CHIMPANZEE TRACKING

The verdant Kyambura Gorge, which marks the eastern boundary of the park and stands in stark contrast to the surrounding savannah, is a canyon some 100 m deep, 16 km long and up to 1 km wide, at the bottom of which the Kyambura River, whose riparian forest is home to some lively chimpanzees, flows into the Kazinga Canal. Total tracking time is usually between two and three hours, including a maximum of one hour with our quadrumane friends. The latter, familiarized with human presence since the late 1990s, have seen their population increase, but the geographical isolation represented by this chasm is a source of genetic impoverishment. Departures are at 8am and 2pm. It seems that the chances of seeing primates are higher in the morning, but don't be too disappointed if you don't come across any. It's said that there's a 50% chance of encountering our friends around Kyambura Gorge. Registration is possible at the park office, but space is limited, so it's safest to book in advance at UWA headquarters in Kampala. The access road is well signposted from the main road. In addition to chimpanzees, the vast ravine is home to some two hundred hippos, crocodiles and a large number of birds. Lions, leopards and elephants also come to drink from the waters of the Kyambura. The topography of the area and the demands of tracking require adequate equipment (good walking shoes, covering clothing...) and sufficient water.