All about Chimpanzee Trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The experience of chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is a “once in a lifetime” journey to watch the closest cousins to humans- the chimpanzees. It is a thrilling moment of marveling through the African tropical rainforests in search of these apes and finally see them face to face as they go on with their daily life in the forest. Talking of incredible African safaris, going for chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth national park is the real definition. Tourists that have visited this Savannah park for chimpanzee trekking refer to the activity as a remarkable experience.

Although Queen Elizabeth national park is most popularly known for game viewing where travelers take on game drives to see lion, leopard and elephants among others, it is also one of the top places for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

Where to go for chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth national park

Chimpanzees are one of the most impressive African safari animals to stare at for they are lively with highly extroverted dispositions. In Queen Elizabeth national park, chimpanzees are found in Kyambura gorge. It is located on the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth national park on the Eastern side. Kyambura gorge is a section of an underground tropical forest in the park stretching about 1km long and 100 meters deep.

Note that chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth national park in Kyambura gorge has one habituated chimp family and the trek offers about 50% chance to spot them. Regardless, the experience is extremely exciting and enjoyable and you can hear the grunts and noise of chimpanzees from a distance.

Wildlife in Kyambura gorge

Visiting Kyambura gorge is more than just searching for chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Rather, there is more to see and learn about the gorge and the rest of the park. Kyambura gorge has an interesting ecosystem in the rainforest which is home to an impressive checklist of bird species. Apart from chimps, other primates in this section are the black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkey, red-tailed monkey and blue monkey among others. Reptiles are present and mammals including forest hogs, buffaloes and bushbucks are also spotted on rare occasions.

The chimpanzee trekking experience in Queen Elizabeth national park

Chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth national park is the highlight activity in the Kyambura game reserve/ Kyambura gorge. It is done in two sessions; the morning and evening session. The morning phase is highly recommended for any visitor to the park who wants to go for trekking because that’s when chimps are starting their move through the forest in search of food. They can easily be spotted because they have not yet gone far. Trekking in Kyambura involves climbing and moving down on somewhat strenuous terrain. Amidst the 3-4 hours trek, you will come across other residents of the underground rainforest. Once the chimpanzee family is spotted, the trekkers are allowed to stay with them for an hour, watching how they behave. Chimpanzees are impressive and one would be right to say that the experience of facing them fact to face is the most outstanding one can have on an African safari.

Age limit for chimp trekking in Queen Elizabeth national park

The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge is 15 years. A maximum of 8 people is allowed to go trekking on each session.

What is the price of a chimpanzee permit in Queen Elizabeth national park?

Permits to trek chimpanzees in Queen Elizabeth national park are issued at the park offices in Kyambura gorge. Uganda wildlife authority, body in charge of all activities in this area issues 16 trekking permits each day for the activity. A chimp trekking permit for Kyambura costs US$50 per person per trek.

The best time for chimp trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth national park is one of the parks in Uganda which you can visit any time of the year. However, if you have chimpanzee trekking on your itinerary, the dry season is your best time for this safari. The dry season runs from the months of June to September and December to January. They are characterized with little or even no rain in some places. And so during the dry seasons, areas around the gorge are dry and easily passable.

Packing list for Queen Elizabeth national park chimpanzee trekking

As you plan for your Queen Elizabeth National Park safari which also includes chimp trekking in Kyambura, you have got to prepare yourself by packing the right items. These will help you have a comfortable trip.

• Long sleeved shirt/blouse
• Trouser
• Hiking boots
• Stockings
• Light weight sweater and rain jacket
• Water bottle
• Backpack
• Binoculars and camera

Thinking of traveling to Queen Elizabeth national park for chimpanzee trekking is exciting but it is important to seek enough information when preparing for such a safari. With the above information, you can experience a wonderful safari. part of your safari by planning your trip with us. Send an email to info@mumwesafarisuganda.com  or call us on +256-700135510/ +256-414699459.