Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge Queen Elizabeth NP
Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge Queen Elizabeth NP

Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge Queen Elizabeth NP

Spectacular views of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s eastern side are provided by the Kyambura Gorge. Spectacular views may be had from the Gorge. It’s the only place in Queen Elizabeth where you can see chimpanzees if you’re on safari in this area, which is why it’s also called “the valley of Apes” since that’s where they live.

Near the Equator, amid a tropical rainforest, is the Gorge, which is about 16 kilometers long, 1 km wide at its broadest point, and 100 meters deep at its deepest. Also, the majority of Queen Elizabeth National Park is covered with Savannah-type vegetation, which surrounds it. Only the Kyambura River flows through this gorge.

The deep forest foliage and the fact that the canopy blocks out sunlight make the Gorge stand out due to its great bio-diversity. The Gorge is home to a wide variety of creatures, including monkeys and birds.

What to do in Kyambura

Although there are many exciting safari activities to partake in at Kyambura Gorge, the most famous of these is chimpanzee tracking, which no visitor to Queen Elizabeth National Park should shorten their visit to in order to experience this incredible natural wonder.

chimpanzees trekking.

According to recent findings from local research teams, the valley is home to just sixteen habituated chimpanzees, but that doesn’t stop it from providing visitors with an unforgettable tracking experience. Although there are other chimpanzee viewing locations in Uganda, such as the Budongo Game Reserve, Kibale Forest National Park, and Kalinzu Game Reserve, it would be remiss of you not to visit Kyambura Gorge while you are in the area. After your trek, you can go on a game safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, adding even more excitement to your experience.

You will accompany a ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority on chimpanzee tracking trips twice daily, with no more than six other individuals each group. There is a greater possibility of getting to know the rangers and seeing more than just the chimpanzees on the walk since there is a limit of just six persons per group.

Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge Queen Elizabeth NP

You will also have more opportunity to observe other primates and birds because of the slower pace. Although the success rate for sighting the chimpanzees at Kibale Forest National Park is 80% and above, following them in the Kyambura Gorge is much more complicated and arduous due to the fact that there is only one chimpanzee colony there.

Because chimpanzees are so stealthy and hide in dense vegetation, the hunts for food can involve lengthy treks. Visitors are permitted to spend no more than an hour observing and photographing the chimpanzees at this location, as is the case at all chimpanzee preserves. Among the many creatures found in Kyambura Gorge are chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, giant forest hogs, baboons, red-tailed monkeys, and black and white colonobus monkeys.

The money needed to follow chimpanzees through Kyambura Gorge.

Because of the low success rate of seeing chimpanzees and the fact that there is only one habituated family in the Gorge, visitors to Kyambura risk missing out on seeing these magnificent apes, despite the fact that the new proposed rate for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale is $250.00 per person per trek. Regardless, however, it’s a recommended one.

Because there are only six spots available for the chimpanzee tracking permit in Kyambura Gorge, it is imperative that you make your reservation in advance; Katland Safaris will see to it that you have your permission and are able to track. If you would like to reserve this safari, please get in touch with us.

Different Things to Do

Walks to see birds.
The Gorge is a veritable birder’s paradise, with a wide variety of birds to spot. Some of the more common ones include the Black Bee-eater, African Broadbill, Shoebill, Shoebill, Martial Eagle, White-winged Warbler, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Lesser plus Greater Flamingo, Chapin’s Flycatcher, White-tailed Lark, Corncrake, Shoebill, African Skimmer, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, and African Broadbill. Here you may also often see flamingos.

Forest treks and other guided outdoor adventures
Those interested in animals and botany may take advantage of private game viewings and hikes in the Gorge. The surrounding regions of Queen Elizabeth National Park also provide a great deal in the way of sightseeing and game drives.

Kyambura Gorge Access
From Kampala, visitors may reach Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kyambura Gorge by either taking the 420-kilometer route via Mbarara or the 410-kilometer route via Fort Portal. Those who begin their journey in Rwanda may also access this from Kigali. From Entebbe, you may connect to Kasese and Mweya Airstrips with our charter services. The average travel time for this route is about six hours.

Near Kyambura Gorge, you may find accommodations.
There is a wide range of lodging options within easy driving distance of Queen Elizabeth National Park, so visitors may pick and choose according to their preferences and budgets. Lodges like Katara, Jacana, Elephant Hab, Kingfisher, and Kyambura Gorge Safari are among the most popular choices.

Additional journeys.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, which encompasses Kyambura Gorge, offers a wide variety of activities beyond just visiting the gorge itself. These include game drives, boat cruises, treks around the park, and birding expeditions to see savannah bird species. For an affordable trip that includes all of these areas and more, contact us. We can arrange a tour that suits your interests and needs, including visits to Kalinzu Forest, Maramagambo Forest, Mweya Peninsular, Ishasha Sector, and Kazinga Channel.

 

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