Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda

There are three main chimpanzee tracking destinations in Uganda and these include Kibale forest national park, Murchison falls national park, and Queen Elizabeth national park. In Murchison falls national park, chimpanzees are found in Budongo forest while in Queen Elizabeth they can be tracked in Kyambura gorge and Kalinzu central forest reserve.

However, Kibale forest national park is the best destination for chimpanzees as it has a high population density with beautiful sightings. If you also want to see chimpanzees confined in enclosures, this can be done at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) and at the Ngamba chimpanzee wildlife sanctuary on Lake Victoria which aims at protecting orphaned chimpanzees.

How Do I Stay with the Chimpanzee Group?

Chimpanzee tracking activity in most cases allows you to stay with these animals for three hours but you are allowed one hour with the chimpanzees as you follow them while they perform their day-to-day activities like playing, feeding as well as nursing their young ones. Expect therefore to see them from a distance of 8-10metres and in a group of not more than six people. This can be made possible with the help of the guide as well as by purchasing a valid permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Coming face to face with these gentle giants is one of the most truly, unforgettable as well as exciting experiences one should not miss on their trip to Uganda.

Uganda Chimpanzee Safaris

Chimpanzee Tracking Habituation Process

Before chimpanzee tracking, a team of rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority first carry out what we call habituation, a process that allows these primates to get used first to human nature, and in most cases, this takes about two years before the visitors are allowed to track them and today most visitors are guaranteed 99% chances of coming face to face with these primates unlike years back when the visitors had only 20% chances. Chimpanzees are one of the most exciting experiences as they share 98% DNA with human beings.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park

Tourists traveling to Kibale forest national park should have in mind that tracking chimpanzees are twice daily. The first goes to track at 8:00 am and the second at 2 pm. This involves passing through a terrain of swamp land and grassland. Since Kibale forest national park is also known as the primate capital of the world, it is arguably the most recommended top chimpanzee tracking destination in the world.

These primates have a lot of features because they are not gentle like the mountain gorillas. Once you enter the wild in search of the chimps, expect to hear a lot of noise and bullies as they also move from one place to another looking for food as well as playing, mating, grooming each other, and nursing their young ones.

Chimpanzee Behavior Traits

Each of the chimpanzees has unique behavior and personality in a y that some tend to be shy, others are just quiet while others love bullying their counterparts. It is therefore always advisable to follow the instructions of the guide regarding which chimpanzee to go near or stay away from since these guides have studied them and so know how each of them behaves.

You also need to be aware of falling fruits from the trees as there are also other different primates swinging from one tree to another. For affordable tours to Kibale forest national park for chimpanzee tracking, get in touch with a reliable tour operator to make your dream come true.