Sit by the chimps, think with them and watch them interact at their territory. Chimpanzee habituation experience is a great activity to do in Uganda; a beautiful landlocked country east of the continent of Africa, surrounded by Rwanda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Chimpanzees are man’s closest relatives sharing about 98% DNA and spending time next to them reveals a whole fact about their lifestyle. They primarily feed on foliage, ants, fruits, and shoots. Unlike the trekking exercise, habituation experience offers an opportunity of spending a Full day with the Chimps, as they are taught to adapt to humans.

The habituation sessions start very early in the morning for either six hours or a full day. The ranger guides do receive and brief all guests at the park headquarters, and then go ahead with the registration and briefing about the whole experience, does, and don’ts before tracing and spending time with the Apes.

Chimpanzee Habituation destinations in Uganda.

Budongo forest.

Located at the boundary of Murchison Falls national park – the largest and oldest national park in the northwestern part of Uganda, Budongo forest is one of the places open for chimp habituation experience. It sprawls through the Masindi district, along the Albertine rift. Its forest cover is composed of majorly huge Mahogany plants.

Kibale Forest National Park.

This is a primate world, with over 13 unique primate species.  It is a great destination for those doing research, the scientists, compiling documents, or even the ranger guides in training. The park is located in Fort portal city in the western part of Uganda. The habituation experience can stretch for up to 2 or 3 years.

Cost of chimpanzee Habituation Experience.

To do Chimpanzee habituation experience, each person departs with 250 USD for foreign non-residents, 250usd for foreign residents and 200,000ugx for East African Residents. The money covers the guides’ fees and the park entrance. The permit can be acquired from Uganda wildlife Authority headquarters at kamokya, near the Uganda Museum in the capital Kampala, from the park headquarters, or a trust tour operator on the ground.

The habituation fee is non-refundable, except for unavoidable circumstances. It’s actually offered by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. But the other additional costs such as the accommodation and transportation raise the prices much higher.

Best time to do chimpanzee trekking.

Spending quality time observing chimpanzees relax or feed, the mothers clean the young stars, while males patrol the territory is best done during the months with no or very little rain. These are the months of June to September and December to March. The activity runs from Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 am to sunset uninterrupted. However, being a forest, the rains and atmosphere are not interrupted thus the need to have it on the right day. Rains reduce the time spent with the apes as you seek shelter.

What to carry for a habituation experience?

Not so much is needed since the activity is centered in just one place. You must carry only what is necessary for the time with the apes. These are not limited to documents such as the Visa, Covid 19 Negative test form, passport, and the habituation permits.

Gadgets such as a professional camera, binoculars, a good phone to share memories with home people, and extra-storages as a backup in case the currents are out of space. Garments such as long-sleeved shirt/ trouser, sufficient undergarments, gloves, and head hut. Other items include insect repellants, a waterproof jack, and quality hiking boots.

Chimpanzee Habituation in Uganda is a great adventure in Uganda, offering a perfect opportunity of knowing the habitat and the unique characteristics of the chimpanzees.