Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge : Kyambura gorge also known as the valley of apes is a tropical rainforest situated in the north eastern part of Queen Elizabeth national park which is the second largest national park in Uganda after Murchison falls national park. Kyambura is a home of several wildlife species including primates like chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, mammals like elephants and variety of bird species.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge

Chimpanzee trekking is the most famous activity in Kyambura gorge where visitors move on foot in the dense tropical rainforests in search of the habituated chimpanzee family and once found spend one hour with the chimpanzees in their habitat. Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge starts with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking. After the briefing you will start trekking with an experienced park guide who is knowledgeable about the chimpanzees and also conversant with trails in the gorge.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge is done in two sessions that is morning session which starts at around 8:00 am and the afternoon session which starts at around 2:00pm, each session takes about 30 minutes to 3 hours or even more depending on where the chimpanzees are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food.

During trekking you will be able to view other primate species like black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, different bird species, plants among others. Once the chimpanzees are found you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to observe their lifestyle, behaviors, take photos, watch them feed, breastfeed, play, hunt, mate, groom young ones, rest, record the incredible moments among others.

Cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in Kyambura gorge

A chimpanzee trekking permit is a legal card or document issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority to any visitor above the age of 15 years allowing him/her to visit the chimpanzees in their natural habitat. a single chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura costs USD 50 for foreign non residents, USD 50 for foreign residents and UGX 30,000 for East African citizens. The chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura is cheap compared to Kibale national park where a chimpanzee trekking permit costs USD 200 for foreign non residents, USD 150 for foreign residents and UGX 150,000 for East African citizens.

How to book a chimpanzee trekking permit

A chimpanzee trekking permits in Kyambura can be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority by contacting the offices through email or telephone calls or you can book through a tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris. When booking through a tour operator, you will contact us with your names, dates and months when you wish to visit the chimpanzees.

We will check for permit availability and once there are permits available you will be asked to make a deposit. When we receive the money we will purchase the chimpanzee trekking permit on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.

Best time to go for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season there is less rainfall in the national park therefore vegetation will be thin which helps you to clearly view the chimpanzees and trekking trails will be dry and passable compared to the wet season when the trails are muddy and slippery hence making trekking difficult.

Where to stay during your chimpanzee trekking safari in Kyambura gorge

There are several accommodation facilities close to Kyambura gorge where you can stay during your chimpanzee trekking safari. the accommodations range from luxury, midrange and budget including Kyambura Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, Engiri Game Lodge and Campsite, Pumba Safari Cottages, Parkview Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge, Elephant Hab Lodge, Kyangabi Crater Resort, Kingfisher Lodge, Twin Lakes Safari Lodge among others.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura is an interesting activity and its best done alongside other activities like guided nature walk, bird watching, game drive in Kasenyi plains, boat cruise on Kazinga channel, lion tracking experience among others to make your safari memorable.