Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest is an interesting adventure you should not miss on your Uganda tour. Located in Bushenyi district in western Uganda, Kalinzu forest is a hidden gem which reward you with an everlasting chimpanzee trekking experience. The rain forest is  located near Maramagambo Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second to Kibale Forest in terms of sheltering the high number of chimpanzees in Uganda.

Chimpanzee trekking is the major tourist activity done in Kalinzu Forest. However, the forest is home to other primates which include Vervet monkeys, Baboons, Blue Monkeys, L’hoest Monkeys, Red tailed monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys.

Kalinzu forest also shelters 379 bird species which make it a haven for birders.  Bird watching, monkey trekking, butterfly watching and forest/Nature walks are some of the popular activities done in Kalinzu forest.  Altogether, Kainzu Forest shelters over 320 chimpanzees although only 50 chimpanzees have been habituated for trekking. A trek through the forest in search for chimps give you chance to encounter other primates and birds which call this rain forest home.

Cost of chimpanzee permit in Kalinzu forest

Just like in all other primates’ destinations, You require a chimpanzee permit to be allowed to see the endangered species in Kalizu Forest. Each permit costs $50 for foreign nonresidents $50 for foreign residents and UGX 30,000 for East African citizens.  Maranatha tours and Travels your reliable travel agent to book ad secure your Kalinzu chimpanzee permit.

Just contact us, update us on when you wish to travel and we shall make for you a customized chimpanzee trekking tour at an affordable rate. Most travelers in Queen Elizabeth National Park prefer to trek chimps in kalinzu forest in addition to the game viewing and launch cruise experience in Queen Elizabeth national park

When is the best time to trek chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest

Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest can be done all year round. However, dry o peak season between June , July, August, September, December, and January are the best months to visit chimpanzees in the jungle. During this time, there are less or no rains which make it easy to hike through the jungle forest.  Regarding the trekking time, you can either trek in the morning or afternoon depending on your timetable. Two chimpanzee sessions (Morning and afternoon) are arranged

Where is the best place to see chimpanzees in the wild?

Kibale Forest National Park, the “Primate capital of Africa” remains the best place to see chimpanzees in the wild. With over 1500 chimpanzees registered in Kibale, the forest is the best place to trek and encounter these endangered primates. Each chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale Forest Park costs $250 for foreign nonresidents, $200 for foreign residents and UGX 180,000 for East African citizens.  There is a high demand for chimpanzee permits in kibale Forest National park which require travelers to book in advance before permits are sold out.  You can book for a chimpanzee permit directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority or through Maranatha Tours and Travel, your trusted travel agent offering customized Uganda, Rwanda and Congo safaris.

Is chimpanzee trekking worth it?

YRS, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National park, Kalinzu Forest and Kyambura Gorge is worth it. Chimpanzees are man’s close relatives who share over 98% of human genes. The human like social characters of chimpanzees make them amazing animals to be around. You will be amazed at how adult females nurse infants’ juts like mothers in a human family, while adult make chimpanzees keep an open aye to ensure all members in their community are safe. The infants jump and run around which keep the whole community entertained and fun to be around.

How long is chimpanzee trekking?

Chimpanzee trekking time range between 30 minutes to over 4 hours. This depend on the location of the chimpanzees and the hiking sped and fitness of the travelers. You are advised to practice physicals as you prepare for you chimpanzee trekking experience. After meeting the chimpanzees, travelers are allowed to spend an hour in the presence of chimpanzees. Endeavor to keep a 7 meters distance, hold your camera tight and capture these memorable moments with your lost cousins.

How much is chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest?

A single chimpanzee trekking permit in Budongo Forest costs $130 for foreign nonresidents, $120 for foreign residents and U$85 for Ugandans and East African citizens.

What is the age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?

Twelve (12) is the minimum age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. This apply in all chimpanzee destinations  i.e Kibale Forest, Budongo forest, Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu Forest). Anyone aged below 12 years is considered a minor and he/she is not allowed to take part in this adventure experience.

What if I pay and fail to see chimpanzees?

Whereas its very rare, travelers who fail to see chimpanzees due to natural factors such as heavy rainfall, security threats and thunderstorm, they are given chance to trek again without payment. However incases when a traveler fails to see chimpanzee due to sickness or failure to hike, he/she will not be given a second chance. He /she will be required to pay again to re do the trekking

Are chimpanzee permits refundable?

NO, chimpanzee permits and all other permits such mountain gorillas ac golden monkey permits are nonrefundable. When a client cancels the booking after payment, he/she can be given chance to reschedule to a different trekking date but not refunded

How many chimpanzees are left in Uganda?

Altogether, Uganda approximately has 5000 chimpanzees left. These scattered in different destination across the country.  The highest number of chimpanzees roughly 1500 live in Kibale Forest National park and it’s the best spot for chimpanzee trekking in the Pearl of Africa.  Habitat loss and poaching are among the threats of chimpanzees’ survival in Uganda and across the globe.

What to wear for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?

Travelers coming for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda are reminded to wear the right attires for the jungle. Among the things to wear for chimpanzee trekking include gardening gloves hiking boots,Hat, sunglasses, Long pants, Long stockings, long sleeved shirts, and rain jacket since forest weather is unpredictable. Also, remember to carry insect repellant, first aid kit, energy giving snacks and bottled drinking water. A walking stick a s porter are highly recommended for chimpanzee trekking experience

In conclusion, chimpanzee trekking is an amazing adventure to enjoy on your Uganda safari. Contact Maranatha Tours and Travel Today, book your chimpanzee trekking tour and be part of this once in a lifetime experience.