When it comes to chimpanzee tours, we mostly talk about chimpanzee trekking leaving most people unaware of the exceptional chimpanzee habituation experience. The activity is a full day encounter with the endangered chimpanzees in the rain forest of Kibale Forest national park. Chimpanzee habituation gives travelers a chance to spend extended time to learn and enjoy the social behaviors of chimpanzees in their natural habitats. Just like in gorilla Habituation, chimpanzee experience habituation is about training and familiarizing wild chimpanzees to human presence before declaring them free for usual trekking. The traveler in chimpanzee habituation experience is not only a visitor but also a trainer taming wild chimpanzees to get used with human presence. Uganda is estimated to shelter roughly 1950 chimpanzees 1500 of which live in Kibale Forest National park. Chimpanzee habituation is a tiring experience as you are often moving fast through the dense forest so as to not lose the chimps.
Difference between chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation experience
Habituated chimpanzees in Kibale Forest NP
Whereas most travelers have mistaken chimpanzee trekking and habituation to be one, the two experiences differ but rather one leads to the other. Chimpanzee habituation is the first step, which all chimpanzees go through before they are open to travelers for trekking. It’s a 2-3 years training process of wild chimpanzees to make them used with human presence. On the other hand, chimpanzee trekking entails visiting habituated chimpanzees to learn more about their social behaviors and spend time with them. Unlike in chimpanzee trekking where travelers spend an hour with chimpanzees, chimpanzee habituation experience is a full day encounter with the endangered species in the jungle forest. Spending an entire day with the chimps, from locating them via their pant hoots in the morning to them nesting at night is a magical experience that happens once in a lifetime. Only four people are allowed to take part in chimpanzee habituation along with other a team of rangers, chimpanzee doctors and conservationists.
How much is a chimpanzee habituation permit
Well, you must have a valid chimpanzee habituation permit to be part of this memorable experience. A single permit to habituate chimpanzees costs $1500 but the magical experience you get is worth the penny. You can obtain a chimpanzee habituation permit directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority or through Africa Adventure Safaris your number one travel company offering exceptional Uganda chimpanzee safaris. Due to limited permits, intending travelers are advised to book as early as 6 months in advance to avoid disappointments associated with last-minute bookings. You are required to pay a 30% booking fee and complete the payment 90 days before the actual date.
What to expect on the chimpanzee habituation day?
The day of habituating chimpanzees begins with a briefing about the rules and regulation of chimpanzee habituation. Here travelers are introduced to-dos and don’ts while with chimpanzees to ensure the safety of these endangered species. The briefing takes place at Kanyanchu visitor information center. Also, travelers register with the park, present their permits and are put in groups of four. Hiking to meet the wild chimpanzees starts at 8:00 am. Packed lunch is a must-have since you will spend the whole day in the jungle. Actually, the actual time spent with wild chimpanzees is strictly 4 hours. However, when added to several hours you spend hiking before meeting them and then hiking back makes it a full day.
Rules of Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
1. Do not take part when sick
2. Keep a distance of seven meters
3. Do not use flashlight cameras
4. Speak with a low tone
5. Do not litter in the park
6. Do not touch or feed the chimpanzees
7. Those below 15 years old are not allowed to habituate chimpanzees
8. Keep within your groups
Packing list for chimpanzee habituation experience
You must be very ready for this full-day habituation experience in the jungle. Ensure to pack appropriate essentials if you want to have a memorable encounter with the wild endangered chimpanzees. Among the key things you must pack for chimpanzee habituation include:
• Hiking/Trekking boots to easily walk through the jungle forest
• Gardening gloves to protect your hands from thorny bushes and muddy grounds
• Ponchos and sweaters for the unpredictable forest rains
• Long-sleeved shirts and blouses to protect your arms from rough bushes
• Hat to protect your head
• Sunglasses for your eyes
• Drinking water
• First aid kit
• Energy giving snacks
Chimpanzee habituation experience remains an exceptional experience of it won kind. Contact Africa Adventure safaris today, book your chimpanzee habituation trip and enjoy a full day of a close encounter with the wild endangered chimpanzees in their native habitat.
