Kyambura Gorge, Chimpanzee Trekking
When looking for a cheap place to trek chimpanzees in Uganda, kindly read this blog post for more details. Kyambura gorge is part of Queen Elizabeth national park. The gorge was formed by volcanic actions to the formation of the Great Rift Valley. This is divided by River which has proven to be an important water source to wildlife during the dry season.
Kyambura gorge is part of the Kyambura game reserve which stretches from the Kazinga channel to the Kasenyi plains in the northern and southern end. The reserve stretches to Maramagambo forest through a wildlife corridor
Though chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge may be over shadowed by the likes of Kibale forest national park. Kyambura gorge is still one of the best, adventurous, and exclusive chimpanzees trekking area in Uganda. Offering only 8 visitors in the morning season and after session. Other primate sightings are excellent like the black and white colobus monkey, Red-tailed Monkey.
Besides primates, you can come across other wildlife such as Hippos, elephants, buffalos, and waterbuck as they go in to drink water. The birdlife is tremendous as well pick up both forest and savannah birds.
Why is the Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge rated 50%-50%?
According to the park rangers in Kyambura gorge, the chimpanzee trekking chances are 50-50. This is because the gorge is so narrow and sometimes limited food supply. Thus forcing the chimpanzees to move up to the savannah where there are fig-trees. Due to limited food supply the chimpanzees tend to be quite making it hard to hear any sounds. The savannah adjacent to the park is covered by tall grass. At the same time it’s a habitat for elephants and lions, which makes it hard to look out for the chimpanzees around the fig trees in the savannah.
The actual day of Chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura Gorge
We trek these primates in two sessions, morning and afternoon which starts between 8am – 9am and 1 pm – 2 pm respectively. Depending on the time indicated on your permit you arrive at the park headquarters located within the gorge for registration and a trekking briefing. An armed guide with the famous AK-47 from Uganda wildlife Authority will lead you into the gorge. You will start looking for fresh droppings, sounds, and potential feeding areas. When you hear the vocals of chimpanzees, your guide will lead you to the specific location to view the chimpanzees. You will view them for 1 hour after you will return to the park headquarters.
What to pack for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge?
What to pack for chimpanzee trekking is very important because the Gorge is a valley making it a physical activity. Here is your packing list
-Cap or a hut
-Long-sleeved shirts
-Gloves
-Long pants
-Hiking boots
-Long stocking
-Bag pack
-Enough drinking water
-Camera with a fully charged battery
How to get to Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park?
Kyambura gorge is well centred in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Its between Uganda’s top destinations of Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park which is famous for gorilla trekking. South of Queen Elizabeth national park is famous for the tree-climbing lions. Lake Mburo best for walking safaris and the Rwenzori mountains is Uganda’s highest mountain range sitting at 5109 meters above sea level. You can visit the gorge from any of the parks during your safari. However the gorge can be accessible by road or by air from Kampala or Entebbe. By road Kyambura gorge is 7-8 hours’ drive via Masaka and Mbarara and by air, clients can fly from Entebbe to either Mweya airstrip or Kasese airstrip which are just under an hour by road to the gorge.
Where to stay while visiting Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park?
There are many places to stay in while visiting Queen Elizabeth national park and these include; Bush Lodge, Mweya safari lodge, and Kyambura gorge lodge for luxury travel.
Best time for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge
The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge is just after the rainy season from May and June and from October. The time to travel to Queen Elizabeth national park is during the dry season from June to September that is because it’s a dry season and rainfall minimum. The boat cruise on the channel is superb because you can see the elephants as they come to drink water in the middle of the day and cool off. Contact Ganyana Safaris now to book your safari to trek chimpanzees and we offer all-inclusive safaris to see mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda.
