Uganda is one of the places in Africa that are popular for Chimpanzee tracking in the wild and in captivity. There are 4 places where you can go chimpanzees in the wild that are habituated for tourism. Apart from that, there are those that have been rescued or were in danger and are now under the care.
Here is a list of places where you can see chimpanzees;
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Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Foerst is a to the largest number of our closet living relative, the ENDANGERED CHIMPANZEE as well as the threatened red colobus monkey and the rare L’Hoest monkey .The forest has one of the highest diversity and density of primates in Africa totaling 13 species including the black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkey and grey-checked manangabey, red tailed monkey, bush babies and pottos. The park also hosts over 325 species of birds including the yellow spotted nicator, yellow rumped tinkerbird, little greenbul, breasted pitta, the African pitta and the black bee eater.
There are number of impressive mammals including forest Elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, duikers and bats. A keen observer may also see a number of reptiles and amphibians as well as colorful variety of butterflies.
Furthermore, over 250tree species have been recorded. The most famous inhabitants of Kibale National Park are the Chimpanzees with over 1,450 individuals are protected within the park.
Tip: See a Chimpanzee Tracking Tour to Kibale Forest National Park
2. Budongo Forest
Budongo Central Forest Reserve is the largest surviving natural forest in Uganda with a total surface area of 825sq.km. It covers the districts of masindi, Hoima and Buliisa . This is a true forest! Very little illegal activity and encroachment has ensured that the forest remains as natural indeed intended it to be. Visitors seeking the serenity and calmness of being next to nature should opt for Budongo! Professionally preserved and managed by the National Forestry Authority, the forest is divided into three zones. Its strict nature reserve is the oldest in the country while its buffer zone allows Eco-Tourism and Research to prosper and its production zone caters for commercial activities.
Kaniyo-Pabidi Eco-Tourism Site
The site is located in the North Eastern part of Budongo Forest Reserve. It is a natural habitat and a home of about 120 Chimpanzees. However only one group consisting of about 30 chimpanzees has been fully habituated for Eco-Tourism purposes. There are also other primate species such as black and white colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, vervet monkey and baboons.
Tip: See a Chimpanzee Tracking Safari to Budongo Forest
3. Kyambura Gorge, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura gorge is one of the most popular tourist activities for tourists to Queen Elizabeth national Park. Tracking permits are a requirement for all trackers before tracking the chimpanzees. All trackers are first briefed about the tracking experience before they embark on tracking chimpanzees in the 16 kilometer long Kyambura gorge.
Tip: See a trip to Kyambura Gorge
4. Kalinzu Forest
The Forest is famous for 414 Species of trees, it harbors 378 Species of Birds, six different Species of Primates, Blue Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys and Chimpanzees, 262 Butterflies, 97 Moths, Reptiles and Flowers
Tip: Read More about Kalinzu
Other Places where you can see Chimpanzees in Captivity include;
5. Ngamba Chimpanzee Island
Ngamba Island is known to own different plants and tree species, wild water and forest bird species, beautiful and unique reptile species such as snakes and lizards. You will have a great opportunity for close viewing of rescued chimpanzees roaming around this Island. We leave to the Island early in the morning by boat not to miss the pre-arranged supplementary feeding times (11.00 am & 3.00 pm each day) that bring the chimpanzees to within meters of the raised walkway designed for easy viewing and provide excellent photographic opportunities. Return to your place of stay in the evening.
Tip: See an Excursion to Ngamba Island
6. Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC)
The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center is a fun and exciting place to see and learn about the animals of Uganda and the ecosystems in which they live. Take some time to learn how they live, eat, play, and walk.
Originally founded in the 1950s to accommodate confiscated and injured wildlife and to look after orphan animals confiscated from smugglers, the centre has grown considerably in recent years. Many say its destined to become the most important facility to showcase wildlife on the African continent.
Created by the government of Uganda with the help of the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York and managed by a Wildlife Trust, it never fails to delight. At UWEC you will come across free ranging Vervet monkeys and a family troop of DeBraza monkeys in the jungle of our hillside forest. Over 120 bird species can be watched ranging from the famous African fish eagle, over the Great Blue Turaco to Hammerkops, Giant Kingfisher and even the smallest sun birds.