What to pack for a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda
What to pack for a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda
What to pack for a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda; Chimpanzee trekking is the second best done activity in Uganda after gorilla trekking and it involves moving into the forest in search of the chimpanzees and once found spend one hour with them in their natural environment. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is done in different destinations namely Kibale forest national park, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park, Kalinzu forest in Bushenyi district, Toro Semuliki wildlife reserve and Budongo forest in Murchison falls national park.
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda starts early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations at the park headquarters. After the briefing you will start trekking in the forest with an experienced park guide who is conversant with chimpanzee trekking trails. Chimpanzee trekking which takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on where the chimpanzees are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to view different wildlife species including birds, mammals, other primates like grey cheeked mangabey, black and white colobus monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, red tailed monkeys among others. Once the chimpanzees are located you will be able to spend one hour with them in their habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn more about their behaviors, lifestyle, watch them hunt, feed, breastfeed, play, fight, rest, take photos and record videos to show people back home after the safari. When going for chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda there are a number of items that you need carry which include,
What to pack for a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda
Hiking boots
When going for chimpanzee trekking the hiking boots will support your ankles, protect them from fire ants and keep your feet dry especially during the wet season when the forest floor are muddy.
Garden gloves to protect your hands from germs and itching plants because chimpanzee trekking is done in thick tropical rain forests with slippery terrain therefore you might touch or hold some itching or thorny plants during trekking.
Waterproof rain jacket/ poncho
You should carry a light waterproof rain jacket/ poncho when going for a chimpanzee trekking safari to protect you from rainfall as it can rain anytime of the day.
Long sleeved shirt and trouser
Long sleeved shirt and trouser will keep you warm during morning hours and also protect your body from thorny tree branches.
Insect repellent
The insect repellent will protect you from biting insects such as safari ants, tsetse flies, mosquitos among others during trekking.
Energy snacks
You should carry energy snacks like packed lunch from the lodge as supplements and bottled drinking water to keep you hydrated during trekking.
Camera and extra batteries
A camera is an essential component for your chimpanzee trekking safari in that you will be able to take many pictures and record the incredible moments during the one hour in the presence of chimpanzees. However you should switch off the camera flash while taking photos.
A pair of binoculars
A pair of binoculars will help you to view other wildlife species at a distance because the Chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda harbor other wildlife species like birds, mammals among others which can be viewed during the chimpanzee trekking activity.
Sunglasses and a hat
The hat and sunglasses will protect you from strong sun rays especially during the dry season.
Backpack
A back pack will help you to carry all your chimpanzee trekking items like packed lunch, drinking water, rain jacket, insect repellent, camera and extra batteries among others.
Walking stick
A walking stick will make your movements easy, give you support and balance especially during the wet season when the forest floors are muddy and slippery or during trekking in steep areas. You can get a walking stick at the park headquarters, buy/ hire at a small cost from the lodge where you will be sleeping.
Best time to go for chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda can be done anytime throughout the year though the best period is during the dry season which is also known as the peak season in the months of June to September and December to February. During this period the chimpanzee destinations receive little rainfall therefore chimpanzee trekking trails will be dry and passable which make trekking easy and vegetation will be thin therefore you will be able to view chimpanzees and other wildlife species clearly.
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda can also be done in the wet season during the months of March to May and November because during this period there is plenty of food in the forests therefore chimpanzees will come near the park headquarters which makes trekking easy.
For more information about what to pack for a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website at www.kibalenationalparks.com for affordable chimpanzee and gorilla trekking safari packages.
