Chimpanzee Trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park : Stretching through the Kazinga Island of Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a spectacular destination famous not only for landscapes and a variety of wild animals but even for the chance to track wild chimpanzees. Located in the western part of Uganda, home to the gorgeous Kyambura Gorge which is a thick, green wavy valley that has been named the ‘Valley of Apes’, tourists may expect to have an extended encounter with these animals. Whether you are a flora and fauna enthusiast, wildlife photographer or a traveler who likes to indulge in different sorts of adventurous activity, chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park will definitely provide a lifetime experience. This brief will offer all that a would-be chimpanzee trekker in Queen Elizabeth National Park should know right from planning through the trekking and finally the conservation aspect.

Why Do Chimpanzee Trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Trekking in the jungles of Queen Elizabeth National Park in a special to any tourist. There is one of the few habituated chimpanzee communities in Uganda to be found in the park’s Kyambura Gorge so while seeing the chimps is quite guaranteed, the experiences will be that much more exciting.

The most related species to humans are chimpanzees with which we have almost 98% of similar genes. Visiting these self-aware beings in their natural environment affords one a good chance to observe their social modalities, interactions and activities. Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge also has certain qualities that set it apart; the gorge itself is an impressive 100meter deep, covered in tropical forest, waterfalls, streams and other creatures  making the trek that much more interesting.

 Kyambura Gorge

Kyambura Gorge known locally as the ‘Valley of Apes is an erosional escarpment of Kyambura River which has made a steep gorge over the centuries. This unique habitat has numerous numbers of biodiversity such as chimpanzees, other primates, forest birds, butterflies and tree species. Due to the high concentration of vegetation type, the gorge is rather specific, especially during descending into the valley, being accompanied by voices of tropical birds and other noises of the tropical forest.

However, besides Chimpanzees are other primates including Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Red-Tailed Monkeys and many more. Bird life is also very exotic. Photography lovers have a special chance to meet tender light filtering through the thickets of the plentiful foliage to awaken the richest colors of the plants and animals.

How to Prepare for the Trek

Suddenly some things are easier said than done trekking chimps being one of them, an exercise that calls for stamina, patience and preparation to the optimum. Here are some essentials:

Permits: Chimpanzee trekking requires a permit which can be obtained in advance since the numbers are restricted to allow a harmonious impact on chimpanzee ecology. Permits are available from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or can preferably be obtained from tourist agents.

 Physical Fitness: While it is not as tiring as the mountain gorilla tracking exercise, chimpanzee tracking entails crossing over strategically slippery tracks and steep slopes in the jungle environment offered by several Uganda’s forest reserves. Moderate physical activity is required to enjoy this destination.

 Guides: All treks are guided by professional park rangers and more experienced guides who understand the techniques of tracking chimpanzee.

Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

Your chimpanzee tracking starts in the early morning when the chimps are most likely to be moving or in late evening. Following a briefing from your guide, you will go for a wild drive and then a short hike into the Kyambura Gorge, the world of the chimps. The undergrowth, trails and trees are not very wide and offer a true jungle feel as you start following the chimps through sounds, poor vegetation or aerial nests.

Chimpanzees are probably one of the most sociable animals, they have their communities and they are known to have a rich vocal communication. Your guide will take you further, quite often using the chimps’ vocalizations to pinpoint their location. When you get there, you are allowed one hour of observing the chimpanzees as the engage in their activities like grooming, eating, playing and even socializing.

Other Activities

Game Drives: The savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park harbor the unique tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and many others. The game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park can be done at different areas of the park; the most famous Kasenyi plains and the Ishasha sector.

 Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel: A boat ride along Kazinga channel allows visitors to view other wildlife within the park because of the water channel. Over the channel, there are hippos, crocodiles, and many sorts of birds as well as a large population of monkeys.

 Birdwatching: The Park has more than 600 bird species and one of Africa’s top Birding Areas of Interest, which includes African fish eagles, pelicans and rare shoebills.

 Nature Walks and Forest Hikes: To get a more laid back visit, there are formal guided nature trails around the perimeter that enable the guests to enjoy plants and other small animals at the park.

 Cultural Encounters: In proximate communities, cultural tours are available through which tourists can taste the local food and get to know the traditions, music and typical products of the population.

Best time to go Chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park

There is also suggestion that the proper time to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park for chimpanzee trekking is in the dry seasons that lasts from January to February and June to September. These months are characterized by less muddy surface on trails and also chimp tracking is easier compared to other months. The best times to trek are during January to February and September to mid-October. The vegetation then is not very thick, but the rain at times can be very limiting. However, both seasons are loved by many and each of them has its benefits if speaking about trekking and wildlife watching.