Have you been dreaming of spending time in the jungles searching for creatures whose DNA is like that of human beings? Uganda is one of the prime areas for the fulfillment of your dreams.
Did you know that Chimpanzees share 98.4% DNA with humans? They are susceptible to human diseases such as colds and flu. When subjected to new environments, like human beings they develop survival features. They also have a life expectancy of between 40 to 60 years.
What is Chimpanzee trekking?
Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most popular safari adventures whereby visitors with the help of a guide follow chimpanzee trails in the jungles and spend an hour with them after meeting them. They get an opportunity to interact with them, take pictures, watch them play, mate, feed and socialize.
WHERE TO DO CHIMPANZEE TREKKING IN UGANDA?
Kibale forest national park.
Situated in the western region of Uganda, Kibale forest national park sits at an area of 766 square kilometers, at an elevation of between 1,100m (3,600ft) to 1,600m (5,200ft).
The park offers a large population of chimpanzees with over 120 habituated individuals and 1400 more within the forest. The rate at which visitors succeed in locating chimpanzees at Kibale forest during trekking currently stands at 95%. Trekking in Kibale forest kicks off at 7:00am in the morning and 12:00pm. Six groups of trekkers are allowed each day and each group comprises of six members.
During trekking in Kibale forest, chances of watching other animal species such as red-tailed monkeys and baboons are always high.
Kyambura Gorge.
Located near the mighty Queen Elizabeth National park in western Uganda, Kyambura gorge is a V-shaped cliff and made up of an open savannah and forest vegetation. It goes for a depth of 100m and a width of 500m. The gorge is home to thirty habituated chimpanzees.
Trekking here starts as early as 8:00am. Chances of meeting other animals like lions, elephants and hippopotamuses are high during the trekking.
Kalinzu forest reserve.
Kalinzu forest in southwestern Uganda (Bushenyi district) nearby Queen Elizabeth national park and Maramagambo. This forest is home to almost 40 chimpanzees habituated for trekking and over 300 individuals within the forest. You are advised to be physically fit before embarking on this trekking experience at Kalinzu since it is somehow longer and hectic more than other areas.
Budongo forest.
Kaniyo Pabidi sector of the magnificent Budongo forest located at the northern end of Albertine Rift Valley offers one of the best chimpanzee trekking experiences in Uganda. Budongo is home to the largest population of chimpanzees but a few are habituated for trekking.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
A speed boat takes 45 minutes to reach the sanctuary from Entebbe Pier (23km) on L. Victoria unlike a motorized traditional canoe which takes 1.5 hours. It was established to offer homage to orphan chimpanzees that have fallen victims of poaching and other animal threats like illegal trading.
The sanctuary can be a better place for visitors who might be on a rush and cannot get time to tour the other deep-in-the country places. It as well offers an outstanding and memorable chimpanzee trekking experience.
Apart from chimpanzee trekking, other activities at the sanctuary include but not limited to forest walks, birding and watching other animal species.
How much is a chimpanzee trekking permit in Uganda?
Chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda have been increased from 150$ t0 200$ whereas chimpanzee habituation permits increased from 200$ to 250$ per head.
Requirements for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.
- One ought to be 12 years and above in order to get a chimpanzee trekking permit.
- Hiking shoes
- Waterproof boots
- Bottled drinking water
- Insect repellants
- Moderate level of physical fitness is an added advantage since trekking requires some extra energy to follow the chimpanzees, and walk the jungles.