Cost for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

What is the Cost for chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda? Chimpanzees are among the few remaining great apes left on earth. Others are orangutans, gorillas, and humans. Apes have no advanced brains and tails which help them to use advanced tools for survival. Apart from humans, chimpanzees are the most intelligent ape among others. They have DNA that is similar to that one of humans, this is the reason why most of the tourists are interest in chimpanzee tracking. Chimpanzees are divided into two species that are bonobos (pygmy chimpanzee) and common chimpanzees. These two species are different in diet, stature, and location according to Jane Goodall. Common chimps are more than bonobos but according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), both are known as endangered animals. Chimpanzees are found in the dense forests and feed on leaves, fruits, shoots, and sometimes eat meat from smaller animals like monkeys, rodents, and others. Chimpanzees are live in different groups of about 10-100 members which headed by the alpha male. The alpha male does not lead for a long period as many adult males are waiting to challenge him.

Where do the chimpanzees live?

In the East, West, Central and Southern Africa are where the chimpanzees are found. While some are found in Eastern Asia. Bonobos are in the rainforests of DR. Congo. But chimpanzees are too many if compared to gorillas and they have reduced in the number in the last 70 years which is caused by human activities. Humans have used forests as their gardens which is the home of Chimpanzees and they found themselves like no place to call home and this forces them to go in their gardens for food which resulted in conflicts with humans.

Uganda is among the few remaining countries with a high number of chimpanzees. Uganda Wildlife Authority is working hard together with organizations like Jane Goodall Institute so that to protect and conserve these primates which have resulted in a large population of chimps and attract more visitors for chimpanzee tracking. Chimpanzee tracking is one of the amazing tourist activities which attracts most visitors to track chimps and learn more about them. Chimpanzee tracking helps one to know the importance of these primates, how to protect them and avoid extinction. Those who are interested in this activity must have a permit which is purchased from Uganda Wildlife Authority, this money collected is used in the conservation activities such as treatment, monitoring, and research of these animals.

The cost for chimpanzee trekking Safari in Uganda.

Uganda has over 5000 chimpanzees and it is among the best destinations for chimpanzee trekking. Chimpanzees live in small and large groups and spread around the countryside. Chimps in Uganda are found in several forests, whereby each forest offers a different experience according to its landscapes and atmosphere. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is done in Budongo forest in the Murchison falls national park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park, Kibale forest national park, Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve as well as in Kalinzu forest. They can also be spotted in the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Bugoma forest, and Entebbe zoo. These are chimpanzee tracking destinations as explained below,

Kibale Forest national park.

This is among the tropical rainforest in the western region of Uganda, which is found near the city of Fort Portal. Kibale forest national park is one of the best places for chimpanzees in Africa with about 1500 chimps. Apart from chimps, the park is also home to 12 other species of smaller primates which include a red-tailed monkey, colobus monkeys (black and white), grey-cheeked mangabey, pottos monkeys, blue monkeys, bushbabies, and so on. The major tourist attraction in Kibale forest national is chimpanzee tracking which attracts most of the tourists in the park. The park has four habituated chimpanzee communities which are already for tourism and a permit for chimpanzee trekking costs 200USD per person per trek. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest national park can be done in the morning, mid-morning, and afternoon.  It can be done within 2-6 hours. You are given only 1 hour of observing and taking photos with them. If you want to enjoy the chimpanzee trekking, you must set aside 3 days which allows you to explore more about the forest like chimpanzee tracking, visiting the Bigodi wetlands sanctuary, and among others.

Kalinzu forest.

This is found just a few miles from Queen Elizabeth national park. It is also one of the best areas for chimpanzee tracking, with over 290 chimpanzees and 70 among them are already habituated for visitors. The chances of seeing chimps in Kalizu forest is 90% but the only challenge in Kalizu forest is that the tourism infrastructure around the forest is not good like that one of other destinations. The forest is not ranking like other destinations because it is still under the Ministry of forestry and they are lucking more expertise and resources. Chimpanzee tracking in this forest costs 35USD per person which is cheaper than other forests. Kalinzu forest is found near Queen Elizabeth National park so you do not need to worry about accommodation since Queen Elizabeth national park is surrounded by many safari lodges where you can stay and complete your chimpanzee tracking safari in Kalinzu forest. The forest is also home to wildlife animals, over 410 bird species, reptiles, butterflies, smaller monkeys, tree species, and others.

Budongo forest Reserve

Budongo forest covers an area of 825km2 in the Murchison falls national park. It is also among the best place for chimpanzee tracking. The forest has over 800 chimpanzees and 100 among them are habituated for tourists. Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest is carried out around Kaniyo Pabidi. This area has a good environment that favors chimpanzees. Kaniyo Pabidi is also the best place for nature walks as well as bird watching. Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest is carried out at exactly 7: am and at 2: pm. A permit for chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest costs 85USD and it can be paid on arrival. This activity in Budongo is best during the wet months that from April-May and October-November when there is plenty of fresh fruits in the forest. While during the dry season, it is hard to trek chimps as they move deep into the forest looking for food.

Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

When you’re seeking the best areas for chimpanzee trekking, Kyambura Gorge in the eastern parts of Queen Elizabeth national park is also a good idea. Kyambura Gorge has over 30 habituated chimps for tourism. Besides chimpanzee tracking, the forest is the best place for nature walks and bird watching. Some of the bird species to see around the forest are blue-headed bee-eater, falcons, African Finfoot, and others. There are even small primate-like red-tailed monkeys, baboons, bush babies, and Angola colobus. The cost of chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura Gorge Uganda costs 50USD per person per trek.

Semuliki Wildlife Reserve.

Semuliki Wildlife Reserve is a good place for chimpanzee lovers, which is found on the border of Uganda and DR. Congo. Chimpanzees in Semuliki Wildlife Reserve are being studied by Indiana University. The area has over 260 individuals with 3 habituated chimpanzee communities. And yes, the cost for chimpanzee trekking in Semuliki wildlife reserve Uganda is USD 30 for foreign residents and foreign non residents.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

This island is found in Lake Victoria.  Ngamba island chimpanzee Sanctuary was formed to rescue injured and orphaned chimps from the different chimpanzee destinations of the country. This place is beautiful though fenced tropical forest covering almost the half of island. There are volunteers, experienced caretakers as well as researchers who catered to the chimps. If you interest in this program, you can register as a caretaker for a day or volunteer for a long time and get an opportunity to spend more time with these primates.

The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre

It is found in Entebbe town and at first, was known as Entebbe zoo.  It was established as a rehabilitation center to protect the injured, orphaned, and lone animals. Then later it was turned into a zoo where tourists can go and explore more about wildlife in Uganda, with 40 chimpanzees. This is also a good place for those with short time and they want to visit chimps or for the workshop.

Guidelines for tracking Chimpanzee in Uganda.

• One must have a permit that allows you to participate in chimpanzee trekking. This is the reason why tourists are advised to book their permits like 3 months back. Mostly those who are interested in traveling during the peak season in Kibale National park.
• Tourists with contagious diseases such as covid-19, flu, and cough are not accepted to take part in chimpanzee trekking because they may affect the chimps as the DNA for chimps is similar to the human.
• Tourists below 13 years of age are not allowed.
• You are not allowed to take eats in the presence of chimpanzees because they may grab your food.
• 6 people are allowed to visit a chimpanzee community.
• You should keep 7 meters from chimpanzees.
• Flash cameras are not allowed for photography.
• You should keep your voice low in the presence of chimpanzees.
• Do not litter.

Packing list for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

After understanding the cost for chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda and rules & regulations for the activity, you need to get detailed information on what to pack for this primate adventure tour. Most of the tourists will always wonder what to pack for their next chimpanzee adventure after getting a chimpanzee permit. Here are requirements that one needs when coming to chimpanzee tracking and you should make sure that you plan accordingly to make it worth it.

Hiking Boots; on your safari hiking boots is one of the most important things you should carry for your chimpanzee tracking since this activity is carried out in mountainous areas.

Long-Sleeved Shirts / Blouse; try as much as possible to put on the long-sleeved shirts, this is because some chimpanzee communities are staying in the big forests.

Garden Gloves, this may help you to reduce on the risk of other infection that may affect you since you hold onto vegetation when you’re hiking.

Hat and Sun Glasses are also important to carry mostly in the dry season, this helps you to protect yourself from sunshine.

Energy giving snacks. The activity starts at 7 am, so you need to carry your packed lunch.

Cameras and extra batteries for taking photos that to share with your loved ones when you’re back in your homeland. But make sure that your flash is off.

Porters, the activity involves hiking mountains so it is advisable to hire a porter who will carry your luggage as well as support you to hike.

A walking stick is provided at the park headquarters or lodge, it is supported when the trail is slippery or muddy.

Besides chimp tracking, a number of safari activities can be done in Uganda. Travelers can opt to go gorilla trekking in either Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park, game viewing in most of the savannah national parks, bird watching and mountain hiking. If you need more information regarding the cost of chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, get in touch with our safari expert for details.