“There is no greater beauty or charm than what we can find in nature.” – Todd Romano
My recent trip to Africa offered so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences and chimpanzee trekking was one of them. Spending some time with our closest genetic relatives was a truly humbling experience, and it was so much more special because of the hard work involved in getting there. Since this was my first-time seeing chimpanzees in their natural habitat, I can honestly say it was so fascinating observing these species in the wild.
Allan and Lisa Pre-Trek Meeting our Guide Registering
Kibale National Park is the best place to spot chimpanzees in Uganda. There are some 5,000 of them found in the country, and Kibale is home to a high concentration of family packs.
We started our journey early in the morning…all geared up with layers of clothing…rain jackets, thick gloves, hats, long socks, hiking boots and gaiters. The gaiters were important because they helped to prevent fire ants from creeping into our pants.
Since it’s Covid times, we wore masks, had our hands sanitized, and our temperature was taken upon arrival at the center.
Chimpanzee trekking often means hours of hiking on steep, narrow footpaths and through the forest to see these primates in their natural habitat. It’s difficult work, but it’s thoroughly rewarding once you come upon a family of chimpanzees quietly preening, playing, and relaxing. It’s required to obtain a tracking permit before your trip because the total number of permits per day is limited.
Before heading into the forest, our Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger filled us in on the details.
- The first thing we noticed was that she was carrying a gun. The purpose of her firearm wasn’t for the chimps. Instead, rangers shoot it into the air to fend off aggressive elephants and buffalo because, in this rainforest, they’re not used to human company as they are in savannah parks. Thank goodness she didn’t have to use it while we were on our adventure!! :> If so, I think we all would have “hit the dirt…literally! LOL!
- Habituation, the process by which wild animals become accustomed to the presence of humans, can take up to two years for chimpanzees. Three habituated communities are found in Kibale: two for research and one for visitors.
- Distance must be kept between us and the wildlife.
- Loud talking, eating near the chimpanzees, littering, flash photography and monkey imitations were not allowed. In fact, the entrance sign to the park states “hooting and shouting” is prohibited!!!
By the end of the briefing, we were eager to get moving. Who knew how long it would take to track them?
Chimp Sighting!! I think we are getting close!!
Only a few minutes passed before our group detected signs of chimp life, the first being poop and the second were knuckle tracks.
Chimpanzee Droppings Knuckle Imprint
So, we forged on, trekking over roots, limbs and tree trunks, pushing the foliage out of our path so we could make our way through the forest. We were on a mission to see the chimps and the excitement continued to build and become more real as we heard them ‘hooting” in the distance.
Wildlife Encounters – Up Close & Personal
Our ranger warned us to be aware of falling fruit from the trees or even splitter splatter of what would seem like rain but in reality, was chimp urine. Thank goodness we wore hats….just in case we were caught in the “shower”.
We hiked for about an hour and a half, getting closer and closer to their “hoots”, when we noticed a wrestling of the leaves in the distance. Right before our eyes was a chimpanzee jumping from tree to tree. We all stopped dead in our tracks to observe. It’s a showstopper when you realize how close you are to them! What a sight!
Chimp & Gorilla Trekking are quite different!
Chimpanzee trekking is a very different experience than gorillas. What’s similar is that trackers have their general location each day, but once you find them, they are almost constantly on the move. They can be difficult to keep up with because they are quick-footed, erratic and move at all angles. So it’s a very active encounter….and a noisy one as they hoot and holler to each other.
Gorillas, on the other hand, usually stay within a very contained area each day before making their new nest for the night, and then moving on when waking up the next day.
He’s mighty fierce looking! Oh, and that’s me in the background! :>!!
Let the chase begin…
Once we saw the first chimp, we knew others were nearby…and so the chase was on. Our ranger said, “Let’s go”! And off we went, following the chimps as they moved quickly through the forest. We tried our best to keep up with them by climbing over the tree stumps, zig zagging through the forest and pushing the foliage out of our way!
Check out the video! We’re on the move! If you look closely, you will see the chimp ahead of the ranger!
A little hooting and hollering!
Look at how close we were to the chimpanzees! Check out the video below!
Adventure Highlights!
Seeing the chimpanzees in their habitat was one of life’s magical moments. My first ever face-to-face encounter was profound and exhilarating. There’s an undeniable connection of familiarity since these primates’ behavior, mannerisms, hands and expressions are very similar to ours. It’s not surprising they share 98% of our DNA. To have tracked and sweated for over 5 hours in a deep jungle and finally stumble upon a family of chimpanzees is for sure an awe-inspiring and memorable experience!
Now…are you ready to travel to Uganda? Let’s go!!
Have you heard the news??
Stay positive! Stay Healthy! Stay safe!
Travel Update
This week the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has expanded the requirement for all air passengers entering the United States from foreign countries, including all American Citizens, must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of departure to enter the country beginning January 26, 2021.
As your Travel Advisor, I will help you navigate through this new protocol. Many of my supplier partners have been working to set up procedures to provide testing at their resort or in destination so it’s easy and seamless for you.
Here’s a perfect example.
Uganda requires a negative Covid test 72 hours before arrival and 72 hours before we could leave the country. Test & Fly Laboratory (www.testandfly.co.ug) sent a team to administer PCR tests to us while we were at the lodge in Bwindi…which was our last stomping ground before departure. We received our results within 24 hours, printed and ready for our return flight. Seamless!
Let’s look at the details:
- Airlines are responsible for checking each passenger’s results.
- Rapid antigen and PCR tests will be valid for entry.
- Those who have a negative test result or documentation from a doctor stating they’ve recovered from COVID-19 will be allowed boarding.
- Those without documentation will be denied boarding.
- You can present your results digitally or on paper.
- Flight crews are exempt, as are those traveling to the Continental U.S. from any U.S. territory.
- If you’ve recovered from COVID-19 within three months, you can be exempted with a positive test as well as a doctor’s note.
- Connecting passengers are not exempt from the rule.
- Those who have been vaccinated still must present a negative test result before boarding.
- If you test positive while abroad, you will be stuck in that country until you test negative.
Anyone over the age of 2 must provide written documentation of the laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) to the airline or provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19.
And…it’s all in due time that this new policy was to be implemented!
Another close encounter!
Africa Smiled…
Africa smiled a little when you left. “We know you,” Africa said. “We have seen and watched you. We can learn to live without you. But we know we needn’t yet.”
And Africa smiled a little when you left. “You cannot leave Africa,” Africa said. “It is always with you there inside your head.”
Our rivers run in currents in the swirl of your thumbprints. Our drumbeats counting out your pulse Our coastline, the silhouette of your soul.
So Africa smiled a little when you left. “We are in you,” Africa said. “You have not left us yet.” –Bridget Dore
It’s Official! I earned my Chimpanzee Tracking Certificate!
Uganda…The Pearl of Africa!!
Part of what makes Uganda such a special place to visit is its combination of wildlife experiences within such a small region. It’s a beautiful destination for adventurous souls and wildlife lovers.
Click below to follow along on this amazing journey.
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. -John Muir
As we start a new year, take time to reflect on your dream destinations! What places and moments would you like to experience and what memories would you like to cherish long after you return from your adventure?
As your travel advisor, I’m here to help you dream about your next adventure! I call it putting “HOPE on the calendar”! When you are ready, let me know! I personally can’t wait to travel to my next far off distant land to experience a new culture! These memories will forever be a part of my travel experiences!
