Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda
Chimpanzee Tracking is one of the most fascinating experiences just after Gorilla Trekking, with only 4,950 chimpas Primates walk anzees left in Uganda and conserved in the zoo, sanctuaries and a few remaining rain forests, the government is using all possible measures to conserve the population of these primates. A chimpanzee track is led by a ranger guide who knows how to track the chimps.
Chimpanzee tracking begins at 08.00 am in the morning and 03.00 pm for the afternoon and lasts 2 to 3 hours depending on where the chimpanzees are located and how fast they are moving.In the event of chimpanzee tracking it is possible to view other primates like the black & white colobus, red-tailed monkey or the grey-cheeked mangabey.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience is the process of familiarization of chimpanzees to human beings on a day to day basis by rangers and researchers for a given time frame. Consequently the chimpanzees get used to human presence, chimpanzees are exciting animals to see on a safari in Uganda..
Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees are our close relatives sharing 98% of human DNA, they are Social, intelligent and communicate.The average weight of an adult male chimpanzee is between 35 and 70 kilograms, with a height of approximately 3 meters whereas tan adult female chimpanzee weighs between 26 and 50 kilograms and a height between 2 and 4 feet.
The chimpanzees have a life expectancy of 40 years although those in captivity have been known to live up to 60 years. These impressive creatures stay in groups of 10 – 100 members, babysitting each other’s young, with the young chimps becoming independent at the age of 4 years.
Why conduct a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience excursion in Uganda?
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience is full day activity which can only be done in Uganda where tourists get a chance to watch chimpanzees from their previous night nests between 6:00 am to 6:30 am before they start feeding, copulating, hunting, breastfeeding, resting, patrolling, until it is time to build new nests for overnight which starts at around 7:00 pm.
Places where to conduct a Chimpanzee Tracking Excursion
Below are some of the places where one can engage in the chimpanzee tracking activity in Uganda;
Kibale Forest
This is the best destination for Chimpanzee Tracking alongside Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Uganda, Kibale Forest is home to 1,500 Chimpanzees plus 12 other primates making it a primate lover’s paradise.
Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Located near Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest is also a good area for Chimpanzee Tracking.These chimpanzees have been habituated by Japanese Researchers.
Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest is near Murchison Falls Park in northern Uganda,
Kyambura Gorge near Queen Elizabeth National Park
Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth.It is rewarded by the incredible scenery of the Gorge where you traverse the river kyambura in the middle of the riverine forests.
Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
Chimpanzee Tracking in the Semuliki Wildlife Reserve is an amazing activity as it is done on the Rift valley escapement that drops on lake Albert.The Chimpanzees have been habituated by scholars from the Indiana University.
Most of the above destinations offer two sessions of chimpanzee tracking with each having not more than 8 tourists.The tourists can track in either one of the two depending on their time schedule.
What to wear and carry for Chimpanzee Tracking
- Hiking or Wellington boots with a good grip, suitable for forest tracks.
- long-sleeved Shirts or blouses as this will protect you from the pricking thickets as you move through the tracks.
- Carry rain gear, in case it rains.
- Bring enough drinking water and possibly a snack to keep your energy levels high
- Carry a pair of binoculars.
- Carry a camera however, its flash light is not permitted.
Rules and regulations to follow while Chimpanzee Tracking.
Below are some of the trekking etiquette to ensure a safe and amazing trekking experience.
- Avoid eating near the chimps.
- Flash photography is not allowed in the park.
- Children below the age of 12 are prohibited from entering the park.
- Chimps need freedom therefore no provoking them once you enter the park.
- Keep a distance of 8 meters between you and the chimpanzees.
- People with diseases such as flu or diarrhoea should refrain from visiting the park.