Category: Uganda

With a big population of chimps in Uganda and having many places to see them, the country by far offers the best opportunities to see and learn about chimps our closest relatives. You can see chimps within ten minutes of leaving the Entebbe International airport at a sanctuary, or you can travel towards the far ends of the country and embed with a community of chimps in the pristine jungles on a chimpanzee trekking tour. Whatever your trip itinerary to Uganda is and the kind of chimp experience you want, it is easy to include a visit to see chimps in Uganda.

There are also opportunities for kids to see chimps and I will start off with these.

Family friendly places to see chimps with kids in Uganda

Traveling with kids? Below are family friendly places where parents with children can visit to see and learn about chimpanzees.

Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary

Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary is probably the best place to see and learn about chimpanzees. This forested island on Lake Victoria measuring only 100 acres is home to more than 50 chimps. The island is a project to host chimps rescued from several situations in Uganda and across the world such as from poaching, circus, bush meat trade, etc… An electric fence separates the forest from a small area where viewing takes place from behind the fence. It is exciting watching the different individuals and learning about their history and their unique abilities, and learning about the chimps’ leadership hierarchies, classes, etc… in the community which you can observe it all playing out.

Uganda Wildlife Education Center (Zoo) – behind the scenes experience

The Uganda Wildlife Education Center (Zoo) is nearest place to see chimps in Uganda. In addition to many other animals and wildlife the zoo has 21 chimps that you can see from behind a fence. You can also join the more interactive “behind the scenes experience” where you join caretakers during their routine feeding of the chimps & other wildlife, cleaning their enclosures, etc.…

The adventurous chimpanzee trekking (15+ years)

If you want to embed with nature and trek the rainforest to see the chimps up close with no barrier in between below are the best places to go

Budongo forest, Murchison falls national park – best chimp & big game safari experience in one place

Budongo forest is the largest forest in east Africa. Part of the forest lies within the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park the prime destination for wildlife safaris in Uganda. This part of the Budongo forest that lies in the Murchison has a large habituated community of chimps numbering over 100 chimps. This community is so far the only one available for chimp tracking in the forest, as another group is still undergoing habituation. The chimps may be difficult to see during some time in the year when they venture beyond their known home territory at Kaniyo Pabidi after depleting the food here. However when they are at Kaniyo Pabidi this community offers by far the best chimp tracking experience in the forest in Uganda, as the community is quite large offering great views of different individual chimps, and in addition the forest is beautiful to walk in having some of the most gigantic trees in the region. The little undergrowth enables great views and photography!

If you want a great wildlife safari experience in the savannah bush and a wonderful chimp experience all in one place then a safari trip to Murchison Falls National Park with chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest is the best option.

Kibale forest national park

Kibale National Park is touted as the primate capital of East Africa, because of the up to 13 species of primates in this jungle that include the biggest population of chimps in Uganda with more than 1500 individuals. Due to many habituated chimps available for chimpanzee tracking activities, Kibale forest national park is the most popular destination for trips exclusive for chimpanzee tracking. It also offers 100% chances of seeing the chimps. However, this popularity also means big crowds of tourists.

Kalinzu forest reserve

Kalinzu Forest reserve is small patch of forest near Queen Elizabeth National Park, another prime safari destination in Uganda. It is not popular and often overlooked for chimpanzee trekking but with a high density of chimps, more than 250 chimps, offers great chances of seeing the chimps. If you will be visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park for a big game experience and want to see chimps as well without having to overnight away from the park, this is the best place to add to your itinerary. Kalinzu Forest is located less than an hour’s drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Kyambura gorge forest

Kyamburo Gorge Forest in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a unique forest located in a valley and it is famously referred to as the underground forest. The forest is home to a small population of chimps, about 60, which can be difficult to find sometimes. The trek in the Kyambura Gorge is a great addition to your safari experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering a wonderful nature experience with chances of seeing several wildlife including the chimps, elephants, giant forest hog, etc…

Uganda is one of the most liberal countries with some of the friendliest people in Africa and the world. There is not so much to worry about that you may do and cause you trouble with the locals. The Ugandan people are very kind and accommodative of foreigners, that even when a foreigner is in the wrong, he or she shall be handled with kindness most of the times. They understand the foreigner is not aware of much of the traditions and norms of the community.

Planning for your gorilla trip in Uganda or a long safari vacation in Uganda? Below are some of the things to avoid doing when visiting Uganda to avoid raising eyebrows and keep you from trouble:

Taking pictures of locals without their consent

Children are excited to have their pictures taken and will even invite you to take them. It is however different with adults. Most people do not want their pictures taken by a stranger. If you see an individual with a colorful dress or engaged in an activity you find interesting and want to take a picture, please approach them and ask for their permission.

However if the face is not very visible from your angle you can “steal” a shot without their knowledge.

Taking pictures of security personnel and installations

This is perhaps a standard everywhere, taking pictures of the country’s security personnel and security installations is prohibited. Once caught the repercussions can be dire. Large bridges over water are normally protected by military which may not be in view, so before taking a picture of a bridge establish if there is security, or simply avoid taking pictures of bridges (especially over the River Nile). You will cross security-manned bridges over the Nile in the east (say if you are on the day trip to Jinja or visiting Sipi Falls) and also towards the north (especially on the safari tour to Murchison Falls National Park).

Wearing skimpy especially in rural areas

A large part of the country is still very traditional that revealing of skin (especially for women) is considered immoral. A lady tourist putting on small shorts will draw excitement (close to sexual harassment) from the young men and scorn from the adults.

However, on the contrary, in parts of north eastern Uganda among the Karimojong people, nudity is in fact part of tradition that you will be surprised to find adult people who simply cover their reproductive organs and leave the rest of the body uncovered. Other young men can move completely naked! You will meet this interesting group of people with this unique culture if you planned a safari trip to Kidepo Valley National Park.

Public show of affection e.g. kissing

Public show of affection such as kissing is considered immoral for the traditional and religious Ugandan society. The traditional way of showing affection publicly is by hugging and handshake. If you want to kiss on the lips it is best to find somewhere private such as in a hotel or where there won’t be any onlookers.

Taking a random boda-boda motorcycle taxi

Jumping on a motorcycle taxi (locally called boda-boda) looks enticing when you want to get somewhere quick in the chaotic Kampala City, but you are one second away from getting crippled or even death. The motorcycle taxis are famous for being the most reckless mode of transport and are one of the biggest threats to safety in the cities. This and more are covered in our blog where we discuss the top safety concerns for tourists in Uganda and how to tourists can keep safe. Please check it out for more.

When you first arrive in Rwanda through Kigali airport, driving from the airport down into Kigali City the first thing to strike you is the impeccable cleanliness and orderliness you are ushered into. I must say no first-time visitor is ever ready for his/her first impression of Rwanda, and Kigali more specifically. Driving the very tidy and clean roads (that are well-lit at night), passing by nicely cut lawns, going through neat streets of modern high-rising buildings.…well you almost feel you are in a first world country.

Visitors are always blown away by what they find in Rwanda especially when they compare with what they have witnessed in other African countries. And the question is always, but how has Rwanda managed to achieve this?

But how has Rwanda managed to be the cleanest country in Africa?

Umuganda – a community consensus turns culture

To get everyone involved in cleaning their communities, the government introduced Umuganda Day which is the day everyone gets out; with rakes, brooms, spades, and hoes, etc… in hand, to clean their neighborhoods. Everyone in the country participates including the president. Umuganda Day is on the last Saturday of the month, starting from morning to midday. So for everyone, before proceeding with their business for the day, have to get involved in the cleaning. This initiative has become a part of Rwanda’s culture and built a sense of responsibility among the local people who want to live in a clean environment.

Focused and accountable leadership

Everything starts with leadership and the biggest crisis in Africa has largely been the leadership crisis! The uncompromisingly focused leadership of Rwanda in President Paul Kagame and his government have set out to change the narrative of Rwanda and Rwandans which is this narrative about African countries being incapable of building modern clean, orderly and safe societies devoid of chaos and dirt which characterize many African cities and countries.

One can say, Rwanda is a utopia in Africa

Strict laws

Rwanda is a country of laws! Everyone follows the law. Laws such as against public nuisance, and littering are strictly upheld by the local people and over time has changed the mindset of the local people who frown upon disorder.

Challenging past a motivational factor

Rwanda’s unpleasant past has been an extra motivation for the people of Rwanda to change the image of a country that two decades could be compared to hell, as the population turn on each other during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The Rwandan people have had to sacrifice to build a country that gives them dignity and commands respect from outsiders. When you visit Rwanda, the image of the Rwandan you had will change forever!

Tour Kigali City and know the story of Rwanda

Are you visiting Rwanda for the ultimate gorilla trekking in the virunga mountains and chimpanzee trek in Nyungwe forest or even planning a wildlife viewing safari tour to Akagera National Park, take a day to explore Kigali City and learn about the story of Rwanda and her journey to where it currently is