Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge which is sometimes called the Valley of Apes and referred to as the Lost Valley by the BBC is a great add-on to a wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Taking part in a chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge trip is a great way to explore this hidden gem tucked away in Queen Elizabeth National Park that is located in the south western part of Uganda.
The gorge itself is a really beautiful place with a tropical rainforest close to the equator crossing, a river flowing right in the middle of the gorge and it has a variety of wildlife and birds it inhabits. Kyambura gorge is the only place in Queen Elizabeth National Park that has primates like the red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys white colobus monkeys and the chimpanzees among so many others. It is the chimpanzees that many tourists visit the gorge for a chimpanzee tracking experience.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura gorge has travelers descending and tracking through the gorge searching for the chimpanzees. The location of the chimps is not really hard to tell not with their loud shouts and laughs that call after you. The hike to see the chimps in Kyambura gorge is not so hectic compared to the other locations from where you can do chimp tracking from, say Kibale National Park. Be sure to see other animals like large forest hogs, a number of primates and lots of birds singing melodiously like the African kingfisher, falcons, African fish eagles, white-tailed larks, owls, papyrus canary, shoebill among so many others.
Though the hike in search of the chimps in Kyambura gorge isn’t as hectic as in other areas, it doesn’t cease to be one that travelers need to prepare for. Expect to encounter muddy, slippery and ever wet forest grounds and rains falling anytime. Carrying the essential gear for a successful chimp tracking experience is very important. Items like;
- Good hiking shoes that have a good grip
- Long sleeved shirts to protect your arms from thorny bushes
- Long safari pants that allow body movement
- Rain jackets
- Insect repellent creams
- Energy giving snacks and water
- A hiking stick
- Gardening gloves to help you have a good grip on the stick and vegetation as you hike are a must-have and carry, along with other personal items.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge requires one to purchase a permit at $50 for both foreign non-residents and residents and East African citizens can have them at UGX30,000 only. Opting to do a chimpanzee tracking experience in Kyambura is cost-effective for budget travelers. Booking in advance is recommended so as to be guaranteed of a chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge adventure. The permit can be booked from the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices or through a trusted tour operator.
Below are the rules and regulations that travelers must know and follow when on a chimpanzee tracking trip in Kyambura gorge;
- Maintain an 8-meter distance away from the chimpanzees
- Do not track chimpanzees if you are sick- they’ll get the infections too
- Don’t leave your group at all times, keep in the company of each other and a ranger for your own safety
- Do not litter the forest, leave it as you found it.
- Do not make noise, the chimpanzees may mistake them for other sounds and attack you
- Do not eat, drink when near the chimpanzees. They can snatch whatever you have from you
- Do not use flash cameras.
- Chimpanzee tracking is for persons that are 12 years and above.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge can be done throughout the year, irrespective of the season. Travelers can reach the gorge which is located in Queen Elizabeth National Park by both air and road. By road travelers can embark on 6 hours’ drive from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth national park and then proceed to the gorge. Alternatively, travelers can have charter flights from Kampala or Entebbe to Kasese or Mweya.
Travelers that wish to track chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge have a number of lodging options to choose from that are in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ranging from luxury to basic accommodation facilities, be sure to get the best value for your money.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura gorge is a great add-on to a wildlife and nature safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Travelers can also opt to have a wildlife and primate safari that has them doing game drives and nature experiences in QENP, track chimps in Kyambura and then have gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as the highlight of their safari. Get in touch with us or a trusted tour operator to help you plan the best safari.
