safe to visit chimpanzees in Uganda

SAFE TO VISIT CHIMPANZEES IN UGANDA.
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is safe to visit chimpanzees in Uganda one the few activities that gives you the opportunity to walk in the
forest to chimpanzees in their natural home from a shorter distance without any barrier. This is an
exceptional experience because chimps in many parts of the world are seen in zoos from a safe place
behind a fence. So the idea of trekking the jungles to see wild chimps in the jungles might raises
questions of whether it is safe. And the answer is yes, it is safe. You will NOT be attacked by the chimps
because you will be tracking a chimp community that has undergone habituation and you will be led by
armed park guides who are known to the chimps and these park guides also know what to do in case the
chimps become moody. safe to visit chimpanzees in Uganda
The chimps are known to be wild and violent, won’t I be attacked during the chimpanzee tracking?
Chimpanzees have instincts like humans and are some of the most violent creatures in the wild. They are
very strong and powerful in that only one grown chimp can fatally fight five energetic human males. This
statement when heard causes phobia to many. However, you will be tracking habituated chimpanzees.
Habituated Chimpanzees are ones that have been tamed to freely be with people. They are trained by
trained park personnel who make frequent visits to the chimps till the time chimps realize these humans
actually do not pose any threat to them and will stop running away or won’t attack them. The chimps
can be seeing these park personnels as friendly since during the habituation they carry some food such
as bananas.
Although they are habituated and familiar to humans, the habituated chimps are still wild and can make
an attack. So you are advised not to just illegally enter the parks for chimpanzee trekking without
authorities knowledge. However, as long as they see among the tourist group the park personnel whom
they regard as friends they will not become violent.
Tips for behaving around Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees are both peaceful and violent primates that live in the wild. While tracking these primates,
you are always put in groups led by armed guides. For safety reasons, UWA found it necessary provide
security for both the primates and the tourists by putting guidelines to follow in case you are going for
chimpanzee trekking. safe to visit chimpanzees in Uganda
1. Keep a safe distance of seven meters away from the Chimpanzees. This prevents spreading any
human diseases to the Chimpanzees. If a Chimpanzee moves closer to you, stay still and let him
pass by. If you are standing exactly where a Chimpanzee wants to be, just give him the space
and let him move as he likes. This makes the Chimpanzee feel good and respected. If the
Chimpanzee approaches you and then sits down, slowly move away to resume the seven-meter
distance. But don’t worry if you aren’t sure about what to do: your guides will be watching
closely and will instruct you as to the best way to move. safe to visit chimpanzees in Uganda
2. When you come across a troop in the jungle, try to keep quiet and move slowly, according to the
instructions of your guide. Chimpanzees are gentle animals but can be surprised and might feel
provoked if you come too close and too fast. You might hear your guide make a belching noise
on approaching the Chimpanzees. This isn’t bad manners on their part, it’s just Chimpanzee-
language to signal that they’re not a threat. safe to visit chimpanzees in Uganda

3. If you need to cough, make sure you do so into your arm. This helps to prevent the Chimpanzees
catching anything you might have. If you have cough, cold or fever, you will not be allowed to
trek since this might spread diseases to the Beautiful Primates. And again, since the trekking can
take up to 4 hours, it really needs someone who is physically strong.
4. If you look into the eyes of a Chimpanzee, take a brief moment to enjoy the experience, but
then immediately take your gaze off the Chimpanzee’s eyes and look down. This signals to the
Chimpanzee that you are not a threat and that everyone can relax.
How about other dangerous animals in the forests?
While on Chimpanzee trekking, you will meet several wild animals in the forests, such as elephants,
buffaloes, non-habituated chimps, leopard, lions and so one. Non-habituated chimps are not familiar to
people of course and can cause a danger if encountered at close quarter. However, these are also quite
shy and elusive and, in most cases, they flee before you see them. However, nothing is left to chance, so
for each tourist group tracking the chimps there is an armed ranger who shoots in the air to scare away
any animal that may seem it could attack the group.
Best season for Chimpanzee Trekking
Although Chimpanzee trekking can be done throughout the year, it has the best time for the
Chimpanzee trekking. The best time to Visit Uganda for chimpanzee trekking is during the dry season
when the trails are dry and passable. This runs from May, June, July August September and February.
You can book for your chimpanzee trekking trip with us, Shoebill Uganda Tours any day and at any time,
though, we encourage you to book 3 to 6 months prior to the scheduled date to avoid late
disappointments. You can book for your chimpanzee trekking permit directly through UWA or by using a
tour operator like Shoebill Uganda Tours to book on your behalf. safe to visit chimpanzees in Uganda
Summary
Uganda receives very many tourists from different corners of the world every year who come specifically
for Chimpanzee trekking. But over the past years there has never been any Chimpanzee trekking
insecurity incident or even Chimpanzee attacks to tourists. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is very safe
as tourists are always accompanied by sober armed and experience guides. Your experience with the
Chimpanzees will be as safe as possible. safe to visit chimpanzees in Uganda If you follow all the guidelines and behave in a way that’s
respectful to the animals, you’ll experience an extraordinary encounter with one of the world’s funniest
primates.gy