Chimpanzee Tracking is one of the wildlife experiences that travelers to East Africa enjoy. To meet these apes, our closest relatives sharing 99% of human DNA, in their natural home is a once in a lifetime experience. There are very few places left in the world where you can see chimpanzees in their natural home. Here are the best places to to see these endangered creatures.
Uganda
In Uganda, Chimpanzee trekking takes place in sevaeral locations that include Kibale Forest National park, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge and Toro-semliki.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park Uganda cost US$250 per person in Peak season and in low season; it costs US$200 per person.
Uganda low season occurs in April, May and November, all year round. During the period of low season, you will enjoy discounted chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National park.
Note that, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge and Budongo forest is not discounted in Low season – the price remain US$100.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale forest National Park is guaranteed – in other words, Kibale forest is the most sought after destination for chimpanzee tracking by travelers taking round safaris in Uganda. From Kampala, it is 6 hours drive to Kibale forest National Park- this is a long drive so, you need to stay the overnight in the park and you return to Kampala the next day.
Rwanda
In Rwanda, Chimpanzee trekking is conducted in Nyungwe Forest national park. It is 8 hours drive from Kigali to the park. Not only chimpanzees, Nyungwe Forest national park protects other 12 primates like Olive Baboons, Mona Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Grey Cheeked Mangabey, Owl-faced Monkey, Red Tailed monkeys, L’Hoest Monkeys, Blue Monkeys and Angola Colobus Monkeys among others.
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest cost US$90, the price lower than that in Kibale forest national park- so, clients have a reason to make choice depending on their budget.
Tanzania
In all destinations, chimpanzee tracking takes place in tropical forest because chimps do better in such environment than in savannah. You need to get started with preparing for hikes through the rain forests. Chimpanzees can be tracked in the the Mahale Mountains, probably the best place in Africa to experience chimpanzee watching. There is a good family that has been habituated to humans.
All in all chimpanzee tracking is possibly one of the most intimate wildlife experiences known to man.
