Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking also known as the Primates Walk is a very fascinating adventure as you interact with our closet cousins in their jungle home. Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda allows you an hour with these impressive and mesmerizing 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.

Second to Gorillas, Chimpanzees are the most exciting animals to see on your safari in Uganda as they are the most popular primate species among tourists. Uganda’s protected areas are home to over 5000 chimpanzees, though their population has declined over the years due to poaching for both food and pets. The unstable political environment also led to the continual decline in population though the government through different organisations like Uganda Wildlife Authority has tried to protect and conserve the chimpanzee population.

Where to go for Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda

Uganda is home to over 5,000 Chimpanzees with Chimpanzee tracking as one of Uganda’s main wildlife safari activity after Gorillas trekking. The Chimpanzee tracking adventure allows you an hour visit with the chimpanzees though being wild animals, it is not always a guarantee to spot the chimpanzees.

Uganda has many places where you can track and see chimpanzees in their natural setting and below is the of the places where to enjoy adventure.

Kibale Forest National Park:

Kibale Forest is by-far the best place for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda with a 95% possibility of spotting the chimpanzees.The forest is home to over 1,500 Chimpanzees and 12 primate species. making it a primate lover’s paradise. At USD150, you get to enjoy 1 hour with the impressive creatures and at USD200 for the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience where you spend a full day with the chimps as you follow them from day break as they leave their nests to sunset as they build nests for the night.

Kyambura Gorge:

Kyambura Gorge in located in Queen Elizabeth National Park and it offers an amazing and extra-ordinary chimpanzee trekking experience  as the trekking is done down in the deep gorge where a smaller Chimpanzee group is found. The possibility of finding the chimps is  a 50% though amazing scenery of the Gorge where you traverse rivers, forests, streams beats all odds.

Budongo Forest

Budongo Forest located near Murchison Falls National Park in northern Uganda offers chimpanzee trekking and can be added onto the Murchison Falls National Park safari. The Price for permits is USD80, the possibility of viewing the creatures is high. Budongo forest also offers the Habituation Experience during the off-season, a project that is being overseen by the Jane Goodall Institute and Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Kalinzu Forest

Kalinzu Forest located near Queen Elizabeth Park offers for Chimpanzee trekking at a cost of USD30 per permit. For the past 20 years, chimpanzees have been habituated by Japanese Researchers and have done an excellent job habituating them. Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest can be incorporated into the Queen Elizabeth National Park safari.

Semliki Wildlife Reserve

Chimpanzee trekking can also be done in Semliki Wildlife Reserve, though the reserve is mostly known for birding rather than chimpanzee trekking safaris. The trek in search for the chimpanzees is hectic and long though you will enjoy views of other primates, various bird species and not forgetting the incredible scenery as Semuliki Wildlife Reserve is close to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park.

Etiquette while Trekking Chimps in Uganda

Chimpanzee Trekking regulations are set for both protection of the visitors and chimpanzees during the exercise thus sensitivity is key when you enter the jungle the natural setting of the chimpanzees. Though habituated in a two year program, theses chimpanzees are still wild animals that might get uncomfortable and startled while you visit. Below are some of the rules that have been set aside to make the trekking activity a successful and unforgettable experience including;

• Always abide and follow the Ranger’s instructions and input at the orientation and during the trekking exercise as they have been around these animals for so long they know what to expect and what to do in case of anything.
• While in the company of the chimpanzees always keep a distance of at least 8 meters between you and them so they don’t feel cornered in their own habitat.
• Ensure that you don’t provoke or intimidate the chimpanzees .
• The minimum age for trekking chimpanzees is 15 years.
• Do not consume any foods or drinks in the presence of the Chimpanzees.
• In case you have any illness like flue, colds, diarrhea or other illnesses that can be passed to chimpanzees please forego the trek and you will refunded.
• Please ensure that you do not smoke in the presence of the chimpanzees.
• No Flash Photography since it will startle Chimpanzees.

Please Contact us for an unforgettable Chimpanzee Trekking adventure