Chimpanzee Tracking Experience in Kyambura Gorge | Uganda chimps | Uganda Primate Tours.
The trekking of chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge is one of Uganda’s most unique and rewarding wildlife experiences. Known as the “Valley of Apes”, Kyambura Gorge is situated in the eastern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, with its amazing population of hand-raised chimps residing deep within its rich underground forests. The difference with trekking in Kyambura lies in the opportunity to descend into a dramatic forested gorge which overlooks open savannah grassland, giving a dramatic contrast to the landscapes and an unforgettable adventure.
The Kyambura Gorge is one of the most spectacular features of the natural world, reaching about 11Km in length, and dipping about 100M below the plains. When viewed from above, the gorge is just a large crack in the ground, but as soon as visitors enter the gorge you are in a secluded tropical rainforest environment consisting of intense vegetation, tall fig trees, flowing streams and all kinds of animals. This ‘unnatural’ forest gives rise to a small yet viable community of chimps, which makes this one of the most interesting conservation areas in Uganda.
Trek in Kyambura Gorge starts early in the morning when you have a briefing at the visitor centre, during which you will be warned about trekking rules, safety measures and what to expect while trekking. Groups are small so that they are not disruptive to the animals and to improve the overall experience. Following the briefing, the trekkers start working their way down the gorge along steep but manageable trails. The hike down is a journey by itself to the awe-inspiring walls of the gorge and the sounds of the birds and monkeys in the forest.
After gorges, you get into the actual search. The visitors then follow new tracks made by the chimps from scratch with the help of trained trackers, observing new vocalisations, tracks, feeding remains, and broken branches. It takes anywhere from one to four hours to make the trip, depending on the chimps, so each is unique and exciting. Trees begin to spring to life, their leaves blowing in the wind and pant-hoots heard in the distance as the forest is alive with anticipation that the chimps are near.
Meeting chimps in the wild provides a feeling of discovery and evokes emotions. They are highly intelligent primates with about 98% of their genetic material common to humans, and there can be nothing more powerful than watching them up close as a reminder of the way man relates to the natural world. You can observe them enjoying their fruits, caring for each other, playing or swinging to the good of their trees. Young chimpanzees can keep their companions entertained with their frisky antics, and dominants do show their strength and social status. These expeditions encourage a deep appreciation and wonder for wildlife while we spend time with them.
Perhaps a unique trait of Kyambura Gorge is its exclusivity. While visited by fewer visitors than other popular chimpanzee trekking sites like Kibale National Park, Kyambura offers visitors a less frenetic experience and a more intimate encounter with the primates. As well, it enhances each visit with visitors feeling the reward coming from the smaller community due to the hard-working conservationists and trackers alike who do what it takes to protect this unique group of chimps.
In addition to a population of chimps, Kyambura Gorge has a large number of other species that are abundant. Black-and-white Colobus primates, as well as red-tailed baboons and vervet primates, are met by many trekkers. The gorge also attracts many birdwatchers, with an abundance of bird species. There are also many colours of butterflies, reptiles and special plant life, which enhance the ecology. Water buffaloes, elephants, antelopes and even lions that climb trees can be seen in the surrounding savannah plains, where guests can go and indulge in both the chimps and the traditional safari.
For the best of chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge while on a Uganda safari, one must always go during the dry seasons of the country, which are between June and September and between December and February. Trails during these months will be less slippery and more navigable, making it easier on the feet to trek in. The rain seasons, however, add to the beauty of the forest, making it greener and more vibrant, and the gorge can be visited throughout the year. All year round, visitors should wear robust hiking boots, long pants and light long-sleeved shirts to ward off insects and thorny plants/flowers.
To visit Kyambura Gorge, one must have a permit to do chimpanzee trekking issued through the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Permits may be limited, and it is recommended to reserve permits in advance in peak travel seasons. Must be at least 12 years of age, and visitors are prohibited from confined contact with the chimps, from flash photography and from visiting if unwell to keep the chimps free from common illness.
Conservation is a key component of Kyambura. The chimps in the gorge are not abundant, and there is little gene flow between them and others, thus making their survival as a species difficult. The community and several different organisations collaborate on the protection of the habitat, research and the promotion of sustainable tourism with a positive impact on their nearby communities. The activity of trekking with chimpanzees directly supports these conservation efforts through the involvement of visitors in these conservation activities via the fees for their permit and the community tour in the country.
There are also some cultural experiences provided at Kyambura Gorge by the local communities near the gorge. You can interact with the locals, understand the traditional lives of the Ugandans, enjoy cultural shows and make some local art along with them. The experiences enable them to establish genuine linkages between tourism and population development and ensure that the citizens reap benefits from the conservation of their natural heritage.
Conclusion
Ascribing to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee trekking is more than just a wildlife journey; it’s an adventure into one of the secret treasures of Uganda’s nature. It is an adventure that will be remembered for its dramatic scenery, remarkable forest expedition, close encounters with chimps, and the added strong conservation message. Kyambura Gorge is an ideal destination for all those looking to experience the backcountry wild with the sense of adventure, education and inspiration of the gentle presence of primates all in one place. It is where the beauty of Uganda’s terrain and the intelligence of wildlife merge to create a lasting impression on every visitor.
