Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge is one of the top travel experiences in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Travelers with extended time in QENP love to include a trek to see chimpanzees in the under ground Forest Kyambura Gorge. Whereas, most Uganda chimpanzee tours are done in Kibale Forest National Park “The primate capital of Africa” Kyambura gorge is yet another interesting place to meet face to face with the endangered chimpanzees. The experience of trekking chimps in Kyambura gorge is off beaten given the under ground forest where these primates live. One community of chimpanzees has been habituated for travelers to see and interact with in Kyambura Gorge. 
For those who have been there, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge also entails learning about the formation of this gorge, discovering birds and other wildlife in this underground forest.
Cost of chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Each permit to visit chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge costs $30 for foreign non-residents, $30 for foreign residents and UGX 30,000 for Ugandans and East African citizens. Uganda Wildlife Authority issues all permits but Gorilla Trek Africa can help you book and pick them at a small fee. The low cost of chimpanzee tours in Kyambura gorge make it a best destination for low budget travelers. However unlike in Kibale Forest, chimpanzee permits costs in Kyambura gorge exclude park entrance fees. Travelers therefore pay separate entrance fees to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Permit booking is recommended some tine earlier before the trekking date.
Guide to chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge
The day if chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge starts in the morning with a brief guide through the rules and regulations of trekking. Travelers are then led to the underground forest to meet their lost relatives. A walking stick is a must have for every body due to the wet forest grounds. More so, travelers are advised to wear waterproof closed shoes, gardening gloves and a raincoat in case of rains. Travelers are allowed an hour with the chimpanzees but the actual time to spend in the forest is un certain depending on the location of chimpanzees.
Other places to see chimpanzees in Uganda
Besides Kyambura gorge, the other places to see chimpanzees in Uganda are Kibale Forest National Park, which shelter the highest number of chimpanzees in Africa and 12 other primates. The other chimpanzee destinations are Kalinzu Forest and Budongo Forest. Chimpanzee trekking experience in each destination is exceptional and one of a kind. Take part in the half-day chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest where wild chimpanzees are trained to get familiar with people.
About Kyambura Gorge
The gorge is part of the Kyambura game reserve located in the northeastern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The under ground forest is 100 meters deep and 1 kilometer long which give you a fresh experience. Riverine forest is the major vegetation in Kyambura Gorge. Kyambura River that flows in the forest keeps it fresh and cool at all times of day and night.
Other wild animals in Kyambura Gorge
Besides chimpanzees, the under ground forest is home to several other primates. These include Vervet monkeys; Red tailed Monkeys, Baboons, Black and white colobus among others.
Bird watching in Kyambura Gorge
For birders, Kyambura gorge is one of the best birding spots in Uganda sheltering over 300 bird species some of which are rarely seen anywhere n the world. Examples of notable birds in Kyambura gorge include White tailed lark, African Fin foot, Martial Eagle, African Skimmer, Blue headed bee eater, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Bar-tailed Godwit, Lesser Flamingoes, Pal nut vulture, Swamp Fly catcher, Broad billed roller, Red chested sunbird, Papyrus Gonolek, White backed night heron, Crab plover and shoebill among others. Bird watching in Kyambura gorge and the entire Queen Elizabeth National Park is from late May to September. However, April to November is the best time for watching migratory birds in this area.
Nature/Forest Walk
Explore the hidden gem in the under ground Kyambura gorge on foot. A nature/forest walk is an opportunity to discover the entire hidden gem in this gorge. Walk to Kyambura River, which flows in the hart of the forest, look out for medicinal plants and discover tiny ground animals. A nature walk offers you a fresh feeling of the natural environment.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
As said already, Kyambura gorge is part of the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is the second largest park in Uganda. The park offers a long list of interesting things to see and do to make a complete Uganda safari tour. In addition to trekking chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge, enjoy other tourist activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. These include:
• Game Viewing: Enjoy guided game viewing in the savanna plains of Queen Elizabeth Park, which shelter a high concentration of wild animals. You will see a variety of animals such as lions, Leopards Buffalos, Elephant, Uganda Kobs, Waterbucks, Warthogs and hippos among others. Drive to Ishasha sector in the southern region of QENP to see the famous tree-climbing lion, which spend most of their time up in the acacia and fig trees. Game drives are best done in the morning and evening when animals are actively grazing and predators hunting before retiring for day and night rests respectively.
• Boat cruise: Boat cruising at Kazinga channel is another interesting activity to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy a cruise on the fresh calm waters of Kazinga channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The banks of Kazinga channel shelter various birds and water animals such as crocodiles and hippos among others. The cruise offers you great views of animals in the park and the neighboring fishing villages which make the whole experience fun
• Crater Lakes: Discover different crater lakes in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Visit Lake Munyanyange famous for the lesser and greater flamingoes, Lake Katwe for salt mi9nig, Lake Bunyampaka, Lake Nyamunuka whose waters heal the wounded animals and many more lakes in all corners of the park.
• Lion Tracking: Be part of the experimental lion tracking experience in kasenyi plains. This entails following up on the lions in the wilderness to earn their social life and how they spend their time. Radio callers have been put in the park to alert rangers on the where about of lions making it easier for you to find them.
Contact us at Gorilla Trek Africa for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge and wildlife experience in Queen Elizabeth National park.
