
Standard chimp tracking includes about an hour with the chimpanzees once the rangers find them. The habituation experience lets you spend much longer with a community that is being prepared for visitors, starting early in the morning. It suits photographers and travellers who want a deeper experience.
| Experience | 2027 permit (foreign non-resident) | Time with chimps |
|---|---|---|
| Chimpanzee tracking | US$300 | About 1 hour |
| Chimpanzee habituation | US$400 | Most of the day |
Fees can change, so confirm the current rate when booking.
Sample 3-day Kibale trip between matches
- Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Fort Portal, afternoon walk around the crater lakes.
- Day 2: Morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, afternoon Bigodi Wetland walk for birds and monkeys.
- Day 3: Drive back to Kampala.
Combining chimps and gorillas
With five or six free days, you can track chimps in Kibale, drive south through Queen Elizabeth National Park and trek gorillas in Bwindi. Our 4-Day Luxury Gorilla and Chimps Safari and 7-Day Uganda Primates Safari follow this route. For tournament planning, start with AFCON 2027 and gorilla trekking.
What to bring
Wear long trousers, long sleeves and closed shoes, since the forest floor can be muddy and there are biting ants. Neutral colours are better than bright ones. Our safari clothing colour guide explains why.
Frequently asked questions
How likely am I to see chimpanzees in Kibale?
Sightings are very likely, because the chimp communities used for tracking are well habituated and rangers follow them daily. No wild sighting is ever guaranteed.
Is there a minimum age for chimp tracking?
Yes. Children must usually be at least 12 years old. Confirm when booking.
Can I do Kibale as a day trip from Kampala?
It is possible but tiring. Two or three days is much better.
Want chimps between AFCON matches? We will book your permit and plan the route around your fixtures.
