Chimpanzee tracking is the second wonderful moment you can have in the forest apart from gorilla trekking in Uganda. Chimpanzee trekking takes place in majorly three places in Uganda which sum up with over 1510 chimpanzee in their natural state. That is Kibale National Park, Budongo forest in Murchison Fall National Park and Kyambura gorge in Elizabeth National Park.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is the best place in Uganda to see chimpanzees in their natural home, and it hosts over the total population of chimpanzees in Uganda. Kibale National Park is situated in Kabarole in Fort portal district with approximately 6 hours drive from the capital of Uganda. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park is the major tourist activity and pull factor in Kibale which normally takes place in all year around, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park has two sessions meaning that morning and afternoon session which are both worthy for the while. The morning session is at 7.30am at Kanyanchu and last over 3 hours depending on the location of chimpanzees while the afternoon begun at 2.0pm at Kanyanchu entrance point and also last over 3 hours depending on the location of chimpanzees. One to do chimpanzee trekking Kibale National Park has to obtain chimpanzee permit, chimpanzee permit in Kibale National Park cost $ 200 per person per trek, and we advise you to book your chimpanzee permit earlier at least 5 months before the date of trekking. Above all, trekking chimpanzee in Kibale National Park is worthy for the money and you will get unique opportunity to see Forest buffaloes, elephants, and bird species and so on along the way for chimpanzee trekking.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park
Trekking chimpanzees in Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park is the second great moment experience chimpanzees in the big number. Budongo forest is located in the outskirt of Murchison Falls National Park in the north east of Uganda with approximately 4 hours drive from the capital of Uganda. Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest carried out whole year around and it normally takes place in the morning or at afternoon hours, one can also opt to do one-day chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest. To do chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest one needs to acquire chimpanzee permits. Chimpanzee permit in Budongo forest cost $ 90 per person per day per trek and one can book his chimpanzee permit at the trekking day, however, one needs to book accommodation earlier before the date of trekking since the accommodation is secured. Trekking chimpanzee in Budongo forest may last half an hour to three hours depending on where chimpanzees are
Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, this accounts the third place to see chimpanzee in huge number. Kyambura Gorge is found in Queen Elizabeth National Park in the south west of Uganda in along Kabale District which is about 6 hours derive from the Kampala the capital of Uganda. Trekking chimpanzees in Kyambura George is normally commenced at morning hours and afternoon time which can last over 4 hours since they are nomadic meaning that they keep on moving from one place to another, and during trekking chimpanzee, one will have great opportunity to spot other wild animals and bird species. One needs to obtain Chimpanzee permit which cost $ 50 per person per trek and one can get chimpanzee permit at the day of trekking, thou you need to book your accommodation earlier before the trekking day
Semuliki wildlife Reserve
Semuliki wildlife Reserve is located close to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park. The treks for the chimps in this area are quite long but so worthwhile with several other primates seen on the way and many birds noticeable by keen birders.
Kalinzu forest
This is the closest point area near Queen Elizabeth National Park where you can go and have an eye to eye contact with the closest relatives of human beings in the forest. Your Chimp trekking safari can be added to your visit Queen Elizabeth to make it more enjoyable with more activities in a close range. The good thing about trekking Chimps in this area is that the cost of $30 a permit which is slightly fair compared to other places where chimpanzees can be seen.
Best time for Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda can be done throughout the year. However, the most time to enjoy chimpanzee trekking in Uganda in June, July, August, and mid-September and December to February are the driest months and are therefore the best times to visit chimpanzee in Uganda. Walking the trails is easier at this time and the overall experience tends to be more enjoyable and fantastic.
In conclusion, just like gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking is one of the most spectacular tour activities as you watch the closest relatives of human beings live their lives in the forest. There’s absolutely no better place to watch these primates than Uganda especially in Kibale forest where over 1500 chimps live together with other 12 primate species. You will only need to book your chimpanzee trekking permit in time to avoid missing this great activity.