CHIMPANZEE TREKKING IN KALINZU FOREST RESERVE

The internet has continuously been flocked with personal accounts about gorilla trekking in Uganda, and yes, this is a very perfect product in Uganda, and if not done before, it’s high time you thought of a gorilla safari in Uganda for an experience that is one of its kind. Nevertheless, we cannot forget that chimps are other amazing features to behold, though they are always in the shadow of their greater giant cousins; the gorillas and this has made most of the primate viewing lovers miss out chimpanzee safaris in Uganda.

Uganda is luckily among the 21 countries in Africa still blessed with the chimpanzees, they were 25 countries but they extricated from the two countries, and it is also believed that in the next 10 years, they will have depleted from other 10countries. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda has not been given much attention as a tourist activity and the only few fortunate tourists have only tracked the chimps in Kibale national park leaving out other magnificent chimp trekking destinations like Budongo Forest, Kalinzu forest and Kyambura gorge.

When you ever think of watching Chimpanzees in the Wild of Western Uganda, Kalinzu forest is one of the recommended destinations, second to Kibale Forest with a high success rate of observing chimps at very friendly costs.

Situated only 10 kilometers west of Ishaka town in Bushenyi district, Kalinzu is a natural forest and one of those special places that you have always wanted to see. The variety of tree species made this forest a perfect home for chimps that everyone on a chimp hunt is recommended here. Chimp trekking in Kalinzu forest gives a unique experience that no other small forest reserve can give. An all day trip to this place can do you better than expected. Walking through the lush while dodging, ducking and pushing your way through the thick branches, damp dirt and leaves. Being covered in burs and plant particles, you continue to move up the steep terrain, having to grab on to tree branches and strong vines to help you pull up, step by step as you try to reach out to the direction where the sounds of chimps are heard.

The reward in the end of the trek in Kalinzu forest, with ants under your shirt and crawling at their will, is worth it all. You finally meet these humble apes in the jungle and have an up close encounter with them. Seeing these chimps a rare and special treat that you shouldn’t miss.

Kalinzu forest reserve is not only known for chimp trekking, but also  for its approximated 414 tree species, 379 bird species 378 Species and the six different Primate species including the Blue Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys.

Indeed, Kalinzu forest reserve is one destination is that you shouldn’t miss while on a wildlife safari in Uganda.