Trekking Chimpanzees in Kyambura George, Uganda: Chimpanzee trekking is an intriguing activity in Kyambura gorge that allows people to walk into the tropical rainforest in search of habituated chimp families and spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. The Kyambura gorge, also known as the Valley of the Apes, is located in the eastern portion of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second biggest national park. The Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth National Park is notable for its tree climbing lions, as well as elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, leopards, warthogs, Uganda kobs, huge forest pigs, and over 600 bird species.
The action begins at the starting location early in the morning with a briefing on the laws and regulations. Following the training, you will be assigned a habituated chimp family to travel with and an experienced park guide who is familiar with chimp trekking tracks. Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge takes between 30 minutes and 3 hours, depending on where they are situated, because they tend to wander from one location to another in quest of food.
Other primate species seen during trekking include black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, and l’hoest monkeys, as well as other bird species and vegetation. Once the chimps are located, you will be permitted to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat, where you will be able to learn about their behaviors and habits, as well as watch them feed, breastfeed, play, hunt, mate, fight, rest, take photos, and record the beautiful moments to show people back home after the safari.
Chimpanzee trekking is also done at Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Kalinzu Forest, and Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, in addition to Kyambura Gorge.
How Much is Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge in Uganda?
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Uganda’s Kyambura Gorge costs 50 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 40 USD for foreign residents, and 30,000 USD for East African Citizens.
How to book your Chimpanzee Trekking Permit?
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park can be obtained directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) by contacting the head office or park offices via email or phone calls. Chimpanzee trekking permits in Kyambura Gorge may also be obtained through a reputable tour operator, such as Explore Rwanda Tours, by contacting us with the days, month, and year you desire to visit the chimps.
After you contact us, we will check for permit availability, and if permits are available on your desired dates, you will be requested to submit a deposit. We will obtain the chimp trekking permits on your behalf once we get the funds.
What is the Best time for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge?
It is possible to do it all year, but the best time is during the dry season, which is June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. Because there is less or no rainfall in the national park during the dry season, the chimp trekking paths are dry and navigable, making walking easier.
What to carry/pack for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura George?
Visitors should pack or carry the following items when going on a chimpanzee trekking tour in Kyambura gorge: long sleeved shirt and trouser to protect your skin and keep you warm during the morning hours, hiking boots to keep your feet dry, insect repellent to protect you from biting insects, waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rainfall, camera and extra batteries to take photos and record videos during the one hour with the chimps, backpack and some snacks as well.
Other Activities to do alongside chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Besides trekking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park, visitors can also do lion tracking in Kisenyi sector, game drive safaris, boat cruise on Kazinga Channel, bird watching, mongoose trekking, hiking, guided nature walks and community cultural tours.
Where to sleep when doing Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge.
During your chimpanzee trekking safari in Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can stay at the Kyambura gorge lodge, Kyambura tented camp, Katara lodge, Buffalo safari lodge, Parkview safari lodge, Elephant hub lodge, Enganzi game lodge, Marafiki safari lodge, Irungu forest safari lodge, Mweya safari lodge, Pumba safari cottages, Kasenyi safari camp, Elephant plains lodge, Simba safari camp to mention but a few.