Chimpanzee trekking is an experience or an activity where tourists visit chimpanzees in their natural habitat. They spend an hour in the presence of the primates with the guidance of the park ranger guide. This experience is done in two shifts: morning and afternoon. Once the chimpanzees are located, you watch them as they go about their daily chores for an hour. Watch roam around, playing, feeding, breastfeeding, fighting, grooming young ones, resting, and many more.
In Uganda, there are different points to track chimpanzees, and the major one is Kibale National Park. Others are Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Budongo Forest, Bugoma Forest Reserve, and Kalinzu Forest Reserve in Rubirizi District.
Kalinzu Forest Reserve is well known for housing chimpanzees with other wildlife, including birds and other small mammals. Chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest is becoming a popular activity for wildlife seekers and adventure enthusiasts. This forest is home to about 70 habituated individuals. These are used to human presence, and this makes it easier for visitors to observe them. During trekking, expect to meet black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, L’hoest’s monkeys, and many more.
How to book a chimpanzee permit to Kalinzu Forest?
Visitors interested in trekking chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest need to book the permits in advance. This is done through a trusted tour operator like Monteero Safaris. The permit is booked and purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The permits are cheaper compared to those of Kibale National Park. We normally combine our safaris to Kalinzu Forest Reserve with game drives in Queen Elizabeth. A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park is also possible since it’s close. This gives a highlight of primate and wildlife adventure.
How much chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest?
The cost of a chimpanzee permit per person is USD 50 for foreign non-residents, USD 40 for foreign residents, and UGX 30,000 for East African residents. The rate varies depending on various conditions. This means that you need to keep checking with us or the Uganda Wildlife Authority website.
Apart from chimpanzee tracking, Kalinzu Forest offers a wide range of other activities. These include nature walks and bird watching. Here, birds like the African Emerald cuckoo, Alpine swift, green-breasted pitta, African broadbill, yellow-billed barbet, black bee-eater, red-faced cisticola, barn swallow, and more can be spotted. This forest is under the management of the National Forestry Authority.
What to bring for trekking chimpanzees in Kalinzu forest?
Visitors are advised to wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots for rough terrain. Long-sleeved shirts to prevent injuries, and bring a rain jacket. This is because it protects you from direct rain, as Ugandan weather is unpredictable. Carry enough water and energy snacks to keep you energized and hydrated on the trek. A pair of binoculars is very important on the trek to magnify distant attractions. A camera is also important to capture memories. Additionally, sunscreen is important to protect your skin from direct sunlight. Insect repellents protect you from insect bites, so carry along extra money for tips, and buy handmade crafts.
Best time to trek chimpanzee in Kalinzu Forest
Chimpanzee trekking can be done anytime of the year in this great forest. However, the best time remains the dry season. It occurs from December to February and June to September when the trails are dry and more accessible. The dry season also presents more chances of spotting the chimpanzees active compared to the rainy season. The wet season occurs from March to May and September to October.
On the side of health precautions, visitors are advised trek chimpanzee when they are free from contagious diseases like flu, diarrhea, cough, and more. Visitors are advised to be physically fit since trails tend to be challenging and adventurous. Visitors are to get vaccinated to possess all the cards such as the yellow fever card and more.
As you plan for your chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda, don’t fail to contact us today because we are ready to plan the best chimpanzee safari of your lifetime.