Chimpanzee Tourism Can Earn Uganda Fortune

When it comes to Uganda safaris, chimpanzee trekking should be one a must for you to include in your travel plan. This primate adventure is undeniably one of the most sought after experiences that you shouldn’t miss while you are on safari in Uganda.

Like mountain gorillas, thousands of visitors travel to Africa to catch a glimpse at the magnificent chimpanzees thus making it one of the most valuable activities to national economies, Uganda inclusive a fact that today, it features as the major foreign exchange earner. As a result, Uganda’s tourism industry generated about 1.35 billion dollars and this represents over 23.5% of the total exports.

In 2015, more than 1.7 million visitor arrivals were recorded and out of this, 1.3 million approximately 75% were tourists arrivals. Interestingly, tourist arrivals have been on increase from 1.15 million tourists which were registered in 2011 up to about 1.5 million visitors in 2017. Whereas chimpanzee tracking is rare, it equally offers the most amazing and breathtaking experiences for visitors on Uganda safari.

Uganda, boasts of over 5,000 chimpanzees which makes it one of the most leading destination with largest number of these intelligent creatures. They are widely distributed in various parts of the country and among many include Kibale National park, Budongo forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Kyambura gorge and Kalinzu forest reserve in Queen Elizabeth National Park and not to forget Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary. Like any primate adventure, chimpanzee trekking in Uganda still faces a number of challenges but it still features as one of a few most exciting experience that you shouldn’t miss out while on Uganda safari.

Like any primate adventure, chimpanzee trekking in Uganda equally requires a permit and they come in different amounts depending on which destination you will be. If you are interested in trekking chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, you will pay $150 [per person, $80 for those of you will pay a visit to Budongo Forest for chimpanzee trekking, $50 per visitor for those of you are interested in exploring these amazing creatures in Kyambura Gorge.

In order for Uganda to be part of beneficiary in this lifetime primate adventure, there is need for all local communities and other stakeholders in Africa to engage in mostly nature-friendly tourism programs and ensure that these primates are properly conserved and protected. Regardless of conservation efforts, these primates still face main challenges especially habitat encroachment by humans and this has impacted a lot on their numbers in the wild today. Other threats include spread of human infectious diseases, poaching and others.

In conclusion, chimpanzee trekking is remarkably one of the most sought after experiences in Uganda. However, there is need for collective efforts among all stake holder to ensure that chimpanzees are well conserved and protected which at end, will boast on tourism sector.