Chimpanzee trekking is a popular activity for tourists visiting Uganda. Similar to gorilla trekking, it involves hiking through the forest to find chimpanzees, who are often seen swinging from tree to tree. The trek can take a few hours, and once you find the chimpanzees, you get to spend an hour with them before returning to the camp.
Uganda offers several destinations for chimpanzee trekking, with Kibale Forest National Park being the most prominent. Other locations include Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, and Kalinzu Forest.
The trek usually begins early in the morning, with guides providing important instructions. Along the way, you might also spot other wildlife like red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and a variety of birds.
Chimpanzee Trekking Permit
A permit is required for chimpanzee trekking, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. These permits are limited and valid only for the specific date printed on them to minimize human interaction with the chimpanzees, which helps in their conservation.
The easiest way to obtain a permit is through a trusted tour operator, who will handle the booking and send you a scanned copy with all the necessary details. Note that permits are non-transferable, and refunds are difficult to obtain.
Cost of Chimpanzee Trekking Permits
The cost varies depending on the season. During the peak season, a permit in Kibale Forest National Park is $1500 per person per day, while in the low season, it drops to $100. In Budongo Forest, the permit costs $90, and in Kyambura Gorge, it’s $50.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park, in southwestern Uganda, is home to around 1500 chimpanzees, with 120 of them habituated for trekking. Treks are available twice a day, in the morning and afternoon. In addition to trekking, Kibale also offers a chimpanzee habituation experience, where you can spend 6 hours or even a full day with the primates.
Kibale is considered the best destination for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, with opportunities to see other wildlife, such as different species of monkeys and birds. There are several lodging options near the park, including Primate Lodge and Kyaninga Lodge.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island, located on Lake Victoria and accessible by speedboat from Entebbe, offers another chimpanzee trekking experience. Established by Dr. Jane Goodall, the sanctuary allows chimpanzees to roam freely within a fenced area. The cost of visiting the island varies depending on the group size, with discounts for children aged 5 to 15.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park offers chimpanzee trekking in three forests: Budongo, Kaniyo Pabidi, and Rabongo. The park is home to over 600 chimpanzees and is also rich in bird species and other wildlife. The best time for trekking here is from October to January. Treks are conducted twice a day, in the morning and afternoon.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is another popular destination for chimpanzee trekking, particularly in the Kyambura Game Reserve. The trek typically takes 1 to 2 hours and is best done in the morning. Lodging options near Kyambura include Kyambura Gorge Safari Lodge and Mweya Safari Lodge.
What to Pack for Chimpanzee Trekking Pack light and only bring essentials:
- Insect repellent
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Bottled water
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
- A walking stick
- Camera and binoculars
- A small backpack
- A sun hat and sunscreen
Trekking Rules and Regulations Follow these rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek:
- Don’t trek if you’re sick, especially with flu or cough.
- Maintain an 8-meter distance from the chimpanzees.
- Follow all guidelines provided by your tour guides.
- Don’t feed the chimpanzees or eat/drink near them.
- Avoid urinating or defecating in the park; if necessary, dig a hole and bury everything.
- The minimum age for trekking is 15 years.
- Keep noise levels low to avoid disturbing the chimpanzees.
- Ensure your camera doesn’t have a flash.
Chimpanzee Habituation Chimpanzee habituation allows you to spend more time with the chimpanzees, usually around 6 hours or even a full day. This process helps chimpanzees get used to human presence. In Uganda, habituation is mainly done in Kibale National Park, and it requires a special permit, which costs $150 for foreign residents, $70 for East African citizens, and $220 for non-foreign residents. These permits should be booked in advance.
Chimpanzee Trekking vs. Gorilla Trekking Chimpanzee trekking is becoming increasingly popular among tourists. Permits for chimpanzee trekking cost $150, while those for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park are $1500. Both activities involve spending an hour with the primates, observing their behavior and interactions.
Chimpanzee Trekking vs. Chimpanzee Habituation The key difference between these two activities is the amount of time spent with the chimpanzees. Trekking involves a 2 to 3-hour hike, with one hour spent with the chimpanzees. Habituation, on the other hand, allows for a 6-hour or full-day experience.
About Chimpanzees Chimpanzees share 98% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest relatives. They are highly social, intelligent, and can even use tools. Chimpanzees live in groups of 10 to 100, with one dominant male. They are generally playful but can become aggressive if provoked.
Chimpanzees typically live up to 40 years in the wild, but can live up to 60 years in captivity. They spend most of their time on the ground, but feed and sleep in trees. Their diet includes fruits, leaves, flowers, and insects, and they use tools to gather food.
Conservation Efforts Efforts to conserve chimpanzees in Uganda are supported by the government and organizations like the Jane Goodall Foundation. By participating in chimpanzee trekking, you contribute to these conservation efforts.
