August 29, 2023 | Bujo Safaris
Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest is the major activity done there, after Kibale National Park Kalinzu forest is considered to be the second-best chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda. Kalinzu forest is located in western Uganda in Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve close to Maramagambo forest and National Park. Kalinzu forest reserve is home to about 379 different bird species, primates like baboons, blue monkeys, chimpanzees, L’hoests monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys among others. Kalinzu forest reserve is also home to nocturnal animals such as bush babies, galagos, and pottos among others.
Over 414 different tree species, about 98 species of moths in addition to a variety of reptiles and flowers can be spotted in the Kalinzu forest reserve. Mammals such as leopards, buffaloes, antelopes, and lions among others are also found in the Kalinzu forest reserve. Nature walks done in the forest are so relaxing and rewarding because you can see the Rwenzori mountains, the Kazinga channel, and Lake George.
Kalinzu Forest Reserve is known to be the best destination for chimpanzee trekking. It is home to over 320 chimpanzees and about 50 habituated ones giving you a high chance to spot these primates. Kalinzu chimpanzee trekking permits are cheaper than any other destination making it the best budget-friendly destination for chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda.
There’s also a chance to meet the fortune teller of the Kalinzu Hills who will give you lots of information about the forest and the surrounding communities.
Chimpanzee trekking is the main activity carried out in the Kalinzu forest and it's adventurous and fascinating. A home to over 320 chimpanzees gives you a high chance of spotting these endangered species.
Chimpanzee trekking is divided into two sessions, the morning and the afternoon session. The morning session begins at around 8:00 am with a short briefing on how one is supposed to trek and behave once one encounters the primates. Each of the chimpanzee families is trekked by a group of 8 people and this can last for about 3 to 4 hours depending on where these primates will be found. And also depends on the walking pace of the trekkers or tourists. During the trekking period, you will be able to encounter different primates like monkeys, different bird species, and different plants, to mention but a few.
Once you meet with the chimpanzees, you are given an hour with them as you learn and observe how they feed, breastfeed, and play among other activities. Along the trek, you will encounter other primates like black and white colobus monkeys and different bird species. Feel free to take photos of the breathtaking scenery, chimpanzees, and bird species.
The fact that Kalinzu is close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, it hosts various wildlife. You can see animals like forest buffalos, leopards, warthogs, forest elephants, duikers, hogs, and some other primates like black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and olive baboons among others. During the night game viewing, you will encounter nocturnal animals like bush babies among others.
Kalinzu Forest Reserve is home to over 379 different bird species and that makes it one of the best places to spot birds. For bird lovers, you can go birding either in the morning or evening by following the forest trails. During this activity, you can spot birds like blue turaco, white casket, long-crested eagle, shoebill, African fish eagle, and great crested pitta among others.
The forest is home to 262 different beautiful butterflies with stunning colors. A guide will assist you through the forest and spot them.
You can choose to go camping in the middle of the forest. This activity enables you to stay closer to nature as you enjoy the forest and wild nights.
Nature walks in Kalinzu forest reserve enable you to discover a new world of waterfalls, singing birds, dense forests, and thick vegetation among others. You can walk to Kishunja to see the Kalinzu forest and Rwenzori ranges from the top. You can also choose to do walks outside the forest where you will spot plantations.
Unlike chimpanzee trekking, chimpanzee habituation is quite expensive. This is because it involves spending more hours in the presence of these chimpanzees studying their behaviors and observing them. This can be done either half-day or full-day chimpanzee habituation.
Chimpanzee trekking permits in the Kalinzu forest cost about 50 USD for both foreign and foreign non-residents and approximately 30,000 per person for East African citizens. Bujo Safaris can help you acquire a chimpanzee trekking permit in the Kalinzu forest.
Wondering what are chimpanzee trekking permits? Chimpanzee trekking permits are documents or small handouts showing that you are permitted to do chimpanzee trekking. Without a chimpanzee trekking permit you will not be allowed to participate in this activity.
Situated in the southwestern part of Uganda, Kalinzu forest can be accessed by road transport transferring via Kampala- Masaka- Mbarara- Bushenyi. From there you can transfer to the Kalinzu forest headquarters. This road trip takes about 6-7 hours drive on the road.
Although chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest can be done at any time of the year, the best time to do or carry out chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest is during the dry season. This is because the trekking trails will be drier and more accessible than during the rainy season when they are muddy and slippery.
Just like any other adventure, there are various things or items that you should not leave out while packing for a chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest. Some of them include trekking boots, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, insect repellant, and water bottles, to mention a few.
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