Tourists visit Uganda for many reasons. One of them is chimpanzee tracking. This activity allows you to meet the chimpanzee primates in their natural habitats. Chimpanzees are one of the most liked animals worldwide. There are the most closely related animals to human being features.
To see these animals you have to visit a nation that houses them. Therefore it is no surprise that tourists from various countries around the world come to the pearl of Africa. Chimpanzees are omnivorous in nature. They feed both on grass and meat. These animals live in communities of about 20-30 members.
Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda is done in a group. It starts with briefing which is conducted to guide participants on how to behave in the jungle. The tracking session starts after briefing. You walk in a group with ranger guides to lead you around. Time taken and distance moved depends on the exact location of these primates.
When you find them, a period of one hour is allowed while in their presence. See them as they feed, move around, play and more. You are free to take photos and videos of these animals, but it is advised not to use flush light on your camera. The activity requires a permit which you must buy in order to be part of it. The price of this card depends on the destination you choose to see chimpanzees in Uganda. There are many and listed below.
Kibale Forest National Park
This is referred to as the primate capital of Uganda. It is situated in the western part of Uganda near fort portal, the cleanest town in Uganda. This Park contributes highly to the country’s tourism industry. Its moist evergreen rainforest provides lush habitats to a plethora of wildlife species.
There are primates like colobus monkeys, baboons, and various bird species, but Chimpanzees are the main attractions which invite tourists to this park. Kibale forest has the highest numbers of chimpanzees. It is home to over 1500 members out of the 4950 chimpanzees recorded in Uganda.
From Kampala, you can get to Kibale by Car via Kampala – Mityana – Mubende – Fort portal highway. It requires about 5-6 hours to finish the drive. The time taken depends on the speed used and stopovers included along the way. To track chimpanzees you must buy a permit. The price for this card is 200 USD per person.
Kyambura gorge in Queen
Located in the eastern corner of the park, Kyambura is referred to as the valley of apes. It is 30 kilometers from the headquarters of Queen Elizabeth National park. This place was named after River Kyambura, a river which streams through the gorge.
The riverine forest and other vegetation around is home to birds, primates like Chimpanzees, olive baboons, ret tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys.
Budongo forest in Murchison
If not Kibale or Kyambura, you can see the chimpanzees in Budongo forest. This reserve is part of the Murchison falls conservation area. It is known for its tall mahogany trees. Tourists visit Budongo for research, chimpanzee tracking and bird excursions in Kaniyo pabidi ecotourism center.
Kalinzu forest reserve
This reserve is near Queen Elizabeth National Park. It shelters over 400 tree species, 300 species of birds and different primate species including olive baboons, red tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys and chimpanzees.
