We all know that chimpanzees are often said to be our ‘closest cousins’ but even closest cousins can be dangerous sometimes. Visitors are enchanted by the habits of these wonderful creatures, but it is important to remember that chimpanzees are indeed wild animals and must be treated accordingly. For your own safety and the safety of the chimps, the following safety rules must be followed by those on a chimpanzee trekking trip:-
Follow your guide’s instructions
Any chimpanzee trekking group will have the services of a specialist guide, an expert who is familiar with quirks and habits of the chimps and who can read the signs of the animals. He knows how to keep you and the chimps safe, the best places to stand and how close you can get to them. Your guide will always be with you and his instructions must always be followed.
Stay at a safe distance
The standard rule states that trekkers must always be at least seven metres away from the chimpanzees. Approaching any closer can be dangerous, as a frightened chimp can attack a trekker as a form of defense. On occasions, the chimps may come closer (they do not know the rules!) but on such occasions any trekker is advised to retreat to maintain the ‘seven metre’ rule.
Do not eat or drink in the presence of the chimpanzees
Chimpanzees are always on the lookout for food, but human food is not necessarily appropriate for their diet and eating near to them is provocative.
Never use flash photography
Chimps can be easily scared by the bright light and so avoid flash photography.
Keep to the time limit
Only a maximum of one hour may be spent with a chimpanzee group.
Do not make them feel trapped
Just as it is to humans, chimpanzees like their own space and freedom to move around. Therefore, do not make them feel trapped or cornered.
If you are unwell, do not undertake a chimpanzee trek
As chimpanzees are similar to humans in many ways, they are also prone to catching human diseases. Transmittable diseases such as influenza (flu) or the common cold can easily be passed on to them, unknowingly. So if you are under the weather, you should not undertake a trek to see chimpanzees. You should also think twice if you have a weak immune system since diseases can also pass the other way round (from chimp to human).
Adults only
You must be 15 years or older to join a chimpanzee trek.
Stay within your allocated group
To undertake a chimpanzee trek, trekkers are formed into groups of eight and one chimpanzee family is allocated to the group. Once the trek begins, members of the group will be led on the trek by an armed park ranger and must stay together for safety. The environment in which the treks take place is also home to many other animals, some of which are very dangerous.
Your armed park rangers
An armed park ranger is obligatory for anyone undertaking a chimpanzee trek. In the very rare event of an animal threatening the trek king group, the armed ranger is trained to fire his gun into the air to scare the animal away. Trekkers can be comfortable while on their trek and secure in the knowledge that they have the protection of the trained armed ranger.
Stay calm; don’t look directly into the chimpanzees’ eyes
All trekkers should observe a few basic rules when the chimpanzees are close by. First, trekkers should act calmly and peacefully when in the presence of the chimps. Loud voices and excited chatter are likely to scare the chimps away. Secondly, trekkers should not look directly into the chimps’ eyes as this can be perceived as threatening and even lead to the chimps charging at the trekkers.
Baby chimpanzees can be less inhibited than adults, which means that they sometimes approach trekkers and if this happens, trekkers should avoid any temptation to pick up or touch the baby chimp as this can be misinterpreted as a threat to harm it. Adults may become protective in such circumstances and charge the trekkers.
Wear the correct clothing
Trekking trips to see chimpanzees can be a hot, sweaty and sometimes muddy business.
Terrain can be rough, slippery and your trek may involve a bit of climb and descent. A good pair of (preferably) lightweight hiking boots is the best footwear. Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts are also advisable plus a pair of gloves too. Additional items required are a hat and sunglasses to guard against potential sunburn and a waterproof jacket as the forest environment can be wet with rain showers. An additional layer of clothing should be brought to put on if the temperature dips.
Don’t smoke
It almost seems unnecessary to say it but smoking while in the presence of the Chimpanzees is strictly prohibited.
The forest has no toilets!
Trekkers who need to relieve themselves should leave the trail to do so, burying their waste at a depth of 30cm.
Talk quietly
Keeping your voice down will let you hear the chimpanzees better – don’t spoil the opportunity of a lifetime!
Bring some insect repellent
As your chimpanzee trek will largely be in a forest environment, having an insect repellent is advisable as this is an environment where insects thrive.
