Chimpanzee tracking is a favourite activity for many tourists that visit Uganda. They are easier to track than gorillas and are a lot friendlier too. Here are the best places to track chimpanzees in Uganda. There are safari companies to offer assistance to plan a chimpanzee tracking safari upon request.
Kibale Forest National Park
The Kibale National Park is the preferred site for chimpanzee tracking. The destination is home to 13 species of primates and over 1500 chimpanzees. The ideal trip to Kibale would be a 2-3 day safari. The rainforest is also home to forest elephants, buffalos and of course flocks of exotic birds.
Kyambura Gorge
If you are visiting Queen Elizabeth Park, the Kyambura Gorge is quite close and a great experience. The chimpanzees here have been completely habituated, which means that they are used to human interaction and usually go about their business despite the large number of travelers who come to observe them. The gorge also boasts of the rare tree climbing lions that can be observed at a distance.
Budongo Forest
Only three hours away from Kampala, the Budongo forest is ideal for day trips. They have a minimum age for tracking which is 15 years. There is an eco-lodge for overnight travelers and the forest is also home to a number of wild butterflies and bird species.
Kalinzu Forest
Perfect for nature walks and hikes, all the chimpanzees in Kalinzu forest have been habituated by Japanese researchers. The forest is quite close to Queen Elizabeth Park and makes an ideal detour if you have extra time on your hands.
