Time is one of the most important factors in every safari and failure to pick the right dates and months means there is that one thing to be missed. Chimpanzee trekking runs all year round, with the chance of encountering them being the same. But who wants to pass through difficulties in the time of making a story with the rare cousins?
Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most exciting safari activities done in Uganda; a very beautiful and one of the friendliest countries located in the east of the continent of Africa. Uganda has very conducive weather all year round and a variety of biodiversity. It has one of the highest concentration of primates in the world – chimpanzees inclusive, harbored in its lush tropical forests, swamps and conservation areas. Chimpanzees can be tracked during a honeymoon, summer holiday, research and photographic trip, family day out, winter break or weekend escape.
Chimpanzees possess over 99% of total human-like DNA. Their behaviors and social setup are more or less that of humans, thus being our closest relatives. Their diet is comprised of leaves, fruits, stems, leaves and ants. Once in a while, chimpanzees feed on the flesh of some primates like the Colobus monkeys. Chimps spend their day playing in the treetops and moving from one place to another every day, building their nests and feeding.
The trekking exercise is best done in morning hours when they have just woken up, are very active and feeding, or in the afternoon when they are relaxing or setting up their nests. Trekkers walk on foot, for about 2-6 hours and are given an additional hour for photos, asking the ranger guides different questions and closely watching the apes play, feed or mothers nursing their young ones.
The best time for chimpanzee trekking is in dry months of the year, June to September and December to early march; when rain is less or nothing at all to make the trails muddy for a hike, interrupt the search or scare away the apes. Any day of the week is ideal, depending on your schedule and the most preferable time for trekking is morning hours when the apes have just left their nests, are feeding or moving in search of fresh foliage.
Where to track the chimpanzees?
Uganda has several destinations where you can find chimpanzees and spend time with them. These places include Kibale Forest National Park – an asylum to the highest concentration of chimpanzees and other primates in the country; Budongo forest in Murchison falls national park, Toro-Semuliki Reserve, Kalinzu forest and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The cost of chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.
Different trekking destinations charge independent costs. But picking the rates from Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff, the rates are as follows, inclusive of park entrance and ranger fees. The destinations include Kibale forest National Park – 200usd for foreign non-residents; 150USD for foreign residents and 150,000UGX for East African citizens. Kyambura gorge at 50usd for foreign non-residents and foreign residents and 30,000ugx for East African residents.
What to carry for chimpanzee trekking?
Here are some of the items you need for your chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda; good hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, gloves to protect your legs, a hat to protect your head, pair of stockings, water container, insect repellent, raincoat to guard against rain and so much more. The relevant documents include the yellow fever vaccine certificate, covid-19 negative test form and other travel documents.
Any time between December to March and June to September is ideal for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, thus recommended for your visit. Other activities to consider include Gorilla trekking, wildlife tours, cultural safari and mountain hiking adventures.
