Chimpanzee Tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Chimpanzee tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park: Chimpanzee trekking is an exciting experience conducted at Kyambura Gorge that lies within Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park ranks as one of the most visited Uganda game parks because of the unique tree-climbing lions, among other vast wild animals.
A fact about Queen Elizabeth National Park is that it is Uganda’s medley of wonders and a great location for a biodiverse safari. It offers a scenic landscape, abundant wildlife and rich cultural heritage.
Moreover, the park covers an area of about 1978 square kilometers, comprising woodland and savannah grass that is inhabited by over 95 mammal species and is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The park hosts more than 600 recorded bird species.
Besides chimpanzee tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the park is also best for game viewing, hosting notable wildlife including big game: buffaloes, elephants, hippos, Uganda Kobs and waterbucks.
Predators to see include lions, leopards, spotted hyenas and side-striped jackals. Moreover, it also harbors various primates, like chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and olive baboons, among others.
Where can I do chimpanzee tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Chimpanzee tracking is quite an amazing experience done in Kyambura gorge ‘’Valley of Apes’’ found within the park. The gorge estimates the total population to be more than 80 individual chimpanzees. However, the Kyambura Gorge supports other primate species, such as black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons, and many more.
Other places to see chimpanzees in Uganda are Kibale National Park, home to the largest population in the country; Budongo forest found in Murchison Falls National Park; and Kalinzu Forest, which sits in the Bushenyi district.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge attracts many tourists in the country. The experience involves tourists moving through the dense forests while tracking. Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge is done in two sessions that is, the morning and afternoon sessions. Therefore, this gives visitors a chance to choose what time is best for them to go trekking.
However, morning hour are considered the best rewarding time to go for trekking, when the species seem more active as they move around the park while searching for food. More fact: visitors are always encouraged to arrive at the Visitor’s center, where they always go through a registration and short briefings about rules, regulations and expectations to follow during the trekking experience.
Chimpanzee trekking is done in different groups with a maximum of 8 people per group, depending on which group is assigned to the activity. The trekking experience takes about 2 to 5 hours, depending on where chimps are located and it always begins at 8:00am and 2:00pm in the afternoon. After chimpanzees are found, tourists are allowed one hour to spend with the chimpanzees, and during this period, tourists get opportunities to learn about their behaviors and habits as well as capture videos.
Rules to follow while on Chimpanzee trekking
Visitors are encouraged to keep a distance of about 7 to 8 meters away from the chimps.
Avoid maintaining direct eye contact with chimps.
Do not eat or drink while in the presence of the chimps
Always maintain an 8-meter distance
Stay with your group and guide and keep voices low.
Minimum age is 12 years old and above.
Always obey your ranger guide’s instructions for your safety.
If you’re sick, do not trek with the flu, diarrhoea or coughs; human diseases are easily transmissible to chimps.
Allowed only one hour with the chimpanzees once located.
No flashlight is allowed
Cost of the Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge:
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge costs USD 150 per person for the foreign non-resident and the East African Citizen pay fee of about 30,000 UGX per person.
What essentials to carry on Chimpanzee tracking tour?
The most useful essentials to carry with you on your chimpanzee trekking safari; Enough drinking water, long-sleeved trousers, light Rain jackets, Hiking boots, hats, energy snacks, warm clothes, a waterproof bag, a clear camera with enough batteries, and many others.
Best time to go for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Chimpanzee trekking safari in Kyambura Gorge can be done all year round, though the dry season is considered to be the best time to go for trekking. Dry season happens between the months of June and September and December and February; during this period of time there is less rain, which makes trekking in trails easy.
For more information about Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, contact our reputable tour operator for help. Or book with us at Achieve Global Safaris to offer you the best tour packages on Uganda safaris.
