Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu Forest

Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest is the most sought after activity by tourists visiting the forest. Kalinzu forest is arguably the second-best place to see chimpanzees from after Kibale national park. Kalinzu forest reserve is found in south-western Uganda in the district of Bushenyi and is near Maramagambo forest and Queen Elizabeth national park. The forest has over 379 species of birds, 261 butterfly species, 414 species of trees, 6 primate species among so many others including nocturnal animals like pottos and bush babies.

Chimpanzees in Kalinzu forest are the main reason many travelers, mostly those visiting in Queen Elizabeth national park, visit the forest. The forest has about 50 chimpanzees that are fully habituated for tourists to visit out of the 320 or more individuals that find it home.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest has two shifts it is done in; that is the morning shift which starts at 8 am and the afternoon shift starts at 3 pm. Both shifts give travelers unique experiences, and they usually start with travelers being oriented on what to expect during the hike in search of the chimpanzees. They are then placed in three different groups with varying fitness levels and then led by rangers and guides through the forest. Travelers get to see a number of other animals like baboons during the trek, with various birds and also learn of the plant life in the forest from their guides and rangers. The chimpanzees are very lively and loud in the morning hours as they are feeding and playing, and then docile in the afternoon where they oftentimes just relax in the tree shades away from the sun and because they are too full. Travelers are allowed one hour with the chimpanzees in which time they can learn of the chimpanzees’ group dynamics and behavior, take pictures and videos or just watch as they go about their life. Some curious chimps can come up-close and study you.

Chimpanzee permits for Kalinzu forest reserve cost $50 per permit that admits only one person, and they can be purchased from the reservation center of the forest. Prior booking is however important.

Travelers intending to do a chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu forest safari are advised to pack items that can withstand the terrain and weather of the forest, for example, good hiking shoes that have a good grip, long sleeved shirts, long trousers that allow easy movements, a raincoat or jacket, insect repellant creams, energy giving snacks and enough water. Binoculars could come in handy, and also remember to have a hiking stick with you to help you during the trek.

There are rules and regulations in place that govern chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu forest, and they include among others;

Persons below the age of 12 cannot track chimpanzees
Persons that are sick with infections like flue cannot go chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest
A maximum of 6 persons can visit a particular chimpanzee community at a time
Maintain an 8-meter distance away from the chimpanzees
Time spent with the chimpanzees is strictly one hour
Always stay in your groups and maintain your trail
Always have a guide when on a chimpanzee tracking expedition
Do not eat or drink in the presence of the chimpanzees
Do not use flash cameras
Do not litter the forest, carry the rubbish with you until you find rubbish can/pit
Do not make noise when in the forest

Apart from chimpanzee trekking, there are other activities that travelers could engage in, for example, bird watching, nature hikes, and animal viewing- more so in those areas that are nearer Queen Elizabeth National Park that has animals like leopards, lions and the like crossing over. Travelers can also chase after butterflies that are so plentiful in the forest.

Accommodation facilities for travelers visiting Kalinzu forest could best be got in Queen Elizabeth National Park that has a number of lodging options that one can choose from say Mweya safari lodge, Mweya hostels, Parkview safari lodge, among so many others. It is only a 40 minutes’ drive from the park to Kalinzu forest.

Kalinzu forest can be reached by road on a 5 hours’ drive from Kampala via the Mbarara-Kasese road. Public means of transportation are also available from Kampala to Butare from where you hire a taxi or boda boda to the visitor center of the forest.

Chimpanzee trecking in Kalinzu forest can be a great add-on to a wildlife and nature safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park, and climax your Uganda safari with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that is only 4 hours away. Get in touch with us to help you plan the best primates and wildlife safari in Uganda.