CHIMPANZEE SAFARIS

A Uganda chimpanzee safari is an exceptional experience and really shouldn’t be missed if you visit Uganda.

Following the chimps in their natural habitat is exhilarating and there is no where better in the world for wild chimpanzee tracking than the primate rich forests of Uganda.

chimpanzee-safaris

CHIMPANZEE TRACKING

You hear them before you see them: a crescendo of pant-hoots from somewhere close by that can be exciting, chilling and a little daunting. Chimpanzee tracking can bring you within five metres of these incredible creatures and is a real adventure.

We offer chimpanzee safaris with experienced guides and consider chimpanzee tracking to be one of our specialities. We also offer participation in a chimp habituation programme for those who want to get really involved.

Uganda chimpanzee safaris usually take up half a day and volunteer positions run for up to 6 weeks.

CHIMPANZEE SAFARIS

  • The Maramagambo forest and surrounds host one of the largest chimp populations in East Africa, but chimpanzee tracking is only conducted with habituated communities in the Kyambura gorge (Queen Elizabeth), Kaniyo Pabidi forest (Murchison Falls) and Kibale forest.
  • Chimpanzee safari tours are led by experienced guides and have a 90% success rate of encountering chimps.
  • Chimpanzee tracking permits cost up to US $70 excluding park entrance fees.
  • There are excellent opportunities to see other primates such as colobus and vervet monkeys.

ABOUT CHMIPS

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are the closest species of ape to humans, sharing 98% of our genes. They are so similar that in Uganda, we call them ‘our cousins’.

They are found in 21 African countries, but have become endangered due to conflict with humans. Deforestation, poaching and the trade in young chimpanzees has left less than 5000 chimps in Uganda.

They form loosely bonded communities of up to 100 individuals, under the leadership of an alpha male and defend a well defined home territory. These communities divide into subgroups which roam the community territories.

Chimpanzees are primarily fruit eating but Jane Goodall’s studies in the 1960s, revelaed how they also occasionally hunt and eat monkeys.

WHERE TO SEE CHIMPS

  • Kibale Forest National Park
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Murchison National
  • Ngamba Isand

WHEN TO SEE CHIMPS

Uganda chimpanzee safaris are possible year round. However, conditions become more unpleasant in the wet and many visitors prefer to avoid the wettest months (March – May).

DID YOU KNOW?

“Chimpanzees are intelligent, social beings. Through our studies of chimpanzees, we humans have learned that we are not the only animals who have close family bonds, make and use tools, or engage in warfare against one another. ”

The Jane Goodall Institute, Chimpanzee Central

CHIMP TRACKING SAFARIS