Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu Forest.
The most popular activity for visitors visiting Kalinzu Forest is chimpanzee trekking. After Kibale National Park, Kalinzu Forest is likely the second-best location to watch chimpanzees. The Kalinzu Forest Reserve is located in the Bushenyi area in southwest Uganda, close to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Maramagambo Forest.
Among many other species, including nocturnal creatures like pottos and bush infants, the forest is home to approximately 379 bird species, 261 butterfly species, 414 tree species, and 6 primate species.
Many visitors, mostly those in Queen Elizabeth National Park, come to Kalinzu Forest primarily to see the chimpanzees. Out of the 320 or more chimpanzees that call the forest home, around 50 are completely acclimated for people to see.
Two shifts are used for chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest: the morning shift, which begins at 8 am, and the afternoon shift, which begins at 3 pm. Both shifts offer visitors distinct experiences, and they often begin with an orientation on what to anticipate on the chimpanzee hunt.
After that, they are divided into three groups according to their degrees of fitness, and rangers and guides lead them into the forest. Along with seeing a variety of birds and other creatures like baboons, hikers also get to learn about the forest’s flora from their guides and rangers.
In the morning, while they are eating and playing, the chimpanzees are quite active and noisy. In the afternoon, they are usually docile and prefer to rest in the shade of trees, away from the sun, since they are too full. Visitors are given an hour to spend with the chimpanzees, during which they may see how they live, take photos and films, and learn about their group dynamics and behavior. Some inquisitive chimpanzees may approach you closely and observe you.
Chimpanzee permits for the Kalinzu Forest Reserve are available for purchase at the forest’s reservation office and cost $50 per permit, which allows one person to visit. However, reservations must be made in advance.
It is recommended that travelers planning a chimpanzee tracking trip in Kalinzu Forest Safari bring items that are resilient to the forest’s terrain and weather. These include hiking shoes with good traction, long-sleeved shirts, long pants that facilitate easy movement, a raincoat or jacket, insect repellent creams, energy-boosting snacks, and plenty of water. Binoculars could be useful, and don’t forget to bring a trekking stick to aid in your journey.
Chimpanzee tracking in the Kalinzu forest is governed by a number of laws and guidelines, including
Chimpanzees cannot be tracked by anybody younger than twelve.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest is not permitted for anyone who are ill with flu-like illnesses.
A certain chimpanzee colony may only have a maximum of six visitors at a time.
Keep your distance from the chimpanzees at 8 meters.
There is just one hour allotted for spending time with the chimpanzees. Always remain in your groups and follow your track.
When going on a chimpanzee tracking adventure, always have a guide.
Avoid eating or drinking while the chimps are around.
Avoid using flash cameras.
Keep your trash with you until you locate a trash can or pit to avoid littering the forest.
When in the jungle, avoid making noise.
In addition to trekking chimpanzees, tourists may partake in bird watching, nature walks, and wildlife viewing, particularly in the sections closer to Queen Elizabeth National Park where lions, leopards, and other species can pass over. The abundance of butterflies in the woodland may also be pursued by tourists.
The greatest places to stay for visitors to Kalinzu Forest include
Queen Elizabeth National Park, which offers a variety of hotel choices, including Mweya Safari Lodge, Mweya Hostels, Parkview Safari Lodge, and many more. The travel to Kalinzu Forest from the park takes about forty minutes.
It takes five hours to go from Kampala to Kalinzu Forest via the Mbarara-Kasese route. You may also take public transit from Kampala to Butare, from whence you can rent a boda boda or cab to the forest’s tourist center.
Gorilla trekking at the four-hour-distance Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the perfect way to round off your Uganda safari, while chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest may be a fantastic addition to a wildlife and nature safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. For assistance in organizing the greatest primates and wildlife tour in Uganda, get in contact with us.
