Guest Blog Series: Chimpanzee Habituation by Saidi Kakuru

Volcanoes Safaris is pleased to share the experiences of Saidi Kakuru, Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT) Project Coordinator at Kibale Lodge, as he completes the chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest. The text has been written by Saidi Kakuru.

On 13 July 2024 at 5:00 am, I left Kibale Lodge for the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale National Park. I was extremely excited that today I was going to spend up to 4 hours with a troop of chimpanzees in their unique habitat. Previously, I have taken part in the Chimpanzee Trekking Experience in both Kibale Forest and Kyambura Gorge. The Habitation Experience, however, will be very different from my prior treks as it is very exclusive and the knowledge I will gain will help me to connect with our guests.

  

When I arrived at Kanyacu Visitors Center, within Kibale National Park, I met my fellow guests who would be joining me on this adventure. We were welcomed by ranger Benson who told us some stories of the chimpanzee troops and briefed us on the rules for trekking in the forest. The Uganda Wildlife Authority and the wildlife rangers work tirelessly to ensure the chimpanzees, habitat and other protected species are protected from conflict or stress, so they have several regulations in place to ensure this. These include 8 guests per chimpanzee troup per day, face masks must be worn and a distance of 8-10 meters should be kept between humans and chimps. I also learned mimicry of the chimpanzee's actions and vocalizations is forbidden as each call has a meaning that we don't understand. If we repeat, it could signal a bad response from the troop!

And then the trekking began!

After a 30-minute trek through the forest, we came upon the Buraiga community which has about 184 individuals. First, we found 2 chimps, a baby and a mother, high up in the treetops. They were then joined by more individuals high up in the trees as they feed on berries. As their loud vocalisations bounced between treetops, it felt like we were amid the troop - a wonderful feeling! The troop continued to move through the treetops, leaving the forest quiet once again. Our group looked at one another, revealing the wild experience we had just been involved in. With the time remaining, we continued trekking through the dense rainforest. The distant echoing of bird calls and russelling of leaves under our feet was the only sound to be heard.

We continued trekking for a further hour with Ranger Benson leading us through the thick forests until signs of chimpanzees showed on the forest floor. Pausing, Benson showed us the newly discarded fruits, seeds and feces - a sign that we were again coming close to another troop of chimpanzees. We found members of the Kanyatare community shortly after, in the trees and on the ground. Murungi, Esicot and Nyeka were recognised as they were relaxing on the floor. This was very nice to take videos and capture a different group of chimpanzees. Everyone was smiling, feeling happy, enjoying, and excited about the experience!

As we began to leave, Ruhweza - the Alpha male - showed us his dominance with a routine of loud sounds, drumming sticks on the ground and stomping his feet. It was an amazing final.

On arrival back to the Kanyacu Visitors Center, we were awarded with certificates of participation in the Chimpanzee Habitation Experience and spent time sharing the stories in the group. This was the best experience ever, and I would highly recommend it to our guests.