Kyambura gorge is a re-knowned game reserve with in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The gorge is a deep underground forest 100 meters above sea level, it consists of the riverine forest and Kyambura river that flows with in giving it a fresh serene ambiance while trekking to see chimpanzees besides you will also be able to see other primates such as Red-tailed monkeys, Black and white monkeys, Vervet monkeys and olive Baboons. Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge is a top unique experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Whereas most primate safaris will refer you to Kibale forest National Park, the primate capital of the world, Queen Elizabeth National Park is another yet exciting destination to think about.
A safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park is not only about Game viewing but if you take more time, there is much to explore including chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura.
The experience of trekking chimps in Kyambura gorge is off beaten given the underground forest where these primates live. One community of chimpanzees has been habituated for travelers to see and interact with in Kyambura Gorge.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park For those who have been there, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge also entails learning about the formation of this gorge, discovering birds and other wildlife in this underground forest.
Chimpanzee trekking costs in Kyambura Gorge
The permits for Chimpanzee trekking are issued by Uganda wildlife Authority, they are classified according to Nationality.
A permit for Nonresidents is at USD 30 whereas East African Citizen nationality pay 30,000 Uganda shillings.
The low cost of chimpanzee permit trekking in Kyambura gorge make it a best destination for low budget travelers unlike Kibale Forest National Park.
Chimpanzee trekking guide
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge is either in the morning or afternoon with a brief guide through the rules and regulations of trekking. Travelers are then led to the underground forest to meet the little cheeky cousins.
You must have a walking stick due to the wet forest grounds. More so, travelers are advised to wear waterproof closed shoes, gardening gloves and a raincoat in case of rains.
Travelers are allowed an hour with the chimpanzees but the actual time to spend in the forest is uncertain depending on the location of chimpanzees.
Besides Kyambura gorge, the other places to see chimpanzees in Uganda include, Kibale Forest National Park, with the highest number of chimpanzees in Africa including 12 other primate species. Kalinzu Forest and Budongo Forest in Murchison falls national park. Chimpanzee trekking experience in each destination is exceptional and one of a kind. Take part in the half-day chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest where wild chimpanzees are tamed to get familiar with people.
Other than primates, kyambura gorge is a best birding spot with over 300 bird species. Notable ones include Chapin’s Flycatcher, White tailed lark, Blue headed bee eater, African Fin foot, Martial Eagle, African Skimmer, Bar-tailed Godwit, Broad billed roller, Lesser Flamingoes, Swamp Fly catcher, Pal nut vulture, Papyrus Gonolek, White backed night heron, Crab plover and Red chested sunbird others. Bird watching in Kyambura gorge and the entire Queen Elizabeth National Park is from late May to September. However, April to November is the best time for watching migratory birds in this area.
Other activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the largest second Largest national park, the park is more interesting with a gem pack of tourist attraction, abundant wildlife, crater lakes, Birds, reptiles among others.
Interesting activities include;
Experiential Tourism, this activity includes lion, leopard tracking and Mongoose tracking. Be part of the experimental lion tracking experience in kasenyi plains. This kind of activity you are only assured that you will be able to see lions and Leopards by use of trackers and radio calls.
Game drive & Viewing
Guided game viewing in the savanna plains of Queen Elizabeth Park along kasenyi track, Ishasha is the only way to see a variety of wildlife. You will be able to see a large concentration of animals such as Cape buffalos, Elephants, lions, Leopards, Uganda Kobs, Waterbucks, Elands, mongoose, Warthogs among others. Drive to Ishasha sector in the southern region of QENP to see the famous tree-climbing lion, which spend most of their time up in the acacia and fig trees. Game drives are best done in the morning and evening when animals are actively grazing and predators hunting before retiring for day and night rests respectively.
Launch cruise at Kazinga channel is the only place where you will see a large concentration of Hippos. Enjoy a launch cruise at the Kazinga channel where Lake Edward and George meet. The banks of kazinga channel are known for the concentration of Buffalos, Hippos, water bucks that gather to irrigate. It’s also the only chance you have to spot water bird species and crocodiles
Crater Lake drive, Queen Elizabeth National Park has various crater lakes due to volcanic explosion, you will explore Lake katwe for salt mining, Lake Munyanyange famous for the lesser and greater flamingoes, Lake Nyamunuka whose waters heal the wounded animals and Lake Bunyampaka
