Chimp trekking

Since some of us had already taken a trip to the Rhino sanctuary, Justine hooked up a trip to go chimp trekking for five of us. So while most of group one drove off to the rhino sanctuary, the five of us (Lance, Justine, Pablo, Joe, and I) boarded our mutatu and headed to a reserve that was close to Budongo forest, where we would see the chimpanzees. We stayed in a place that was filled with birds and nests and huts. Lance and Justine stayed in one hut while Pablo, Joe, and I took the other. It was a beautiful place, the huts were cool and dark and the food was awesome. The proceeds for this place also went toward the children of the community which made it even better. We paid for a tour that night, which was great because that money went back into the community as well. The guide took us around the farms and we met with locals and elders. The first local didn’t even speak English, so the guide would interpret for us. He explained to us birthing rituals and naming ceremonies. We also saw traditional hunting tools and tried to shoot a bow and arrow (NOTHING like it is in the states). The next stop involved tobacco farming, and we saw how the leaves were dried. Justine loved the smell of that part! They showed us coffee beans while they were still on the trees. The last stop involved an elder (who also didn’t speak English) explaining the courting and marriage customs. That part went on for a while because it was getting dark and we were all getting really hungry.

We spent the next morning lounging around because we did not have to be at Budongo forest until the afternoon. Much needed quiet and relaxation time. Then we got ready headed out to go find some monkies. The Bundongo forest is part of the Jane Goodall institute, and one of the guides that was with us has been to multiple conferences with Jane Goodall herself. Pretty awesome. We spent the morning going though the forest and looking for signs of chimpanzees. We finally saw our first chimp, Babyface. After that, we started to see many up in the trees. Then one finally crossed our path and climbed up the tree…and farted. Hilarious. We left the forest to the screeching of chimps. Overall, the trip was relaxing, informative, and surreal. I loved every minute of it.