A Full Day with a Group of Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest on This CHEX Safari
Learn the ways of the Chimpanzees on this 3-Day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari
An Adventurous time with the Primates on this 3-Day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari in Kibale Forest which is home to about 1,500 Chimpanzees and you get to spend the day with the Chimpanzees, Researchers, Trackers, and Uganda Wildlife Rangers. This CHEX-Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari is a one of a kind experiential Primate Adventure and unlike normal Chimpanzee Trekking there is a limited number of visitors allowed, plus you are with the chimpanzees all day.
We suggest a moderate fitness level plus the willingness to be on your feet for the day. Chimpanzees, though close cousins of Gorillas unlike them, are always on the move. You are not dealing with a Gorilla Family of 7 to 20, but a Chimpanzee Troop, the size of which can be 50 to 100.
Spend the Day in one of most scientifically researched parks in Uganda where you will not only see Chimpanzees but about 5 to 7 of the other primates species found in the Park.
Day 1 – Kibale Forest:
Your 3-Day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari begins as we depart Kampala or Entebbe 7:00 am on your Chimpanzee Trekking Safari which is mostly out of the vehicle adventure. This is a 4 hour plus drive through scenic Uganda.
Option: Break the Journey and stop to see Traditional Culture that is still being practiced today, the Nakayima Witch’s Tree. It is on a plateau, and its traditions go back hundreds of years in the history of Uganda. Today traditional beliefs are actively practiced today.
Arrive at the budget, moderate or upmarket lodge you have chosen.
Lunch
3 PM – Afternoon guided walk in the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary where you are taken into the world of a jungle swamp, a unique experience. Much of the trail is over walkways using wooden planks so that you are above the marsh. Light hiking boots are excellent for most. You can rent rubber boots.
This is a three-hour walk and is a must for bird lovers, those that want something totally out of the ordinary – a jungle swamp, those that enjoy monkeys and primates. There are primates such as Red Colobus Monkeys, Gray Cheeked Mangabey’s, L’Hoest Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Baboons, Black and White Colobus, Red Colobus, and the occasional Chimpanzees.
Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary is also home to many mammals including the rare and elusive, semi-aquatic Sitatunga Antelopes (they have webbed toes) who make their home here. There are also Bush Pigs, Bush Bucks, Otters, Mongooses.
One hundred thirty-eight plus species of birds have been spotted here, and of course, Bigodi Wetlands is best known for being home to the Great Blue Turaco. Often you will spot many varieties of birds such as Papyrus Gonoleks, Hornbills, Waxbills, Weavers, Cuckoos, Kingfishers, Flycatchers to name just a few of the many species of birds found here.
Dinner
An option that is not included in the price: A Nocturnal Forest Walk with Rangers and spotlights can be added to your Safari. This will mean a change in Dinner Plan at your Lodge
Lodging: Isunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch – Dinner
Day 2 – Chimpanzee Habituation Experience – CHEX:
An early breakfast – and it is time for your Chimpanzee Habituation Experience – CHEX. You participate in an orientation, and you are off into the deep forest to meet the group that is being habituated. You will be with researchers, trackers, and others that are part of the Habituation Process, making Chimpanzees feel comfortable with humans near them. This process takes two years or longer, and today, you are part of that process.
CHEX is a learning experience since you are not just one hour in the presence of a group of the chimpanzee, but all day observing their habits and ways. You will also receive plenty of input from your guide since he keeps you informed of what is happening before you.
The chimpanzees will not be the only primates or wildlife that you will spot, but this is home to 12 other primates, the 350 plus species of birds, 200 plus primates and mammals that are found in in the park.
Chimpanzee Gear – You will need a daypack, poncho or rain jacket, long trousers, long-sleeved shirt, hat, boots, packed lunch, 2 liters of water, a packed lunch and some snacks.
Dinner
Lodging: Isunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 3 – Top of World Hike – return to Kampala:
Breakfast at Kibale Forest Camp and we are off to the top of the world nature walk – the hike moves through villages, tea plantations, but crater lakes to the viewpoint where you see from above crater lakes, the Rwenzori Mountains of the moon, communities, in the distance Queen Elizabeth Park.
It is best to have a daypack and a liter of water with you, a few granola bars and use light hiking boots during this hike.
Lunch
Return to Kampala – Entebbe and arrive by early evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch
This Safari includes all activities listed, is full board, except sodas beer, wine, tips at a lodge. Bottled water is in the vehicle for your comfort. The vehicle used is a Super-Custom Van- 4-wheel drive.
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