Chimpanzee trekking is only in Africa; that is where one can see Chimpanzees in their natural habitat, Chimpanzees which share the same family with other primates like Gorillas and humans. Chimpanzee trekking in Africa is a very special activity that can be done in only around 21 countries in the whole of Africa, with the most renowned countries being within East Africa: Tanzania Chimpanzee trekking is done in Mahale Mountains national park and in Gombe stream National Park, thanks be to Jane Goodall for her great work to habituate these great apes.
The most current statistics show that in the next 20 years most of these countries around half might have lost the Chimpanzees due to several factors that are affecting the habitats of the like
- The chimpanzees on a daily basis are losing their homes due to deforestation. This is due to the rapid increase of the African Population that is growing at a terrific speed, hence affecting the animal habitats due to steep competition for the available land with humans and wildlife.
- Most of these animals are killed on daily basis, especially in Congo where the human beings use the Chimpanzees as an alternative of changing their diets
- Petty trading where the chimpanzees are hunted and sold illegally.
Irrespective of the above factors, East Africa has tried its best to uplift tourism to the next level, balancing wildlife and humans and educating them to live together in the most harmonious way in the same environment. Chimpanzee trekking is one of the highlights of East African tourism.
Chimpanzee trekking in can be done in Murchison falls (Budongo forest), Kibale forest national park known as the primate capital, Queen Elizabeth in Kaluzo Forest and Kyambura Gorge and finally in Rwanda in Nyungwe national park. Trekking occurs in parks where the chimpanzees are fully habituated to human presence. Each country has established various rules and regulations for chimpanzee trekking, and guests receive a briefing before entering the jungle to track these fast-moving apes in their natural environment. This process is designed to promote high-quality environmental conservation, and each park allows a specific number of guests per day.
Chimpanzee trekking can be done in two swift ones, one in the morning and another in the afternoon, depending on the country.
