Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest reserve

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Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest reserve

Kalinzu Central forest reserve is an extraordinary piece of natural wonder located at the edge of the Great Rift Valley near Queen Elizabeth national park, the explosive craters, and the Maramagambo forest. The forest reserve is home to a number of animal species, primates being the dominant species, chimpanzees and several species of monkeys are residents of this forest long side duikers and bushbucks, and over 350 species of birds exist in the forest with over 200 butterflies. There also other animals are seen roaming in the forest such as baboons, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoests monkeys, Vervet monkeys, black and white Colobus monkeys, nocturnal animals like bush babies, Pottos, and Galagos. The forest reserve has 414 species of trees, 98 moths, flowers, and reptiles.

The drive to Kalinzu forest reserve offers one of the most extraordinary views in Uganda, the lush green tea farms and the endless forest cover is top on the list for our clients who love the scenery.

Chimpanzee trekking experience (1-hour experience with chimps)

Kalinzu offers 2 chimpanzee trekking sessions, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, Unlike Kibale forest and Kyambura gorge, Kalinzu forest reserve is managed by the national forestry authority and it’s by far one of the best places to see chimpanzees in Uganda.

The trekking activities in this area are carried out by expert guides as opposed to rangers in the national parks, with very people aware of this area it still remains one of the best places to trek chimpanzees exclusively, clients will trek the chimps for 3-4 hours depending on how long it takes to find the chimpanzees then you will view the chimpanzees for 1 hour and later return to the forest office.

Best time to trek chimpanzees in Kalinzu forest

Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest reserve is an all-year-round activity however the shoulder months are April and November when the area receives a lot of rainfall and this can make the trek harder and viewing the chimps can also be difficult but the months from June to October and December to March are exceptional for the ultimate experience.