Chimpanzee Tracking In Kalinzu Forest Uganda

Chimpanzee tracking in kalinzu forest Uganda.

The hidden secrets of Uganda never cease to end, kalinzu forest is suited in southwestern Uganda in Bushenyi district. Kalinzu forest is a haven for 379 bird species, 6 primate species and include chimpanzees and baboons, night creatures like pottos, galagos, bush babies, and over 261 butterflies.

The forest is 375km from Kampala which is a 5-hour drive, it is adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National park and maramagambo forest.

Chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu forest reserve.

Chimpanzees have human nature, chimps being the key attraction in Kalinzu forest makes it worth a visit.

Kalinzu forest is among the top destinations for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda ranking second after kibale forest national park. It has 50 habituated chimpanzees open for tourists. A safari to Queen Elizabeth is more rewarding with a chimpanzee trekking session in Kalinzu forest since the forest is easily accessible through mweya sector of Queen Elizabeth national park a 40 minutes drive.

Chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu forest reserve goes through difficult terrains, and steep slopes meaning it requires fitness. The trekking is guided by a ranger guide since chimps at times cannot be that welcoming.

Trekking is done in shifts where there is a morning shift which starts at 8:00 am and the afternoon shift which starts at 3:00 pm. In the morning the chimps are very active which makes tracking hard however in the afternoon they are full and in chilling moods due to the sunshine.

You will get to some different wildlife like birds, baboons, red tailed monkeys as you trek in search of chimps, have one hour with them to take pictures as you also enjoy their way of living. The chances of finding chimps are 95% meaning it’s rare to miss them.

The chimpanzee trekking permit is the major requirement while planning a trekking safari and this can be easily got through booking with us at Masaaba Holidays.

Other activities in the Kalinzu forest reserve.

Nature walk. Nature walks in Kalinzu forest help you feel the breeze of the wild as you are away from the congested towns and then you with nature. A completely new world with beautiful sceneries, different tree species, sounds from birds. During the nature walk you will be hearing stories about the forest from the guide and promise they are all interesting since they include ancient myths

Wildlife sighting. Since kalinzu is near queen Elizabeth national park and Maramagambo forest, some of the animals from these places feed from the forest creating a chance for tourists in Kalinzu forest to see them. Some of them are wild pigs, leopards, and antelopes.

Bird watching. Kalinzu forest ranks among the top birding destinations in Uganda since it harbors quite a large number of birds including black and white casket, cuckoos, sunbirds, and great blue turaco.

Butterfly sighting. Kalinzu forest is a center for butterflies whereby you can identify over 200 of them.

Camping. Kalinzu has no accommodation with in apart from camping. Camping enables you live close to nature and living totally a different life in the wild.

Accommodation in Kalinzu forest reserve.

Kalinzu has only a camping site with basic facilities which include power and pit latrines. Visitors should come with tents, beddings and food supplies.

If you not interested in camping you can book in any hotel around.

Chimpanzee tracking rules and regulations in Kalinzu forest.

Only 6 people are can track a particular chimp community per session. This is to avoid overcrowding and irritating the chimps.

One must be 12 years and above to track chimpanzees in Kalinzu forest.

Visitors are only allowed one hour with the chimps. This is to limit the spread of diseases but also to avoid getting them agitated or alerted.

While with the chimpanzees, keep your voice low.

Do not eat food while close to the chimps.

Don’t try to provoke the chimps.

Do not wander away from your group or the main trail. Always have company even when going to ease yourself.

Visitors are not allowed to track chimpanzees on their own and without an authorized Guide. This is because chimpanzees can get aggressive when they spot unfamiliar faces.

Visitors with flue, cough, diarrhea, or any other transmittable diseases are not allowed to go near the chimps to avoid the risk of exposure.

Keep a distance of at least 8 meters away from the chimps.

Using flash cameras is prohibited as it could alert the chimpanzees.

Always follow instructions from the Guides and do not come too close to chimpanzees. They are more aggressive than gorillas and though relatively small are more powerful than most humans.

Do not litter the forest while tracking the chimpanzees.

It is important to move with a packed snack and drinking water when going out to track the chimps.

Go prepared with good hiking boots, long stockings, a hat, long trousers, and shirts. Do not forget to move with a hiking stick and rain jacket, especially during the rainy season.

Chimps spend a lot of time on top of trees and a good binocular will enrich your experience.