Chimpanzee tracking destinations in Uganda : Uganda is truly a gorgeous tourist terminus. Not only is she rich in wildlife species but also primates. Uganda has over 20 primate species-the most famed being the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park plus chimpanzees in Kibale National Park.
This is another best and most popular activity after gorilla tracking. Chimpanzee tracking is less tiring than gorilla tracking since it is done in areas that are not hilly. The activity also starts with a briefing about the do’s and dont’s of chimpanzee tracking then later you walk through the forest in search of the chimpanzees with a well-armed ranger guide that is allocated to you. The chimpanzees are very interesting primates and while walking in the forest, you will be able to see some of the members swinging from one tree branch to another. Tracking the chimpanzees can take about 30 minutes to 2 hours and once you locate the chimpanzee group, you are given up to 1 hour to watch, ask questions and learn about their behaviors, eating habits, and other characteristics.
The cost of chimpanzee tracking differs from destination to destination. And as Uganda is in the process of celebrating its independence here are some of the destination you can choose to have the celebration of the 60 years of the pearl of Africa having its celebrations from, and these areas are best for chimpanzee tracking basically. And these areas include:
Kibale National Park
Of the four chimpanzee trekking destinations, Kibale National Park is the premier chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda due to the highest population of chimps (about 1,500) thus enabling easy sightings of these awesome apes. Other than chimps, Kibale Forest also hosts 12 primate species including the black-and-white colobus, red-colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey, blue monkeys, Ugandan mangabey, and olive baboons among others.
Budongo Forest Reserve
Located within Murchison Falls National Park, Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest is done in Kaniyo Pabidi. The forest reserve inhabits over 600 chimpanzees. Just like in Kibale National Park, two excursions are done daily; one in the morning at 08:00 am and the other in the afternoon at 02:00 pm.
The trekking in Budongo is much easier compared to Kibale since the terrain is flatter. Also, the chimpanzee permits here are cheaper compared to that in Kibale. Kibale National Park beats Kaniyo Pabidi due to the large population of chimps thus making it more reliable.
Kyambura Gorge
Nicknamed “the valley of apes”, Kyambura gorge located in the Far East of Queen Elizabeth National Park is the 3rd most popular chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda. Kyambura gorge inhabits about 30 chimpanzees, making it more difficult to see them. Nevertheless, the trekking is as rewarding due to the sights and sounds of different forest species as you descend the valley, Chimpanzee tracking destinations in Uganda
Kalinzu Forest
Situated just outside Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu forest provides a better chimpanzee trekking opportunity compared to Kyambura gorge. The forest has more chimpanzees concentrated within a relatively small area thus increasing the probability of seeing them. Kalinzu forest is home to about 300 chimpanzees.
Other destinations to see chimpanzees
In captivity, chimpanzees in Uganda can also be seen in Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria where orphaned and injured chimpanzees are taken care of. Chimpanzees can also be found at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre formerly called Entebbe zoo.
Other activities to do after chimpanzee tracking in Uganda
Game viewing
This is one of the most popular activities to do and it exposes you or gives you an opportunity to catch sight of various animal species including ‘The big five’ as they roam in the savannah, seen quenching their thirst at the watering holes, lazily resting in the trees looking out for prey. Game drives are done in designated routes within the different parks and best done in the morning so as to get the best rewards but also in the afternoon and a provision for night game drives in some national parks.. Look out for bird species too as you take on the game drive. Wildlife viewing can be done in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Pian Upe wildlife reserve, Chimpanzee tracking destinations in Uganda
Boat cruise
Take on a thrilling boat cruise in different destinations as you appreciate the beautiful scenery and keep an eye out for different animals at the shores such as crocodiles, and hippos but also water birds such as giant kingfishers, and African fish eagle, Marabou stork and many others. Destinations with boat cruises include; Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale, and many others.
Gorilla tracking
Gorilla tracking is the top most done and sought after famous activity in Uganda. This fascinating activity brings you face to face with incredible mountain gorillas. Uganda has half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas hence making it a tourist hot spot for gorilla tours and the best place to track these gentle giants. While on a Uganda gorilla safari, you can choose to participate in gorilla tracking from any of the two destinations that harbor the mountain gorillas, that is to say Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gorilla tracking involves walking through the forest in search of the mountain gorillas. The activity starts with a briefing at the park headquarters on the rules and regulations to follow. This is followed by the allocation of groups (8 people per group) and each group is an allocated a gorilla family/group to track in the company of an armed game ranger.
Gorilla tracking can take about 2 hours to 8 hours depending on the location of the mountain gorillas. The ranger guide assigned to you keeps in touch with the monitoring team on ground in order to easily locate the mountain gorillas. On locating the mountain gorillas, you are allowed up to 1 hour to watch them go about their daily life. Capture all these great memories while with the mountain gorillas. After the hour, you head back to the park headquarters where you receive a certificate for participating in the Uganda gorilla safari.
Birding
Uganda remains a key birding destination in the whole world with about 1085 bird species. Uganda still boasts 24 out of 26 Albertine endemic species. On an average 17 days safari, you can tick off about 450 bird species because the country has different habitats including the 10 national parks. Savannah areas, swampy areas, higher altitude areas, forest areas, mountainous areas, and woodland areas. Birds can be spotted while on a game drive, boat cruise and guided nature walks. Book your Uganda birding safari for an adventure, Chimpanzee tracking destinations in Uganda
Rhino tracking
Rhino tracking is one unique activity that should be added onto your bucket list for a Uganda safari. Rhinos are one of the big five animals in Uganda. The rhino tracking activity is conducted at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. Rhino tracking is done in the company of an armed game ranger and the activity takes about two hours. You get an opportunity to watch the rhinos in their natural habitat.
There are lots other activities to do after chimpanzee tracking in Uganda and these can include.
Swimming
Fishing
Village and Nature Walks
Cultural Visit
White Water Rafting
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Sport Fishing
Mountaineering and Hiking
Golf Safari
Zip-lining
Horse Back Riding
Quad Biking
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Stand Up Paddle
River Boarding or Surfing
Jet Boating
Packing list chimpanzee tracking in Uganda
Your packing choice has to as well matter as other stuff matter in order to have a pleasant visit in Uganda make the best choice of clothes to use.
Long trousers (zip-off pants are very useful)
Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
Short-sleeved shirts
Underwear
Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
Raincoat and/ or rain poncho
Sun hat
Bandana
Sunscreen crème
As Uganda celebrates its independence let this be an open space for you and your loved ones to come join in the celebration as you have the best chimpanzee tracking experiences as well in Uganda plus having lots more fun activities to involve in, just make your bookings with Uganda safaris to have a better plan and preparation for your trip.
