Chimpanzees

In Uganda chimpanzees are found in 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 Chimpanzee Sanctuary 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.

In Rwanda they can be seen in Nyungwe Forest. Renowned for its large groups of colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, a variety of orchids and unusual birds, Nyungwe is the largest afro montane forest in central Africa.