Of all destinations to visit in East Africa, Uganda is one of a kind. With a diverse range of attractions, Uganda delights visitors with a number of things from favorable climatic conditions, impeccable hospitality services, and accessibility.
For first-timers, a trip to East Africa wouldn’t be complete without this center of natural wonder. That’s why it is easy to understand why even most customized safaris to Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo include a few days to Uganda.
Travelers have different interests, some come for the big game, Mountain hiking, Gorillas and others come for the man’s closest relatives – the chimpanzees.
For all primate enthusiasts, there is a lot to relish if you choose Uganda as your first stop for a once in a lifetime primate experience. Below are the top spots to include in your Uganda safari so that you enjoy spectacular chimps’ encounters in Uganda.
Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Kalinzu Forest Reserve is one of those untouched destinations that travelers often visit for Chimpanzees while in Uganda. This reserve is home to a range of primate species including chimps, blue monkeys, velvet, baboons, black and white Colobus monkeys. Kalinzu has a community of chimpanzees that are fully habituated and open to tracking excursions. Though Chimpanzee tracking is the main activity that draws adventurers.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park is termed as the primate capital of Uganda. This forest park is inhabited by thirteen primate species including the chimpanzees. Other primates are grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkey, olive baboon, bush baby, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys. The main attraction for this park is chimps tracking, where a large number of chimps are open to public viewing. One can enjoy a both normal (last for 2 hours) and chimps habituation experiences (lasts up to 6 hours)
Budongo Forest Reserve
Budongo is situated in the northwestern part of Uganda – part of the Murchison Falls conservation area. It has two major tourist sites that include Kaniyo Pabidi and Busingiro Ecotourism site. This reserve is known as a chimp’s habitant. Visitors to the forest engage in Chimpanzee tracking and forest walks.
Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura gorge sited in a valley is home to about sixteen habituated chimpanzees which are always available for the primate lover. Although they are rarely seen mostly in the dry season. In addition to chimp tracking, the gorge offers stunning views of vast landscapes and a few streams.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island was mainly established to provide habitat to a number of rescued and orphaned chimpanzee primates. It is currently home to over 49 chimpanzees and can only accessed by a boat. Visitors to this protected area participate in chimpanzee feeding, care giving and volunteering.