CHIMPANZEE SAFARI
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 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.
UGANDA 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.
Where
Chimpanzee tracking occurs most commonly in three of Uganda’s national parks and you may consider visiting the Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary.
When
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).
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.
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.
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
The Jane Goodall Institute, Chimpanzee Central
- The Jane Goodall Institute: The home of chimpanzee conservation and protection.
- Uganda Wildlife Authority: Information on Uganda chimpanzee tracking safaris.
- Wikipedia: Facts and figures about chimpanzees.
- Ngamba Island: Uganda's chimp sanctuary in Lake Victoria and a start to many chimpanzee safaris.
- About Uganda: A Uganda chimpanzee tracking guide.
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