In Uganda, chimpanzee trekking is the second most popular activity after gorilla trekking in the impenetrable national park of Bwindi. It entails walking through the forest in search of the chimpanzees and spending an hour with them in their natural environment. Most famously, Uganda is home to the greatest number of chimpanzees, which may be found in several locations, including
Kibale National Park
Because it is home to roughly 13 different primate species, including 1500 chimpanzees, Kibale National Park in western Uganda is frequently referred to as the primate capital. At Kibale National Park, chimpanzee trekking begins with a briefing at the park headquarters in the morning. In Kibale Forest, chimpanzee trekking is conducted in two sessions: the morning session, which begins at approximately 8:00 am, and the afternoon session, which begins at approximately 2:00 pm.
Because the chimpanzees like moving around in quest of food, each session lasts anything from thirty minutes to four hours, depending on their location. at addition to chimps, other primates such as grey-cheeked mangabeys, l’hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and bush infants can be found at Kibale National Park.
Chimpanzee habituation is another experience offered by Kibale National Park, where visitors can spend four hours with the primates.
The Kalinzu Forest
After Kibale Forest, Kalinzu Forest is Uganda’s second-best place to go chimpanzee trekking. More than 300 chimpanzees call Kalinzu Forest, a tropical rainforest close to Queen Elizabeth National Park in Bushenyi area, home. Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest, as in Kibale National Park, begins with an orientation on the rules and guidelines to be followed throughout the walk. After that, you will go into the forest to look for the habituated chimps and spend an hour with them in their natural habitat.
Forest of Budongo
The largest mahogany forest in East Africa, Budongo Forest, is situated in Uganda’s largest protected area, Murchison Falls National Park. The third-best chimpanzee trekking site in Uganda is Budongo Forest, which is home to more than 600 chimpanzees as well as other primates like baboons, blue and black colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and others.
The fascinating activity of chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest begins early in the morning with a briefing at the headquarters. Following the briefing, which should last between thirty and four hours, you will begin hiking into the jungle with a knowledgeable park guide in search of the chimpanzees.
After the chimpanzees are located, you will get the opportunity to spend an hour with them in their natural environment, where you can see their routines, behaviors, and way of life. You will also be allowed to take pictures and document the amazing moments.
Gorge of Kyambura
Another chimpanzee trekking site in the northeastern region of Queen Elizabeth National Park is Kyambura Gorge, also called the Valley of Apes. Other primates such as olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue and red-tailed monkeys, and others can be seen at Kyambura Gorge.
Reserve for Toro-Semuliki games
Another location in western Uganda where you can see chimpanzees is the Toro-Semuliki Game Reserve. In Toro-Semuliki Game Reserve, chimpanzee trekking takes between thirty minutes and four hours. While trekking, you can see other primates, such as olive baboons, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. After you locate the chimpanzees, you can spend an hour with them in their natural habitat.
Any tourist above the age of 15 is permitted to visit a habituated chimpanzee family in any location with a chimpanzee trekking permit, which is a legal document. The cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda varies based on where you go. For example, a single permit in Kibale National Park costs USD 200 for non-resident foreigners, USD 150 for residents, and UGX 150,000 for East African citizens.
In Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu Forest, a permit costs USD 50 for non-resident foreigners, USD 50 for residents, and UGX 30,000 for East African citizens. In Budongo Forest, a permit costs USD 120 for foreign non-residents, USD 110 for foreign residents, and USD 75 for East African citizens. In Toro-Semuliki Game Reserve, a permit costs USD 30 for non-resident foreigners, USD 30 for residents, and UGX 20,000 for East African citizens.
In Kibale National Park, chimpanzee habituation permits cost USD 250 for non-resident foreigners, USD 250 for locals, and UGX 150,000 for citizens of East Africa. Since chimpanzee trekking and habituation permits in Uganda tend to sell out rapidly, especially during the busiest months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February, reservations should be made three months prior to the trekking date.
The best time to go chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. This is because the chimpanzee destinations receive less or no rainfall during this time, making access roads and chimpanzee trekking trails passable, as opposed to the wet season, when the trails are muddy, slippery, and wet, making trekking challenging.
In Uganda, chimpanzee trekking is a fascinating and daring activity that may be done alone or in conjunction with animal viewing, volcano climbing, or gorilla trekking in the impenetrable national park of Bwindi to create an experience that will never be forgotten. You can get in touch with us at All In Africa Safaris for more details about chimpanzee trekking or safari reservations.
At East Africa Gorilla Safaris, under All In Africa Safaris, we specialize in unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences and diverse wildlife safaris.
Our expertly guided tours provide intimate encounters with gorillas and rich African wildlife, ensuring an unparalleled adventure in the heart of East Africa.
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