Uganda Chimpanzee Tracking, Quick Guide, Fees and Permits

Uganda Chimpanzee Tracking is a unique and unforgettable wildlife adventure on the continent, with three main destinations in the country: Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Kibale Forest and Kyambura Gorge stand out as prime locations for encountering habituated chimpanzee groups, with Budungo Forest also offering the chance for chimp trekking. Kibale Forest, situated approximately 230 km from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is particularly renowned, hosting around 1,200 chimpanzees within its diverse rainforest expanse. Conversely, Kyambura Gorge, adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park, shelters about 16 chimpanzees, earning them the moniker “the lost chimps of Kyambura” due to their isolated habitat. Additionally, Budungo Forest near Murchison Falls provides an opportunity to witness over 800 chimpanzees, overseen by the Jane Goodall Institute.

One of the most diverse and fascinating ecosystems in Uganda is the Queen Elizabeth National Park, which boasts five distinct habitats, from the lush underground rainforest of Kyambura Gorge to the marshy wetlands of the Kazinga Channel.

Kyambura Gorge, also known as the Valley of Apes, is a stunning natural wonder located 30km from the lodge in the eastern part of the park. It is home to a rich and diverse rainforest that thrives near the equator, nourished by the river Kyambura. The canopy of the forest provides a perfect balance of light and shade, while the lower vegetation is lush and green. A visit to this gorge will leave you amazed and inspired by the beauty and diversity of nature.

The forest of Kyambura Gorge is specially adapted to the needs and preferences of the chimpanzees that live there. The trees are tall and thick, providing shelter and food for the primates. The fruits that grow on the trees are seasonal, ensuring a varied and nutritious diet for the chimpanzees.

The chimpanzees of Kyambura Gorge are a unique and mobile community, unlike any other in Uganda. They have been habituated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which means they are used to human presence and can be observed in their natural behaviour. In July 2013, the authority named 24 of the chimpanzees, making them easier to identify and monitor. Tourists who visit the gorge have a high chance of seeing these amazing animals, as long as they follow the rules and guidelines.

Kyambura Gorge is not the only place where you can see chimpanzees in Queen Elizabeth National Park. There are also other areas, such as Kibale National Park, where the chimpanzees are more numerous and less habituated. However, spotting a chimpanzee in Kibale National Park is more dependent on luck and patience, as they are more elusive and wary of humans.

Are you looking for an amazing adventure in Uganda? Do you want to see the fascinating chimpanzees in their natural environment?

If yes, then you should visit Kalinzu Forest! Kalinzu Forest is one of the best places to do the Uganda chimpanzee tracking, as well as other primates, birds, butterflies, and plants. Kalinzu Forest is located in the western part of Uganda, in the Bushenyi district, near Maramagambo Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is a rich and diverse ecosystem that hosts six primate species, including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys. Kalinzu Forest National Park also boasts over 380 bird species, 414 tree species, 262 butterflies, 97 moths, reptiles and flowers.

Chimpanzee trekking experience in Kalinzu forest

Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest is an unforgettable experience that will give you a glimpse into the lives of these intelligent and social animals. You can choose between two sessions: the morning session that starts at 8:00 am and the afternoon session that starts at around 2:00 pm. Before you start trekking, you will receive a briefing about the rules and regulations at the park headquarters. Then, you will follow an experienced park guide into the forest, which will take about 2 to 4 hours depending on where the chimpanzees are. The chimpanzees are always on the move, looking for food and playing with each other. Along the way, you will also see other primate species and enjoy the beauty of the forest. Once you find the chimpanzees, you will have one hour to observe them in their natural habitat. You will be amazed by their behaviours, habits, and expressions. You will also have the opportunity to take photos and record videos to share with your friends and family.

What is the best time to go for chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest?

Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest can be done throughout the year, but the best time is during the dry season, from June to September and from December to February. During this period, the forest receives less or little rainfall, which means that the chimpanzee trekking trails will be dry and easy to walk on. The dry season also offers better visibility and more chances to see chimpanzees and other wildlife. The rainy season, on the other hand, can make the trekking trails muddy and slippery, which can make chimpanzee trekking more challenging and less enjoyable. Therefore, if you want to have the best chimpanzee trekking experience in Kalinzu Forest, you should plan your trip during the dry season.

Discover 10 Amazing Things About Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees are fascinating animals that share many similarities with humans, but they also face many threats to their survival in the wild. On July 14, we celebrate World Chimpanzee Day, a day to raise awareness and support for these amazing creatures. Here are 10 facts about chimpanzees that you may not know.

1. Chimpanzees and humans have a common ancestor

We are more closely related to chimpanzees and bonobos than to any other living primates. We share between 95 and 98 percent of our DNA with them, and our evolutionary paths diverged about six or seven million years ago.

2. Chimpanzees are only found in Africa

They live in 21 countries across the continent, mostly in central Africa. They prefer habitats with abundant trees, such as rainforests, woodlands, and savannas, where they can find water and fruit.

3. Chimpanzees can learn human languages, such as sign language

In captivity, some chimpanzees have been taught to communicate with humans using American Sign Language (ASL). One of the most famous examples is Washoe, who learned over 350 signs and even taught some of them to her adopted son.

4. Chimpanzees use tools for various purposes

Chimpanzees are very intelligent and inventive, and they make and use tools to help them obtain food and protect themselves. They use sticks to fish for termites, stones to crack nuts, leaves to soak up water, and even spears to hunt small animals.

7. Chimpanzee females have long intervals between births

They usually give birth to only one offspring at a time. Baby chimpanzees stay close to their mothers, clinging to their fur and riding on their backs, until they are three to five years old. This creates a strong bond between mother and child that lasts even after they grow up.

8. Chimpanzees can live for several decades

The oldest known chimpanzee was Little Mamma, a captive female who died in 2017 at the age of 76 to 82. The average lifespan of captive chimps is about 38 years. It is harder to estimate the lifespan of wild chimps, but a study of chimps at Ngogo in Uganda’s Kibale National Park found that they lived for an average of 33 years.

9. Chimpanzees are capable of bipedal locomotion

Chimps mainly move by climbing and swinging through the trees. They also walk on all fours, using their knuckles to support their weight, like gorillas. However, they can occasionally stand and walk on two legs, for example, to carry food or tools.

10. Chimpanzees are endangered animals

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has classified the chimpanzee as an endangered species. Their habitats have been severely damaged and reduced by human activities such as logging, mining, oil extraction, and road construction.

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