Facts About Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
Facts About Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda: This is one of the top wildlife safari activities for tourists and nature lovers seeking primate adventure in Uganda. It involves walking through the forest in search of chimpanzees swinging from trees. Trekking may take a few hours, and visitors spend about an hour with the chimpanzees before returning to camp. Uganda has several chimpanzee trekking locations, primarily in Kibale Forest National Park. Other places include Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, and Kalinzu Forest in Rubirizi/Bushenyi.
What is a Chimpanzee trekking permit?
Considering the facts about Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda: A chimpanzee trekking permit is a legal pass or document needed to access chimpanzees in Uganda. It is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and remains the property of Uganda. Only a limited number of permits are available each day to reduce human-chimpanzee interaction, which helps protect the chimps from diseases.
The best way to obtain a permit is to book through a trusted tour operator. They are familiar with the booking process and related costs. After payment, the tour operator will secure the permit and send you a scanned copy via email. This copy will include details about your trek, such as the date, time, your name, passport information, and a unique serial number. Remember that permits cannot be exchanged, and refunds are difficult to obtain if you do not attend the trek.
Cost of the chimpanzee trekking permit in Uganda
The cost of a chimpanzee trekking permit in Uganda changes with the season. During the peak season, the permit costs $250 per person per day for non-foreign residents, $200 for foreign residents, and UGX 180000 for East African Citizens. The park also supports the chimpanzee habituation experience, which costs $300 for non-foreign residents, $250 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African Citizens. In Budongo, the permit is $100 in both seasons, while in Kyambura Gorge, it costs $100. There are two seasons: the peak (dry season) and the low (wet season).
Chimp trekking in Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park, located in the southwest of the country, is home to about 1,500 chimpanzees, with 120 habituated for visitors. Chimpanzee trekking occurs twice daily, in the morning and afternoon. The cost of a chimpanzee trek permit is $150 during peak season and $100 during low season. Visitors can also participate in chimpanzee habituation, spending 6 hours or a full day with the primates.
The park is considered the top place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Visitors can see not only chimpanzees but also various monkeys, about 400 bird species, and other wildlife. There are several lodging options available, such as the Primate Lodge and the Kyaninga Lodge.
The most popular activity in the park is Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda. It starts at Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 08:00 and ends at 15:00, lasting 2-3 hours. Visitors search for primates like black and white Colobus and red-tailed monkeys. The guide also shows birds and explains plants. Booking in advance is essential during peak season.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island is located on Lake Victoria and can be reached by speedboat from Entebbe. It was established by Dr Jane Goodall to protect chimpanzees. The area where the chimpanzees live is fenced, allowing them to roam freely. The speedboat offers two departures: a morning half trip and a full trip at 5 pm. The cost of visiting depends on the group size; smaller groups pay more per person. Children between the ages of 5 and 15 pay half of the price. The sanctuary initially had 13 chimpanzees but now cares for over 50 rescued or orphaned chimps. Visitors can observe the chimps, get close to them, and take part in activities like fishing, swimming, exploring villages, and birding.
Chimpanzee trekking in the Murchison Falls National Park
Considering the facts about chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park has several forests, including Budongo, Kaniyo Pabidi, and Rabongo, where visitors can go chimpanzee trekking. These forests are home to over 600 chimpanzees, making them a popular spot for this activity. The park also boasts more than 500 bird species and various wildlife, attracting many tourists for safaris. The best time for trekking is from October to January, with treks happening twice daily, in the morning and afternoon.
The Rabongo forest is located in Murchison and offers chimpanzee trekking, though there are no clear routes. With a tour guide, visitors can spend an hour with the chimpanzees found in the forest, which has fewer families compared to the Budongo forest. Budongo is a popular destination for chimpanzee trekking with many primates, including several monkeys such as black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and baboons, as well as opportunities for birdwatching. Kaniyo Pabidi forest is another place for chimpanzees and has many bird species and insects. It remains largely untouched by humans, preserving its natural environment.
Accommodation facilities in Murchison Falls National Park are evenly distributed in both the northern and the southern parts of the park. These lodging facilities range from budget, mid-range, and upscale options available for travellers to select according to their choice of preferences.
Chimpanzee trekking experience in the Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a popular destination for tourists, featuring over 17 chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking occurs in the Kyambura Game Reserve, known as Kyambura Gorge, and is best done in the morning, lasting 1 to 2 hours. Experienced tour guides accompany travellers, and after the trek, visitors can enjoy a game drive in the park. Suggested lodges in Kyambura include Elephant Hab, Buffalo Safri Lodge, Park View Lodge, Elephant Plains, Walujojo Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Safari Lodge, King Fisher Camp, Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Lodge, and Pumba Safari Cottages, among others.
Things to pack during chimpanzee safaris in Uganda.
The following are some of the key items one shouldn’t miss out on for a chimpanzee trekking safari:
Camera and binoculars, insect repellent, bottled drinking water, waterproof hiking boots, energy-boosting snacks, Long-sleeved shirts and trousers to avoid scratches on your body, a brimmed sun hat and sunscreen, a small backpack to carry a few essentials like cameras and extra batteries while trekking, trekking rules and regulations, a walking stick to ease trekking, a waterproof jacket, and others.
