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Chimpanzee trekking

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda, Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris

The up close and personal encounter with the Uganda Chimpanzees during Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is a wonderous chance for tourists to experience man’s closest relatives in their natural habitat.

Chimpanzees in Uganda stay in the ancient and beautiful Uganda forests filled with favorable conditions to sustain them. The primates are also the closest relatives to humans with a DNA match of 98%-99%.

With over 5000 endangered Chimpanzees in Uganda, Kibale National Park also called the “Primate Capital of the World” has the highest number, with over 1500 individuals. This thus provides a 99% guarantee of meeting the Chimpanzees.

The experience which takes about 2 to 5 hours through the protected areas will however only lead you to meet a habituated group with which you will spend a maximum of one hour.

Uganda will offer you various places to watch the remarkable Chimpanzee primates. However, below are the best places to visit for unmatched Chimpanzee trekking or watching adventures in Uganda today.

  1. Kibale National Park/ Kibale Forest National Park
  2. Kalinzu Forest near Queen Elizabeth National Park
  3. Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park
  4. Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  5. Ngamba Island in Entebbe

Below, we look at them in detail.

Chimpanzee Trekking at Kibale National Park 

Kibale Forest chimpanzee tracking is the best compared to other Uganda Chimpanzee destinations. Out of the over 5000 chimpanzees in Uganda, Kibale Forest protects the highest number, which is over 1500.

Tourists to the park will track a habituated group from the Kanyanchu Centre.

Kibale National Park is also an amazing wildlife destination that brings you to experience over 375 bird species, 351 tree species, and over 70 mammal species that you can explore during your safari trips and adventure experiences.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu Forest Near Queen Elizabeth National Park 

The Kalinzu Forest Reserve is one of the best Chimpanzee tracking destinations in Uganda, with over 300 Chimpanzees and about 70 that are habituated for tracking.

The adventure takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours and along the way, you will meet other wildlife for example the monkeys and the different bird species.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest at Murchison Falls National Park 

Budongo Forest is a 30-minute drive away from the Kichumbanyobo gate of Murchison Falls National Park.

The forest has over 600 species with 80 individuals that are habituated for tracking.

Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest is among the best in the country and it takes place at Kaniyo Pabidi found in the south of Murchison Falls National Park.

Kyambura Gorge Chimp Trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park 

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge is a great way to track the only chimpanzee family called the Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Community in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The family has about 23 members, and through a ranger guide, you will walk through the gorge to meet them in their natural habitat.

Chimpanzee Viewing at Ngamba Island 

Ngamba Island found on the shores of Lake Victoria was opened in 1998 by the primatologist Jane Goodall who rescued 13 orphaned chimpanzees. Today, Ngamba is home to more than 50 orphaned chimpanzees that you can explore on your safari trips.

Therefore, the excursion will lead you to experience the sight of the Chimpanzees and other species like the bird species. Exploring Ngamba Island is between 8:00 am to 3:00 pm where you will spend with Chimps and learn about the different ways of how to conserve them.

The Chimpanzee Tracking Experience 

The Chimpanzee trekking experience is a remarkable and heartfelt safari adventure that brings you closer to the Chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

The experience begins in the morning around 8:00 am with a ranger guide taking you through the chimpanzee trekking rules and regulations at the Kanyanchu Center. For an easier chimpanzee trek, you can either get a walking stick or hire a porter to carry your belongings.

In a group of 8 trackers, you will then follow your armed ranger guide into the beautiful forest, passing through the wondrous nature, given birds, monkeys, or even the Olive baboons.

You will then meet the habituated chimpanzee family that you will spend one hour as you intriguingly watch them play, feed, and groom. You will also take their photo as they go about their day.

Chimpanzee Trekking Rules and Regulations 

At the Kanyanchu Center, your ranger guide will take you through the chimp trek rules and regulations that will enlighten you on how to safely track the chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Below are the chimpanzee trekking rules and regulations.

1. Only a group of 8 tourists can visit a chimpanzee family.

2. Chimpanzees can catch human diseases therefore tourists with airborne diseases are prohibited from tracking the chimps.

3. Tourists who are 12 years and above are the ones allowed to go for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

4. Silence will allow you to experience more.

5. Upon meeting the Chimpanzees you will be allowed to spend one hour with them as you watch them play, feed, and groom.

6. Taking photos with flashlights is not allowed as they can attract the attention of the chimpanzees or scare them.

7. Upon meeting a Chimpanzee family, you will be allowed to spend with them only one hour.

8. Do not mimic the vocalization of the chimpanzees.

9. Avoid littering while in the forest.

10. Eating, drinking, and smoking while tracking and with the chimpanzees is prohibited.

11. In case you feel like easing yourself, all waste will be buried waste including the toilet paper used will be buried at least 30 cm in the ground.

Other Amazing Safari Activities in Uganda 

Other than the remarkable Chimpanzee trekking, Uganda is also a wondrous destination for you to experience other amazing safari experiences for example

  1. Gorilla trekking
  2. Game drives
  3. Birding
  4. Boat cruises
  5. Nature walks
  6. Mountain hiking
  7. Adventure activities like Bungee Jumping and Kayaking, among others.

Conclusion

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is a unique adventure and one of the highlights of the country. Uganda offers the best chimpanzee tracking experiences in Kibale Forest National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Budongo Forest, and viewing the primates at Ngamba Island.

Inquire with a professional tour consultant at Orinoco Expeditions about the best chimp trekking experiences in Uganda.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Is Chimpanzee Trekking Worth it?

Yes, Chimpanzee trekking is worth an incredible African experience leading you to meet the endangered Ugandan primates and man’s closest relatives.

2. How Much is the Chimpanzee Trekking Permit in Uganda?

The chimpanzee tracking permit costs is a legal document issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, allowing you to track the chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Chimpanzee permit in Kibale National Park costs $250 for foreign non-residents, $200 for foreign residents, and UGX180,000 for East African citizens.

On the other hand, a chimpanzee permit for chimpanzee tracking at Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu Forest costs $100 for foreign nonresidents, $80 for foreign residents, and ugx50,000 for East African nationals.

Chimp treks at Budongo Forest cost $130 for foreign nonresidents, $120 for foreign residents, and $85 for East African citizens.

3. Where is the Best Place for Chimpanzee Trekking? 

Kibale National Park ranks as the best place to track chimpanzees in Uganda. 

4. When is the Best Time to go Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda?

The best time to go chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is during the dry season. This is from about December through February and June through September.

The dry season is good for chimp trekking because the ground is always dry thus making the walking experience much easier.

Although it is also possible to do chimp trekking in the wet season, the tracking grounds are often muddy thus making movements much harder.

5. What are the Important Things to Pack for your Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda?

There are various things that you can pack for your adventures and these include,

  1. Travel documents like passports and Yellow Fever cards.
  2. Notebook and pen
  3. Backpack
  4. Insect repellent
  5. Sunscreen lotion

What Should I Wear for a Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure in Uganda?

When going for a chimp trek in Uganda, wear clothes that will make you comfortable during your experience. These include the

  1. Long-sleeved trousers and shirts
  2. Strong sturdy shoes
  3. Scarf
  4. Garden gloves
  5. Hat/Cap
  6. Socks
  7. Sunglasses