The dry season is the best time to trek chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest because of the favorable conditions it offers. Kalinzu Forest is located close to the equator, thus it receives an equatorial type of climate that is characterized by two dry and wet seasons per year. The dry season is a period of dry weather that is facilitated by the low levels of rainfall and humid conditions. These conditions align perfectly for chimpanzee trekking since this activity takes place in the dense forest. These dry conditions leave the forest trails dry and navigable with sparse vegetation that aids visibility of the primates while on chimpanzee trekking. The dry season runs from June to September and December to February, and is considered the high season due to the high turnout of visitors to the forest to trek chimpanzees.
The wet seasons can tend to be very wet due to the high level of rainfall received, which leaves the trekking trails in the forest soaked, and also overgrown vegetation that hinders the spotting of the chimpanzees. However, this season also has incredible advantages for trekking chimpanzees. Since the wet season is regarded as the low season, there is always a drop in the number of visitors who come to the forest. Therefore, facilities like accommodation reduce their prices due to few clients thus, for visitors traveling on a budget to trek chimpanzees, the wet season can be your best time.
The wet conditions of this period see an increase in the food levels for the chimpanzees in the forest, thus these primates do not have to move deep in the forest to find food. Hence, visitors don’t have to search deep in the forest to find these chimpanzees, as they may be close. Uganda’s climate is very unpredictable, as it can show signs of a wet season during the dry season and vice versa. Therefore, chimpanzee trekking can be done in any season, but the best season is the dry season.
Chimpanzee trekking is a tourist activity that presents a golden opportunity to encounter and have a one-on-one interaction with the chimpanzee primates in their natural habitats. The process of chimpanzee trekking begins at the briefing center or headquarters of the forest. This is where a pre-trekking briefing is done to prepare the visitors for what they will experience deep in the forest. This briefing involves the rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking and also the expected code of conduct of the visitors upon encountering these primates in their environments. Trekking sees visitors traversing the dense tropical dense of Kalinzu with its rugged terrain, searching for the chimpanzees and then locating them, spending over an hour in their presence. The chimpanzee primates spend most of their time feeding, playing, and resting after a hefty feeding, as the females groom their young.
The chimpanzee population in Kalinzu Forest is approximately 320 individuals, and about 50 chimpanzees are habituated and available for chimpanzee trekking. Kalinzu Forest is strategically located close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, close to the road connecting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, making it a good destination for trekking chimpanzees. Kalinzu Forest is a forest reserve located in the Bushenyi district, covering an area of about 137 square kilometers. This forest is governed by the Uganda Forestry Authority, unlike most of the other chimpanzee destinations in the country, which are under the management of the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Other activities in Kalinzu Forest, other than chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is the backbone of tourist activities in Kalinzu Forest, as it is the main activity. However, there are other activities as well, as identified below.
Birding
A huge population of about 378 bird species lives in Kalinzu Forest. These bird species have attracted visitors, especially birders, to embark on a birding experience in the forest. These birds are both endemic residents and seasonal migrants. A specialized and professional team of birding guides accompanies the visitors on this birding journey across the birding trails in the forest to find these birds. The bird species common to the forest include the yellow-backed weaver, great blue turaco, crowned eagle, hammerkop, white casqued hornbill, and bee-eaters, among others.
Nature walks
Kalinzu Forest, with limited large mammals like elephants and buffaloes, and other dangerous animals, is a perfect place for nature walks. These walks provide a blend with the environment and bring visitors and nature lovers close to the wild and engulfed by nature. This activity is therapeutic to many, as the natural sounds and fresh air of the forest calm the souls and relieve the mind from the busy thoughts of work.
Cost of purchasing a chimpanzee permit in Kalinzu Forest
Like most primate treks in other destinations, chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest requires a trekking or chimpanzee permit. This permit gives access to the visitors to trek these chimpanzee primates in Kalinzu Forest. This chimpanzee permit can only be purchased through a tour company like Standard Safaris. The rates for this chimpanzee permit range, with foreign non-residents paying USD 130, foreign residents and East African citizens paying USD 65. The money from the purchase of these permits goes to managing the forest and also funding the conservation efforts that protect these primates and improve the communities around the forest.
