We tracked gorillas in Rwanda a few years ago, and it was a fabulous experience. Ever since then I have wanted to do chimp tracking as well, knowing full... read more well that chimps are not gorillas, and being quite mindful of their different behaviors and dispositions. I expected the professionalism and protocols of the trackers to be quite similar, however, believing that their primary function is to preserve the chimpanzee habit and thereby allow them to thrive. I came away with quite a different impression, however, and certainly not in a good way.

Unlike gorilla tracking there was no orientation in which the rules were explained and limitations defined. There was no discouragement of loud talk, approaching too closely, making sudden movements, or any other such obnoxious behavior. The one and only rule was to wear your face mask when in the vicinity of the chimps. When chimps are located the call goes out to all the guides with their respective groups, and they all converge on the unfortunate group of chimps. This results in masses of loud inconsiderate tourists converging to create a frenzy of chimp-mania, everyone jostling to get as close as possible to take their close-ups and selfies. Meanwhile, much to their credit the chimps are doing their best to do their own thing in spite of the chaos. Their only salvation is the limited duration of allowable contact.

The guides assured us that the chimps are not bothered by the noise and chaos, but that is utterly unbelievable if not absurd. Imagine if a couple dozen unwelcome strangers showed up on your doorstep twice a day talking loudly, running around your house, chasing you around, and sticking cell phones and cameras in your face. How could you not be bothered by such an intrusion? Unfortunately these chimpanzees are given no choice. Their “habituation” has doomed them to this awful fate.

I understand that the money brought in by chimp tracking is critical to maintaining the habitat and the species, but there has to be a better way, one that is respectful of the chimps rather than exploitive. I know there is because I have seen it first hand with gorilla tracking in Rwanda. It is apparent to me now, having experienced it, that the real mission of this operation is to ensure that everyone sees the chimps so that they can continue to advertise a high “success” rate, keep up the demand, and keep the dollars rolling in. It is certainly not the interest and welfare of the chimpanzees. This should not be referred to as chimp tracking, but rather chimp harassment. I regret that I contributed to this indecency.

  This review is not about the Visitors Centre - but rather about the Chimpanzee tracking exercise! Most probably this is the best place in the world to do chimpanzee tracking.... read more (other couple of places being Budongo Forest in Uganda and Nyungwe forest in Rwanda). Absolutely memorable experience - not only the Chimpanzee sightings (we were extremely lucky), but the walk in the forest was itself Amazing!

We did the Night walk in Kibale Forest as well and that was another memorable experience! Though we did not sight anything significant, the experience of walking in pitch dark in primeval forests is not something we would forget soon!

  The chimps were quite relaxed, did not show any sign of agression even when people approched them too close.
However, in my opinion there were too many groups/people for the... read more amount of chimps.

Worst fact was that several visitors did not keep their masks on, posing for selfies without one. Unfortunately the trackers and guides did not demand strict mask wearing, probably beeing afraid of complaints and losing their tips.

The fault are obvious with the white visitors, who care about their selfies only,but not about the chimps!

  Please note that Chimpanzee Habituation Experience at Kanyanchu is still not satisfying. Gotten a chance, you will be taken to the North group for observation.
... read more However Kanynchu remains the best Chimpanzee tracking site in Uganda.
Best sites for FILMING are Kanyawara, and Ngogo groups.

  We arrived at the site and the guide were so welcoming, and the guiding was wow! Hope to come back one more time for the same experience

  Big visitor center, located a bit off the main road. Very helpful and friendly staff. Quite a bit of walks start from here.