Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge; Chimpanzee trekking is an interesting activity in Kymabura gorge which gives visitors an opportunity to move into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated chimpanzee families and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Kyambura gorge also known as the valley of apes is located in the eastern part of Queen Elizabeth national park which is the second largest national park in Uganda. Queen Elizabeth national park is famously known for the tree climbing lions in Ishasha sector and other animals like elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, leopards, warthogs, Uganda kobs, giant forest hogs and over 600 bird species.
The activity starts early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations at the starting point. After the briefing, you will be allocated a habituated chimpanzee family to trek and an experienced park guide who is conversant with chimpanzee trekking trails. Trekking of chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge takes about 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on where they are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to see other primate species like black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, view 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 a chance to learn about their behaviors, habits, watch them feed, breastfeed, play, hunt, mate, fight, rest, take photos and record the beautiful moments to show people back home after the safari. Apart from Kyambura gorge, chimpanzee trekking is carried out in other destinations like Kibale forest national park, Budongo forest in Murchison falls national park, Kalinzu forest and Toro Semuliki wildlife reserve.
Cost of a chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura gorge
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura gorge costs 50 USD per person for foreign non residents, 40 USD per person for foreign residents and 30,000 USD per person for East African citizens.
How to book a Permit
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura gorge can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) by contacting the head offices or park offices by email or telephone calls. Chimpanzee trekking permits in Kyambura gorge can also be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris where you will contact us with the dates, month and year when you wish to visit the chimpanzees. After contacting us, we will check for permit availability and if there are permits available on your preferred dates, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permit. Once we receive the money, we will purchase the chimpanzee trekking permits on your behalf.
Best time to go for chimpanzee trekking safari in Kyambura gorge
It 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 or little rainfall in the national park therefore chimpanzee trekking trails will be dry and passable which makes trekking easy, .
What to pack for the chimpanzee trekking safari in Kyambura gorge
When going for a chimpanzee trekking safari in Kyambura gorge, there are a number of items that visitors should pack or carry including long sleeved shirt and trouser to protect your skin and keep you warm during morning hours, hiking boots to keep your feet dry, insect repellent to protect you from biting insects, waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rainfall, camera and extra batteries to take photos and record videos during the one hour with the chimpanzees, backpack, bottled drinking water among others.
How to get to Kyambura gorge
Kyambura gorge is located in the eastern part of Queen Elizabeth national park and can be accessed by road transport means whereby you will drive from Kampala via Mubende, Fort Portal or Masaka, Mbarara to Kyambura gorge which takes about 7 to 8 hours’ drive in a 4 WD safari vehicle.
Kyambura gorge can also be accessed by air transport means whereby you will book charter or scheduled flights from Entebbe international airport to Mweya or Kasese airstrip and then connect to Kyambura gorge by road.
Where to stay during your chimpanzee trekking safari in Kyambura gorge
Queen Elizabeth national park has a number of accommodation facilities ranging from budget, midrange and luxury where you can stay during your chimpanzee trekking safari including Kyambura gorge lodge, Kyambura tented camp, Katara lodge, Buffalo safari lodge, Parkview safari lodge, Elephant hab lodge, Enganzi game lodge, Marafiki safari lodge, Irungu forest safari lodge, Mweya safari lodge, Pumba safari cottages, Kasenyi safari camp, Elephant plains lodge, Simba safari camp, Queen Elizabeth bush lodge among others.
