Chimpanzee trekking Adventures in Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking Adventures in Uganda, Kibale, Ngamba, Murchison, Mweya

We Msafiri Tours organise Chimpanzee trekking Adventures in Uganda,visitors and tourists, here is what you need to know about how to go chimp trekking and the cost for chimpanzee trekiing permits

Chimpanzee trekking Adventures in Uganda, in search of chimps swinging from tree to tree. The trek can last a few hours, with each group enjoying an hour’s encounter with the chimpanzees before heading back to camp.

Various destinations in Uganda offer chimpanzee trekking, such as Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, and Kalinzu Forest in Busenyi. The trek commences in the early morning, with tour guides briefing tourists on rules and guidelines. Along the way, trekkers may spot other primates like red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and a diverse range of bird species.

Chimpanzee trekking Adventures in Uganda, Explore Kibale Chimpanzee Tracking

The highly popular Kibale Chimpanzee tracking tours that Msafiri Tours organises depart from the Kanyanchu Visitor center at 08:00 and 15:00, spanning 2 to 3 hours. While chimpanzees are the main attraction, keep an eye out for black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Knowledgeable guides will not only help spot pittas and various bird species but also provide insights into the forest’s diverse plant life. Group sizes are limited to 6 people, so advance booking is essential, especially during peak seasons.

Uganda Chimpanzee trekking permit

A chimpanzee trekking permit is a legal document that grants access to the chimpanzees. They are processed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and remain the property of the Republic of Uganda even after issuance. Similar to gorilla trekking permits, only a limited number of permits are printed per day and they are valid only for the specific date of issue. The limited number of permits is to minimize chimpanzee-human interaction to aid in their conservation efforts since chimps are susceptible to diseases.

To acquire a chimpanzee trek permit, it is advisable to engage a reputable tour operator. Local tour operators are well-versed in the booking process and associated costs, making it beneficial to entrust them with the planning. The tour operators will manage the permit booking with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and once payment is completed, a scanned copy will be emailed to you with essential trek details, including the trekking date, time, your personal details, passport information, and a unique serial number for identification. It’s crucial to note that permit interchange is not allowed, and refunds are unlikely in the event of non-participation.

Cost of the chimpanzee trekking permit in Uganda

The cost of a Chimpanzee trekking permit in Uganda varies depending on the season. There are two seasons, the peak season (dry season) and the low season (wet season), both attracting a variety of tourists for chimpanzee trekking. During the peak season, a chimpanzee trek permit costs $1500 per day per person, while in the low season, the permit can be as low as $100 per person per day in Kibaale forest National Park. In Budongo, the permit costs $90 throughout both peak and low seasons, and in the Kyambura gorge, the permit is priced at $50.

Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park Uganda

Situated in the southwestern region of the nation, Kibale National Park boasts a significant population of chimpanzees, totaling around 1500 with 120 of them habituated. These chimpanzees are readily observable due to their large numbers, with trekking sessions conducted twice daily – in the morning and the afternoon. A chimpanzee tracking permit at Kibale costs $1500 during peak season and $100 in the low season. The park also offers chimpanzee habituation experiences where visitors can spend extended periods with the primates, such as 6 hours or an entire day.\nKnown as the premier spot for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, Kibale National Park presents opportunities to encounter various primates, including colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and a diverse array of bird species (400), alongside other wildlife.\nAccommodations at Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking enthusiasts include the Primate Lodge and the Kyaninga Lodge.\nChimpanzee tracking in Uganda is the most favored activity within the park. The excursion commences from the Kanyanchu Visitor Center at 08:00 and concludes at 15:00, lasting between 2 to 3 hours. During tracking, visitors can spot primates like black and white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked Mangabey, and red-tailed monkeys. Guides will also point out pittas and various bird species while explaining the diversity of plant species in the forest. Each tour group is limited to 6 individuals, and advance booking is crucial, especially during peak season.

Chimpanzee trekking at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary

Ngamba Island, situated on Lake Victoria and easily reachable via a speedboat from Entebbe, is a prime destination in Uganda for chimpanzee trekking. Established by Goodall to protect these primates, the sanctuary’s section where the chimps reside is enclosed to enable them to roam freely without causing harm to nearby residents. The speedboat service to Ngamba operates in two shifts, with a half trip departing in the morning and a full trip departing at 5pm.

The cost of visiting the island is dependent on the group size: smaller groups incurring higher costs while larger groups enjoy reduced rates. Children aged 5 to 15 years always pay half-price for entry to the sanctuary. Originally started with 13 rescued chimpanzees by local individuals and Dr. Jane Goodall, the sanctuary now houses over 50 chimpanzees, many of whom were rescued or orphaned. Visitors can observe the chimpanzees at various stages, engage in close interactions with them, and participate in additional activities such as fishing, swimming, village exploration, and bird watching.

Chimpanzee tracking experience at Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is home to several forests, namely the Budongo forest, the Kaniyo Pabidi, and the Rabongo forest where chimpanzee trekking takes place. These three forests are inhabited by over 600 chimpanzees, making Murchison an excellent destination for this activity. With over 500 bird species and abundant wildlife, Murchison National Park is a popular choice for tourists visiting Uganda for safaris. The ideal time for chimpanzee trekking is from October to January when it’s easier to spot the chimpanzees while they search for food. Chimpanzee trekking is conducted twice daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. The Rabongo forest, also located within Murchison, is where trekking occurs. While there are no defined trekking routes, a tour guide can help you navigate the forest in search of chimpanzees, where you can spend an hour observing them. The Rabongo forest, however, has fewer chimpanzee families compared to the Budongo forest. Budongo forest is a premier destination for chimpanzee trekking, boasting a large population of primates. With the assistance of a tour guide, trekking is made easier, allowing you to encounter other primates like monkeys, olive baboons, and red-tailed monkeys while engaging in bird watching and other activities. Kaniyo Pabidi forest is home to chimpanzees, diverse bird species, insects, and other primates. Positioned as one of the few forests in the country left untouched by human interference, it provides a natural haven for its inhabitants. Accommodation options in Murchison Falls National Park are categorized into three sections: Para and Victoria Nile, Albert Nile, and Kaniyo Pabidi, offering a range of Luxurious, Mid-range, and Budget facilities for visitors to select based on their preferences with the help of their tour operator.

Chimpanzee trekking in the Queen Elizabeth National Park is a delightful experience.

Queen Elizabeth National Park stands out as a top destination amongst tourists, boasting a population of around 17 chimpanzees. The opportunity to trek with these fascinating primates is offered within the picturesque Kyambura Game Reserve, also referred to as the Kyambura Gorge. This activity is most enjoyable during the mornings, lasting approximately 1 to 2 hours. Throughout the trek, knowledgeable tour guides will accompany you, ensuring a safe and enriching experience. Following the adventure, you can further explore the National Park by embarking on a game drive. Notable lodges in the Kyambura area for your accommodation consideration include Kyambura Gorge Safari Lodge, KingFisher Camp, Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Lodge, and Katara Lodge, among other excellent options.

Chimpanzee trekking Adventures in Uganda