What is chimpanzee tracking?
Chimpanzee tracking or trekking is the act of walking in search of chimpanzees. This activity involves critically observing your surroundings and looking out for signs of animal activity; pods left behind after feeding, foot and knuckle prints left behind during movement, fresh poop and of course listening out for loud calls – you are basically taking them to find their location.
Where is chimpanzee trekking done in Africa?
There is quite a number of locations where one can trek or track the chimpanzee in Africa.
In Uganda, Chimpanzees can be seen in five (05) places however in only four (04) places; Budongo forest, Kibale forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Kalinzu Forest. The fifth place is Ngamba Island – a sanctuary for the orphaned chimpanzee rescued from poachers you can’t physically track chimps on this island but can observe, feed, and get to learn about chimpanzees. Ngamba Island was founded by Dr. Jane Goodall
In Rwanda, chimpanzee trekking is done in Cyamudongo forest (Nyungwe forest National Park).
In Tanzania, chimpanzee tracking can be done in two (02) places; Mahale National park and Gombe National park.
In Kenya, chimpanzees can be seen (not tracked) at the popular Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary situated on the larger Ol Pejeta conservancy.
The Sweetwaters Chimpanzees Sanctuary is a home chimpanzee brought in from Burundi after civil unrest broke out in 1993.
What is the Price of a chimpanzee tracking Permit?
Chimpanzee permit prices in Uganda: Chimpanzee permit prices in Uganda vary depending on the location you intend to visit On your chimpanzee trek.
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Chimpanzee tracking Permits In Budongo Forest cost $120 per person.
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Kibale Forest National Park permits cost $200 per person.
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Kyambura gorge permits cost $50 per person.
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Kalinzu forest chimpanzee permits cost USD35 per person.
**All fees above include guide fees excluding entrance fees except for Kibale Forest National Park.
In Tanzania, Chimpanzee permits to trek in Mahale National park cost USD150 per person. Permits for Gombe National park cost USD100.
In Kenya, chimpanzees can only be seen at the Sweetwaters chimpanzee sanctuary situated on the larger Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The Behind-the-Scenes experience here costs USD60 (Adult) or USD30 (Kids, 3-11yrs) per person to see the chimpanzee in Kenya.
How do I book a chimpanzee Permit?
Chimpanzee permits can be arranged directly with the relevant authorities, but the best and most reliable way of booking chimpanzee permits is through Realm Africa Safaris™ – we know who to contact.
Best time to go chimpanzee tracking?
- Best time to track chimps in Uganda & Rwanda ( these locations share Climate Patterns)
chimpanzee tracking in Uganda can be done all year round. However, the best time to go trekking is In the dry season months of June to August and December to February. These times, the trails are drier and less slippery with a chance of enjoying a drier trekking experience and good photography.
- Best time to track chimps in Tanzania
While chimpanzee tracking In Tanzania (Mahale & Gombe National Park) can be done all year round, the chances of finding them improve towards the end of the Dry season (from July to October) when the chimps favor the lower slopes. If you have two or three days, your chance of seeing them is reasonable at any time of the year.
What to wear/bring on a chimpanzee Tracking tour.
