Top destinations for Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda – Kibale forest – Primates tracking – Ngamba Island
Top destinations for Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda. Uganda is one of the most popular Chimpanzee tracking destination in the whole world. The country boosts of many amazing places where you can go for an amazing chimpanzee tracking adventure. it can be either in the wild or in very special places for those that are being threatened by human existence.
Bellow are Uganda’s top destinations for Chimpanzee tracking.
Kalinzu Forest
Kalinzu Forest Reserve Located in western Uganda is remarkably one of the most spectacular forest reserves that any nature lover shouldn’t miss to explore while on a safari to Uganda. Kalinzu forest is one of a few natural forests that still thrive in Uganda and it is set around Bushenyi district just near Queen Elizabeth National Park and Maramagambo forest. It is about 382 kilometers drive from Kampala and it straddles at elevation of 1400 meters. It extends up to 147 square kilometers and its establishment was mainly to offer refuge to its diverse wildlife.
What to see in Kalinzu Forest Reserve?
Kalinzu forest is famous for its Chimpanzee tracking experience that allows trackers to spend at least one hour with primates that are 98.7% related to mankind. Kalinzu is one of the best places for primate watching safaris in Uganda. Out of the 220 chimpanzees in this Forest reserve, 70 of them were habituated by Japanese Researchers to make them used to the presence of humans, hence are open for tracking. Just like chimpanzee tracking in other places, tourists need to carry packed lunch, enough drinking water (of at least 2 liters), wear long sleeved shirts, have to be at least 12 years to be allowed to track these primates, have to wear long trousers, cnfortable hiking boots, light rain jacket and a hat.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Foerst is also termed the Primates Capital of the world and this is due to the fact that its home to the largest number of chimpanzees in the whole world. The forest has one of the highest diversity and density of primates in Africa totaling 13 species including the black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkey and grey-checked manangabey, red tailed monkey, bush babies and pottos. The Park also hosts over 325 species of birds including the yellow spotted nicator, yellow rumped tinkerbird, little greenbul, breasted pitta, the African pitta and the black bee eater. There are numbers of other impressive mammals including forest Elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, duikers and bats. A keen observer may also see a number of reptiles and amphibians as well as colorful variety of butterflies.
The most famous inhabitants of Kibale National Park are the Chimpanzees with over 1,450 individuals are protected within the park.
Budongo central Forest reserve
Top destinations for Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda. Budongo Central Forest Reserve is the largest surviving natural forest in Uganda with a total surface area of 825sq.km. It covers the districts of masindi, Hoima and Buliisa . This is a true forest! Very little illegal activity and encroachment has ensured that the forest remains as natural indeed intended it to be. Visitors seeking the serenity and calmness of being next to nature should opt for Budongo! Professionally preserved and managed by the National Forestry Authority, the forest is divided into three zones. Its strict nature reserve is the oldest in the country while its buffer zone allows Eco-Tourism and Research to prosper and its production zone caters for commercial activities.
Kyambura Gorge, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura gorge is one of the most popular tourist activities for tourists to Queen Elizabeth national Park. Tracking permits are a requirement for all trackers before tracking the chimpanzees. All trackers are first briefed about the tracking experience before they embark on tracking chimpanzees in the 16-kilometer long Kyambura gorge.
Ngamba Chimpanzee Island
Top destinations for Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda. Ngamba Island is known to own different plants and tree species, wild water and forest bird species, beautiful and unique reptile species such as snakes and lizards. You will have a great opportunity for close viewing of rescued chimpanzees roaming around this Island. We leave to the Island early in the morning by boat not to miss the pre-arranged supplementary feeding times (11.00 am & 3.00 pm each day) that bring the chimpanzees to within meters of the raised walkway designed for easy viewing and provide excellent photographic opportunities. Return to your place of stay in the evening.
Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC)
The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center is a fun and exciting place to see and learn about the animals of Uganda and the ecosystems in which they live. Take some time to learn how they live, eat, play, and walk. Originally founded in the 1950s to accommodate confiscated and injured wildlife and to look after orphan animals confiscated from smugglers, the center has grown considerably in recent years. Many say its destined to become the most important facility to showcase wildlife on the African continent. Created by the government of Uganda with the help of the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York and managed by a Wildlife Trust, it never fails to delight. At UWEC you will come across free ranging Vervet monkeys and a family troop of De Braza monkeys in the jungle of our hillside forest. Over 120 bird species can be watched ranging from the famous African fish eagle, over the Great Blue Turaco to Hammerkops, Giant Kingfisher and even the smallest sun birds.
Top destinations for Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda Contact us for any more inquires about Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda .