Chimpanzees

 

One of man's closest relations

Chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations, are found in a number of forests in Uganda - especially Kyambura and Kibale in the west and Budongo and Kanyiyo Pabidi near Murchison Falls.  Bwindi is one of the few forests where gorillas and chimps co-exist. Chimps, however, are rarely seen there, as they live lower down when both species are present. The Ugandan variety (Pan Troglodytes Schweinfurthi) is long-haired and lives in those forests where there is a rich, all year round food supply. 

Chimpanzees can also be seen at Ngamba Island near Entebbe. This sanctuary, on a beautiful forested island, is home to chimpanzees illegally removed from the wild and confiscated by the authorities; a raised platform enables close viewing and makes feeding time an exciting activity to watch. The tour lasts about half a day, travelling either by a modified traditional Ssese canoe or a faster motor boat. An overnight stay, at a simple mobile camp, can be arranged. The entrance fees paid goes towards looking after the chimpanzees.