Kalinzu Forest is one of the most outstanding safari destinations for Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. This beautiful Forest Reserve is situated within Rubirizi district, in the greater Bushenyi sub-region of western Uganda and is just a stone throw away from the verdant Maramagambo Forest as well as Queen Elizabeth National Park. Of the 6 primate species in this Forest, chimpanzees are the most popular with presently two habituated troops of chimpanzees open for trekking by primate enthusiasts.

There were only about 200 chimpanzees in the early 2000s but as of 2021 (at the time of writing), the number of these Great Apes has grown to about 350 individuals trekked through any of the four established trekking trails. Much as chances of sighting these adorable Great Apes are currently at only 50%, the experience is more rewarding and unforgettable within a less-crowded setting. Besides chimpanzees, other primates in this Forest Reserve include black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons and red-tailed monkeys alongside over 400 tree species, more than 370 bird species, over 260 butterfly species, several reptiles and about 97 moth species.

Process of Chimpanzee trekking within Kalinzu Forest

The exceptional Chimpanzee trekking expeditions in Kalinzu Forest are done in two main sessions, the first session begins at 08:00am while the second session usually starts at 3:00pm. Whichever time you choose, be sure of going through the same process of registration and briefing prior to venturing into the dense forest to search for these Great Apes. Before embarking on the trek, you will meet the Ranger guided attached to National Forestry Authority who will take you through the trek. You will be briefed and issued with a number of guidelines to be followed while trekking or being in the presence of these magical beasts.

While the chimpanzees are the main focus, other primates and birds will be sighted during these treks that last 2-4 hours. Including the one hour you will spend in their delightful presence. As you walk through the forest for several hours, you might not realize how much time you spend because of the occasional sights of beautiful residents of the forest. You will need a lot of stamina and swiftness when watching and taking photos of these gentle beasts.

Some of the important rules and regulations of the forest, to be followed during chimpanzee trekking include;

• Visiting habituated chimpanzee troops in groups of only 6 persons to limit any possibility of spreading diseases and stressing the Great Apes.
• Maintaining low voices and only whispering when asking important questions. Loud voices also scare away the chimpanzees, making them to hide into the dense forest.
• Only allowing visitors that are of age (12 years and above) to trek chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest.
• Limiting contact with chimpanzees to only one hour.
• Maintaining a distance of 8-10 meters away from the chimpanzees when interacting, taking photos and watching.
• Never eating, smoking or drinking near or in front of chimpanzees.
• Only trekking chimpanzees when healthy and free from flue, cough or colds because the Great Apes are also susceptible to these diseases.
• Not using flash photography, to avoid startling chimpanzees.

What you need to pack for the chimpanzee trekking Trip in Kalinzu Forest

The ultimate packing list for chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest includes essentials such as long pants and long sleeved shirts that cover the legs and arms from scratches and pricks, binoculars that make it easy to spot far and small creatures in the forest, waterproof backpack, binoculars, strong hiking boots, toiletries, rain jacket for protection during heavy downpours, first aid kit, wide brim hat to cover your head from dirt and other particles in the forest, gardening gloves and many others.

Cost of chimpanzee trekking permits for Kalinzu Forest

Chimpanzee trekking permits for Kalinzu Forest currently cost $50 and can be booked through National Forestry Authority.

When is the best time to trek chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest?

Timing for chimpanzee trekking influences the overall experience, although the adventure is undertaken throughout the year. The Forest is always at its best during the dry season-June to September and December to February when trails are generally drier, less slippery hence easier for visitors. It is not surprising that majority of the visitors prefer these months although visitors that are up to the task can undertake the adventure during the wet season when trails are wetter, muddy and slippery. Vegetation is also thicker during wet months hence participants are likely to get entangled but treks also tend to be shorter.

Other things to do in Kalinzu Forest

Kalinzu Forest doesn’t offer only chimpanzee trekking expeditions but also guided forest walks where other beautiful attractions of the jungles can be encountered, bird watching tours where Turacos, sunbirds and Kingfishers are spotted, Camping, game viewing (given the closeness of the Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park), butterfly watching and identification and many others.

Where to stay when you go chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest

Although Kalinzu Forest has no organized accommodation facilities, visitors to the Forest can try out the Camping options where basic facilities such as toilets and solar-powered lights are provided. However, more comfortable places to stay are in Queen Elizabeth National Park especially Katara Lodge, Jacana Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Tembo Safari Lodge, Kazinga Channel view Resort, Mweya Hostels, Engiri Game Lodge and Bush Lodge as well as Hotels in Ishasha Town such as Homeland Hotel.

How you can get to Kalinzu Forest

The beautiful Forest of Kalinzu is only 233 miles/5-6 hours’ drive from Kampala and can be reached via the Kampala-Mubende-Fort Portal-Kasese route although the easiest and most popular way is the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Bushenyi- to Kalinzu Forest.  You can avoid all the stress and long journeys in getting to the Forest by booking a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kasese Airstrip, then connect to Kalinzu Forest by road.