Frequently asked questions about Kyambura gorge

Kyambura Gorge is found in Queen Elizabeth National Park and is one of the best chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda. It is also referred to as the Valley of Apes and was named after the River Kyambura, which flows into the Kazinga channel. Trekking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge can be combined with a game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park and you will need a chimpanzee trekking permit to gain access to the chimpanzees.

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The permit can easily be bought through a trusted tour operator from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and this has to be done in advance at least three months to properly plan for the safari. The cost of the chimpanzee trek permit in Kyambura Gorge is $100 for foreign non-residents, $80 for foreign residents and EAC citizens UGX50,000 per person.

Kyambura Gorge is a mystery that all tourists should unravel and below are some of the frequently asked questions about Kyambura Gorge.

What is the best time for booking chimpanzee trek permits in Kyambura Gorge?

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge is an all-around activity. However, the best time is during the dry months of June to September and December to February. These months are also known as the peak season, and permits are always in high demand during this period. The best time to book and purchase the chimpanzee permit in Kyambura Gorge is at least 6 months before the trek date to properly plan for the safari to Uganda. Kyambura Gorge permits can easily be purchased through a trusted tour operator like Encounter Africa Safaris. The low season from March to May is a bit easier when it comes to the purchase of the chimpanzee permits, and because of the fewer crowds during this period, the permits are a bit easier to get.

What is the cost of the chimp permits in Kyambura Gorge?

The current cost of the chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura Gorge is $100 for foreign non-residents, $80 for foreign residents and UGX50,000 for East African citizens. The permit cost covers the ranger guide fee, 20% given to the community around the park, medical for chimpanzees and conservation of the chimpanzees and their natural habitat. The 20% is used to support different community projects some of which include setting up water sources, road maintenance, health and education projects and many more others. The cost of the chimp permit, however, does not cover accommodation, park entrance fees and transport.

How to book for chimpanzee permits in Kyambura Gorge

The chimpanzee trekking permits in Kyambura Gorge can be purchased through a trusted tour operator like Encounter Africa Safaris to ease the process of booking and purchasing. You must first come up with a date you wish to trek the chimpanzees and the number of permits you want to purchase. Get in touch with us with the dates and the number of permits you wish to purchase so that we can check for the availability of the permits on the dates provided. When the permits are available on the dates provided, you will be asked to make the necessary payments for the permits because they are sold on a first come first serve basis. You will also have to provide personal information like name, a copy of the passport with the country of origin, date of birth and passport number visible. When the payment has been confirmed, the permits will be purchased on your behalf, and a copy will be emailed to you for record purposes.

What is the cost of the chimpanzee trek safari in Kyambura Gorge?

The cost of the chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura Gorge is affected by several factors, and these include the cost of the chimpanzee trekking permit, accommodation chosen, the number of people on a safari, the season of travel and the number of days spent on the safari. The number of people on a safari determines the cost of the safari in a way that the more people on a safari, the less money spent on a safari because the cost of some services is shared, the more days spent on a safari, the more expensive the safari will be and there are three categories of accommodation including budget, mid-range and luxury facilities.

 The more activities you have on your itinerary, the higher the cost of the chimpanzee safari in Kyambura and the season of travel that is if you travel during the dry/peak season, the safari will be expensive because the service fees are increased during this season and the low/rainy season is a much more budget-friendly time to travel to Kyambura.

Is it safe to trek chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge?

Yes, it is safe to trek chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, but you need to note that they have mood swings like humans and get agitated easily, especially when they feel threatened or when they are provoked. They are very conscious about intruders in the national park but since they have been habituated, they are used to human presence. You must, however, follow the chimpanzee trekking rules and regulations to keep safe and protect the chimpanzees as well. The rules and regulations that need to be followed when trekking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge include the following:

• In case you have communicable diseases like flu, cough, diarrhoea and many more others, a volunteer from trekking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge since chimpanzees are highly susceptible to human diseases. You will also not be allowed to trek chimpanzees if you are sick.
• Spitting on the vegetation is not allowed as this would spread infections to the chimpanzees because they feed on the vegetation.
• Use of flash photography has been prohibited because the chimpanzees are sacred and not used to the flash which might force them to retreat further into the forests.
• Littering the forest is not allowed because it affects the natural habitat of the chimpanzees.
• Always keep a distance of 8 meters between you and the chimpanzees. This is to prevent infections from spreading from humans to the chimpanzees and not to agitate the chimpanzees.
• Always stay in tight groups during the trek and after locating the chimpanzees. When you surround them, they feel threatened and uncomfortable.
• Never trek chimpanzees without a ranger guide because the forest is home to other wildlife species which are dangerous to humans.
• Do not provoke the chimpanzees, as this is forbidden, and avoid mimicking them because you do not know what you are communicating.
• The age limit for trekking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge is 12 years
• You have only an hour with the chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge after locating them.
• Never eat when in the presence of the chimpanzees.
• In case you want to use the toilet, note that all faecal matter is to be disposed of in a hole which is 30 cm deep away from the crowds because there are no toilets within Kyambura Gorge.

What should I pack for my chimpanzee trek in Kyambura Gorge

Packing right for the chimp safari is the best thing you can do to have a good chimpanzee safari to Kyambura Gorge and below is a list of things that you can bring for your safari.

• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers that are in neutral colours of brown, green and khaki.
• Safari knee-length waterproof boots that are comfortable enough to get you through the jungle and the different terrains.
• A foldable sun hat that protects you from the sun, leaves from the trees and rain
• A warm sweater, scarves and poncho to keep you warm when the weather changes.
• A waterproof raincoat or jacket
• Insect repellent and sunscreen for protection from the sun and insects.
•  A camera to keep all your safari memories alive. This should come with extra memory cards, lenses, and batteries.
• Toiletries and pyjamas for the night
• A pair of binoculars for great views of the chimpanzees
• A pair of stockings which are used to tuck your trousers in so that bugs do not crawl up your legs.
• Gardening gloves
• Hard cash that will help you purchase souvenirs and tipping.
• A waterproof backpack to carry your belongings.
• A flashlight and extra batteries
• A light bag to keep your shoes in case they are dirty
• A travel adapter and charger for your electronics.
• Flipflops
• Snacks and refillable water bottle

What is the minimun trek age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge?

The trek age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge is 12 years. Children 12 years and below are not allowed to go for chimpanzee trekking, and this is because the first glance at the chimps might scare them, and it is sometimes hard to follow the rules and regulations, especially for children. The trek sometimes takes hours, and this can agitate the children, causing havoc for both the children and the chimpanzees.

How many people are allowed to trek chimpanzees in Kyambura?

A maximum of 6 people is allowed to trek a troupe of chimpanzees per session. There are two sessions offered in Kyambura Gorge per day one in the morning, another one in the afternoon. Few people are permitted to trek with chimpanzees, and this is because chimpanzees can get overwhelmed, which can force them to either attack or retreat. The number of people trekking chimpanzees per troupe also reduces the spread of diseases from humans to chimpanzees.

How long is the trek in Kyambura Gorge?

You cannot determine how long the trek will take because there are factors that determine the time and these are the physical fitness of the trekking group, the weather and the location of the chimpanzees. Other factors remaining constant, the trek can take between 2 to 3 hours and after locating the chimpanzees, you will have an hour with the chimpanzees.

Is chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge difficult?

The trek through Kyambura Gorge is not difficult but can be quite challenging because you have to trek through different terrains, including valleys and steep slopes that might be slippery, especially during the rainy season. Expect to trek through forests and slippery slopes, and this is why tourists are advised to be physically fit before coming for the safari. Expect everything and don’t have any high expectations because this is the wild and although chimpanzees are habituated, they are still wild animals.

How dangerous is chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge?

Chimpanzees are wild animals that have been habituated so that they can be trekked but to keep safe, you need to follow the rules and regulations that come with chimpanzee trekking. They are calm primates, but do not provoke them; stay with the trekking group and make sure that you follow all the rules and guidelines given to you by the ranger guides. If you follow the rules and do not provoke the chimpanzees, the trek will not be dangerous in any way.

What accommodations can I use when chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge?

There are three types of accommodation that you can use for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge and these are budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation facilities. Some of the accommodation facilities that you can use include Katara Lodge, Bush Camp, Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Lodge, Elephants Plains Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge and Simba Safari Camp among others.

When is the best time to go for a chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge?

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge can be carried out throughout the year. However, the best time is during the dry season, which is June to September and December to February. This is the best season because the trek routes will be easier to use during this period, and the chimpanzees are easier to spot. The disadvantage of trekking in Kyambura Gorge is that there are large crowds of tourists during this period and it is also an expensive time to travel. The rainy season from March to May and October to November is a good time to travel for tourists who are on a budget; there are fewer crowds, and the disadvantage of travelling during this period is the rain and slippery routes.

Contact us for more information.