Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda or Rwanda which is better depends on what your vision for taking this African safari. A population of about 5000 chimpanzees are living in Uganda in different locations. Rwanda currently has one chimpanzee trekking destination called Nyungwe National Park situated close to Lake Kivu and another chimpanzee community is in Cyamudondo on park outskirts.
Whether gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, tourists have to posses a chimpanzee trekking permit which allows only one hour with these vulnerable endangered primates. Enquire Now
Chimpanzees have about 98% human DNA bringing them closest to humans amongst all wild animals. Chimpanzees live in democratic communities under the leadership of an alpha male elected by member of the community and not a hereditary position. The Alpha male must prove his worth to the rest of the gorilla family especially the females to be accorded this leadership position.
To do chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda or Uganda, you can choose to do the morning or afternoon session each day. The number of chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda or Rwanda is regulated in order to reduce on the effects of mass tourism to the very sensitive chimpanzees.
Only one hour of chimpanzee trekking is allowed in Rwanda and Uganda as a measure to reduce on the chances of stressing these primates. The presence of humans interrupts the daily life of the chimpanzees like feeding, napping, grooming so the time with them is regulated to only one hour.
Where To Do Chimpanzee Trekking In Rwanda
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda is the only natural rain forest where chimpanzee trekking is happening. Another location called Cyamudondo on the outskirts of Nyungwe Forest hosts one of the communities of chimpanzees in Rwanda.
Uwinka center is the main headquarters of Nyungwe forest where most tourists gather for briefing before chimpanzee trekking. To do chimpanzee trekking, tourists follow different trails constructed around Nyungwe forest by regular visitors in the forest. Some of the notable trails in Nyungwe forest include Usamo trail, Igishigishigi trail and more.
A number of other primates are living in Nyungwe forest too including Dent Mona Monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, black and white mangabey, red tailed monkeys and more.
On chimpanzee trekking day, tourists have to report to the ranger station for briefing where guidelines and most recent information about the mountain gorillas and the forest at larger is communicated in details.
For every chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda, one must purchase a chimpanzee permits from Rwanda Development Board.
Where to Do Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
A variety of chimpanzee trekking destinations are open in Uganda in different part of the country. An alternative chimpanzee safari activity is open too in Uganda that is chimpanzee habituation experience (CHEX)where four hours with semi-habituated chimpanzees is open
Kibale National Park
In Uganda Kibale National Park is the capital of chimpanzee trekking in the country hosting a population of about 1500 chimpanzees from the 5000 chimpanzees the total number living in the country.
Kibale forest is open for chimpanzee habituation experience too where tourists in company of a ranger guide and researcher follow a community of semi habituated chimpanzees to have four hours with them.
Other than chimpanzees, Kibale forest National Park is home to more 12 primate species including black and white colobus, blue monkeys, olive baboons, red tailed monkeys, bush babies, l’Hoest and more. Beyond the primates more than 325 bird species have been registered as residents of Kibale forest including Albertine rift endemics.
Kibale forest share a 180 kilometers migration corridor with Queen Elizabeth National Park mainly a game park so you are likely to find other wild animals that cross into this forest like forest elephants, duikers and more.
Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
On the floor of the rift valley in Queen Elizabeth National park is Kyambura gorge which deeps about 40 meters. This forested part of the park hosts a community of chimpanzees which can be reached by hiking. Each day two chimpanzee trekking sessions commence from the fig tree that is morning or afternoon
You have to book a chimpanzee trekking permit for Kyambura Gorge from Uganda Wildlife Authority.
In addition, tourists in Queen Elizabeth National Park may participate in game drives, Nature walks in Maramagambo forest, boat trip on Kazinga channel and more.
Kaniyo Pabidi Forest In Murchison Falls National Park
From the entry gate into Murchison Falls National Park, Kaniyo Pabidi forest is about 8 kilometers in. Each day a community if chimpanzees can be visited by tourists on chimpanzee trekking adventure for the early morning or afternoon session. Kaniyo Pabidi forest also protects some of the few leftover mahogany trees in Uganda.
The forest also hosts several other primates including black and white colobus, grey cheeked mangabey and more. A plethora of forest birds can be spotted in Kaniyo Pabidi Forest too.
Budongo Forest
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest is open to the public too as this is one of the few leftover natural forests in Uganda. Overtime, the chimpanzees in Budongo forest have been used for research but currently are open to public visits.
As a natural rain forest, Budongo is a biosphere reserve host a variety of other wild animals including other primates, game, birds and more.
Chimpanzee habituation experience is open too in Budongo forest but advance booking is necessary for better preparations.
Kalinzu Forest
On the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth National Park is Kalinzu forest where most of the research about the chimpanzees is happening. During high season, the Kalinzu forest chimpanzees are opened to public booking. These chimpanzees are quite charming to see as they run their daily life with no time table to follow but their instincts.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island is a second home to chimpanzees that have been abandoned and cannot return to their original communities, orphaned, rescued, isolated and more.
The sanctuary is run by the Jane Goodall group and a number of engaging activities happen at this chimpanzee sanctuary including feeding the chimps, keeper for the day, chimpanzee up close and more. Most of these activities are aimed at helping people appreciate the relevancy of co-existing with the chimpanzees and also accumulate funds to support the existence of the unfortunate primates.
To get to Ngamba Chimpanzee Island tourists can use a boat or be air lifted using charter flights.
Uganda Wildlife Education Center
A chimpanzee community live in the Uganda Wildlife Education Center(UWEC) the former Entebbe Zoo. These chimpanzees are living in n exhibit with environment similar to that where they live in the wilderness. From the view platform, tourists are able to see these chimpanzees and others may engage in inhouse activities like keeper for the day.
A self guided or guided tour around Uganda Wildlife Education Center gets you to where these chimpanzees are living. The center is also situated in a short distance from the Entebbe international Airport.
Guidelines To Planning chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda Or Rwanda
- Identify a date when to do chimpanzee trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. Choose the destination in Uganda where you most desire to do chimpanzee trekking
- Find chimpanzee permit availability through your tour operator or call directly.
- Purchase the chimpanzee trekking permits as soon as you can because they sell out earlier. The number of chimpanzee trekking permits is regulated as a conservation measure to reduce on the effects of mass tourism.
- Pack the right chimpanzee trekking gears to take you through the dense jungle and protect your body from the rough surfaces in the wilderness. Some gears include safari boots, garden gloves, long sleeved shirt, safari hat and more.
- Brief the children about chimpanzee trekking in order not to shock them when on ground. The forest where chimpanzees live is quite intimidating because of its dense canopy and thick undergrowth.
How Much Is The Cost Of Chimpanzee Trekking Permit In Rwanda
The cost of chimpanzee trekking permit for Rwanda is currently $100
Inclusions in the cost of chimpanzee trekking permits for Rwanda are ranger guide fees, conservation support, one hour with the chimpanzees and more
Exclusions are park entrance fees, tips, personal expenses and more.
How Much Is The Cost Of Chimpanzee Trekking Permit For Uganda
The cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda varies with destination
Kibale National Park chimpanzee trekking permit cost is currently $250 for international non residents, $200 for international residents and 180000shs for East Africans
Cost of Kibale chimpanzee trekking permit includes park entrance fees, one hour of chimpanzee viewing.
Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee permit cost currently is $ $100 for international non residents, $80 for international residents and 50000shs for East Africans.
The cost of chimpanzee permit for Kyambura gorge excludes park entrance fees but includes one hour with the chimpanzees, ranger guide fees and more.
How Safe Is Chimpanzee Trekking In Rwanda Or Uganda
Even though chimpanzee trekking is in the wilderness, it is a safe adventure this is why no person is allowed to move in the forest for this adventure without an accompanying ranger guide.
The chimpanzee communities in Uganda or Rwanda opened to the public are first habituated for sometime until proved ready for public visits. This period enables the chimpanzees to get accustomed to human presence for a limited time.
Human presence interferes with the daily activities of the chimpanzees. Note that the ranger guide is allowed to stop the chimpanzee trek in case he or she notices some extreme uncomfortable behavior amongst the chimpanzees.
While exploring the forest in search for the chimpanzees, tourists are encouraged to follow the rules of chimpanzee trekking even before meeting these primates because they operate a spy network. The chimpanzees through their spies get to know about your presence in the forest before tracing them.
When packing for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda or Rwanda tourists are encouraged to follow the list of items you are expected to carry a long including protective gears to use in the jungle.
How Much Time To Take On Chimpanzee Trekking Safari In Uganda Or Rwanda
From the starting point of the chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda or Uganda, finding the chimpanzees may last about 30 minutes to more. This depends on factors prevailing in the forest including
- location of the chimpanzee feeding ground
- weather condition prevailing in the day
- fitness level of fellow trekkers and more
Upon locating the chimpanzees only one hour is allowed with them as a conservation measure. Utilize every moment with the chimpanzees to the best of your capacity. Take photos, watch and enjoy every moment with the chimpanzees as it unfolds.
When you find the chimpanzees, enjoy every moment as it unfolds while paying attention to the rules of chimpanzee trekking as a conservation measure. Maximize the presence of chimpanzees while in the presence of these vulnerable closest relatives of these primates.
Having some level of patience while on chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda is very important.
Is Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda Or Rwanda Worth The Money And Time
A safari to Africa to do chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda or Uganda is a lifetime adventure where you get up-close with these closest human relatives. During chimpanzee trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, it is a moment to renew history as you watch the chimpanzees take control of their daily life.
When you purchase the chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda or Rwanda, it is a noble contribution to the sustainable existence of the chimpanzees and other forest inhabitants. Chimpanzees are vulnerable primates but their habitants have overtime been encroached on by humans so the gospel of conservations needs to still be spread.
After chimpanzee trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, you can still proceed to do other available Uganda safari activities including game safaris, birding, mountaineering, gorilla trekking, visit the source of river Nile in Uganda and more.
There are other amazing unique features that form part of the destinations where chimpanzees live including water falls, mountains, valleys and more. You can add these features onto the wilderness collection in case you are to take photos or film.