TRACKING CHIMPANZEES
Sharing 98.4% DNA with humans, chimps are our closest living relatives on earth. No surprise why tracking these amazing creatures is such a once in a life time experience!
The guides at are skilled in the art of chimpanzee tracking. They look for clues well hidden in the forest to locate the chimpanzees. Here are a few examples:
Nests
Chimpanzees use tree branches and foliage to build nests that are used for sleeping. To spot a chimpanzee nest, you must have a keen eye as they often appear to be nothing more than a dense patch of foliage in the forest canopy.
Prints
Chimpanzees travel on the ground in a motion called knuckle walking. This type of movement can leave behind a knuckle print.
Dung
Chimpanzees dung can help the guides to determine how recently a chimpanzee has been in the area.
Fruits
When chimpanzees eat they discard parts of fruits or wads of leaves. These clues help the guides to track the chimpanzees.
DO’S AND DON’TS
Please respect the simple rules for the safety and preservation of the forest, its animals and visitors…
When in the forest:
- You must be accompanied by a guide
- Leave all items where you found them in the forest
- Smoking is prohibited
While viewing chimpanzees:
- Follow your guide’s instructions
- Remain at least 10 meters from the chimpanzees
- Don’t eat or drink in front of the chimpanzees
- Don’t use your flash when taking a photo as it frightens the chimps
- For conservation purposes time spent with the Chimpanzees is limited to one hour
- If you are ill you are not allowed to visit the chimpanzees as you will put them at risk
- The minimum age for chimp tracking is 15 years
- Group sizes for chimp tracking are limited to 8 people
EXTRA : WHAT TO BRING ?
- Wear shoes with good traction, suitable for steep muddy slopes. Can be just well studded water proof sneakers.
- Some people feel more comfortable when wearing long sleeved clothes when moving through the jungle. The colour does not matter much though it is advisable to avoid bright colours.
- Carry rain gear, as the weather can be unpredictable.
- Carry binoculars.
- Carry enough water and food.
- When taking photos, remember your subjects are black animals in dim light, and flash is not allowed. Use a fast film (400-800 ASA) or use these settings on your digital camera.
- Yes, you could carry one bag for you all though individual backpacks would also be practical.
Thank you!
Equatorial Wild Safaris boasts of exclusively well-organized Birding tours, Gorilla tracking Safaris, Chimpanzee trekking Safaris, Wildlife Safaris as well as Big Game Safaris, Gorilla Safaris, Flight Safaris, Mountain Climbing Safaris, Hiking Safaris, Adventure safaris and Special trips like Study tours (Scientific Tours), Wedding and Honeymoon trips, Cultural and historical tours, Nature Conservation tours, Business trips in the entire Great Lakes Region of Africa.