Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda is one of the most fascinating one could ever enjoy in there lifetime, with only 4,950 chimpanzees left in Uganda and conserved in the zoos, sanctuaries and a few remaining rain forests, the government is using all possible measures to conserve the population of these primates. Uganda. Chances of viewing chimpanzees in their natural habitat are high most especially in Kibale Forest, however, these being wild animals it is not always a guarantee.

On Your Chimpanzee Trekking Safari, you will set out into the natural jungle today and search for the chimpanzees starting from where they nestled the night before and following their droppings with the help of the ranger guides that are experienced in trekking the chimpanzees. After you have encountered the chimpanzees, you will spend 1 hour with these impressive creatures as you observe them swing from one tree to another, feed, play about or progress speedily on the ground right in front of you.

Chimpanzees give birth every 4-5 years and look after their infants for 10-12 years before they are old enough to survive and fend for themselves. These species live in communities that have cultural differences and different lifestyles. These elusive animals are highly intelligent and can use tools like rocks to crack nuts, sticks to fish for termites and make sponges from leaves to soak up water for drinking from hole in tree.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) enables visitors to accompany researchers and habituators into the forest as they try to expose the chimpanzee groups that are less accustomed to human presence, you will walk and follow them around from sunrise to sunset, viewing them is both exciting and challenging.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience takes you on a fascinating adventure with the chimpanzees through Kibale Forest National Park from the break of dawn until 7:00 pm.

Below are some of the places where one can engage in chimpanzee trekking in Uganda inclusive of;

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park also known as the “Primates Capital” offers the best Chimpanzee Trekking experience with 95% of viewing these wild animals in their natural setting. Chimpanzee are the most sought after primate by visitors, but you should look out for the black & white colobus, red-tailed monkey or the grey-cheeked mangabeys,  pittas, different bird species and plant species within the forest. This walk is for 6 people in a group starting from the park headquarters in the Kanyanchu Visitor center at 08.00 & 15.00 and lasts from 2 to 3 hours.

Chimpanzee Trekking in the Kyambura gorge

The Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park is another fascinating place to track chimpanzees in Uganda. This scenic gorge is part of the Western Rift Valley and it provides such a unique setting and backdrop for chimpanzee tracking. The terrain is a bit tough as you cross creeks and rivers all part of the excitement of being with the chimpanzees of Kyambura Gorge which usually lasts 3 hours.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu Forest

Kalinzu Forest located near Queen Elizabeth National Park offers spectacular Chimpanzee Trekking opportunities. The Chimpanzees here have been habituated by Japanese Researchers for over 20 years making it one of best chimpanzee trekking destinations.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve

The Semliki Wildlife Reserve is known for birding, tropical jungles, the Semliki River and Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris. These Chimpanzees have been habituated by Indiana University and the Trek is quite long and you see other primates, a lot of birds that are found in the Congo and incredible scenery.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest

Budongo Forest offers exciting chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda as you follow the chimpanzees around during their daily activities, thereby getting used to human presence without changing their nature. While on your trek you will view many bird species, other animals alongside the different tree species that are found in this forest.

Rules and regulations to follow while Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzees though habituated, they are still wild animals that will get uncomfortable and disturbed in their personal space. Below are some of the trekking etiquette to ensure a safe and amazing trekking experience.

• A distance of about 8m is very important between you and the chimpanzees.
• People with diseases such as flu or diarrhea should refrain from visiting the park.
• Avoid eating near the chimps.
• Children below the age of 12 are prohibited from entering the park.
• The Ranger Guides are the only ones allowed to help get access to the forest.
• Chimps need freedom, therefore, no provoking them once you enter the park.
• Flash photography is not allowed in the park.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda will offer you other amazing sights including black & white Colobus, grey-cheeked Mangabey, red-tailed monkey bird species and plant species within the forest.