Need to know about Chimpanzees? find them in Uganda; the pearl of Africa, situated in East Africa. Chimp tracking is arguably one of the finest safari activities worth undertaking during one’s vacation; It is cheap and every second worth embracing. Chimpanzees possess over 98.7% human DNA, attractive bodies and impressive sounds. They are vegetarians, though at times feed on insects and ants.
CHIMPANZEE TREKKING DESTINATIONS IN UGANDA.
Kibale forest national park.
This is the primate hub of Uganda; dominated by chimpanzees. A total of13 unique primate species have been identified here; notably the Columbus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and many more, forest mammals, amphibians, plants, and birds. It is located in the southern part of Uganda, a few kilometers from the tourism city; Fort portal city.
Kyambura Gorge.
Located at the edge of Queen Elizabeth national park, Kyambura gorge is one of the loveliest chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda. Though the chimpanzee population is quite low, tracking them gets interesting with every step you take. The forest is relatively small but offers an amazing opportunity of identifying unique vegetation, birds and beautiful gorges.
Budongo forest.
Located at the southern boundary of Murchison Falls national park, Budongo forest is one of the best places for Chimpanzee trekking, done in the morning and afternoon hours. The forest is split into two sections of forests, of which Chimpanzees are done in both; the Busingiro Eco-tourism site in the west and Kaniyo pabidi in the south. Both these regions can be accessed from the Kichubanyobo gate near the town of Masindi.
Chimpanzee trekking is best done in the morning hours, though Kyambura gorge and Budongo forest offer an afternoon trekking experience. The quest starts with a briefing session at the park headquarters by the ranger guides, who state the trekking rules and accompany the trekkers through the 1-5 hour search. There is no technical skill needed for this adventure to become a dream come trip.
Chimpanzee trekking Do’s and Don’ts.
To all persons intending to track the chimpanzees, here are the rules to follow;
- Don’t litter the park.
- Listen to the instructions from the park rangers.
- Ensure proper waste disposal.
- No making noise.
- Refer to the instructions by the park ranger
- No imitating or feeding the chimps.
- Don’t use flashlights for taking photos.
- Stand at least 7 meters off the apes, and leave the jungle as natural as you found it.
These rules apply in all parks/chimp destinations and failure to follow them attracts a penalty.
Chimp trekking Costs.
Chimpanzee trekking costs in Uganda differ from one destination to another, and this is what you expect to pay in each destination. Permits to Kibale national park; 200usd for foreign non-residents, 15ousd for foreign residents, and 150,000ugx for East African citizens; inclusive Ugandans.
Budongo forest permits cost 135usd for foreign nonresidents and 230usd for the habituation experience. Kyambura Gorge is at 30,000ugx for Ugandans and all east African residents, 50 USD for foreign non – residents and 50 USD for Foreign residents. The money collected enables the authority to do more in conservation and also pay its workers.
This charge includes park entrance and the ranger fee but excludes the cost of transportation, meals, and accommodation among others. Only those above the age of 15years are permitted to do tracking in these parks.
Best time for Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.
Chimpanzee trekking runs across the year, though the idlest time is June to September and December to February. The other months have plenty of rain, which makes the ground muddy and hiking hard. Nonetheless; March to May, and November is ideal for budget travelers because of the discounts offered by most travel companies and the accommodations.
Packing list for a chimpanzee trekking safari.
This is how your chimpanzee trekking list can look like; trekking permit, Visa, passport, Covid19 test form, sleeping bag in case of camping, personal effects, camera, long clothes, light and thick clothes due to abrupt changes in weather and professional binoculars among others.
It is possible to do chimpanzee trekking in any of the three trekking destinations in Uganda. It can be done independently, or a combination with any other activity; notably, game drive, honeymoon, family retreat, or business vacation. A chimp trip with us guarantees safety, value for money and comfort.
