Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is not only a trip that gets you close to the human cousins but also a chance to see numerous other primates of Africa. Most primates in Africa are residents of the forested areas because there life style is dependent on what the forest provides.
Kibale forest National park is western part of Uganda is the biggest home to the habituated chimpanzees in Africa. This makes viewing the chimpanzees in there natural setting much easier than any other place. In most cases chimpanzees elsewhere in the world are cage confined limiting there chances to live the normal forest life.
Chimpanzees have about 98% human genes making them susceptible to any human infectious disease so every visitor must be conscience not to transmit any disease to them. You are not sure how they will cope with it which at times leads to there massive death if not treated.
Other primates that co-exist with chimpanzees include black and white colobus, grey cheeked mangabey, vervet monkeys, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons, L’hoest, bush babies, pottos the list is endless.
Some level of fitness is necessary to get ready for chimpanzee trekking. Unlike the bulky mountain gorillas that may not move far distances during gorilla trekking, chimpanzees are quite mobile which makes locating them in the forest a bit challenging.
Swallow some antimalarial as chimpanzees in Uganda live in a tropical area that is likely to be infested by mosquitos. The healthier you are the more interesting the chimpanzee trekking experience.
Packing the right jungle gears for chimpanzee trekking saves you the hassle of looking for what to get into when going into the jungle. The long trousers, camouflaged shirt, energy bites, a light back pack, a camera and so much more.
Insect repellants are part of the chimpanzee trekking gears you need to pack but ensure that it soots your skin so that afterwards you do not get skin eczema.
Keeping some personal toiletries is a good idea during preparations for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Though some lodges provide, having personal toiletries is a good advantage.
Check out your travel documents to ensure they are not about to expire before chimpanzee trekking.
Immunize against diseases like Covid-19 because chimpanzees are susceptible to human infection. Its been proved that animals with genes similar o humans can catch the infections. To rule out any chances of exposing these infections to chimpanzees, follow SOPs and fully immunize for Corona virus.
In case you wish do to chimpanzee habituation you need to do all the necessary inoculations so that you case escort the research team. Each day a team of researchers follow a community of chimpanzees under habituation to get them used to human presence.
Kibale National Park has the biggest number of habituated chimpanzees in Africa. Over 1450 chimpanzees are residents of this park. More chimpanzees are residents of Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kaniyo Pabidi forest in Murchison falls National Park, Kalinzu Forest located in Semliki National Park.
When you make arrangements for chimpanzee trekking ensure you know the location for the chimpanzees that you are to visit.
Which Accommodation To Book For Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda (Kibale Forest)
Upon booking a chimpanzee trekking safari to Kibale National park, you need accommodation to stay at so that you can catch up with early morning briefing.
A variety of accommodation is available for you to book based on your budget. Some of the lodges include Luxury lodges during chimpanzee trekking like Ndali Lodge, Primates lodge Midrange accommodations like Kibale National Park, basic accommodations like chimpanzee guest house, Chimps Nest, CVK and so many others.
To ensure that chimpanzees are safely protected for sustainable growth, ensure you follow the below regulations.
When with the chimpanzees, stand at a distance of about 8 meters between you and the chimpanzees. This is to reduce on the chances of spreading any infections to the chimpanzees.
In case you feel any sickness, ensure you report to the ranger station so that you refund procedures are followed and chimpanzees are protected from catching any infection.
Try not to eat while close to the chimpanzees because they may be enticed to pick it from you and eat it. They are wild animals that need to look for there own food.
Any child below the age of 12 years is not allowed to do chimpanzee trekking because they may not know how to deal with the presence of wild chimpanzees.
Entering the forest must be with a guide so that anything that may scare you while in the forest can be counteracted by an armed ranger.
For anyone who wants to have a long call, ask the ranger guide to dig a hole for you about 8cm and afterwards cover up beyond recognition.
Try not to provoke the chimpanzees because they may react with aggressiveness. Chimpanzee trekking is very interesting.
Flash photography is strictly forbidden as chimpanzees may be scared by flashlight in there presence.
Forest Hikes In Kibale National Park
This activity is mainly restricted to the dry seasons that is November to February, June To September. Go through tropical rain forest, passed riverine forest swamp and grassland. A number of other wild animals may be seen like duikers, bushbucks, forest elephants and so many others.
The walk commences from Kanyanchu visitor center to the elephants wallow.
Children below 12 years can take part in a nature walk for 1 hour and do some creative activities as parents also go for chimpanzee trekking.
Bird watching in Kibale national park especially Sebitoli camp and numerous primates that find comfort in spending the day in this forest.
Cultural heritage and natural trails take you to through the forest for about 2 to 6 days. Start the trek from Kanyanchu or Sebitoli and overnight in places like Kikoni, Nyaibanda, Nyakalongo. You get the chance to see local people and there way of life,
A visit to Bigodi wetland sanctuary gives you chance to see a lot of other primates like red tailed monkeys, red colobus, black and white colobus a rich avian life.