According to evolutionary science, chimpanzees are the closest animal relative to humans. Human and Chimpanzee DNA is more than 98% identical, and this is the start of what makes chimpanzees an interesting species to observe.
Unlike the zoo where chimpanz4ees are closely monitored and their life managed, the wild is where chimpanzees can best be seen and truly appreciated. Seeing chimpanzees in their natural habitat of thick rainforests is one of the top experiences to enjoy for anyone who loves observing nature in its purest form.
In both Uganda and Rwanda chimpanzee tracking is one of the top activities that tourists get to enjoy when visiting for an African safari holiday.
There are many places where you can see chimpanzees in the wild but the very best places are the forests of Kibale, Kyambura, and Nyungwe.
Top Places to see chimps in Uganda & Rwanda
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park has become a top tourist destination in Uganda because it is the ultimate place to visit for chimpanzees, and is aptly called the primate capital of the world. Kibale boasts of 15 species of primates, and more than 350 birds, all thriving in healthy numbers.
With about 1450 chimpanzees, chimp tracking is the most common activity in this rainforest. The chimps are most active in the morning and evening hours so visitors can enjoy seeing chimps leave their nests as early as 6:30 am.
The Kanyanchu primate walk will get you to see many primate species including the chimpanzees. Kanyanchu’s chimps have been tracked since 1993 and the chances of locating them are excellent.
Guided primate tracking in Kibale start at 8:00 am in the morning and 2:00 pm in the afternoon and lasts an average of 3 hours depending on how fast you find the chimps. Alternatively, one can undertake a full-day chimpanzee habituation experience. Chimp habituation is where you spend time with the chimps that are not as yet used to seeing humans on a regular basis.
As you can guess, Kibale is an important research area for chimpanzees, and should your interest in conservation be deep, you will quite literally learn from the pros.
