My first encounter with Ugandan primates had been intimidating to say the least, but it was time to give the locals a second chance. It was time to meet the Chimps.

We got up bright and early, but unfortunately I was not feeling so bright that early. After working out how to put my shirt on the right way in the dark I was ready to go (well, as ready as I would ever be at 5.30am).

As we started to hike through the Kalinzu Forest, I quickly realised that Ugandan chimpanzee’s were not quite as confident as their Baboon cousins. We were going to have to work a bit harder to find these guys.

We jumped over rivers, balanced over precarious logs in thick mud and battled our way through the thick jungle and eventually heard the sounds of the chimps.

‘Wow, that is quite a bum!’

Yep, my first sight of a chimpanzee looked like something out of a Nikki Minage film clip. “Oh my god, look at her butt…”

But eventually she showed of more than her behind and we managed to admire the magnificent tree-swinging creatures in full. It was impossible not to be impressed with the ease that they showed as they swung and jumped across the jungle rooftop.

We quickly ran through the jungle after them, sacrificing bare arms to the thorny branches and our ankles to the hungry insects.

It was worth every scratch, bite and but view.

Chimps are not going to join you at your campsite or steal your dinner. You have to put in more effort to fraternise with these bootylicious babes of the branches. But if you get the chance to go on a chase of the chimps, you will not be disappointed.

Kalinzu Forest

Tourist Activities in Kalinzu Forest
Tourist activities in the Reserve include
· Chimps tracking allowing 4 visitors per day at US Dollars 50 per person
· Forest Walks,
· Conservation Education,
· Birding,
· Butterfly Identification,
· and small Mammal viewing.
How to Get to Kalinzu  
Kalinzu Forest Reserve is located in Bushenyi District in western Uganda. It is approximately 375 km. (six hours drive) from the Capital City of Kampala. Because of the Albertine Terrain with old logging and winding roads, a four – wheel drive vehicle is recommended.

Accommodation in the Reserve is still informal with only a do-it- yourself Camping Site at the Forest Station at Nkombe. Visitors are advised to carry their own Tents. Visitors can also seek modest accommodation in Bushenyi/Ishaka Townships.
For Reservations, please contact the Range Manager on Tel: 256-41-0772 458389