If you are a primate junkie, a trip to track chimpanzees in Uganda should be a must on your bucket list. Over 5000 chimpanzees are all confined within this magical landlocked country and this makes it one of the most sought after primate safari destination in Africa. These creatures share about 98% of their DNA with humans making them our closest relatives and most endangered species whose lives are at risk of extinction. Despite the larger numbers in the pearl of Africa, they still remain among a few most threatened species due to political instabilities, poaching, habitat loss and spread of human infectious diseases. In most cases, they get caught up in wire snares which are set targeting the small antelopes and at end of it all, they also get affected. In Africa, there are over 21 countries where chimpanzees thrive in the wild and Uganda is that one unique safari destination any primate enthusiast shouldn’t miss to pay a visit while on African safari.
To get the best of experiential primate safari, exploring chimpanzees while they are in their natural habitat should be a must do thing on your Uganda safari holiday. There are many sites where you can spot out these amazing creatures and most of them have been habituated. They include among others Kibale Forest National Park which is set in western Uganda and boasts of 13 primates including over 1500 chimpanzees one reason it is popular for chimpanzee trekking. Due to its diverse primate species, it is of no doubt this park is a true capital of primates in East African. Most of its chimpanzees have been habituated and this means that you can have a close encounter with them in the wild. Permits for this primate adventure in Kibale National Park cost $150 per person.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park is an all year round adventure but it is more enjoyable during the dry season which starts from June-September and December-February. The advantage with this season is that the habitat where these creatures thrive remains relatively drier making it a bit easier for you to undertake this adventure. This is also regarded as a high season and for any need to track chimpanzees in this park during this season, you need to book for your permit as early as possible. However, this doesn’t mean that it is not possible for you to engage in this lovely adventure during wet season. The wet or rainy season starts from March to May and from October to November.
Kibale Forest National Park boasts of its diverse natural wonders and popular as a capital for primates. Besides chimpanzees, there are also many L’Hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons among others as well as 350 bird species that include the rare African green breasted pitta; 250 tree species, forest elephants, buffaloes and others. This park straddles at altitude of 1590 meters and its lowest part is 1100 meters. In addition to the usual chimpanzee trek, there is also chimpanzee habituation experience which takes you the whole day following chimpanzees while making them get used to humans and involves mainly researchers, trackers. It is a primate adventure that takes about 2 years.
Kyambura Gorge
This is ideal for visitors on Uganda safari in Elizabeth National Park. This renowned ‘lost valley’ lies strategically and forms part of the western rift valley and offers the best setting and backdrop for chimpanzee trekking. The terrain can be challenging but a trek to see chimpanzees around this area is the most exciting and thrilling experience you shouldn’t miss.
Budongo forest reserve
If you are heading off to northwestern Uganda to Murchison Falls National Park for a safari, Budongo forest is the best place to make a stopover to embark on chimpanzee tracking. Budongo forest is about 4 hours’ drive away from Kampala and it is one of the most accessible areas. There are habituated chimpanzees for you to have magical encounter and even when you wish to take part in chimpanzee habituation experience, this forest reserve has you covered.
Kalinzu forest
You may also pay a visit to Kalinzu forest which is set close to Queen Elizabeth National and equally, you will have the best of this primate adventure. Permits for chimpanzee tracking in this area cost $30.
Toro Semuliki wildlife reserve
This remarkable nature reserve is popular not only for diverse birdlife or its scenic tropical rainforest but also for its unusual chimpanzee adventures. Chimpanzees in this protected area have been habituated by Indiana University and while on your adventure, you have a chance to also sight at several bird species.
Get the best of chimpanzee adventures in East Africa by paying a visit to Uganda the dubbed pearl of Africa and you won’t be left in regrets!