When it comes to unique experiences for holidaymakers, Uganda never runs out of the options. Aside from the usual chimpanzee tracking, visitors on Uganda safaris also have a great opportunity to spend more time with chimpanzees in the wild only while on chimpanzee habituation experience. This primate experience gets holidaymakers out of the usual experiences and remarkably, it is such a captivating adventure worthy adding onto your bucket-list experiences.
About chimpanzees
Chimpanzees are amazing creatures and members of the great ape families that includes orangutans, gorillas, bonobos and humans. These creatures exist across Central and West Africa. A huge concentration of chimpanzees lives within the rain-forests along the Equator mostly within the 21 African states.
Chimpanzees scientifically are called Pan Troglodytes also most popular as the common chimpanzee/chimp/robust chimpanzee. They are the closest living relative to humans sharing over 98.7% of their DNA with us. They are believed to have a common ancestor with humans that existed for 7-13 million years back.
Chimpanzees feature a coarse black hair though with bare face, toes, fingers, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. They come with robust bodies compared to bonobos with weight range of 40 to 70kgs for males and 27 to 50 for females. They can stand 150cm on their feet.
Behaviors
If there are social creatures on earth then chimpanzees are among the very few. These great apes live in communities of about 20-150 members and each community is led by an alpha male or mature adult male. The key responsibilities of male chimpanzees are, patrolling the territory, safeguarding other members in the community and search for areas with greener pastures. Among male chimpanzees, there is always a dominance hierarchy and they are dominant over females.
It is believed that male and female chimpanzees have distinct personalities where females are more trusting and they are timid. Grooming is one significant part of chimpanzees in which they can bond with each other.
While chimpanzees can walk (knuckle walk), they can as well stand on their feet and walk upright. They have long arms, hands and fingers that also aid them climb trees or swing from one branch to another.
Tools chimpanzees use
Chimpanzees are generally intelligent species and they are a few creatures that use tools in the wild. They are capable of shaping and use sticks to retrieve insects from the nests or dig grubs from logs. Chimpanzees also use stones to smash open tasty nuts and use leaves as sponges to tap drinking water.
Habitat and diet for chimpanzees
Chimpanzees dwell mostly around the tropical rainforests of Africa although some can stay in woodlands and grasslands. They spend long hours of the day foraging and make new nests to retire on tree branches. Their diet largely consists of fruits, leaves, plants-basically they depend on vegetation although they also eat eggs, nuts, insects and many other things.
Communication
Generally, chimpanzees make the best use of facial expression, postures and sounds to interact with one another. They can express their faces especially for close-up communications. When threatened, they use full closed grin. The most playful chimps display open mouthed grin while others tend to express themselves with the pout.
When traveling, chimpanzees keep close to each other, they beat their hands and feet against the tree trunks also called drumming. They can also pan-hoot and this is a common way to call adults.
Reproduction
Like humans, chimpanzees also birth. The female chimps can produce at any time of the year. They produce a single baby chimp which clings to its mother’s fur and later, rides on the back up to when it reaches the weaning period which is 3-5 years. At 13 years, female chimp can reproduce and males aren’t regarded adults till they reach 15 years.
Threats to chimps in the wild
Chimpanzees like gorillas still remain highly threatened by a number of factors. They are among a few species that International Union for the Conservation of Nature has declared endangered species. Some of the threats to chimp’s survival in the wild include human encroachment to their habitat, poaching, and spread of human infectious diseases.
CHIMPANZEE DESTINATIONS IN UGANDA.
Uganda is blessed with a huge concentration of chimpanzees that dwell within its diverse habitats. Over 5600 chimpanzees thrive in various habitats in Uganda and the country’s top chimpanzee destinations include;
Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest Reserve is a stunning rain-forest in Northwestern Uganda and it is accessible within 3-4 hours from Kampala capital city. It is one most remarkable place to visit for you to have a close encounter with our closest living relatives in their natural habitat. Amazingly, if you are heading to Murchison Falls National Park for game drive, adding chimpanzee tracking or chimpanzee habituation experience on your bucket-list experience is incredibly a great opportunity.
Over 800 chimpanzees call Budongo Forest their home making it one favorite place to track to see these mesmerizing creatures in the wild. Of the 800 chimpanzees, 100 of them have undergone through habituation and currently open for tracking in Budongo Forest on the Kaniyo-Pabidi forest area. Budongo Forest chimpanzee permits are available for booking at $85 per person.
Kibale Forest National Park
Also famous as the primate capital of the world, Kibale Forest National Park is undoubtedly the best place to see chimpanzees. The 795sq.kms protects 13 primate species and these include an estimated population of 1500 chimpanzees with several communities open for chimpanzee tracking. Kibale Forest National Park is splendid protected area in Western side of Uganda and lies suitably in the districts of Kamwenge, Kibaale, Kabarole and Kasese.
A visit to Kibale offers a higher opportunity to see chimpanzees making East Africa’s favorite chimpanzee destinations. Treks to see chimps in Kibale Forest commence at Kanyanchu Tourist Centre and a normal trek can take 2-4 hours. Interestingly, you will come across not only chimpanzees but also several other primates, birds, butterflies, flora.
Kibale Forest also hosts interesting species of primate including among others L’Hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, bush babies, black and white colobus monkeys, pottos, red tailed monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys. Majority of these can easily be sighted during the 2-4 hours chimpanzee trek.
Chimpanzee permits for Kibale Forest are available for reservation by foreign non-residents at US Dollars 200 per person, $150 for foreign residents and UGX 150000 for East Africa Community citizens.
Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge is a true hidden jewel of its own worthy exploring while on chimpanzee tracking safari in Uganda. This magnificent natural treasure is in Queen Elizabeth National Park and lies on the side of Albertine rift. It is a magnificent gorge with dense forest where chimpanzees thrive. It takes trekkers 3-4 hours to access Kyambura Gorge from Mweya area of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kyambura Gorge is an extensive area of 16kms and approximately 100m. An estimated population of 30 chimpanzees thrive within the jungles of Kyambura together with other species of primates including vervet monkeys, baboons, red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys. Tracking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge is slightly cheaper with permits costing holidaymakers US Dollars 50.
Kalinzu Forest
Kalinzu Forest is found just adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park a home to tree climbing lions. It is the eastern extension of Maramagambo Forest and expands to cover an area of about 137sq.kms.
Kalinzu protects over 290 chimpanzees, 70 of these have been habituated for chimpanzee tracking at US Dollars 30 for chimp permit per person. Aside from tracking chimpanzees, there is a chance to explore this magnificent forest on birding tour to sight some of its 410 bird species.
Semuliki National Park/reserve
Lying suitably along Uganda border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Semuliki is one incredible chimpanzee destination. It has 3 chimpanzee communities ready for visitors to track.
Ngamba Island
Perched on Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is one remarkable place that is worthy visiting to see chimpanzees. The sanctuary protects mostly the rescued chimpanzees and visitors experience largely involves exploring their different feeding sessions, how these apes are protected.
WHERE TO DO CHIMPANZEE HABITUATION IN UGANDA.
Chimpanzee habituation in Uganda is interesting and there are 2 destinations to engage in this captivating adventure. These include Kibale Forest National Park and Budongo Forest Reserve. Kibale Forest National Park is reachable for chimp habituation about 5-6 hours’ drive from Kampala capital city and 3 hours’ drive while you are from Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kibale Forest has existed as a park since its establishment in 1993 to offer refuge to its enormous primate species. It is an extensive tropical forest protected, spanning up to 795sq.kms and lies at elevation range of 1100 to 1600m. Kibale is popular as the primate capital of the world, boasting of 13 primate species that include over 1500 chimpanzees.
Chimpanzee habituation is also best known as CHEX, a distinct primate adventure involving a whole day of following the semi-habituated chimpanzee communities. This is done in order to initiate chimpanzees get used to human presence prior being opened to normal chimp tracking.
While on chimp habituation, you have in-depth learning on chimp behaviors, take pictures, till the chimpanzees make new nests in the evening. The Uganda chimpanzee habituation permits for Kibale cost $200 and these can be reserved either by a ground tour operator or directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority. The rate of chimp habituation permit includes park entry fees, park ranger guide fees, and your magical encounter with chimpanzees while in their natural habitat.
Chimp habituation in Kibale is amazing as you also stand a chance to enjoy sight of other species of primates. The other species of primates to expect to come cross on chimp habituation experience here include blue monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, baboons, colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, pottos, vervet monkeys, bush babies and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
This park also protects over 375 bird species some of these can be spotted on a chimp habituation. The park’s interesting avifaunal species include Nahan’s francolins, purple breasted sunbirds, red faced woodlands, African green breasted pitta, scaly breasted illadopsis, black bee-eaters, yellow throated nicator.
Budongo Forest is the other significant spot where chimp habituation experience in Uganda is offered. This vast rain-forest lies within Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s biggest park and a home to the big game. Chimpanzee habituation experience in Budongo starts early with briefing on the set etiquette at Budongo Eco-Lodge. Chimp habituation in Budongo like it is in Kibale largely attracts researchers, scientists, conservationists, trackers.
Chimpanzee habituation etiquette.
While on chimpanzee tracking or chimpanzee habituation experience, visitor safety and that of chimpanzee is essential. These are endangered species and to ensure they are safeguarded, all trekkers on chimpanzee safari holiday must observe the following set rules and regulations;
- Chimp habituation is open to all holidaymakers above 15 years.
- A distance of 8-10m must be kept from chimps while on chimpanzee habituation experience or chimp tracking.
- While on chimp habituation, use of flashlight camera isn’t allowed.
- Ensure the chimp habitat is maintained clean.
- Smoking, eating and drinking while on chimp habituation isn’t allowed.
- When in need to sneeze, ensure you have covered your nose and mouth when coughing so as not to spread infectious diseases to these great apes.
- Maintain your voices low while a chimp habituation experience.
- For holidaymakers with illness, you may not be allowed to go on habituation as a way not to spread the infectious diseases to chimpanzees.
- Chimpanzee habituation permit is a must-have if you are to participate in this captivating experience in Uganda.
- Always observe the guidelines as stated by your guide while on habituation experience.
WHAT TO CARRY FOR YOUR UGANDA CHIMP HABITUATION EXPERIENCE?
Packing well for your Uganda chimpanzee habituation experience is one significant thing you must think about. When choosing what to carry, it is important to consider the essentials especially valid chimpanzee habituation permit, light rain-jacket/poncho, packed lunch, bottled drinking water, waterproof hiking boots, insect repellents, long-sleeved shirt/t-shirt, camera without flashlight, long trousers, visas, first-aid kit or medical kit, passport, sun glasses, trousers.
CHIMPANZEE TRACKING VS CHIMPANZEE HABITUATION.
Chimpanzee tracking is an interesting activity in which holidaymakers go to explore habituated chimpanzee communities while chimp habituation is don in the semi-habituated chimpanzee communities. Visitors on CHEX explore the less accustomed chimp communities to human presence.
Chimp tracking takes 2-4 hours but chimp habituation takes a full day or half day. The 2 experiences are exciting and largely involve exploring how chimps copulate, hunt, feed, patrol and also take photos.
Chimpanzee habituation is a process of following semi-habituated chimpanzees and with guidance of experienced park trackers, researchers. Usually, chimp habituation can take 2 or more years prior chimpanzees completely became accustomed to human presence. While on chimp habituation, visitors stand a chance to watch chimpanzees rise up, prepare themselves for the daily activities ranging from feeding, resting, taking care of their infants, protect their territories till they make new nests for a night.
Participants carry some lunch and plenty of drinking being a long day exploration and visitors return once chimps begin to get to their nests. A typical Uganda chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest National Park or Budongo Forest begins early in the morning at 6:00am with briefing and chimpanzee tracking begins at 8:00am.
WHEN TO DO CHIMPANZEE HABITUATION IN UGANDA?
Chimpanzee habituation in Uganda either in Kibale or Budongo is open to holidaymakers at any time of the year. But the most convenient months of the year to travel to engage in this thrilling adventure are; March, April, May and November. These are months when Kibale Forest National Park or Budongo record fewer visitors while some lodges offer discounted rates for accommodation.
WHERE TO STAY WHILE ON CHIMPANZEE HABITUATION EXPERIENCE IN UGANDA?
The accommodation choices in Kibale and Budongo Forest range from budget to luxury each offering a comfortable stay to holidaymakers on Uganda chimpanzee habituation experience.
In Budongo Forest, the most convenient place to retire for the night while on chimpanzee tracking or chimp habituation is Budongo Eco Lodge that comprises of eco-cabins equipped with 4 spacious dorm rooms, restaurants, private veranda, visitor centre. Besides accommodation services, Budongo Eco Lodge also provides variety of activities such as birding, chimpanzee tracking, forest walks and chimpanzee habituation experience.
In Kibale Forest National Park, the top lodges include Ndali Lodge-a luxury chimp safari lodge with 8 cottages taking capacity of 16 visitors. This luxury establishment features en-suite shower, sitting room, reception, dining room.
Primate Lodge; perched just at the heart of Kibale Forest National Park, Primate Lodge is a luxury/mid-range is the most accessible to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre. It is equipped with 8 superior cottages, bar, restaurant, 1 tree house, and camping site.
Chimpanzee Nest-this is a comfortable mid-range/moderate lodge set 15 minutes’ drive from Kanyanchu Tourist Centre. It is equipped with bar, sola power, self-contained rooms, en-suite cottages, parking area, restaurant.
Papaya Lake Lodge; this is one of the best luxury hospitality establishments set just at Kibale National Park boundary overlooking the scenic Rwenzori mountain ranges, the crater lakes and park’s forest. It is equipped with restaurant, deck chairs, 8 cottages, bathrooms & private verandas.
