Where is the Best Place for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda?
Where is the Best Place for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda? Chimpanzee trekking is an exciting and popular sport in Uganda, ranking second only to gorilla trekking. Chimpanzee trekking entails traveling into the tropical rainforest in search of habituated chimps and spending one hour with them in their natural environment once identified. Uganda is noted for having the most chimps, and chimp trekking may be done in a variety of locations, including Kibale Forest National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest, and Budongo Forest.
Where is the best place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park.
Kibale Forest National Park, often known as the primate capital, is located in Kabarole district in western Uganda. Kibale Forest National Park is the greatest spot in Uganda for chimp trekking since it has the largest concentration of chimps. The national park is home to about 1,500 chimps and other primates such as black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, vervet monkeys, l’Hoest monkeys, and olive baboons, among others.
Kibale Forest National Park also provides chimp habituation experiences, in which wild chimps are educated to become accustomed to human presence in preparation for trekking. The chimp habituation experience at Kibale Forest National Park takes two to three years to complete, and guests who participate in the event will be permitted to spend four hours with the chimps in their natural habitat.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu Forest.
Another chimp attraction is Kalinzu Forest, which is located in the Bushenyi province of western Uganda. Kalinzu woodland is home to around 320 chimps, as well as other primates such as red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and olive baboons.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge.
Another chimp trekking option is Kyambura Gorge, which is located in the eastern portion of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second biggest national park.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest.
Budongo forest is yet another chimp trekking site in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected region. The forest also provides chimp habituation experiences, in which chimps are educated to become accustomed to human presence in preparation for trekking. Chimpanzee habituation experiences in Budongo woodland are only available during the low season, from March to May and October to November.
What to expect during your Chimpanzee Trekking Experience in Uganda?
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, including Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, and Kyambura Gorge, begins early in the morning with a briefing on the norms and regulations to be followed throughout the trip. Following the briefing, you will be separated into groups of six individuals, with each group assigned a habituated chimp family to hike with and a park guide who is familiar with various hiking tracks. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on where the chimps are situated, because they prefer to travel from one location to another in quest of food.
Other primate species such as black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, different bird species, plant and tree species, and others may be seen when trekking. Once the chimps are located, you will be permitted to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat, where you will be able to learn more about their behaviors and lifestyle, as well as watch chimps feed, play, breastfeed, fight, hunt, mate, rest, take photos, and record the beautiful moments to show people back home after the safari.
When is the best time to go chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Kalinzu Forest can be done at any time of year, but the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February because there is less rainfall in the national parks during this period, so chimp trekking trails and access roads are dry and passable, making trekking easier than during the rainy season.
How much is a chimpanzee Trekking Permit in Uganda?
The cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda varies depending on the chimpanzee destination. For example, a chimpanzee trekking permit in Kalinzu forest and Kyambura gorge costs 50 USD per person for non-residents, 40 USD per person for residents, and 30,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Budongo forest costs 130 USD per person for non-resident foreigners, 120 USD for foreign residents, and 85 USD for East African citizens.
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park costs $200 USD per person for non-residents, $150 USD for locals, and 150,000 UGX for East African citizens.
How to book your chimpanzee trekking permit in Uganda?
Chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda may be obtained directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority by contacting the park offices by email or phone calls. Chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda may also be obtained from a reputable tour operator, such as Explore Rwanda Tours, by contacting us with the day, month, year, and chimpanzee trekking destination that you plan to visit.
We will check for permit availability when you contact us, and if permits are available on your desired dates, you will be required to submit a deposit for the permission. We will obtain the chimpanzee trekking permit on your behalf and give you a scanned copy of the receipt as proof as we receive the money.
What to pack for your chimpanzee trekking experience in Uganda?
When going on a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda, you need pack or take a variety of goods such as bug repellent, a long-sleeved shirt and pant, cotton socks, hiking shoes, a camera and additional batteries, a pair of binoculars, and a back pack, among others.
In Summary; Chimpanzee trekking is a fascinating activity in Uganda that may be done at Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, or Kyambura Gorge, depending on your preferences. For more information on the best chimp trekking locations in Uganda, please contact Explore Rwanda Tours or visit our website for chimpanzee trekking safaris.
