On these 4 Days Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking and Semuliki Hot Springs Tour, you will trek up-close and personal to along man’s closest relative, the chimpanzee in their tropical rain forest homes of Kibale National Park and explore the scenic hot springs of Sempaya in Semuliki NP. Kibale Forest National Park also known as the primates capital offers almost guaranteed chances for a face-face encounter with the chimpanzee anywhere in the region including ticking off other smaller primates totaling up to 13-species resident here.
About Chimpanzee Trekking Experience – Difficulty and Duration
Chimpanzee trekking expereince in Kibale Forest requires average fitness as this mid-altitude moist tropical rain forest lies along a moderate terrain between 1110m-1200m belt. The guided trek expereince follow various habituated chimp communities as they forage where you get to spend One full hour (longer on a habituation trek) to observe, learn the social behavior and interactions of the group in their natural rainforest habitat.
The chimpanzee live in large communities of over 120 individuals headed by an alpha male at the helm but disintegrates daily into smaller family units spreading across vast territories they patrol and defend aggressively. Frugivorous in diet, chimpanzee are more active in the mornings and late afternoons feeding mainly on figs, insects, but will once in a-while go for hunting or territory raids. Chimpanzee are loud and vocal communicating through various calls and displays including human-like and recognizable facial expressions that reflects the status, mood and excitement of an individual or group. Watching the warm and tender care of a nursing mother, the vigor and energy of displaying youngsters and above all the unforgettable heart piercing hoots, pants, drumming, chaos and cries that occur as the community feeds makes this encounter memorial and personal.
Semliki Hot springs and Fort Portal Crater Lakes Walk
On day three, explore the scenic Sempaya hot springs on the northern foothills of Rwenzori set in the lowland forest of Semuliki National Park. Named male and female, the hot springs include a powerful 1.5m geyser that spill 100degess hot salty water from underneath. That afternoon, take a guided nature walk around the scenic crater lakes outside Fort portal.
4-Days Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking and Semliki Hot Springs Tour – Detailed Itinerary
Day One: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
This morning your guide will pick you from your hotel/residence for a transfer to Kibale NP west of the capital Kampala/ Entebbe. The 4hr drive passes through a typical rural Uganda characterized by bustling small towns, interesting colorful food and fruit markets to reach the green city of Fort Portal. Arrival will be in time for lunch at your booked accommodation set on Kibale Forest edge with outstanding views of the expansive tea estates and the towering Rwenzori Mountain ranges on the western horizon.
Accommodation and Meal Plan: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge/Isunga Lodge Medium Range, FB
Drive Time: 6-7hrs
Day Two: Chimpanzee Trekking Day and Bigodi Swamp/Community nature Walk
After an early breakfast, your guide driver will drive you to the visitors briefing center where ranger guides shall take you through the conservation and experience briefing including important safety guidelines regulations. Thereafter you will be split into smaller units to be guided along trails to the feeding range of the habituated community. Be sure to pack a snack, rain jacket and a minimum of 2ltrs of drinking water. On locating the group, you will be afforded One-hour or more on habituation treks to learn about these apes. Duration solely depends on where the group has been encountered, but anything 3-5hrs is normal. Back at the trail head you will be awarded a souvenir certificate appreciating you support towards the much-needed conservation efforts to these endangered species.
Late afternoon you will extend your primate experience on a 2/3hr nature through the riverine swamp of Bigodi. Along this community protected reserve, Red-Colobus and Uganda Mangabey Monkeys both of which are near Uganda endemics occur. Other primates include, red-tailed, guereza, blue, vervet monkeys and olive baboon are seen alongside a rich bird list. The walk passes through the community where extended knowledge about cultural traditions, food and cash crops and lifestyle is gained.
Accommodation and Meal Plan: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge/Isunga Lodge Medium Range, FB
Day Three: Explore Semliki Hot springs and Crater Lakes walk
With an early start this morning transfer to Semliki Forest for a guided nature to its springs. Lying some 70km or 2hrs drive from Fort portal, the scenic hot springs are named male and female due to their cultural attachment to the local Bamba community. The scenic drive follows the northern foothills of Rwenzori offering great views of Toro Wildlife Reserve and distant lake Albert. Arriving at Sempaya office, the ranger guides will lead you on a 2hr round walk around the hot springs.
After lunch explore on a moderate hike the sparkling crater lakes near Fort Portal to enjoy the inspiring scenery shaped by violet volcanic explosions responsible of the creation of rift valley. The region’s pleasant weather aided by high altitudes makes this moderate trek worth-while as you pass through community farms and gardens on these fertile regions. Ranging from 2-3hrs, this trek will bring you across and through forest-ridged rims of these deep craters and also offer a 360 degrees views of this beautiful Toro kingdom.
Accommodation: Mountain of the Moon Fort Portal.
Drive time: 2hrs (4hrs to and fro)
Day Four: Transfer to Kampala
After a lazy breakfast set off for Entebbe with a planned hot lunch in the afternoon in Entebbe town.
Drop off at Airport
The 4 Day Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking and Semliki Hot springs Tour Includes:
- Chimpanzee permit
- A 4WD car with tourist guide
- Bigodi swamp walk fees
- Park entrance fees at Semliki NP
- Crater lakes Walk near Fort portal
- Drinking water
- Accommodation and meal plan as mentioned
Excluded:
- Tips and gratuities
- Porter fees
- Optional activities fees as mentioned
- Accommodation and meal plan on arrival day and last day
- Items of personal nature like laundry and so.
- Other meals and drinks other than mentioned