It is important to note that chimpanzees are the closest human relatives and shares over 90% of DNA with human being. It is amazing that chimpanzees are the most intelligent apes as they are capable of using tools like sticks, stones and so on during their routine work. Like human beings, the chimps also form families headed by mature males. The head of chimpanzee family is responsible for providing security to the entire family while mature female look after young chimps. While on safari in Uganda, many travelers would like to go chimpanzee tracking. Here are the best places to track these fast moving apes in Uganda;
Chimpanzees in kibale forest national park
Kibale forest hosts the largest number of chimpanzees and chimps are hosted in their natural habitat.The Kibale tropical forest provides a home to these gentle, humble and intelligent giants. It should also be noted that tracking Chimpanzee here is guaranteed and currently, chimpanzee permits are sold at US$ 150 each. More so permits are booked in advance.
The most favourite of Kibale’s walks embarks on from the Kanyanchu Visitor center at 08.00 & 15.00 and lasts 2 to 3 hours. Along side chimpanzees, visitors can also view other primates in Kibale forest and among which include the black & white colobus, red tailed monkey or the grey cheeked mangabey. Your guides will be able to show you pittas & different bird species and will give details of the tradit of the plant species within the forest. This walk is for 6 people in a group.
Chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge of Queen Elizabeth National park
How to get to Kyambura Godge
The Visitors’ center is located at the famous Fig Tree Camp on the rim of the Kyambura Godge, about 2.5 km east of the main road along the turn-off that is clearly sign-posted some 9km south of the bridge. Travellers without private transpoert can ask any bus or shared taxi to drop them at this juction. You are permitted to walk along the 2.5km track to Fig Tree Camp unguided, though some risk of encountering elephants, buffalo or other potentially dangerous animals does exist. Alternatively, charter a taxi from Katunguru, or from the village of Kyambura about 4km further south.
The turn-off to Kyambura Game Reserve runs east from Kyambura Village, 13km south of Katunguru bridge, where it is clearly signposted. The reserve entrance lies 4km past the turn-off, and it is another 9km from there to Flamingo Lake. Although this road isn’t in great condition, you’ll have no problem in a 4WD, and it is traversed by fairly steady trickle of shared taxis terminating at a small fishing village on the souther shore of Lake George
Like in Kibale forest National park, Kyambura also protect chimpanzees in the natural state however, seeing chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge is not guranteed since they are so mobile ans some times cross to other nighbouring countries like Rwanda and Congo.
Chimpanzee tour last between one and three hours and start at 8am and 2pm daily. Like in Kibale forest, Chimpanze permits in Queen Elizabeth are also booked in advance but the prices are lower at US$ 50 each.
Chimpanzees in Ngamba Island
From Entebbe Nakiwogo landing site, visitor are transported by boat to ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary. Ngamba chimp sanctuary was established in October 1998 to care for orphaned chimpanzees that have been rescued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The sancuary is home to 48 orphaned chimpanzees rescued from throughout Uganda. Some chimpanzes were rescued from the poachers and are unlikely to survive reintroduction to the wild. Island facilities offer day and overnight visitors an exceptional opportunity to closely observe and interact with these fascinating great apes in this unique setting. Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT), is a Non Government Organisation which is responsible for all aspects of the sanctuary at Ngamba Island.
Below are the rules and regulations before tracking Chimpanzees
- A distance of just about 8m is very important between you and the chimps.
- People with diseases such as flue or diarrhea may not allow in the park.
- Avoid eating near the chimpanzees.
- Children below the age of 12 are not allowed to track chimps.
- Guide is the only one to help get access to the forest.
- Chimpanzees need freedom therefore no provoking them once you enter the park.
- Avoid Flash photography as may upset the apes.
- A maximum of one hour is give to trackers with the chimps.