CHIMPANZEE HABITUATION

There are over 4950 Chimpanzees ever recorded to live in Uganda and about 1500 0f these live in the Kibale Forest National Park alone. The habituation experience entails being with a group of chimpanzees in the forest for a half or full day to learn how they live. Habituation is the training of chimp primates to get used to humans being around them and preparing them to be tracked. It takes about 2 to 3 days. Tourists track recent activity of the chimps, where they built their nests the night before. During this excursion, tourists are given about six hours' time to spend with the primates.

This is a hands-on experience where you learn from researchers and chimpanzees as you watch them. You will be in the company of a Uganda Wildlife Authority Guide who will be pointing out the chimpanzees being habituated and other inhabitants in the forest like mammals, birds and butterflies. Additional activities will include seeing them copulating, feeding, patrolling breastfeeding for the little ones, hunting, resting and later on at around 7 pm, building new nests where they are to stay during the night.

The habituation of Chimps means having an early breakfast, pack some snacks and some bottled water with you. Get your camera set for some quality chimp pictures. Other items to carry include waterproof hiking boots, Long-sleeved shirt, Long trousers, a hat, rainy jacket and a binocular. Tourists visiting chimps for habituation must be 12years old and above. Kibale forest national park is the best place for the chimpanzee habituation experience. There other places like Budongo forest and Ngamba Island, a chimpanzee sanctuary. The best months for habituation are March, April, May and November when there is less congestion of tourists.

The habituation of chimps has its permits which cost about 250USD for non-foreign residents 200USD for foreign residents and 70USD for East African residents. The difference in habituation experience and chimp trekking is how long you spend with the chimps. Trekking takes about 1 hour whereas habituation takes about 6 hours. Tourists get to learn to identify chimps by scars, markings and other unique features. The habituation takes about 3 years before they can be opened for trekking.

Kibale Forest National Park is not only rich in primates but other things as well. Beside the 13 primate species in the park other mammals include elephants, the Red and Blue Duikers, Sitatungas, Bushbucks, lions, Bush pigs, Giant Forest Hogs, Warthogs, African Buffalo Common, Leopards, African Golden cats, otters, and different kinds of Mongooses. The park has inexhaustible birdlife in the park with over 325 sited bird species like the Ground Thrush which is endemic to Kibale Forest National Park, the African Grey parrot, the Western Tinker bird, and the Olive long-tailed Cuckoo among others. Papyrus Adventures will book your primate safaris for you.