Chimpanzees are among the most intelligent animals found in Murchison Falls National Park, especially in the forested areas of Budongo Forest, Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, and Rabongo Forest. These forests provide both food and shelter for the chimpanzees.
Chimpanzees share about 98% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest relatives after mountain gorillas. They are social animals that live in groups of 20 or more. Each group is led by an alpha male who protects the group and mates with the females. These groups are known for their strong bonds, which help them stay safe from predators.
Chimpanzees are mainly herbivores and feed on fruits, leaves, roots, stems, and sometimes small insects or animals. An adult chimpanzee can eat up to 20 kilograms of food each day.
Their reproduction is also interesting. The gestation period is about 8 months, and females usually give birth to one baby at a time. A female can give birth for the first time around the age of 11. The young one is called an infant and stays close to its mother for up to 4 years.
When the infants grow older, they begin to move and feed on their own and interact with others in the group. Females reach reproductive maturity between the ages of 10 and 15, while males mature between 12 and 15 years.
Chimpanzees can reach a height of about 1.7 meters. Adult males weigh between 34 and 70 kilograms, while females weigh between 26 and 40 kilograms.
They have strong arms that help them swing from tree branches. This is a common way of moving through the forest. They also walk using their knuckles, especially during displays of aggression.
Chimpanzees can live between 40 and 65 years in the wild. They are mostly found in tropical rainforests and savannah woodlands. At night, they build nests using tree branches and leaves. A new nest is made each day. Mothers sleep with their young, while other individuals usually sleep alone.
Tourists who want to see chimpanzees can go chimpanzee trekking in Budongo, Kaniyo-Pabidi, or Rabongo Forest near Murchison Falls National Park. A trekking permit is required.
Trekking starts early in the morning with a briefing at the starting point. After the briefing, a park guide will lead tourists into the forest.
Chimpanzee trekking can take between 30 minutes and 4 hours, depending on where the chimpanzees are located.
The cost of a chimpanzee trekking permit is:
- USD 120 per person for foreign non-residents
- USD 110 per person for foreign residents
- USD 75 per person for East African citizens
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to August and December to February. During this time, forest trails are dry, making it easier to move through the forest while tracking the chimpanzees.
