Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda Facts: Must read information about Chimpanzees

Chimpanzee trekking Uganda: Arguably the best destination for chimpanzee trekking in Africa, Uganda is home to over 5700 Chimpanzees in their natural habitat and these can found and tracked in the major National parks of Kibale forest, Kalinzu forest, Budongo forest, Kyambura gorge and Toro-Semliki wildlife reserve. They can also be viewed in zoos and sanctuaries like Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Uganda Wildlife Education Center.

Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda Facts: Must read information about Chimpanzees
Chimpanzee family in Kibale forest

Standard Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda or tracking Vs Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.

Both Standard Chimpanzee trekking or tracking  and Chimpanzee habituation experience are done in Kibale forest National Park and the difference is that with Standard Chimpanzee tracking tourists are allowed to spend one hour with the Chimpanzees after locating them while for the Chimpanzee habituation experience tourists spend the whole day with the Chimpanzees.

Best place to trek or see Chimpanzees in Uganda.

Kibale forest National Park is by far the best place to track chimpanzees in Uganda and East Africa at large. The forest is home to over 1500 chimpanzees and other several species of primates. It has three habituated Chimpanzee communities with one community being set apart for tourists while the other two for researchers.

Among other primate species found in Kibale Forest National Park are the L’Hoests monkey, Red colobus, Mangabeys, bush babys, baboons, Red tailed monkeys and the blue monkeys to mention but a few. Additionally birding and wildlife viewing can be done in Kibale forest and and on these tour one will encounter over 350 bird species in the Bigodi swamp including African grey parrot, hornbills and wildlife like Buffaloes, antelopes, otters, forest hogs and Elephants among others.

 How long is a Chimpanzee trekking Uganda?

During the standard Chimpanzee trekking safari tour, tourists are allowed to spend one with the Chimpanzees after locating them while during the Chimpanzee habituation experience, tourists are allowed to spend a full day with the chimpanzees.

Is there an age limit for Chimpanzee trekking Uganda?

Yes only tourist above 15 years of age can track chimpanzees in Uganda

Best time to track Chimpanzees in Kibale and the chances of seeing Chimpanzees on a Chimpanzee trekking Uganda safari.

The best time to track chimpanzees in Kibale forest National Park is during the rainy season because the mobility of the Chimpanzees is limited and therefore easy to find. Note that during the dry season chimpanzee tend to move deeper into the forests looking for food

Chimpanzee tracking rules and regulations and precautions to take on a Chimpanzee trekking Uganda safari 

  • Carry face Masks
  • Carry hand sanitizers
  • Frequently wash your hands with soap
  • Children aren’t allowed to track chimpanzee.
  • Do not litter the forest while tracking chimpanzee.
  • It is not recommended to track chimpanzee while suffering from flue and diarrhea.
  • Keep a distance of about 8 meters away from the Chimpanzees.
  • Avoid eating near the chimpanzees.
  • Do not talk too loud, make fun of or try to intimidate/provoke chimpanzees.
  • Taking photos using flash is not allowed.
  • Always follow instructions from the forest guides.
  • Try to visit the toilet before heading out for trekking.
  • Do not head out tracking without a guide.
  • Do not Smoke while tracking chimps. 

What to pack for chimpanzee tracking Uganda and Chimpanzee trekking Uganda Packing list and guide

A Chimpanzee trekking Uganda safari requires careful planning for one to have a successful and comfortable Chimpanzee trekking tour. Below is our recommended Chimpanzee trekking Uganda packing list and guide:

  • Suitable and comfortable shoes that can navigate through a muddy terrain and steep areas.
  • Right clothing selection especially long sleeved clothes to protect you from sharp thickets and of course rain jackets during the rainy season.
  • Binoculars to help you capture all the moments in details
  • Insect repellent to avoid mosquitoes and other wild insects bite.
  • Walking stick to help you navigate through the rugged terrain easily and firmly.
  • Processed and packed snack with drinking water to avoid upsets and sickness out of hunger or thirst along the way though this is not so crucial as we provide packed lunch with you to the forest.
  • Good camera and extra batteries to help you take photos of chimpanzees in the dense forests and tall trees.

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