Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest: The Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve is located in the Bushenyi area in southwestern Uganda. The reserve is near the Maramagambo forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park. The forest is home to 379 different bird species. Chimpanzees, baboons, blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, Vervet monkeys, and black and white Colobus monkeys are among the six species of primates. Nocturnal wildlife such as bush infants, Pottos, and Galagos can also be found in the forest. Those who are interested in butterflies can expect to see over 261 different species. The forest reserve contains 414 tree species as well as 98 moth, flower, and reptile species. As previously stated, the forest’s proximity to two important wildlife conservation zones attracts large species such as wild pigs, antelopes, leopards, and buffaloes on occasion.
Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve chimps
Chimpanzees are the main draw of Kalinzu Forest. Chimpanzees may become extinct in ten more nations within the next decade, according to researchers and conservationists. Although there are about 5,000 chimps in Uganda, 90% of the chimp population has been lost in the last 80 years.
Chimpanzees are fascinating because they appear and act like humans. In fact, they share at least 98% of our DNA. Chimps give birth every 5 years and raise their offspring until they are about 12 years old. They live in huge communities, each with its own culture. Chimpanzees are extremely intelligent and have been observed using a range of tools and techniques to hunt insects, smaller primates, and antelopes. Chimpanzee communities, unlike gorilla communities, are constantly developing, with female adolescents in particular leaving the group to join others.
The greatest threat to chimps in Africa is habitat loss due to deforestation. Chimpanzees are frequently poached for their flesh by Congolese tribes and sold as pets to illegal animal enthusiasts. Thousands of chimps have died in Uganda over the last century as a result of snares and other traps set up for other species such as antelopes. The government has taken measures and proclaimed chimp killing illegal and collaborating with animal conservation organizations such as the Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngamba Island to safeguard the chimps. All major national parks and forest reserves, including Budongo, have strict safeguards in place to protect the primates and prosecute anyone caught killing a chimp.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu forest
The primary activity that attracts visitors to Kalinzu forest is chimp trekking. The Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve is home to one of Uganda’s largest chimp colonies. After Kibale Forest in Uganda, it is possibly the best area to monitor chimps. Close to 50 of the forest reserve’s 320 chimps are habituated (open to tourism). Despite the fact that Queen Elizabeth National Park has its own chimp group near Kyambura Gorge, most tourists from the park prefer watching chimps in Kalinzu. The Mweya peninsular of Queen Elizabeth National Park provides easy access to the forest. The trip takes only around 40 minutes. Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest is not as strenuous as gorilla tracking. However, you must be physically fit to walk for 3 to 4 hours through occasionally challenging terrain. The journey may take you across steep slopes and muddy woodland areas. Though chimps normally live in lower terrain than mountain gorillas, they are incredibly mobile and must be followed at great speed, which can be exhausting.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu woodland begins in the morning and is guided by an armed ranger. The chimps are familiar with the rangers and guides because they were involved in their habituation phase. Chimpanzees may not be friendly to complete strangers, which is why the activity must be conducted by an authorized guide.
There are two shifts: morning and afternoon. The morning shift begins at 8:00 a.m. followed by the afternoon shift at 3:00 p.m. Each shift provides a distinct experience. The chimps are extremely active in the mornings as they go out to eat and defend their territory. The chimps are full in the afternoons and prefer to relax and avoid the sun’s heat.
The tracking of chimps in Kalinzu Forest begins with a briefing from the guide and rangers. Visitors are separated into three groups during the briefing based on their general fitness and pace. Following the briefing, you will proceed to the forest in search of the chimps. Some tackers would have left considerably earlier to pinpoint the chimps’ exact location by this point. While hiking to find the chimps, you may come see various forest critters, birds, and primates such as baboons, blue monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. The head trackers interact with the guide by phone, informing him or her of the chimps’ activities and whereabouts.
Chimps are extremely mobile and spend a significant amount of time on top of trees. Finding them and photographing them involves some skill and effort. After about an hour or two of pursuing the chimps through dense jungle, steep terrain, and being covered in tree branches, ants, and shrubs, your attention is suddenly called to the monkeys’ distant sounds. You would have discovered their position in no time. Observe their behavior and social dynamics as they swing from tree to tree for one hour.
Some may be resting, while others may be mating or grooming one another. Individual chimps may approach you, but the majority will keep their distance. You’ll note that they use different noises to convey various emotions. You figure out what each hoot means by seeing how other chimps react to it.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest are 95% successful. Chimp permits in the Kalinzu forest costs $50. This is significantly cheaper than the $200 fee levied by Kibale National Park. Chimpanzee permits can be obtained at the reservation center or a tour operator. Though chimp permits in Kalinzu forest can be obtained on the day of tracking, it is best to book ahead of time to be on the safe side.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest rules and recommendations:
The Forestry Authority of Uganda manages the Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve. Before and throughout the chimp tracking activity, guests must be aware of and follow certain guidelines. These rules are intended to protect both visitors and forest creatures.
- Only six persons can track a single chimp colony every session. This is done to avoid overpopulation and aggravation of the chimps.
- To monitor chimps in Kalinzu Forest, you must be at least 12 years old.
- Visitors are only permitted to spend one hour with the chimps. This is done to reduce illness spread while also avoiding agitating or alerting them.
- Keep your voice low while around the chimps.
- Avoid eating food while around the chimps.
- Avoid provoking the chimps.
- Stay with your group or on the main trail. Even when going to ease yourself, always have company.
- Visitors are not permitted to track chimps without the assistance of an authorized Guide. This is due to the fact that chimps might get violent when they see strange faces.
- Visitors with the illness, cough, diarrhea, or any other communicable ailment are not permitted to approach the chimps to avoid danger of infection.
- Maintain a distance of at least 8 meters from the chimp.
- Using flash photographs is prohibited because it may agitate the chimps.
- Always follow the Guides’ recommendations and avoid getting too close to chimps. They are more aggressive than gorillas, and despite their small size, they are more powerful than most humans.
- Do not leave litter in the forest while tracking chimps.
- When going out to monitor the chimps, it is critical to bring a snack and drinking water with you.
- Bring sturdy hiking boots, long stockings, a hat, and long trousers and shirts. Remember to bring a hiking stick and a rain jacket, especially during the wet season.
- Chimps spend a lot of time on top of trees, therefore a decent binocular will make your trip more enjoyable.
Other things to do in Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Nature hikes:
Nature treks with a guide in the Kalinzu forest are very unforgettable. You become immersed in an entirely different world of deep forests, breathtaking vistas, waterfalls, singing birds, and primate sounds. The forest, as well as the Rwenzori mountain ranges and Queen Elizabeth National Park, may be seen from the top of Kishunja Hill Viewpoint. Outside the forest, you might be guided to see lovely tea plantations. Your Guide will tell you all about the forest, its old myths, and its inhabitants. The valley route, waterfall trails, river trail, and Palm path are the four primary nature trails in the forest. The valley walk leads you through beautiful valleys and forest canopies.
This trail takes 4 hours to complete, and by then, you will have seen many of the forest’s critters and primates. The waterfall hike takes between 4 and 6 hours to complete. The kilyantama waterfall is the main draw here. The walk traverses through high elevation places with magnificent views of the forest. For those interested in chimps, the River trail is the greatest option. Visitors will also come to the River Kajojo, where elephants used to take their baths. The river trail takes roughly an hour to complete.
The palm trail, on the other hand, is a two-hour hike through flat terrain with opportunities to see unusual tree species such as the flame tree, whose leaves are thought to increase female sex drive, the Dragon tree, and the Raphia Palms, which are used to make traditional mats.
Game drives
The Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve is near Queen Elizabeth National Park and the magnificent Maramagambo forest. Some park species, including leopards, wild pigs, and antelopes, cross into the forest to forage. It is possible to make arrangements to visit the region of the forest bordering Queen Elizabeth National Park in order to witness some of the huge creatures and even big cats.
Birdwatching:
The Kalinzu Forest is a birdwatcher’s heaven. It is one of the top birding spots in Uganda. The Black and White Casket, Cuckoos, Great Blue Turaco, and Sunbirds are among the species in the forest. Expect to see various forest critters, primates, flora, and breathtaking landscapes while you search for the birds. Birdwatching is best done early in the morning.
Butterflies Identification:
You can walk out to the forest in the morning or evening with a guide and identify the over 200 species of butterflies. Camping: In the center of the forest, a camping site has been established where tourists may live close to nature and enjoy the lovely African night while listening to the fascinating noises of night creatures.
How to Get to the Kalinzu Forest
The forest is around 375 kilometers from Kampala. It is ideally positioned along the Mbarara-Kasese Highway, near the Ishaha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In reality, its offices were erected in a location where people could go to and from Queen Elizabeth National Park. To travel to Kalinzu Forest from Kampala, take a bus from the main bus station to Butare. The trip up to the forest reserve headquarters from Kampala takes approximately 5 hours and costs about $4. You first stop in Butare, then take a cab or boda boda (motorcycle taxi) to the visitor welcome center. Arrange a safari that takes you through the beautiful forest with your trusted local operator.
