Its undeniable that chimpanzee trekking is one of the top travel experiences in Uganda. Second to mountain gorillas, chimpanzees are among the most visited primates which attract the highest number of travelers to the Pearl of Africa. Uganda is believed to shelter over 5000 chimpanzees which are found in different parts of the country which make it the best destination for chimpanzee safaris in Africa. The endangered species share over 90% of human genes which make them the close relatives to people. Interestingly, chimpanzee tours in Uganda are done along other travel experiences such as mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest, game viewing in savannah Parks of Uganda. African Apes Tours brings you details on the best places to see chimpanzees in Uganda. These include:
Also knowns as the primate capital of Africa. Kibale Forest National Park is the premier and number one chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda.The primates forest receives the highest number of travelers visiting to trek chimpanzees compared to other destinations. Kibale Forest National Park is home to over 1500 chimpanzees which guarantee availability of chimpanzee permits in Uganda. All chimpanzee treks in Kibale Forest National park start from Kanyanchu Visitor information Centre where travelers are registered and briefed on the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking. Besides chimpanzees, Kibale Forest National Park Is home to other 12 primates which include Red tailed monkeys, Black and White Colubus, Baboons, Vervet monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Pottos, Grey Cheeked Mangabey, L’hoest Monkeys, Uganda Red Colubus, Pottos and Uganda Mangabey among others. Travelers have chance to meet these other primates on their trek to search for the endangered chimpanzees. Each chimpanzee permits in Kibale Forest National park costs $200 for foreign nonresidents, $150 for foreign residents and UGX 150,000 for Eat African citizens. A 3 Days Kibale chimpanzee trekking tour is a suitable package for you.
Still in Kibale Forest National Park, you can spend half day with the endangered primates on your chimpanzee habituation experience. This is the process in which wild chimpanzees are trained to be free with people. A single chimpanzee habituation permit costs $250 but its worth it!
The advantages of trekking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest a National Park include guarantee of permits, over 90% guarantee of seeing chimpanzees and a chance to meet several other primates in this jungle forest. A nature walk in Bigodi wetland makes your chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale Forest National park a complete package.
Kalinzu Forest
Located in Bushenyi district in south western Uganda, Kalinzu Forest reserve is the second best chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda. YES, Kalinzu forest is second to Kibale Forest National Park in terms of excellent chimpanzee safaris. A chimpanzee permit in Kalinzu Forest costs $50 which is much affordable for budget travelers. More so, chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest can be complemented with mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park which make the whole experience more fun. However, trekking in this jungle forest is quite challenging which require physical fitness and mental readiness for travelers
Budongo Forest
Covering some portion of Murchison Falls National park, Budongo Forest is yet another interesting destination to see chimpanzees on your Uganda safari. Budongo Forest is ranked 3rd best chimpanzee destination in Uganda. Budongo forest in Uganda’s largest conservation area spreading over 825 square kilometers of land. Chimpanzees in Budongo forest are normally visited as an add-on experience on game viewing and launch cruise in the famous Murchison Falls National Park which is Uganda’s largest and oldest National Park. The Forest is home to over 700 chimpanzees along other primates such as vervet monkeys, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus. The cost of chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest is $100 plus $40 entrance fee into Murchison Falls National Park
Kyambura Gorge
Located in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyambura Gorge is another destination and the fourth best place to see chimpanzees in Uganda. Descend into the valley of Apes to meet the smallest community of chimpanzees in this underground Forest. The experience is unique and of its own kind! Kyambura gorge is believed to shelter around 50 chimpanzees which awaits you. Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge is best done together with game viewing and Kazinga channel launch cruise in Queen Elizabeth National park. chimpanzee permits in Kyambura Gorge costs $50 for foreign nonresidents, $50 for foreign residents and UGX 30,000 for East African citizens.
Other places to see chimpanzees in Uganda include the Toro Semliki Wildlife reserve and Ngogo game reserve.
NOTE: The cost of chimpanzee permit is inclusive of the conservation fees, Park entrance fees and Government taxes. Just like in mountain gorillas, chimpanzee permits are nonrefundable once bought. However, travelers are allowed to reschedule to a future date as a small cost.
Rules and Regulations of Chimpanzee Trekking
At the start of every chimpanzee trekking experience, travelers are gathered together and briefed on the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking to ensure safety of travelers and the endangered primates. These include:
1. Keep a distance of 7 meters away from the chimpanzees
2. Do not litter in the Park
3. Avoid using flash light cameras
4. Avoid direct eye contact with chimpanzees
5. Do not eat or drink in presence of chimpanzees
6. Turn back your faces when sneezing or coughing
7. Do not trek chimpanzees when sick
8. Spend strictly an hour with the chimpanzees in their community
9. Do not smoke when with the chimpanzees
10. Keep within your group and speak at a low tone
What to Pack for chimpanzee Trekking?
Travelers visiting to trek chimpanzees in any destination are advised to carry basic essentials. Among the things to carry for chimpanzee trekking include:
• Closed hiking boots/shoes
• Rain jacket
• Gardening gloves
• Sun and hat
• Long sleeved shirts/blouse
• Warm sweater
• Insect repellants
• Long pants
• Bottled drinking water
• Energy giving snacks
Best time for chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
The dry months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February is the best time for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Forest grounds are less slippery in the dry season which make it easy to trek through. However, trekking in the low season in March, April May, October and November is also good for chimpanzee trekking. Low season normally attracts discounted offers from various service providers especially lodges and transport companies.
How and When to book a chimpanzee permit
African Apes Tours & Travel is your ultimate travel agency to book chimpanzee permits and trips in Uganda. Contact us, inform us on your travel dates and we shall do the rest for you. Alternatively, you can boo directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority, the government body responsible for chimpanzee trekking, habituation and conservation in Uganda. Chimpanzee Permit booking is recommended at least 6 months in advance. However, African Apes Holidays also books last minute chimpanzee safaris.
In conclusion therefore, chimpanzee trekking is a worth doing experience in Uganda. Visit any one chimpanzee destination in the Pearl of Africa and enjoy this life time experience.