Is the Chimpanzee Habituation Within Uganda Worth the Cost?

The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience can undoubtedly be a fascinating experience, an adventure within the jungle resulting in awe-inspiring memories as well as remarkably beautiful photographs of Alpha males jealously watching over the chimpanzee troop, juvenile chimpanzees grooming each other, mother chimpanzees breastfeeding their babies. This experience is spiced by the sweet melodies of the birds echoing across the jungle as well as hooting monkeys of different species. This is definitely a thrilling day out and surprisingly a new perspective to spending time with Great Apes in the wild

However, don’t be contented that watching the endangered chimpanzees is the only appealing part of the tour because there is more to expect from the jungles. After all, searching for the chimps is just a slice of what to expect in Uganda’s jungles.  Chimpanzees are just one of the 20 primate species of Uganda and obviously one of the most incredible creatures to look out for. Over 5000 chimpanzees can be seen in the Ugandan jungles, seasonally and in almost all forests, there are at least some chimpanzees and chimpanzee watching tours. There is interestingly another comprehensive experience that allows travelers to spend the entire day in the forest watching these Great Apes from the time they wake up in the morning to making nests in the evening. However, the chimpanzee habituation experience is considered more costly than standard chimp treks and means the whole day out in the jungle, thus making it even time-consuming for trekkers with limited time. The question now is; is the chimpanzee habituation Experience within Uganda even worth the money? You are about to find out.

First, there are only two places in the whole World where the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience of offered, Kibale National Park and Budongo forest, adjacent to Murchison falls National Park. That alone makes it special and worthwhile. Additionally, chimpanzee trekking adventures were made popular by Jane Goodall, a popular primatologist whose tremendous conservation efforts have lifted up the mirror even though it is hazy.

What exactly is the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience?

The Experience was derived from Chimpanzee habituation, where Great Apes are trained by a team of researchers, Rangers, and conservationists to become used to human presence, lasting 2-3 years before being opened for tourism/trekking. However with this experience, visitors are introduced to the semi-habituated chimpanzees to learn about their daily routines from leaving nests, munching on vegetation, socialization, movements, playing, copulating, grooming, and taking care of young ones until making nests for overnight and therefore, an entire day is required to achieve this. Unlike the 6 people that trek a fully habituated chimpanzee troop, a smaller group is required for this experience.

Best places to enjoy the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Uganda

Kibale National Park

The jungle of Kibale National Park is the number one choice for the majority of Uganda’s primate trekking tours with face-to-face encounters with chimpanzee communities in the African Continent. This iconic forest is a 795-square kilometer remaining Sanctuary of the highest primate concentration with over 1450 of the 5000 chimpanzees in Uganda. Situated approximately 7 hours’ drive from the Capital, the Park is manly reachable by road and also provides numerous comfortable sleeping options for travelers planning to undertake the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.

The lush Budongo Forest

Although it is relatively unexplored for this adventure, the beautiful Budongo forest covers about 825 square kilometers and is part of the vast Murchison Conservation Area in the northwest of Uganda. This mahogany-dominated rainforest is another excellent place to undertake the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, undertaken all year round.

How much does the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Uganda cost?

The permits for Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Uganda depend on the place you choose to relish the adventure. For Kibale National Park, these permits go for $250 per person per day yet it goes for a lesser price in Budongo forest at $230 per person per day. The price includes the all-day encounter with chimpanzees plus the committed service of experienced Rangers, trackers, and researchers.

Book these permits at Uganda Wildlife Authority Head offices in Kampala or via email. However, save yourself the hassle of moving to the Headquarters or the entire booking process at UWA by contacting a licensed tour operator to handle the entire process on your behalf, at a small commission.

When is the best time to go for the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience?

While the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience is an all-year-round adventure, it is perfect to enjoy it during the dry season of December to February and June to August when rains are least expected. Reasons being hiking trails become muddy and messy thus making it difficult to maneuver through the forest. Whatever time you choose to enjoy the experience, sturdy hiking boots, rain jacket, waterproof backpack, wide brim hat, gardening gloves, and small umbrella are recommended.