Chimpanzee tracking is one of the main activities to do in Kibale Forest National Park. The other common activity is called chimpanzee habituation where you get more time to spend with the chimpanzees to see how they live and bond with humans. Kibale Forest National Park is found in Western Uganda in the District of Fort Portal. It is also known as the primate capital of the world because of the so many primates species found in the National Park. Many of the clients who have visited Uganda have always had a chance with the chimpanzees in this area. For any client who is interested in the chimpanzee tracking activity, has to pay a certain amount of money to the government to get access to see the chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park. You will have to purchase a chimpanzee permit which goes for 250$ per person per trek for every session. It is always recommended to choose a reputable Tour Operator to make sure that they organize for you a wonderful chimpanzee experience. In this article, we shall be discussing the chimpanzee tracking experiences together with the history and what to park for before going and coming to Uganda for the chimpanzee experience.
History of Kibale Forest National Park
The Kibale forest national park which is in Kibale District in southern part of Western Uganda is among the largest and the most bio-physiognomic of the Ugandan national parks. Its history is rather linked with Uganda’s attempts to preserve its biological diversity and develop ecotourism industry. It was gazetted in 1993 and covers an area of about 795 square kilometers of countries “A” tropical rain-forests, wild life and more specifically chimpanzee tracking, adventure.
Kibale forest was, therefore, was initially a forested area gazzeted in 1933 as a forest reserve before it was declared a national park. Hence the reserve was created primarily with the aim of conserving the forest and allocating of its resources. As for the area, its importance increased over time, especially concerning conservation needs and provisions as a habitat for a multitude of primate species. Over time, the Ugandan government came realized that Kibale Forest had a lot of potential both in terms of ecology and tourism, and as a result in the early 1990’s there was an upgrade on the park status. This was one of the measures to conserve Uganda’s bio-diversity and to encourage ecotourism as a sensible economic enterprise.
The creation of Kibale Forest National Park proved to be a milestone by changing the course of protection in the area. This park supports 13 species of primates and among them is the chimpanzee which is listed as a vulnerable species and thus attracts ecological studies. There are many more visitors’ attractions in the park, apart from the primates; for instance, there are over 375 species of birds, numerous butterfly species, and many species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. This extreme rich of species turned Kibale Forest National Park into one of the most prolific regions in Africa.
The Chimpanzee tracking experience
On the other hand, chimpanzee habituation tracking is one of the activities that are recognized as a more detailed and close monitoring of the chimpanzee lifestyle since it is designed for those guests who are interested in observing the chimpanzees’ lives closer. Sensitization is the process of familiarization of the chimpanzees to humans without any attempt of changing their behaviors.
This may take long up to several years, and it entails that the researchers, spend considerable time with the chimpanzee groups and subsequently, gradually lowering the animals’ shyness. Habituation tracking makes it possible for participants to accompany researchers to the field Levels, which is a great chance to be involved in investigation of the indicated kinds of primates. Unlike normal tracking which could require only one hour as soon as the chimpanzees are identified, habituation tracking can go on to a complete day as the chimpanzees are followed round. The participants are able to follow and observe the chimps from morning till their evening activities thus get enormously knowledgeable of the chimps’ life patterns.
Both include values for preservation and the main problems of chimpanzees, including losing their living space, hunting, and various illnesses. The funds raised from tracking permits are useful in protection and preservation of wildlife through scouring activities, awareness creation among the public on the effects of poaching, and purchases of habitats to conserve the endangered animal species.
Also, the activities help create an understanding of chimpanzees among the participants and many will turn out to become ambassadors for the animals. The requirement of tracking physically and emotionally, as well as the sense of kinship resulting from observing these smart animals, makes many people’s lives change for the better. While on the trek, participants not only get a feel of the chimps but are also able to learn about the other smaller species and their importance to the world’s bio-diversity in the forest ecosystem.
What to pack for chimpanzee tracking to Kibale Forest National Park
Packing for a chimp trek in Kibale Forest is like gearing up for a fun but serious adventure. First things first, you are going to need some really good, sturdy hiking boots that can handle getting wet. The forest floor can be super slippery, so you want boots that have a solid grip. Also, pack some light, long-sleeved shirts and pants that go all the way down to your ankles. Make sure they’re in earthy tones, so you don’t stand out like a sore thumb among the plants and stuff. These will keep you safe from bugs that want to eat you for lunch and from those pesky thorns that seem to be everywhere.
Don’t forget a waterproof jacket, because this place is like a shower that turns on and off without warning. And throw in a hat and sunniest to keep the rain off your face and the sun out of your eyes. It’s like nature’s own version of a flashlight and sunscreen in one go. With these essentials, you will be all set to hang with the chimps in their neck of the woods without looking like you just fell out of a tree yourself.
Not only the clothes, but it is essential to take a small backpack with the needs of supplies as well. This should contain a Sawyer Water bottle for drinking water, Trek Snacks for Eating during the activity, mini first aid kit containing a bandage an antibacterial wipes, some OTC that would benefit the client. Spray to keep off the insects is as important as the repellent while cream that protects the skin from UVB radiation is as important as the sun screen.
Binoculars would be relevant if you want to inspect some of the wildlife that is at a certain distance from the main trail while a camera also with batteries or a power bank for charging them will be useful when it’s time to take some of these unforgettable shots. Lastly, please do not forget your tracking permit, your driver guide or the Tour company that you chose to prepare for you the trip will also move with your permits to ensure that you participate in the tracking, I. D, and some money for tips or for some arts and crafts maybe. With these items you will definitely have a wonderful chimp tracking encounter in Kibale Forest National Park.