Frequently asked questions about chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
Frequently asked questions about chimpanzee trekking in Uganda; Chimpanzee trekking is an adventurous activity in Uganda that attracts many visitors and below are some of the frequently asked questions about chimpanzee trekking with answers that will help you to plan a successful chimpanzee trekking safari.
What is chimpanzee trekking?
Chimpanzee trekking is an interesting activity that involves travelers moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituation chimpanzee families and once found spend one hour with them in their natural environment.
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is done in two sessions that is the morning session which starts at 8:00am and the afternoon session which starts at around 2:00pm and each session starts with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking at the park headquarters.
Where to do chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is done in four destinations namely Kibale forest national park which is located in western region in Kabarole district, Kalinzu forest which is located in Bushenyi district, Kyambura gorge which is located in Queen Elizabeth national park and Budongo forest which is located in Murchison falls national park.
Cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda
Cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda vary according to the destination you wish to visit for example a chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura gorge and Kalinzu forest costs 50 USD per person for foreign non residents, 40 USD per person for foreign residents and 30,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale forest national park costs 200 USD per person for foreign non residents, 150 USD per person for foreign residents and 150,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Budongo forest costs 130 USD per person for foreign non residents, 120 USD per person for foreign residents and 85 USD per person for East African citizens.
How to book chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda
Chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) where you will contact the park headquarters through email or telephone calls. Chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda can also be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris where you will contact us with the date, month, year and chimpanzee destination that you wish to visit. After contacting us, we will check for permit availability on your preferred dates and if there are permits available, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permit. Once the payment has been made, we will be able to acquire the permit on your behalf.
How difficult is chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest national park, Kalinzu forest, Kyambura gorge and Budongo forest is not very challenging as the terrain is gentle and in some areas there are marked trails which make trekking easy.
How long is chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
Chimpanzee trekking is an exciting activity in Kibale forest national park, Kyambura gorge, Kalinzu forest and Budongo forest that takes about 2 hours to 5 hours depending on where the chimpanzees are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food and also travelers level of fitness.
When is the best time to go for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda can be done anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February because during this period there is less rainfall in the national parks therefore chimpanzee trekking trails will be dry and passable which makes trekking easy compared to the rainy season when the trails are muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.
What is the age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?
The age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest national park, Kalinzu forest and Kyambura gorge is 12 years and children below the age of 12 years will not be allowed to visit the chimpanzees but rather engage in other activities like guided nature walks, children’s bush craft activities, game drives, boat cruise among others.
What to pack for a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda
When going for a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda, there are essential items that travelers should pack including hiking shoes to keep your feet dry, long sleeved clothes to keep you warm, insect repellent to protect you from biting insects, energy snacks and drinking water to keep you hydrated, a flash less camera and extra batteries to take photos during the one hour with the chimpanzees, waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rainfall, a pair of binoculars, garden gloves, long socks, a hat, walking stick, back pack to carry your trekking items among others.
What are the rules and regulations for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?
There are various rules and regulations that travelers should follow during trekking and while in the presence of the chimpanzees including,
- Maintaining 7 meter distance from the chimpanzees
- No smoking, eating or drinking while in the presence of the chimpanzees
- Tourists should not visit the chimpanzees if they have a cold or infection as the chimpanzees are vulnerable to human diseases.
- Do not use a flash camera when taking pictures of the chimpanzees
- Do not leave any rubbish in the forest during trekking
- Maintain silence during trekking an while in the presence of the chimpanzees
- Tourists will be allowed to spend one hour in the presence of the chimpanzees
How to get to the chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda
The chimpanzee destinations that is Kibale forest national park, Kalinzu forest, Kyambura gorge and Budongo forest can either be accessed by road transport means where you will drive from Kampala to the park headquarters in a safari vehicle.
The chimpanzee destinations can also be accessed by air transport means where travelers will book scheduled or charter domestic flights from Entebbe international airport to either Kasese, Mweya airstrips, Semuliki airstrip or Pakuba airstrip and then connect to the park headquarters by road.
For more information about the frequently asked questions about chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, you can reach out to us or visit our website to book a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda.
