Chimpanzee trekking is among the major Tourist activity in Uganda. After Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking is the second thought of activity in Uganda. Unlike Gorilla Trekking with two destinations, Uganda has five chimpanzee trekking destinations including:
1. Kibale Forest –It’s known for offering the best chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Kibale Forest makes up Kibale National park which is situated in western Uganda, 5-6hours drive from Entebbe International Airport. In Kibale National Park, chimpanzee trekking starts with briefing at 7:30am and actual trekking begins at 8am. Two chimp trekking sessions are conducted everyday (Morning and Afternoon sessions). Currently, the cost of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is US$200 per person per session. It’s a 12km hike and usually done in the dry seasons. The months are mid November – February, June and September. Hiking helps discover the park’s assorted habitats such as river line forest, swamp, grassland and tropical rain forest. Birding in Kibale Visit Bigodi a top birders spot. It’s famous for wildlife such as chimpanzees, red colobus, black and white colobus, red tailed monkey, bush buck as well as mongoose. It has about 138 bird species seen on nature walks within.
2. Kalinzu Forest –It is situated near Queen Elizabeth Park in western Uganda. The walk through Kalinzu Forest will also reward the views of Mountains of the moon (Mt. Rwenzori), Lake Edward and Kazinga channel among others.The major tourist activity here is chimpanzee trekking which can be supplemented by nature walks to see over 414 tree species, 378 bird species among others.
3. Budongo Forest – Its situated in northwest of Kampala (the capital city of Uganda). Its the nearest chimpanzee trekking destination which can be reached after 3-4hrs drive from Kampala. Budongo forest is part of Murchison Falls National Park (the largest National Park in Uganda). Chimpanzee trekking is the major activity here but can be supplemented by birding, nature walks to study about unique tree species. Like in Kibale National Park, Chimpanzee habituated can as well be done here.
4. Kyambura Gorge – Its situated in western Uganda and part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including the only primates in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The area is an important water source for many animals and is surrounded by savanna, but is generally noted for its high concentration of primate life located in the gorge.
5. Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve – Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve was established as a game reserve in 1926 and was among the first protected areas to be gazetted in Uganda. The main reason was to protect the large numbers of Uganda Kobs in the area. It covers an area of 542 km2. It is located in western Uganda, within Ntoroko and Kabarole districts.