Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX)

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX)

Chimpanzee tracking and Gorilla Trekking are the biggest icons of a Uganda safari. But there’s a more exciting adventure newly introduced, Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, commonly abbreviated as CHEX. More adrenaline, more excitement and more action, chimpanzee habituation experience is not for the faint-hearted.

What is Chimpanzee Habituation?

Chimps are wild and unruly creatures that enjoy being who they are without shame. Given this all happens in their natural home, you can’t have it against them. But since Jane Goodwell began studying the Kasakela chimpanzee community in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania in 1960, travellers have picked an overwhelming interest in seeing these human cousins up close. So chimpanzee habituation was started.

Chimpanzee habituation is the process of observing and getting a chimpanzee band get used to the human presence within their natural habitat. It takes at least two years of constant daily observation to get a chimpanzee troop to feel comfortable enough with human presence.

Chimpanzee habituation experience was introduced to give visitors a feel of what goes one during 12 hours of a single day in the life of a chimpanzee band undergoing habituation. Taking on this experience means an early breakfast, a packed lunch (taken from your lodge, at your own cost) and meeting your guide at the trailhead for briefing. Then, you’re taken to where the chimpanzees built nests the night before. You spend the rest of the day following and observing chimpanzees as they rise from sleep until when they build their nests getting ready to sleep.

Where can one do chimpanzee habituation experience in Uganda?

In Uganda, chimpanzee habituation experience is offered in both Kibale Forest National Park and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park. However, we highly recommend Kibale Forest because of its dramatic bands of chimps that have proven to be more entertaining to guests and besides, Kibale has better accommodation options.

What else would you see?

During a chimpanzee habituation experience, you’re rewarded with sightings of a variety of other forest natives. Thirteen species of primates can be seen in this rich tropical rainforest.

Additionally, you may see elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, various bird species-the forest has 350 different bird species. The beauty and richness of the forest is seen in the exotic plants, trees, and butterflies. Keep you keen eye open to spot these rare animals, otherwise you’ll miss out on a one time opportunity.

When To Go Chimpanzee Habituating?

The best time for chimpanzee habituation experience is when the rains are reducing. You have to note that it’s a rainforest, rain can come anytime, any day in these parts. However, for convenience, it is best in the months of March, April, May and November, when there is less tourist congestion.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Costs

The Chimpanzee habituation experience costs $220 for foreign non-residents, $150 for foreign residents and $70 for East Africans. Additionally, there are transport costs and lodging and meals that your tour operator can organise for you. Myler Safaris offers an all inclusive CHEX safari that requires you to engage in little or no planning process. Talk to one of our consultants.