Where to see chimpanzees in Uganda?
With a big population of chimps in Uganda and having many places to see them, the country by far offers the best opportunities to see and learn about chimps our closest relatives. You can see chimps within ten minutes of leaving the Entebbe International airport at a sanctuary, or you can travel towards the far ends of the country and embed with a community of chimps in the pristine jungles on a chimpanzee trekking tour. Whatever your trip itinerary to Uganda is and the kind of chimp experience you want, it is easy to include a visit to see chimps in Uganda.
What is chimpanzee trekking?
Chimpanzee trekking, one of the most popular wildlife activities in Uganda, allows you to step into the world of chimpanzees in the wild. Uganda Wildlife Authority Interpretive Rangers lead a small group (maximum of 8) into the realm of the chimps.
The primate treks last about three hours and include a maximum of one hour with the chimps, during which you can expect to see them from a safe but intimate distance of 8-10 metres. Get up close and personal with the chimpanzees and discover their beauty, intelligence, and social structures.
What is chimpanzee habituation?
Chimpanzee habituation is a fully immersive experience. You can join the researchers of the habituation team for a half or full day excursion deep into the forest. These chimps are less used to human presence and so the experience is more unpredictable.
Whilst it can be challenging to follow the lead of these agile primates, the experience is thoroughly rewarding.
The main difference between the standard chimp treks and the habituation experience is how long you spend with the chimps. The habituation experience allows you to spend much longer in the company of the chimps.
The places to see chimpanzees in Uganda
Kibale Forest National Park
The best place to track chimpanzees in East Africa is in Kibale forest. The forest is a hub for several species of primates and has a chimpanzee population numbering 1500 – That is to say 30 percent of the overall chimp population in Uganda. There are 3 habituated communities across Kibale National Park. One community has been set apart for tourists while the other two are for researchers. Apart from chimpanzees, there are several primate species that call Kibale forest home among which include the L, Hoest monkey, red colobus, Mangabeys, bush baby’s, baboons, Red tailed monkeys and the blue monkeys to mention but a few. Tracking chimps in Kibale can also go hand in hand with birding tours and other wildlife viewing. Some of the wildlife that can be spotted while tracking chimps in the forest includes Buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, bush pigs, otters and giant forest hogs. Birders will be impressed with the over 345 species in the forest and the nearby Bigodi Wetlands bird sanctuary like the African grey parrot, hornbills and Breasted pitas.
Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary
Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary is probably the best place to see and learn about chimpanzees. This forested island on Lake Victoria measuring only 100 acres is home to more than 50 chimps. The island is a project to host chimps rescued from several situations in Uganda and across the world such as from poaching, circus, bush meat trade, etc… An electric fence separates the forest from a small area where viewing takes place from behind the fence. It is exciting watching the different individuals and learning about their history and their unique abilities, and learning about the chimps’ leadership hierarchies, classes in the community which you can observe it all playing out.
Uganda Wildlife Education Center
The Uganda Wildlife Education Center (Zoo) is nearest place to see chimps in Uganda. In addition to many other animals and wildlife the zoo has 21 chimps that you can see from behind a fence. You can also join the more interactive “behind the scenes experience” where you join caretakers during their routine feeding of the chimps & other wildlife, cleaning their enclosures, etc.
Budongo forest Murchison falls national park
Budongo forest is the largest forest in east Africa. Part of the forest lies within the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park the prime destination for wildlife safaris in Uganda. This part of the Budongo forest that lies in the Murchison has a large habituated community of chimps numbering over 100 chimps. This community is so far the only one available for chimp tracking in the forest, as another group is still undergoing habituation. The chimps may be difficult to see during some time in the year when they venture beyond their known home territory at Kaniyo Pabidi after depleting the food here. However, when they are at Kaniyo Pabidi this community offers by far the best chimp tracking experience in the forest in Uganda, as the community is quite large offering great views of different individual chimps, and in addition the forest is beautiful to walk in having some of the most gigantic trees in the region. The little undergrowth enables great views and photography!
If you want a great wildlife safari experience in the savannah bush and a wonderful chimp experience all in one place then a safari trip to Murchison Falls National Park with chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest is the best option.
Kalinzu forest reserve
Kalinzu Forest reserve is small patch of forest near Queen Elizabeth National Park, another prime safari destination in Uganda. It is not popular and often overlooked for chimpanzee trekking but with a high density of chimps, more than 250 chimps, offers great chances of seeing the chimps. If you will be visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park for a big game experience and want to see chimps as well without having to overnight away from the park, this is the best place to add to your itinerary. Kalinzu Forest is located less than an hour’s drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kyambura gorge forest
Kyambura Gorge Forest in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a unique forest located in a valley and it is famously referred to as the underground forest. The forest is home to a small population of chimps, about 60, which can be difficult to find sometimes. The trek in the Kyambura Gorge is a great addition to your safari experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering a wonderful nature experience with chances of seeing several wildlife including the chimps, elephants, giant forest hog, and others.
Semuliki national Park
Here, the chimp’s population is of particular scientific interest because it occupies a drier habitat than those in Kibale, Budongo, or Kyambura. Which, for scientists, means that chimp’s range further to forage; observations are more authentic. On occasion, scientists have observed chimps in Semuliki walking on their hind legs for short distances.
The research program in Semuliki is cutting edge as scientists work out the relationship between peculiar behaviour and the evolution of Homo sapiens. The dry and sparse woods means the chimps have very little to go by in the same place, so they swing in far and wide canopies to forage enough for food.
What to consider when planning to go for chimpanzee tracking?
You’ll need to book well in advance. That’s because most chimp tracking sits within a wider itinerary that typically includes gorilla tracking, too. Few gorilla tracking permits are available and they sell out far in advance. If chimps are your primate favourite, though, opt for a tailor-made trip so you can request more than one chimp tracking experience, and even skip the gorillas altogether if you prefer. This keeps costs down, too.
Small group trips often take only a maximum of six people, sometimes 10, so they really are small groups. The price for both types of trips typically includes all meals, chimpanzee and gorilla tracking permits, park entry fees, all activities and guides. Solo travellers are welcome and often pay no surcharge for use of a single room. The minimum age for both chimpanzee and gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15.
Chimp forests are flat or undulating, at low altitude, not mountainous like gorilla territory, and porters aren’t necessary or, indeed, available. You’ll follow forest trails, although the chimps don’t always hang out near them, so be prepared for some bush-whacking through dense undergrowth, perhaps even pushing past stinging or prickly plants.
What to pack for the chimpanzee tracking?
Pack long sleeved tops and long trousers made from a fairly sturdy material to protect you (or use gaiters), and also layers – mornings can be chilly but you’ll feel hot after a few hours of hiking. A waterproof jacket is sensible and walking boots or shoes that have a good grip, suitable for climbing steep and slippery slopes are essential. You might like to bring walking poles, too.
When is the best time to go chimpanzee tracking in Uganda?
Although chimpanzee safaris are available year-round, the best time for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is during the region’s two dry seasons: January and February and June to September. There are fewer rains during the dry season, the trails are dry and more comfortable to navigate, and sporadic downpours.
However, note that the dry season is the peak (high) travel period for the region; availability of good accommodation could be scarce and expensive.
The wet seasons from September to November and March to May usually pull fewer crowds. Accommodation is cheaper, and it’s easier to process both a chimp and gorilla trekking permit. However, chimpanzee trekking in Uganda during the wet season would mean you endure the unfriendly experience of torrential rains, impassable trails, and difficult photography. Some travelers choose the wet season for the attractive countrywide discounts on safaris.
In-conclusion
Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda is an unforgettable experience to see our closest relative up-close. Booking a chimpanzee safari with a local tour operator or booking a complete safari.