Uganda is a destination not to be undermined when it comes to top captivating destinations in Africa. It packs plenty into the travelers’ multi-day tours including the chimpanzee tracking experiences.
This experience grants travelers great chances of encountering chimps while in the Jungles. If you are really in love with primates, chimp trekking should be one of the activities to include on your wish list.
Chimpanzees are ranked the closest primates to human beings features, there are omnivores in nature (only feed both on grass and fresh), tailless and feed both on ground and up in the tree branches. These beautiful creatures attract in thousands of travelers around the globe, actually there are among the reasons for most safaris in Uganda as well as trips in the East African countries of Rwanda and DR Congo.
Chimps are very active and playful, that’s why it is advised for travelers to maintain total silence and also move slowly while in the forest. Usually during the tracking sessions, visitors are exposed to a wide range of other species found within the forest. For one wondering and very much interested in chimps tracking, the below information is highly recommended.
Where to go for Chimps
If you fancy seeing a variety of these primates, then don’t hesitate to book yourself a safari to East Africa specifically for either Uganda or Rwanda. Listed below are the major Parks that provide homage to a plethora of Chimpanzees along with other primates like monkeys, baboons and more.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park; Situated just in the South western part of Uganda, one of the four major areas that covering Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyambura gorge is a homage to numerous habituated chimps.
- Kibale Forest National Park, also known as primate capital of Uganda hosts multiple primates with the main attraction and activity being chimps attracting.
- Ngamba Island Sanctuary, was created to protect endangered chimps species from extinction and it’s one of the best places to view chimps as they feed.
- Kalinzu forests reserve is another place where one can enjoy yet again another chimps tracking experience.
- Budongo reserve is as old as time and is amongst the most noticeable reserves in Uganda gifted with a variety of primate including chimps, different bird species and rare tree species.
- Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in Uganda with a huge number of chimps habituating in the dense evergreen forest.
What’s required for Chimp tracking
Like Gorilla Trekking, Chimp tracking requires a permit for anyone who wishes to be part this experience. The chimpanzee permit prices vary according to the destinations.
If you are tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, the chimps tracking permit is more expensive than the other reserves of Budongo and Kalinzu Forest reserve and Kyambura gorge. Also Rwanda chimps permit in Nyugwe forest National park tends to be cheaper and compared to that of Kibale forest in Uganda.
Other than chimpanzee permits, there are other things you have to consider when getting ready for this experience. For example when packing, include strong hiking shoes, head shocks, gloves, sunglasses, capes, long sleeved shirts, long trousers, insect repellents, waterproof bags and a light jacket or raincoat.
When to go for Chimps
Chimpanzee tracking includes walks within the Jungle; therefore don’t think of booking for this adventure in the rainy season. The dry season is better when there is limited rainfall, trails are just free of mud and chimps also tend to be on display. However since these chimps are found in the rainforest, expect some showers when you enter the forest, regardless the season. But considering all the above, this is a beautiful and memorable experience.