Chimpanzee Trekking comes second after Mountain Gorilla Trekking as the most enjoyed primate experience in Uganda – East Africa. A chimp trek in Uganda entirely ushers holidaymakers into the rainforests to view, learn more about the daily behaviors of chimpanzees. What makes chimpanzee trekking unique is that visitors get a close encounter with chimpanzees while in the wild rather than watching them at the zoo.
Uganda, situated in East Africa is a host to estimated population of over 5600 chimpanzees. Interestingly, most of these unique apes have already been habituated meaning, they are ready for Chimpanzee Trekking which makes Uganda East Africa’s most preferred destination to see chimpanzees in the wild.
Chimpanzees are amazing creatures with unique daily behaviors, one reason most Uganda safari holidaymakers come to explore. They have 98.7% of their DNA related to that of humans and while on chimp trek, you will certainly make comparisons on how closely related we are to these creatures. In every chimpanzee community, there are 30 to 80 members comprised of a dominant Alpha male, infants, females and sub-adults.
Chimpanzee Trekking Destinations in Uganda.
Kibale Forest National Park.
Situated in Kabarole District, Kibale National Park-Uganda, East Africa is of no doubt the Primate Capital of the World. Of all the 5600 chimpanzees Uganda hosts, over 1500 of them exist in the 795 Sq. Kms vast rainforest of Kibale Forest National Park, Western part of the country. They are part of the 13 species of primates which make Kibale a primate capital of the world. Other primates include L’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, pottos, blue monkeys, bush babies, grey cheeked mangabeys and colobus monkeys.
All Kibale Forest chimp treks begin from Kanyanchu Tourist Centre after briefing from the park official. All holidaymakers must present valid chimpanzee permits and each of the permits are available for booking at US $200 for foreign non-residents, $150 (foreign residents and East Africa Community citizen purchase Kibale chimp permits at Uganda shillings 150,000. While on chimpanzee holiday in Kibale, there is possibility to also participate in Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) which costs 250$ per permit.
Access to Kibale is easier and enjoyable on road as you stand a chance to make stop visits to interesting touristic sites. Kibale N/Park sits within the 4 districts in Western Uganda – Kabarole, Kamwenge and Kasese. To get there, you set off along Mityana – Mubende – Fort Portal Tourism City route and your journey is estimated to last for 5-6 hours.
Budongo Forest in Masindi District.
Set in Masindi District, Mid-Western Uganda just along the route to Murchison Falls National Park is the magical Budongo Forest. This is one of Africa’s expansive and beautiful natural forests with an area coverage of 825sq.kms. It is host to over 800 chimpanzees, 100 of these have undergone a complete habituation process.
Budongo Forest chimp treks commence at Kaniyo-Pabidi early with briefing and a guide is allocated to every group of visitors heading to track a chimpanzee community in this rainforest. Chimpanzee permits for Budongo can be secured at $85 and like Kibale, you can as well go for chimpanzee habituation experience-the whole day experience of exploring more about chimpanzees and get them familiar to human presence.
Kyambura Gorge.
Situated within Uganda’s second biggest safari park, Queen Elizabeth National Park is Kyambura Gorge, a home to about 30 chimpanzees. This 16km scenic gorge also protects many other species of primates such as vervet monkeys, baboons, colobus and red-tailed monkeys. Kyambura Gorge chimp permits are sold at US $50 per trekker on Uganda holiday safari.
Kalinzu Forest.
Kalinzu Forest, home to 290 chimpanzees lies adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Western Uganda. 70 of its existing chimpanzees have been habituated and permits are available for reservation at $30.
Toro-Semuliki Reserve.
Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve/Semuliki National Park shelters 260 chimpanzees with 3 chimp communities already open for tracking. This protected area is perched near Uganda border with D.R. Congo.
Best time to go for Uganda chimpanzee trekking.
Trekking to see chimpanzees in Uganda is best done during the 2 dry seasons because of their favorable weather conditions. These begin from June, July, August/December, January, and February. For any plans to visit Uganda for chimp trekking, remember to pack essentials such as rain jacket, long sleeved shirt, non-flashlight camera, day pack, sweater, hiking boots, snacks and bottled water.
