Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
Uganda is well-known as a destination for mountain gorilla trekking, but these iconic apes are not the only primates you can experience as you explore the ‘pearl of Africa’. In addition to hiking into the cloud forests to see gorilla up close and personal, you can also enjoy forest walks to witness wild chimpanzee go about their daily lives.
A very different – but equally amazing – experience
Chimp trekking and mountain gorilla trekking are two very different experiences, but also complementary. In fact, we would recommend including both activities on any Uganda itinerary. While gorilla trekking is generally a calm, peaceful and even spiritual activity, walking through forests inhabited by wild chimps can be anything but.
For all their power and intelligence, gorilla can tend to be quite sedentary; chimpanzee, on the other hand, are borderline chaotic. That of course is half the fun of seeing them: they can be loud, busy and boisterous. As chimps tend to be in larger groups, there can be almost every imaginable activity happening all at once: grooming, feeding, playing and racing up and down trees (chimpanzee are remarkably agile, and they are exceptional climbers).
Another important difference is that chimps tend to be much more vocal than gorilla, so be prepared to hear hoots, screams and other sounds as the chimps explore their forest home.
Why choose just one, when you can do both?
It’s impossible to say that one primate trekking experience is “better” than the other, which is why we’d advise you doing both during your time in Uganda. Mountain gorilla trekking is perhaps the most famous safari activity in Uganda, whereas chimpanzee trekking has justifiably gained in popularity in recent years.
First, pick your forest for chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee are found in several protected woodland areas within Uganda, including Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The best-known location, however, is Kibale Forest National Park in western Uganda.
Kibale Forest National Park was created to protect vital forest habitats, and is home to 13 primate species (including an estimated 1,500 chimpanzee). You may also spot the beautiful red colobus monkey and the elusive L’Hoest’s monkey, as well as duiker, bushbuck and sitatunga antelope.
In addition, there are some 325 species of bird in Kibale Forest, plus towering trees and many species of butterflies and flowering plants. No matter where you look, there is always something fascinating to see. While the dense vegetation may make spotting wildlife slightly more challenging, you’ll be intrigued by the many sounds of the forest. Oh, and don’t forget to look up – the chimps are just as likely to be in the branches above you as on the forest floor.
Our top tips for chimp trekking in Uganda
Our advice would be to choose one of the two annual dry seasons (June to August and December to February) as you’re less likely to get rained on, and the forest trails will be less muddy and easier to walk on. It’s also worth noting that as with mountain gorilla trekking, group sizes are limited in order to minimize the impact of humans on wild chimpanzee, and you must be at least 15 years old to take part in this activity.
If you’re a particular fan of chimpanzee or want a more in-depth look at how they live, then consider the half-day or full-day habituation experience.
For advice on all aspects of chimp trekking in Uganda, reach out to Journey Beyond today. Naturally, we can also assist with your primate activity bookings.