There are several things to do in the Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Toro–Semuliki Reserve
Chimpanzee tracking occurs in the Toro–Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, not within the national park. The chimpanzee group under observation inhabits gallery forests between the Semliki Safari Lodge area and the Wasa River corridor.
Habituation is ongoing, supported by long-term research funded by the Uganda Biodiversity Fund and by foreign academic institutions.
The forest cover here is thinner than in Kibale, and sightings are less predictable.
However, the experience provides insight into primate adaptation in semi-woodland zones. Tracking begins at 0800 hours, typically after a mandatory briefing.
Visitor numbers are capped at six individuals per tracking session. Minimum age is 15. Tourists must carry at least 2 litres of water, and sturdy footwear is non-negotiable due to thorn grass and heat stress.
Batwa Cultural Interpretation
The Batwa are former forest occupants who were displaced during the gazettement of protected areas. Today, their cultural presence is preserved through interpretive visits, music and dance showcases, and oral history sessions.
These activities are managed in partnership with UWA and community-based organisations.
Sessions take place near Ntandi or in designated zones along the forest edge. Programmes include:
- Demonstrations of forest survival techniques
- Traditional music performances
- Explanations of plant use for medicine and food
While some critics question the authenticity of staged cultural performances, these interactions provide income for Batwa households and help preserve oral traditions at risk of vanishing.