Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge – Chimpanzees are special animals that attract many tourists from around the world. This is partly because history suggests humans may have evolved from them. It has also been proven that chimpanzees share about 99% of human DNA.
During chimpanzee trekking, you may see them walking like humans or showing motherly care to their young, just like people do. If you want to see more of their interesting behavior, it is best to join the morning trek.
This begins with a short briefing where guides explain what you should and should not do. For example, you should not copy chimp sounds, as this might make them feel threatened and lead them to act aggressively. You are also advised not to pick leaves or use the forest as a toilet, because the chimps might eat the waste and get sick or even die.
Chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge mainly eat fruits, leaves, seeds, roots, and insects. They are only rarely seen eating meat. When food is scarce, they sometimes come down to the ground to search for more.
Kyambura Gorge is home to about 23 chimpanzees. Their group is led by an alpha male named Kihango. These chimpanzees are protected by the Jane Goodall Institute, working with the Safaris Partnership Trust. Together, they help protect the chimps from poachers and enforce strict laws against hunting them.
During your trek, experienced guides help find the chimpanzees by listening for their loud calls, known as pant-hoots. You should approach the chimps quietly, as they are very sensitive. Avoid bringing gadgets that make noise, as this may disturb them.
The chimpanzees usually live in riverine or tropical rainforests, where they swing from tree to tree while feeding. This makes the trek feel like a nature walk. Along the way, you may also see many birds, such as hornbills, bee-eaters, kingfishers, and turacos. You might also spot shy wild animals that hide from the open plains, such as giant forest hogs, bushbucks, and others.
Trekking in Kyambura Gorge happens every day at 8:00 am and 1:00 pm. Visitors go in groups of four, with two groups allowed at a time. The trek usually takes around three hours, depending on how fast the chimps are found and where they are located on that day.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge is one of the top safari activities in Uganda and is enjoyed by many nature lovers.
