Copyright 2010 National Parks of East Africa
Home - Information - Wildlife&Birds - Activities - Map&Route - Accommodations - Tour Operators - Photos - Country info - Links - Contact - Forum
Aberdare - Akagera - Amboseli - ArabukoSokoke - Arawale - Arusha - Boni - Budongo - Burigi - BURUNDI - Bururi - Bwindi - Chyulu Hills - Gishwati - Gombestream - Hells Gate - Ishasha - Kakamega - Kalinzu - Katavi - Katonga - Kazinga Channel - KENYA - Kibale Forest - Kibira - Kidepo Valley - Kigezi - Kilimanjaro - Kilombero valley - Kitulo - Kora - Kyambura Gorge - Lake Baringo - Lake Bogoria - Lake Bunyonyi - Lake Eyasi - Lake Manyara - Lake Mburo - Lake Naivasha - Lake Nakuru - Lake Natron - Lake Tanganyika - Lake Turkana - Lake Victoria - Mabira Forest - Mahale Mountains - Malindi/Watamu Marine - Marsabit - Masai Mara - Meru - Mgahinga Gorilla - Mikumi - Mkomazi - Mount Elgon - Mount Kenya - Moywosi - Mpanga Forest - Mukura - Murchison Falls - Nairobi - Ngorongoro Crater - Nyakazu Break&Karera Falls - Nyungwe - Ol Donyo Sabuk - Pian-Upe - Queen Elizabeth - Ruaha - Rubondo Island - Ruma - Rungwa - Rurubu - Rusizi - RWANDA - Rwenzori Mountains - Rwihinda Lake - Saadani - Saiwa Swamp - Samburu - Selous - Semliki - Semuliki - Serengeti - Shimba Hills - Sibiloi - Ssese Islands - TANZANIA - Tarangire - Tsavo - Udzungwa Mountains - UGANDA - Usambara Mountains - Volcanoes NP - Zanzibar
National Parks of East Africa - Uganda
Budongo Forest Reserve
BUDONGO FOREST RESERVE (UGANDA)
CHIMPANZEE TRACKING
Humans and chimpanzees (and bonobos) share more than 98% of their genetic code. The three species are even far more closely related to each other than they are to any other living creature, even gorillas. The similarities between humans and chimpanzees are striking!
Tracking the chimpanzees is a very interesting experience. The way they feed, climb trees and caring for their young ones, is just phenomenal. Be part of the drama of life in a rain forest that can be observed in the Kibale National Park.
What to bring:
Chimpanzee tracking can be a long and heavy walk, so go prepared.
- Wear shoes with good traction, suitable for steep muddy slopes
- Some people feel more comfortable when wearing long sleeved clothes when moving through the jungle
- Carry rain gear, as the weather can be unpredictable
- Carry enough water and food
- Carry binoculars
- When taking photos, remember your subjects are black animals in dim light, and flash is not allowed. Use a fast film (400-800 ASA) or use these settings on your digital camera.
You'll hear them before you see them. From somewhere deep in the forest, an excited hooting, just one voice at first, then several, rising in volume. And then suddenly you can see them swing through the trees or move quickly across the ground in front of us. This is truly an amazing experience.
Photographing chimpanzees is an even bigger challenge then photographing gorillas. Both subjects are black animals in dim light, and flash is not allowed, but the chimpanzees tend to move more and faster. So it is important to have a good lens, capable of working in dim light situations. Most photos are made in the range of 50mm to 400mm. A tripod or monopod can be helpful.
You can also track the chimpanzees in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.
NB: Trackers must be over 18 years
CHIMPANZEE HABITUATION EXPERIENCE
This is a unique opportunity to observe a day in the life of a chimpanzee community with experienced guides. Following the chimps through the forest all day allows you to gain an insight into the complex social structure of chimpanzee society and see some of the similarities we share.
(not available during peak season months July, August and September)
GUIDED BIRD WALKS
GUIDED FOREST WALKS
WLDLIFE SAFARIS
BUTTERFLY IDENTIFICATION
PRIMATE IDENTIFICATION
