Africa is a wildlife wonderland. Its got the iconic Big Five, the magnificent mountain gorillas and another primate that often goes unnoticed despite being one of our closest living relatives – the chimpanzee. Found in forests across Central and West Africa, these clever little creatures provide an unforgettable safari experience for those willing to leave the tourist traps.
Popular Chimpanzee Safaris in Africa
Where To Go For Chimpanzee Trekking in Africa
Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda
Located high up in western Uganda, Kibale National Park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees which is one of the highest concentrations found anywhere in Africa. Tropical rainforest stretches through woodlands and grassland providing diverse homes for all sorts of primates including red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
The trek through Kibale brings loads of excitement as it should given that it starts before sunrise! That’s right – as soon as its light enough to follow a colourless trail you’ll set off with your guide deep into park where they will then locate one of the habituated chimp communities so you can say good morning! Group sizes are strictly regulated when viewing chimps so you won’t be jostling with other tourists too much but do keep your fingers crossed that they’re well-behaved during this once-in-a-lifetime hour!
One thing that makes this trek special compared to others is how long you get with the chimps. It’s an hour for most other treks but here we have a long two hours to sit back and watch the show. That means you can see them do all sorts of things like play, groom and eat, but there’s one behavior that everyone loves to hear – their famous “pant-hoot”. Just like Tigger they love to bounce around squawking this vocalisation at anything that moves so stay alert, it’s hilarious to witness.
When to go: The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is during the dry seasons, from June to September and from mid-December to February. However, the park is accessible year-round, and the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) can offer lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
Where to stay: Kibale Forest Camp, Primate Lodge Kibale, Ndali Lodge
Insider tip: If you want more than just your hour with the chimps then you’re in luck! You’ll need a few extra batteries though as this Habituation Experience gives you a full day with researchers and habituators as they teach new communities how to behave around humans. Trust us – no amount of David Attenborough will prepare you for this level of interaction!
Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
In southwestern Rwanda lies Africa’s secret gem – Nyungwe National Park. Over 1,000 square kilometers of untouched montane rainforest provides habitat for 500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species including Rwenzori colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and olive baboons.
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is a challenging but rewarding adventure that takes you deep into the heart of the forest, over steep hills and through dense vegetation. The chimps here are less habituated than those in other parks, which means that sightings are not guaranteed, but the thrill of the search and the beauty of the surroundings make it a worthwhile endeavor.
In addition to chimpanzee trekking, Nyungwe offers a range of other activities for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. There’s the Canopy Walkway, a 90-meter suspension bridge that offers a bird’s-eye view of the forest. Then there’s also Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail. This leads to a stunning waterfall and also provides an opportunity to spot rare bird species.
When to go: The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is during the dry seasons. Those are from June to September and from mid-December to February. However, the park is accessible year-round too! And during rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) you can capture some beautiful sights as well.
Where to stay: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse
Insider tip: Don’t miss out on visiting Banda Village when you’re here! You’ll get some insight into traditional Rwandan culture and learn about various handicrafts such as basket weaving and pottery.
Gombe National Park, Tanzania
Located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, Gombe National Park is famous as the site of Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking chimpanzee research. It began all way back in the 1960s and still continues today! The park itself is home to three habituated chimpanzee communities. As well as other primates such as red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons.
Chimpanzee trekking in Gombe is a unique and intimate experience. Not only that but it lets you follow in the footsteps of Jane Goodall too! Observe the chimps up close in their natural habitat. The treks are sometimes strenuous as the chimps range over steep hills and valleys, but it will all be worth it once you spot these intelligent and expressive creatures.
In addition to chimpanzee trekking, Gombe offers a range of other activities for visitors. These include hiking to the park’s stunning waterfalls, swimming, snorkeling in Lake Tanganyika, and visiting the Jane Goodall Research Center too!
When to go: The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Gombe is during dry seasons. Those run from July to October and from late December to February. But don’t worry! If you’re not traveling during those times of year, no worries! The park is accessible year-round and offers different beauty depending on when you visit.
Where to stay: Gombe Forest Lodge, Mbali Mbali Gombe, Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
Insider tip: Make sure that if you’re looking to book your chimpanzee trekking permits well ahead of time! That’s because the park only allows a limited number of visitors per day. They do this in order to minimize disturbance caused by visitors.
Mahale Mountains Tanzania
Chimpanzee trekking in Mahale is a wild and adventurous experience, as the chimps here are less habituated and traverse difficult terrain. The treks can be long and challenging, but the stunning views and thrill of seeing the chimps in their natural habitat make it worth it.
Aside from chimpanzee trekking, Mahale offers plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy. You can hike to the park’s beautiful waterfalls and streams, kayak or fish on Lake Tanganyika, or simply relax on one of its pristine sandy beaches.
When to go: The best time for chimpanzee trekking is during the dry seasons from May to October. But you’ll get a chance year-round to see chimps building nests in trees.
Where to stay: Greystoke Mahale, Mbali Mbali Mahale, Kungwe Beach Lodge
Insider tip: Since Mahale is so remote, you’ll have to fly to a nearby airstrip before taking a boat to your lodge or campsite. Be sure to plan well ahead!
Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Uganda
Tucked away in the western region of Uganda, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, is Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Although not as well-known as some other destinations in Uganda when it comes to chimpanzee trekking and primate safaris, this reserve is just as outstanding. More than 300 chimpanzees call this place home along with creatures such as black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and olive baboons.
Chimpanzee trekking at Kalinzu won’t put a hole in your wallet like it might if you visited spots like Kibale National Park. The guides and trackers who take visitors on these treks have extensive knowledge of the forest and the chimp communities that reside there. Additionally, small group sizes allow tourists to have a more intimate experience.
Nature walks, birdwatching and cultural visits to nearby tea plantations and villages are just some of the other activities offered at Kalinzu.
When to go: It’s best to visit during the dry seasons from June to August or December to February.
Where to stay: Kalinzu Forest Camp, Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, Ihamba Lakeside Safari Resort
Insider tip: Don’t forget your hiking boots!
Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda
Located near Masindi in western Uganda is Budongo Forest Reserve — an incredible ecosystem that stretches far beyond what meets the eye. In addition to being home to over 600 chimpanzees (plus blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys), it also has over 360 species of birds.
The Budongo Conservation Field Station within the reserve allows visitors who join researchers on their daily tracking expeditions a unique educational experience where they can learn about how chimps and other primates behave within their natural habitat. The field station has been studying wildlife at Budongo for more than three decades.
As with Kalinzu, Budongo offers much more than just chimpanzee trekking: there are many other activities, such as nature walks and birdwatching tours, as well as cultural visits to nearby villages and schools.
When to go: It’s best to visit during the dry seasons from June to August or December to February.
Where to stay: Budongo Eco Lodge, Masindi Hotel, New Court View Hotel
Insider tip: Don’t forget your binoculars!
Cross River National Park
Cross River National Park is a vast and biodiverse wilderness that is home to over 300 chimpanzees, and a lot of other animals too. The park has an incredible plant diversity, with over 1,500 species recorded.
Chimpanzee trekking in Cross River will take you deep into the heart of the rainforest, through rugged terrain and across rivers and streams. You are not guaranteed to see them but it’s worth a shot.
The park also offers other activities for visitors such as hiking to waterfalls, bird-watching, and cultural visits to the nearby villages and communities.
When to go: November through March and from July through August are the best times to go on this adventure. It can be done year-round though.
Where to stay: Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Becheve Nature Reserve, Butatong Resort
Insider tip: It is best if you hire a local guide for your trip here. The park is big and hard to navigate without help.