Embark on an unforgettable walk; a journey to your cousins the Chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Uganda (the pearl of Africa) is home to the largest concentration of chimpanzees in the continent of Africa. There are over four designated areas to reunite with the chimpanzees in their natural environment. These areas are protected, and have several other primates, birds, and forest mammals to lookout for.
Chimpanzees are some of the most charming, humble, clever and exciting primates to encounter in the world. They have over 25 sounds, use sticks as fork, and grass to pick ants from the ground. They feed on vegetables, and live as a family. Only up to six people are allowed to trek a chimp family at a time, and spend an hour with them while taking photos, making inquiries and watching their unique behaviors.
Chimpanzee trekking Destinations
Kibale Forest National park (Primate Capital)
Chimpanzee trekking at Kibale forest national park is arguably one of the best treats you can give yourself during a vacation to Uganda. The park is a habitat to over 1500 chimpanzees, and several other primates. It is located at fort portal city in western Uganda; the same area with serene Ndali Kasenda crater, and approximately 348kms from Kampala city.
Chimpanzee trekking is done in two routines; the morning session starts at 08:00 hrs and the Afternoon session starts at 15:00 hours. This is conducted on foot, guided by expert ranger guides with the vast knowledge of the chimpanzees, their habitat, and behavior. Chimpanzee trekking permit for Kibale forest national park costs; 200$ per person for foreign non-residents, 150$ per person for foreign residents and 150,000ugx for east African residents. The cost includes park entrances, payment to the ranger guides and the conservation cover.
Budongo forest
Over 600 chimpanzees call Budongo forest home, and you can encounter them while on a trekking safari. Budongo forest is situated at the summit of the Albertine rift, and borders Murchison Falls National park; the largest and oldest conservation area in Uganda to the south. Budongo forest is the largest mahogany forest in east Africa and one of the prime chimp trekking destinations. The trekking session takes about 30 mins to four hours on foot; along the designated trails of Kaniyo pabidi, Sonso and Busingiro.
The chimpanzee trekking permits cost 130$ per person for foreign nonresidents, 120$ per person for foreign residents and 85$ per person for east African citizens. You may also want to spend more time with the chimpanzee. Yes, the experience is called chimpanzee habituation experience. It costs 230$ per person for foreign non-residents; 160$ per person for foreign residents and 90$ per person for East African citizens.
Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge is the only valley of “apes” in the continent of Africa. The reserve is located in the eastern part of Queen Elizabeth national park; one of the most visited national parks in Uganda. It is home to over 80 chimps, accompanied by other wildlife such as the flamingos. A visit to Kyambura gorge offers a fantastic opportunity for photography due to the stunning landscape, and forest cover. Additional primates to lookout for include; the red-tailed monkeys, white and black colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and more. The chimpanzee trekking is done in two shifts; the morning and Afternoon shifts, for a duration of 30mins to four hours.
Trekking permits can be purchased from Uganda wildlife Authority headquarters in Kampala, or through a registered tour company. These cost 100$ for foreigners and 150,000 ugx for Ugandan citizens. You can combine your wildlife safari at Queen Elizabeth National park with a visit to your cuisines at the gorge.
Kalinzu forest
Covering about 14126 hectares; this is one of the national reserves in Uganda. The reserve is In Bushenyi district in the south-western part of the country, featuring over 320 individual chimpanzees, and a widerange of ecosystem, tropical rain forest, lush vegetation and variety of wildlife. The National forest Authority manages the reserve, with over 414 unique tree species, and several primate species such as the; Vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys. In the reserve; you will engage in among others; forest hikes, forest research and chimpanzee trekking. Chimpanzee trekking is done in two shifts; the morning and afternoon shifts. The trekking duration takes approximately 30 mins to 4 hours. The trekking costs is 130$ for foreign non-residents. The reserve is open all year round, with the guides ready to take you for the unforgettable adventure.
Best time to Visit Uganda for Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is done all year round, in the morning or Afternoon hours. The best months are the dry season, when there is no too much rains, mud, or interruptions. June to September and January to march are with low/no rains thus the best time. The rest of the months come with too much rains that interrupt the activities and make hiking difficulty. Whatever month of the year you are ready for the safari, pack the bag and contact us for a tailor made chimpanzee trekking experience
Make your visit to Uganda memorable by visiting your cousins the chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Uganda is safe and home to the largest concentration of primates in the world.
