Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda – Walk with Our Closest Relatives
Uganda is one of the best destinations in the world for chimpanzee trekking, offering an exciting opportunity to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. Unlike gorilla trekking, chimpanzee encounters are more dynamic—watch them swing through trees, communicate, and exhibit human-like behaviors in lush tropical forests. You got to be here to witness..
Why Go Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda?
- Track Our Closest Relatives – Chimpanzees share 7% DNA with humans, making them fascinating to observe – You Look , it Looks at you, You jump, It Jumps, You Peel Banana, it also peels and eat, .
- Diverse Habitats – Trek through rainforests, swamps, and river valleys teeming with wildlife.
- Exciting Encounters – Unlike gorillas, chimps are more active, vocal, and playful, making the experience thrilling.
- Rich Biodiversity – Spot monkeys, birds, and other primates during the trek.
- Great Photography Opportunities – Capture rare moments of chimp behavior up close.
Best Places for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
1. Kibale National Park – The Primate Capital of the World
- Home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, the highest population in Uganda.
- The best chance for close-up encounters and the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.
- Other wildlife: Red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and over 370 bird species.
Best for: The most reliable and well-organized chimp trekking experience.
2. Budongo Forest – Murchison Falls National Park
- Home to approximately 600 chimpanzees, located near Murchison Falls National Park.
- Offers morning and afternoon chimp treks with high success rates.
- Trekking here can be combined with a classic Big Five safari in Murchison Falls.
Best for: Combining chimp trekking with a Murchison Falls safari.
3. Kyambura Gorge – Queen Elizabeth National Park
- A scenic “Valley of Apes” within Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Smaller chimp population, but the dramatic landscape makes the trek rewarding.
- Chimpanzees here are harder to find but offer an authentic jungle adventure.
Best for: Adventurous trekkers who love dramatic landscapes.
4. Kalinzu Forest Reserve
- Affordable chimpanzee trekking experience with a high success rate.
- Located near Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering great wildlife viewing.
- Home to over 320 chimps, with 50 habituated for trekking.
Best for: Budget-friendly trekking near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The Chimpanzee Trekking Experience
Your trek begins with an early morning briefing by expert guides. You’ll then venture into the forest, following fresh chimp calls and movements. Once you find a chimp family, you’ll spend one hour observing their playful and social interactions.
Trekking Duration: 1 to 4 hours, depending on how far the chimps have moved.
Group Size: Limited to 6-8 trekkers per group.
Distance: Maintain at least 8 meters from the chimps.
Chimpanzee Trekking Permits & Costs
A permit is required for chimpanzee trekking, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Destination | Permit Cost (Foreign Non-Residents) | Foreign Residents | East African Citizens |
Kibale National Park | $250 | $200 | UGX 150,000 |
Budongo Forest | $130 | $120 | UGX 85,000 |
Kyambura Gorge | $50 | $50 | UGX 30,000 |
Kalinzu Forest | $40 | $40 | UGX 20,000 |
Book Early! Especially for Kibale National Park, as permits sell out quickly.
Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking
- Dry Seasons (June – September & December – February) – Easier trekking and better visibility.
- Wet Seasons (March – May & October – November) – Fewer tourists, but trails can be muddy.
Other Activities to Combine with Chimp Trekking
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Track the gentle giants after seeing chimps.
Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls – Spot lions, elephants, and leopards.
Boat Cruises on the Kazinga Channel or Nile River – See hippos, crocodiles, and birds.
Nature Walks & Birdwatching – Uganda is home to over 1,000 bird species!
Book Your Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure Today !
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is an unforgettable experience, offering thrilling encounters with these intelligent primates. Whether you’re visiting Kibale, Budongo, Kyambura, or Kalinzu, you’ll leave with lifelong memories of Uganda’s incredible wildlife.