Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is nothing like that powerful moment when the mystical scene opens up to you for the first time in the natural wonder of the world. Uganda has over 1500 chimpanzees in a total spread in three National Parks Kibale National Park, Murchison Fall National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Chimpanzee tracking permits can be booked or purchased through us or directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority at their offices in Kampala Kiira road-Uganda or at head office.
chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
Kibale National Park is located in Kabarole and Kamwege district and is about five to six hours drive from the capital city Kampala. The forest boasts of three habituated communities of chimpanzees of which two communities trek every day.
Each tourist interested in chimpanzee trekking has to hold a permit and entitles you of one hour with the habituated chimps and includes a guide as well as park entrance fees.
Kibale Forest National Park has been named the best place in Africa to trek chimps and spot other 12 primates and birds there within the forest. Forest buffaloes, elephants, and forest birds are among other attractions that enhance your chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park.
Kibale Forest National Park, therefore, remains the best place in Uganda to trek chimpanzees due to the nature of the terrain, proximity to Kampala as compared to other chimpanzee trekking sites. Chimpanzees trekking permits for Kibale Forest National Park cost USD$150 per person per trek for non-foreign residence while for East African residence they pay 100,000 Uganda shillings. While a full day tracking chimpanzee permit goes on for USD$200 and East African residents pay 150,000 Uganda shillings.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest is the major activity done while in Budongo central Forest Reserve which located in the southeast of Uganda in Masindi district.
Budongo forest is the largest survival natural forest in Uganda which sits atop the Albertine Rift, part of the Great Rift Valley, and is located within the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park. Chimpanzee tracking is the number one priority here with many primate species are easily encountered.
It is also the natural habitat of more than 600 chimpanzees, of which a small community has been habituated for eco-tourism purposes. This family consists of 80 individuals, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to view these amazing apes in their natural environment. Other primates that can be observed are the Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Red-tailed Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and Grey-cheeked Mangabeys can be seen. Nocturnal creatures include potto and several galago species. It has very little accommodation which is Budongo Eco Lodge which is reliable budget accommodation in the forest. Chimpanzees trekking permits for Budongo forest cost USD$80 per person per trek
Kyambura Gorge is situated in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Chimpanzee trekking here can be a bit strenuous as most chimpanzees keep on moving from one places to another and jumping from one tree to another given its steep terrain. It takes about 6 on 382.9 km and the terrain can be a bit on the rough side, it means crossing creeks and rivers all part of the excitement of being with the chimpanzees of Kyambura Gorge. Tracking chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge are 3 hours well spent, and the chimpanzee permits here are usually cheaper than those for Kibale forest. Chimpanzees trekking permits for Kyambura gorge cost USD$ 50 per person per trek.
Best time for Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is open throughout the year. June, July, August and mid-September and December to February are the driest months and are therefore the best times for this activity. Walking the trails is easier at this time and the overall experience tends to be more enjoyable.