Chimpanzee trekking is an activity where travelers are led by a guide into the gazetted territories for chimpanzees to find the primates and explore them. This trekking activity is one of the famous activities done in Uganda and it runs throughout the year. Chimpanzee trekking has become a main tourist attraction along with the mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda. Chimpanzee trekking is carried out in different forests of the national parks in Uganda and these include Budongo forest in Murchison falls national park which is situated in northwestern part of Uganda, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park located in western region of Uganda in Kasese district & Kibale forest National national park situated in western region of Uganda in Kabarole district.
Budongo forest is located in north western part of Uganda in Murchison falls national park and is situated on the north East rim of lake Albert. Budongo forest is one of the largest nature forests in Uganda, composing a total area of about 824 square kilometers. Budongo forest was derived from the local Banyoro word which means “the fertile soil” and this forest is under the protection of the Natural Forests Authority and is world heritage site.
Budongo forest is a well known home for the large population of chimpanzees it has of over 600 to 700 species and is also famous in East Africa for mahogany trees which measures 80m tall and some 20m in boundary. It is one of the leading chimpanzee safari destinations in Uganda where one wishes to visit and explore these apes.
Kibale forest in the Uganda’s main attraction place for chimpanzee trekking of over 1500 chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking has become a popular activity done in Uganda. Tourists who enjoy doing chimpanzee trekking can visit Uganda safari destinations that are gazetted for chimpanzee trekking.
Chimpanzee trekking takes about 3 to 4 hours and one is led by the Uganda wild authority guides who will take you through the forest in search of the chimpanzees. When you find the chimpanzees you are allowed one hour to view them and take photos. On you journey you will encounter various species of birds and plants which will spice up your safari. You will encounter other primates like blue monkeys, white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons and you can also get chance to see forest inhabitants licking salt by the forest rivers such as animals include lions, leopards, buffaloes and many others.
Chimpanzee permits cost USD 150 per person in Kibale Forest, USD 90 in Budongo forest, USD 50 in Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Those interested in Uganda chimpanzee trekking safaris, are advised to make bookings in time. You can get this information using online magazines or tour operators. The best time to do chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is from the month of June, August, November, December to February when the forest is with enough fruits in supply for these small apes.
In budongo forest, kyambura gorge and kibale national park there are different accommodation facilities where one can spend a night and are all costed according to what one can afford. The lodges range from budget, to midrange and luxury.
