The Pearl of Africa – In 1907, Sir Winston Churchill described Uganda as a “fairytale”, conveniently calling it “The Pearl of Africa.” Albeit a small country that’s landlocked, Uganda is oozing with charm. Its scenery is naturally gorgeous and lush, composed of perfectly-mapped contrasting terrains made up of rivers, lakes, forests, waterfalls and more. It is also blessed with a unique wildlife and an avifauna that features one of the most prestigious display in the world. But, what Uganda is really most famous for is their exciting primate safaris: Gorilla trekking and Chimpanzee tracking. Curious? Learn more about the top Uganda activities here.
Gorilla Trek
Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience wherein you get to explore the jungle, experience the wild and meet a family of gorillas in their natural habitat. It usually starts with a hike through the forest which can be quite challenging in a way that holding through tree branches may be your only means of crossing through an obstacle or your trekking guide will have to machete some twigs to make a path. Not to worry, though, because even older adults can enjoy this. Once you found your gorilla family, you will be given 1 or 4 hours (depending on the package you opted) to observe them, take pictures and get somehow close to them. Note: You are officially required to keep a 7-meter distance but gorillas often violate this rule by coming closer to you.
So why gorilla trek in Uganda?
There are only about 900 mountain gorillas left in the world. Loosely 450 of them live in the mountains of Uganda. So if you come here for an adventure, it is exactly what you’re going to get.
Plus, Uganda is a top gorilla trekking destination. Compared to its other competitors, Uganda offers cheaper permits with the same superiority when it comes to the quality of tours.
Where to do this:
The best places to experience gorilla trekking in Uganda are:
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Perhaps the most famous primate sanctuary in Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the most diverse and unique natural forests in the planet. It is a primeval forest that hosts the most number of mountain gorillas in the world, which is why it is listed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK
Mgahinga is part of the Virunga mountain range, covering three of its volcanoes: Muhavura, Sabinyo and Gahinga. It is located in the southwestern part of Uganda in Kisoro district and is home to an incredible number of mountain gorillas.
Important things to remember:
- Age restriction: Only visitors aged 16 and above will be permitted.
- You’re going to be in the real jungle. Some place you’ve probably only seen in movies, in National Geographic or Discovery channels. Hence, expect to get dirty. You won’t be able to go back to your lodge without dirt on your skin, mud on your shoes or sweat all over you.
- The options available for gorilla trekking are: 1-hour Gorilla Family Permit and 4-hour Gorilla Family Habituation Permit.
- You can opt to hire a porter to carry your stuff and assist you during the excursion.
- Always listen to and follow your guide’s instructions.
Suggested itineraries:
7 DAYS BWINDI GORILLA TRACKING AND MGAHINGA GOLDEN MONKEY
5 DAYS STANDARD GORILLA TREKKING TOUR
Chimpanzee Tracking
Who doesn’t want to meet their closest animal relative, right? These elusive primates are very cheeky and very agile (especially in the morning because they usually take naps in the afternoon). As soon as you get into the forest, it is already possible to see a chimp swinging by the trees. But because they are very fast, they might just be able to sneak away! With guides and rangers to navigate the forest, you will trek through the evergreen jungle and track the group of chimpanzees. Once you get to the group, you will be able to see (and hear) a lot of them. You may even witness them build their nests on top of trees so they can take naps! Plus, the whole experience of being there can make you feel as if you’re in the Jungle Book movie singing and dancing with the monkeys!
Did you know?
Scientists found an average genetic difference of only 1.2% between human species and chimpanzees. 98% of our DNA is, in fact, identical. They’re our closest animal relatives!
Why do chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?
Uganda hosts an incredible array of primates and even though mountain gorillas are the major highlight, chimpanzees are must-meet wild animals, too! Besides, you can experience this very unique safari for only a fraction of the cost of gorilla trekking! If you also get the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX), you can spend your entire day (until 7PM) with the chimps!
Truly, a chimpanzee trek is unique and exhilarating. There’s just no telling where the chimpanzees will lead you and their movements are really unpredictable. This results to a very fulfilling safari adventure that you’d remember for a lifetime!
Where to do this:
There are a number of places in Uganda to experience chimpanzee trekking. The top ones are as follows.
KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
A dense forest that provides safe haven to the most varied and most concentrated primate population in East Africa. Chimpanzees (totaling to approximately 1,500) and golden monkeys are most famous but 10 other primate species can also be found. Kibale Forest is also a popular birding destination.
KYABURA WILDLIFE RESERVE
Otherwise known as Chambura Game Reserve and often called “the valley of apes”, Kyabura is a part of Queen Elizabeth National Park – one of Uganda’s finest parks that offers game viewing and boat safaris. In Kyabura Wildlife Reserve, you can also find other primates apart from chimpanzees: blue monkeys, forest hogs, white Columbus monkeys, black Columbus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons and more.
NGAMBA ISLAND CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY
Ngamba is the least popular chimpanzee trekking destination among the three but a must-try nonetheless. It is located on the world-renowned Lake Victoria and is home to 49 orphaned chimpanzees. The place is very peaceful, well-maintained and definitely unspoiled by mass tourism.
Important things to remember:
- Wear the right clothing and shoes.
- Never feed the chimps. Your water and snacks are only for you (and your friends. Human friends.)
- Monkey imitations are not allowed.
- There is usually no strictly imposed age restriction for this safari but some operators practice an age limit of at least 15 years old. Others allow 10 years old, and some others have no restriction at all.
- Full day safaris with chimps can only be experienced in Kibale Forest National Park.
- Make sure to keep a safe distance at all times. Listen intently to your guides and always follow instructions.
Suggested itineraries:
5 DAYS CHIMPANZEE TREKKING AND HABITUATION EXPERIENCE
7 DAYS CHIMPS AND WILDLIFE
What to bring to primate safaris?
- Hiking shoes — a must-have!
- Packed lunch and drinking water
- Long trousers or jogger pants: Don’t let ants crawl up into your legs!
- Gloves
- Rain gear and hat: Weather can be unpredictable especially in the tropical rainforests.
- Camera: Just keep in mind that flash photography is not permitted.
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