Chimpanzee trekking rules to remember in 2024 : Chimpanzee trekking in the east African region is next to mountain gorilla trekking safari; meaning people or tourists will seek it as much as they seek for mountain gorilla trekking – and people will go for chimpanzee trekking just as much as they go for mountain gorilla trekking though if they are put between a rock and a hard place they will choose mountain gorilla trekking.
Well, that’s not the point here; since chimpanzee trekking is as popular to people as it is too; in this article we want to shade light on some chimpanzee trekking rules that you should remember when you are going for any of these chimpanzee trekking experiences.
These are the general rules that apply to almost all chimpanzee trekking areas however, you will find some places will add a couple that they feel will compliment these rules.
So, the rule is; –
Only persons ages 12 and above are allowed to trek the chimpanzees.
Though the chimpanzees’ habitats are usually flat and not really hard to trek, you need to be physically fit to take on a chimpanzee trek. The physical fitness is basically for you to be able to walk for about 4 to 6 hours and still be okay. It has nothing to do with the chimps.
You should be healthy to trek the chimpanzees; basically, not suffering from any communicable disease, that can be transmitted to the chimpanzees.
To trek the chimps, you should also acquire a trekking permit ahead of time. It’s the permit that gives you the right to access the chimpanzees.
You will trek in groups of 8 or 10, so. You can’t trek alone so make sure you are a group with a trekking ranger or guide before you enter the forest.
Follow the guide direction and instructions of your group guide at all times when you are on the trek and in the trekking area.
Keep a healthy distance of 7 or 8 meter between you and the chimps will you are a trek.
As you trek and stay in the presence of the chimpanzees you will be required to keep low voices or sounds and movements to not disrupt the chimpanzees or scare them away or even cause them to attack you.
You will spend only an hour with the chimps so respect that hour. Don’t try to extend it or do anything that will violate it.
Don’t use flash photography or videography while in the presence of the chimps. The flash can irritate the chimpanzees and cause them to move away or worst-case scenario attack you.
If you find yourself in a situation of the chimpanzee approaches
Don’t do anything intimidating to the chimpanzees, they will attack you if they feel intimidated. Things like eye contact are, are no, don’t try it.
If a chimp comes to you or stands so close to you stay calm, and don’t run or make any noises. Then back away slowly in a non- distractive way.
Please don’t smoke, drink or eat in front of the chimps and don’t feed the chimps.
these are the major rules to remember this 2024 as you go for your chimpanzee trekking. If you fail to respect any of them you permit may be revoked.
Chimpanzee trekking in the region is done in Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu Forest in Uganda, Nyungwe forest national park in Rwanda and Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The trekking permit vary in price and can range from 250 USD to 100 USD depending on the place.
