What to pack for a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda; Chimpanzee trekking; Chimpanzee trekking sounds as the second done activity on Uganda safari after gorilla trekking, that involves moving into the forest in search of the chimpanzee. On finding them, spend one hour with chimps in their natural habitat as you learn about their behaviors, habit and how they survive in the forest. In Uganda, chimpanzee trekking is done in different destinations namely Kibale Forest National Park, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu forest in Bushenyi district, Toro Semuliki wildlife reserve and Budongo forest in Murchison Falls National Park.
Fact about, chimpanzee trekking in Uganda;
Chimpanzee trekking starts early in the morning with a short briefing about dos and don’ts at the park headquarters. After the briefing, meet up with a skilled park guide who is conversant with chimpanzee trekking information. The trekking experience can last between 30 minutes and 5hour, depending on their movements since they like to move from one place to another in search for food. As you trekking these great apes, you will have a chance to view different wildlife species such as birds and mammals. Other primates to see include; grey cheeked mangabey, black and white colobus monkeys, Ihoest monkeys ,red tailed monkeys among others.
Once the chimpanzees are found, you will be given an hour to spend with them with great opportunity to learn more about their behaviors, lifestyle, feed, play, fight, rest enjoy video taking and recording videos for your future remembrance.
Below are essential items that you need to carry including;
Packing list for a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda;
Hiking boots;
Chimpanzee trekking can’t be successful without hiking boots which supports your ankles, protect you from fire ants and keep your feet dry especially during the wet season when the forest trails are muddy.
Garden gloves
These items help to protect your hands from sharp itching and dangerous plants and germs. This is because chimpanzee trekking is conducted in thick tropical rain forests with slippery terrain therefore you might touch or hold some itching plants during the trekking experience.
Waterproof rain jacket/poncho
Visitors are advised to carry a light waterproof rain jacket /poncho when going for a memorable chimpanzee trekking safari. It will help to protect you from rainfall as it can rain anytime of the day.
Long sleeved shirt and trouser
This is un leave out items which will keep you warm during morning hours and also protect your body from dangerous thorny tree branches.
Insect repellent
The insect repellent will help to protect you from biting insects like safari ants, tsetse flies, mosquitos among others.
Energy snacks
Always remember to carry energy snacks like packed lunch from the lodge as supplements and bottled drinking water to keep you hydrated during trekking.
Camera and extra batteries
This is an essential item that would be the first to be packed. Chimpanzee trekking safari minus a camera that is incomplete experience but you need to carry your own camera to take many pictures and record the incredible moments during the one hour stay with chimpanzees. Note; Camera with flash discs is not excepted.
A pair of binoculars
A pair of binocular makes it simple to view other wildlife species at a distance such ass birds and some mammals in the park.
Sunglasses and a hat
The hat and the glasses will protect you from strong sun rays especially during the dry season.
Backpack
This essential helps one to carry all their chimpanzee trekking items like passports, camera and extra batteries, packed lunch, drinking water, rain jacket, insect repellent among others.
Walking stick
A walking stick will make your trekking experience easy, through support and balance especially during the wet season when the forest trails are muddy and slippery. They can be got at the park headquarters.
Best Time to Go for Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Uganda
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is good all year round though the best time to go for chimpanzee tracking is during the dry seasons which happens in the months of June to September and December to February. During this period, the chimpanzee destinations receive less rainfall thus making the trekking trails passible and roads to the park easy to access the park.
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda can also be done in the wet season which tend to occur in the month of March to May and November. During this period, the forest receives plenty of food and chimpanzee can easily be seen around your lodge or park headquarters.
In wet season, accommodation rates become lower.
What Rules to follow during chimpanzee trekking Uganda.
Avoid making noise because it scares off the chimps.
Avoid feeding the chimpanzees.
Smoking near the chimpanzees is not permitted.
Sneezing and coughing while near the chimps is not allowed or you should cover your nose and mouth to minimize infections.
Keep a distance of 7 meters between the chimps.
Ill visitors are not allowed to trek the chimps
Do not touch the primates are wild animals
Do not liter rubbish inside the park.
Avoid taking photos with your flash on – it is prohibited
For more information about what to pack for chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda, you can reach out to us through email or contacting us at bswtravelconsult.