Chimpanzees are some of the best primates to watch in the wild. They are not as gentle as the mountain gorillas. Once you start approaching their habitation, their noise will always be heard from a far off. The playfulness of the little ones, the alpha male trying to show off its dominance; all sums up this spectacular chimpanzee tracking experience in Uganda.
Unlike gorilla trekking in Uganda which is only limited to two locations with uniform permit rates; chimpanzee tracking rates tend to vary according to the location you intend to include in your Uganda safari. For that matter, before you run off with the most popular chimpanzee tracking destination (Kibale forest), you might have to put in mind other locations too in order to make an informed decision.
Kalinzu Forest
Leaving a side its unpopularity in the chimpanzee tracking world, Kalinzu forest could ultimately be the best chimpanzee tracking location in Uganda. Of course Kibale has been ranked by many as the best chimpanzee tracking destination but in a few things, Kalinzu forest is far better.
First of all Kalinzu forest entrance rates are just a quarter of what you will spend on Kibale forest national park chimpanzee permit. Secondly, it is less visited thus offers a more natural experience compared to Kibale forest and lastly; there are over 75% chances of seeing the chimpanzees in Kalinzu forest any given day.
However on a low note; Kalinzu forest roads are relatively poor. In case you are planning a self drive safari; consider to Rent a 4X4 Car such as Land cruiser or any car in that class. The location is also lacking in accommodation. Therefore for an overall experience, Kibale forest national park would be the winner but once you consider the value for money and only the chimpanzee tracking experience, then Kalinzu automatically fits better than Kibale forest national park.
Budongo Forest
In the hierarchy of chimpanzee tracking in Uganda, Budongo forest comes second to Kibale forest national park. The forest is strategically located to permit even self drive in Uganda travelers to easily locate the place.
Budongo chimpanzee tracking permits are also cheaper than those of Kibale forest national park. Budongo forest would be the best place to track chimpanzee in case you have Murchison falls national park on your itinerary as well as Kidepo valley national park. Accommodation is also readily available to support your chimpanzee tracking experience in Budongo forest.
Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura gorge is one of the places in Uganda that are uniquely gifted with amazing landscapes. The forest in Kyambura gorge is highly recommended for forest hikes and nature walks. However unlike any other chimpanzee tracking destinations in Uganda; there is still a likelihood of not seeing chimpanzees if you are unlucky.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura is very cheap but the low priced entry sometimes can go to waste when you fail to encounter the chimpanzees without them fleeing.
Kibale Forest National Park
There is no place that has made its reputation for chimpanzee tracking like Kibale forest national park. The park has all accommodation types. Whether it is budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation, everything is covered in Kibale national park.
The park is also easily accessible on a self drive safari in Uganda. It is still the most visited chimpanzee tracking destination in Uganda however much its permits are relatively higher than other locations.
The location of Kibale National Park makes it one of the sought for places in Uganda safaris. Whether it is an all inclusive package or a self guided adventure; Kibale forest national park is still the most recommended chimpanzee tracking destination in Uganda.
