Experience the thrill of Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda on your next Uganda safari. Visit the Kibale Forest National Park, home to one of the highest concentrations of chimpanzees in Africa. Other destinations include Ngamba Island, Budongo Forest and Kyambura Gorge. With our experienced guides, trek through the lush tropical forest to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. Our Uganda tours offer comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, ensuring an enjoyable and educational experience. Along the way, learn about the park’s diverse flora and fauna, and enjoy the opportunity to spot other wildlife, such as monkeys, birds, and butterflies.
This is done in Kibale forest, Kyambura gorge, Ngamba Island, Semuliki valley, Budongo forest and Kalinzu forest, most people recommend Kibale to be the best for this experience, it hosts over 1500 chimpanzee and many other primate species. Tracking chimpanzees in Kibale can be done either in the morning or in the afternoon. Just like trekking gorillas, an hour is also given to trackers to spend with the chimpanzees. A permit costs $200, and those that need more hours with the chimpanzees can do chimpanzee Habituation which costs $250.
Kalinzu Forest and Kyambura gorge are both located near Queen Elizabeth hence, for the tourists that won’t travel to Kibale but would love to track chimpanzees while on a safari in Queen, they can do the activity in any of the these places. Budongo forest is located near Murchison falls and it also offers two tracking sessions for chimpanzees every day, it hosts over 800 chimpanzees. Semuliki valley also offers great chimpanzee experience and mainly researchers and students who visit the valley to watch chimpanzees and study more about them. You can also find chimpanzees in the Zoo (UWEC) and Ngamba Island found near and on Lake Victoria respectively.
Uganda is an astonishing place. It’s full of natural beauty and diversity, also home to a vast array of wildlife, from mountain gorillas to playful chimpanzees. While gorilla trekking might be the most well-known safari experience in the country, chimpanzee trekking is just as worthwhile and exciting. Don’t sleep on it.
Kibale National Park
As far as numbers go, this one wins: Kibale National Park located in western Uganda has the highest concentration of chimps in Africa. The park spans 766 square kilometers and is home to 12 other primate species (that aren’t chimps), including red colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
Trekking here means waking up early and going on an adventure which starts just after sunrise with your guide who will lead you to one of the habituated chimp communities in the park. How long it lasts depends on how easy or difficult the terrain is or where those chimps are hiding.
One super cool thing about visiting these chimps is being able watch them close-up as they do their daily activities like feeding or grooming themselves — so don’t forget your binoculars! The park’s habituated chimps are used to humans coming by so they won’t mind if you get really close (as long as you stay within a few meters). If they didn’t like humans, they’d just go elsewhere.
Besides trekking chimps, the park offers other activities such as the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. It’s a project that aims to care for the community through eco-friendly tourism, and one of the things it offers is guided walks through a swamp to spot primates, birds, and other wildlife. The park is also home to more than 300 species of birds — so if you’re into birdwatching, bring your camera!
When to go: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is best during dry seasons (June-August and December-February). But even when it’s raining (March-May and September-November), this place always has lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
Where to stay: Primate Lodge Kibale, Ndali Lodge, Kibale Forest Camp
Insider tip: If you want an experience that fully immerses you in everything chimp-related, try booking the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. This allows you to spend an entire day with researchers who are working on getting a new chimp community used to human presence.
Budongo Forest Reserve
Up northwest there’s another lush rainforest reserve called Budongo Forest Reserve. Its area measures 435 square kilometers which houses many chimpanzees — plus several other primate species! Oh yeah..and over 360 bird species. Perfect for any bird enthusiasts out there!
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo, located at the Budongo Conservation Field Station, is a rewarding experience that offers visitors the chance to observe these primates in their natural habitat. The treks are done by experienced individuals who have been studying the wildlife in the reserve for over 30 years.
The opportunity to learn about ongoing research and conservation work being done in this area is one of the unique benefits of chimpanzee trekking. Visitors can hear from experts during lectures and presentations, as well as be able to participate in activities such as nest searches and behavioral observations.
When it comes to other activities, there are plenty to choose from at Budongo. Some other options include guided nature walks, birdwatching, and cultural visits to nearby villages and communities.
The best time to visit is during dry seasons, June-August and December-February. The reserve does remain accessable year-round however. If you choose to go during rainy seasons (March-May, September-November) you will be met with beautiful landscapes and less people.
Kyambura Gorge
Located further southwest than Bukonga-Mpangi Reserve (see above), Kyambura Gorge is another chasm known for its thriving primate population. You’ll find chimpanzees here too!
Trekking through Kyambura Gorge is unlike anything else on this list because of how deep into your surroundings you’ll need to go. The chimps here move through dense vegetation on steep slopes — so be prepared! It’s tough but worth it… That’s what they always say right?
One thing that’s not really mentioned by many travel articles online is just how beautiful Kyambura Gorge itself actually is… Like seriously… Have you seen pictures? Walls covered with plants that get watered by the Kyambura River that flows through the bottom. This causes waterfalls and rapids. Wildlife such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and baboons also make it their home.
Other activities? Yeah, there’s still other things to do here… Like any place you’ll find guided nature walks, birdwatching opportunities, and cultural visits to nearby villages and communities.
The best time to visit is during — again — dry seasons June-August and December-February. However, if you decide to come during rainy seasons of March-May or September-November then be prepared for less crowds. Some people might prefer that!
Insider secret: Carry lots of hydration and munchies for your monkey search, as the expedition can be far and tiring. Also, think about hiring a helper to lug your rucksack and give you a sweet hand on the hard tracks.
Kalinzu Forest Reserve
The Kalinzu Forest Reserve lies in the western region of Uganda. It is a beautiful tropical rainforest that is home to many primates, such as chimpanzees. This reserve covers an area of 85 square miles and not only does it have other primate species nestling there but also birds and butterflies.
Chimpanzee trekking in this forest will give you a unique experience because this is not your typical tourist destination. The treks are cheaper, less crowded and more intimate which allows visitors to get closer to nature unlike some of Uganda’s more expensive destinations. This is possible as experienced guides and trackers who are familiar with the forest and ape communities lead them on these small group sizes treks.
One amazing thing about Kalinzu’s chimpanzee trekking is that you will be able to explore parts of Uganda that are less known at an intimate level. The reserve is located off the main tourist circuit which enables visitors to be up close with the country’s natural beauty alongside its wildlife.
Apart from chimpanzee trekking, Kalinzu has many other activities such as guided nature walks, birdwatching, and cultural visits to nearby villages which can keep visitors entertained if they decide to have a stay over here.
When it’s best for chimpanzee trekking: During the dry seasons in June-August or December-February. Where to stay: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Engagi Lodge
Insider tip: When going for a trek ensure you put on sturdy hiking boots and long pants since sometimes the forest can be muddy alongside having dense vegetation. Also pack insect repellent and a rain jacket because sometimes weather patterns can change unexpectedly for better or worse.
Semliki National Park
Semliki National Park lays in western Uganda too and like any other park it has different wildlife species including primates like chimps. This park has a size of 210 square miles and it is famous for its unique ecosystem which includes both tropical rainforest and savannah grassland.
Semliki’s chimpanzee trekking will challenge you but in return, your experience will be rewarding. It gives you the opportunity to venture deeper into the park’s thick forest following chimps around as they move from tree to tree or through the undergrowth. The treks are led by experienced guides and trackers who know their way around the park so no one should worry about getting lost. These small group sizes allow for a more intimate and immersive experience.
What makes Semliki’s chimpanzee trekking special is that it introduces you to Uganda’s most remote and pure wilderness areas. The park rests on a very distant corner of the country which means that visitors have an advantage of feeling adventurous alongside isolation when trekking through the forest for chimps.
Besides chimpanzee trekking, Semliki National Park offers many other activities such as guided nature walks, birdwatching, and visits to nearby hot springs and waterfalls which can help keep guests entertained if they decided on staying here.
When to go: The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Semliki is during the dry seasons, from June to August and from December to February. However, the park is accessible year-round, and the rainy seasons (March to May and September to November) offer lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
Where to stay: Semliki Safari Lodge, Ntoroko Game Lodge, Semliki National Park Campsite
Insider tip: Consider hiring a porter for your trek. They’ll carry your stuff up the steep trails. Bring snacks too!
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Located on an island in Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a unique destination. It offers visitors the chance to observe rescued and orphaned chimpanzees in a natural setting. The sanctuary was established in 1998 and is home to over 40 chimps. Many were saved after being taken from their habitats or purchased illegally.
Why you should visit Ngamba Island Anyway…
Yes it’s different than seeing them in the wild but…It’s still amazing! Get there by boat on a day trip or stay overnight at the tented camp. Observe these beautiful creatures as they play with each other all around you.
Words from me: You should definitely donate if you can- By doing so you’re helping protect animals like these!
When To Go: Anytime
Where To Stay: Ngamba Island Tented Camp
Insider tip: Don’t forget swimwear!
Fantastic, perplexing, full of synonyms! It’s the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience that set Kibale National Park apart. Offering activities to show the intelligence and complexity of chimpanzees up close. See them feeding, grooming, playing, and communicating with each other; the behavior and ecology is something you’ll have a deeper understanding of after a trip here.
A few other activities Kibale National Park offers include guided nature walks, birdwatching, and cultural visits to marvellous nearby villages and communities.
When should you go? The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience is year-round but June – August & December – February are known to be the best dry seasons for it.
Where should you stay? Primate Lodge Kibale or Ndali Lodge.
Insider tip: Book your tickets well in advance! They sell out quickly. Also bring water, snacks, and sun protection since you’ll be in the forest all day.
