Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda

Chimpanzees live in communities of individuals in a similar way as to humans. This means that they do not move around in one group like gorillas or monkeys but split up and come back together at intervals in what is termed a “fission-fusion’ society. Communities vary in size and in Uganda they range between about 20 to over 100 individuals.

  • Infants are born every 4-5 years and stay with their mothers until they are 8 – 10 years old.
  • They do not become sexually mature until about 10 years old. The  late onset of sexual maturity, together with low fecundity, makes the species extremely vulnerable as it can take decades for a population to recover from a decline in numbers

Chimpanzee Tours
Primate safari - 6 days
Chimpanzee Habituation - 4 days
Kibale Forest Chimps -3 days
Ngamba Island tour - 1 day

More information on Chimps
About other primates - the monkey.
Where to go for chimp trekking.
Main Chimpanzee Safari Page

Population estimates for all forest sites in Uganda

Population estimates for all forests surveyed in 1999 and 2002 indicate that about 4,500 nest-building chimpanzees occur in Uganda.

Rules and regulations:
Following these rules is extremely important in ensuring the good health and safety of the animals as well as the visitors.

  • There is no time restriction with the chimpanzees, however, if a regular Guided Group of visitors needs to view the chimpanzees, they are allocated a maximum of one hour. To reduce the chance of the Habituation Team constantly giving way to other visitors, this activity is only offered during the low tourist season.  In addition, the time may be shortened at the habituator’s discretion in order to eliminate stressful situations for the chimpanzees.

 

  • Please remember this is a National Park and natural ecological processes  are thus encouraged.   Kibale National Park is a tropical rain forest – chimpanzee sightings depend on factors such as time of day, food availability, weather and how quiet the chimpanzee community is.
  • Following the chimpanzees can be over rough terrain, off path and an exhausting jaunt (if the chimpanzees are travelling across their extensive homerange) so a fairly good fitness level is required to participate in this activity.

 

  • Remain in a tight group and follow the habituator’s directions at all times
  • Remain at a minimum distance of 8 metres from the chimpanzees or the distance that the guide recommends.  This is required for the safety and health of both you and the chimpanzees.

 

  • Under no circumstances chase the chimpanzees while they are descending from the trees or while they are travelling on the ground
  • Do not enter the forest if you are sick - this puts the animals at serious risk

 

  • Refrain from eating near the chimpanzees and other primates
  • Please be as quite as possible in the forest.

 

  • Bring back all waste (gradable & non-biodegradable) from the forest & dispose of it in the bins provided at the tourist centre

 

 

  • If you need to urinate during the walk please do so off the trails system

 

  • If you need to defecate please do so off the trail system & bury in a hole (all toilet paper must also be buried off the trail system).
  • Due to red ants & slippery trails it is advisable to wear boots that cover your toes and long trousers, also carry waterproof clothing

 

  • You are free to take photographs, BUT please do not use a FLASH when photographing the chimpanzees
  • Failure to abide by the above rules will result in an early return. Please respect that these are wild animals.