When you think of primate safari to Africa, Uganda is that one magical country you should think about or shouldn’t miss out in your travel plan. This magical landlocked country boasts not only for its thrilling gorilla adventures but also for exciting chimpanzee tracking. It is one of a few most endowed destinations with primate species comprising of more than 5000 chimpanzees. These are widely distributed in different parts of Uganda and regardless of these larger numbers, they still remain among a few most threatened species due to political instabilities, poaching, habitat loss and spread of human infectious diseases. Usually, they get caught in wire snares which are set for small antelopes and they equally fall culprits. With about 21 countries where chimpanzees thrive in the wild in Africa, Uganda is that one exceptional safari destination that you will need to spend your vacation if you are to have the best of this primate experience.
For any plans to visit East Africa and you wish to explore more about chimpanzees, consider Uganda a must to include in your travel plan and you won’t regret in life. There are many tourist sites in Uganda where you can spot out these amazing creatures and most of them have been habituated. Among the most famous sites that you need to pay a visit to trek chimpanzees include Kibale Forest National Park which is situated in the western side of Uganda. This park is one of a few unique and beautiful rainforest parks in Uganda where chimpanzee trekking is best done. Over 1500 of these remarkable creatures call this park their home. There are many habituated groups for visitor experiences and this means that they are used to human presence and you can explore more about their behavior and take as many photos as possible. To be part of this experience in Kibale, you need $150 to secure your permit.
This park is ideal for both chimpanzee trekking and habituation experience. This conservancy area features about 13 primate species of which chimpanzees equally make up a larger portion. Treks at this park kick start early in the morning by a briefing on dos and don’ts for chimpanzee trekking. Whereas chimpanzee habituation experience is a whole day primate adventure that involves researchers, trackers following the chimpanzees in a move to make them get used to human presence. This exercise usually lasts for about 2 years.
Chimpanzee tracking is an all year round adventure but it is best done during the dry season which starts from June-September and December-February. During this period, the ground remains relatively drier thus making it a bit easier for you to undertake this adventure. This is also regarded as a high season and for any need to track chimpanzees in this park during this season, you need to book for your permit as early as possible. However, this doesn’t mean that it is not possible for you to engage in this lovely adventure during the wet season. The wet or rainy season starts from March to May and from October to November.
Kibale Forest National Park boasts of its diverse natural wonders and popular as a capital for primates. Besides chimpanzees, there are also many L’Hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons among others as well as 350 bird species that include the rare African green breasted pitta; 250 tree species, forest elephants, buffaloes, and others. This park straddles at an altitude of 1590 meters and its lowest part is 1100 meters.
You can as well pay a visit to;
- Kyambura Gorge
- Budongo forest
- Kalinzu forest
- Toro Semuliki wildlife reserve
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