Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda: Chimp Tours in Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking Uganda means hiking into the forest looking for chimpanzees taking established trails. This kind of adventure offers you an opportunity to listen to the chimps as they moan, feed or play in the forest. Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda is among the major primate safari activities next to gorilla trekking safaris. In East Africa, Uganda is one of the countries with the best chimpanzee trekking spots which are among the top tourist places in the country. Chimp Tracking is part of the most enjoyable top things to do in Uganda for which tourists visit. Chimp tours are usually done in the morning hours and afternoons at various chimps habitats in Uganda as per the management standards. Chimpanzee trekking sites in Uganda include Kibale Forest National Park (This has the biggest number of chimpanzees in Uganda), Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve, Ngamba Island and Semuliki Game Reserve among others. Chimpanzee tracking or visitation fees range between USD 50 – 150 depending on the destinations of interest. However the fees may go up basing on the purpose like chimpanzee habituation or filming. Uganda Chimp trekking tours are usually done in 1, 2 or 3 days, all dependent upon the visitors’ available travel time and budget.

When you come to Uganda for safaris and tours, you may request for chimpanzee tracking to be part of the safari menu. You may combine gorilla and chimpanzee trekking adventures or add on for instance wildlife safaris in Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo or Queen Elizabeth National Park. A holiday trip to Uganda is well narrated when game safaris, chimp trekking, boat cruise adventures, mountain climbing are mixed with nature, cultural and community tours. Such safari combination if given many days can make your Ugandan vacation experience delightful and memorable. Book a chimpanzee trekking permit in advance since these park entry cards run out of stock at the Uganda Wildlife Authority reservation office. Especially Kibale chimp trekking permits run out of availability so fast.

Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a government body that runs all the national parks and game reserves in the country. For effective chimp safaris and conservation, the body put some chimpanzee trekking rules and regulations to ensure the safety of the primates and the visitors. These trekking guidelines are aimed at balancing the freedom, health and stability of each part. It is always advised that visitors adhere to these trekking rules so chimps and conserved and protected for the present and future generations.

3 Days Chimps Trekking in Kibale National Park

This tour involves chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park and a nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

3 Days Kyambura Gorge Chimp Trekking

Do chimp trekking Kyambura Gorge plus boat cruise and game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

3 Days Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Tracking

Enjoy chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest plus game drive and boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park.

1 Day Tour to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Take a 1 day Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Lake Victoria and see chimpanzees feeding and playing.

2 Day Chimp Tracking Adventure in Kibale Forest

From Kampala, this trip involves chimpanzee tracking in Kabale National Park and Bigodi Wetland nature tour.

5 Days Kibale Chimpanzee Tracking and Wildlife Safaris

Visit Kibale, trek chimpanzees plus a nature walk and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife safaris.

3 Days Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

Come close to the closest relatives of man during a 3 day chimpanzee habituation experience in Kabale.

2 Day Kalinzu Chimp Trekking & Kazinga Boat Cruise

Enjoy a Kazinga Channel boat cruise and chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve.

Chimpanzee Safari Activities in Uganda 

Chimpanzee safari activities include chimpanzee trekking, habituation plus viewing and feeding in artificial confinements. The most preferred chimp tours are the chimpanzee trekking and habituation which takes place in the natural game reserves or forest. Places for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda include Kibale forest, Kyambura gorge, Kalinzu and Budongo forest reserve among others.  Chimpanzee tours are usually in the morning and last between 2 to 3 hours. Chimpanzees are some of the most sought after primates by visitors after Mountain Gorillas. During chimps tracking especially in Kibale, look keenly for the white and black colobus, the grey cheeked mangabey or the red-tailed monkey. Your tracking guides will show you the different bird species and will also tell you in details the traditional names of the plant species.

On the other hand, Uganda also has options of seeing chimpanzees in confinements and there only two destinations where such primates are found. These include Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) where you will see chimps playing and moaning and Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria where these primates are seen during their feeding sessions. Booking in advance, the chimp-tracking permits is very crucial especially in high seasons.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda  

Chimpanzee tracking is usually a very captivating experience. And you are most of the time permitted to spend an hour with the chimps. In this period, you will notice them jump from a tree to another, feed, play or move hurriedly on the ground in front of you. Nevertheless, since the numbers of chimp permits for each day are limited in number, a visitor is advised to book a permit in advance to avoid disappointments.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience is where one accompanies researchers on familiarization daily activities to see chimps in the forests. It is aimed at making them get used to people presence without changing their natural traits. During the habituation tour, presume meeting chimps de-nesting (in their night-time shells) in between 05.30 to 06.30 am before they go through the day until they create new nests at around 7:00 pm. The low season for Habituation Experience in Kibale by visitors is during the months of March, April, May plus November.

Visiting Confined Chimpanzees in Uganda

In case you want to see chimpanzees in Uganda that were brought from the wild to particular confinements, you will only find them at Entebbe and Ngamba Island. Chimps in these two tourist places are feed artificially unlike those that live in natural forests which hunt for their own food. A one day tour from Kampala or Entebbe will enable you visit chimps in Entebbe or Ngamba Island.

Chimpanzee Trekking Rules and Regulations to follow:- 

• Keep about 8 meters in between you and the chimpanzees.
• Persons with illnesses like diarrhea or flue may not be allowed to visit the chimps.

• Shun or avoid eating or drinking near the chimpanzees.

• Children below 12 years of age not allowed into the park.

• A Guide is the only person to help you get right of entry to the forest.

• Chimpanzees want liberty; therefore avoid provoking them once you visit them.

• Taking photos with a Flash on photography is not allowed in the park.

 What to Carry while Tracking Chimpanzees – What to Wear for Chimp Trekking

1. Put on shoes with good hold, right for hiking wet muddy hills
2. Carry a rain gear, since the weather in Uganda at times highly changeable
3. Take with you enough sipping water plus a few cocktail snacks to eat
4. Bring a pair of binoculars for effective visibility
5. Many tourists feel at ease when putting on long-sleeved clothes to protect against piercing thickets as they walk through the green forest
6. While shooting photos, keep in mind that camera flashes is strictly not allowed. It is good to fast film or set your camera properly.

Are there Chimpanzees in Uganda?

Yes there are chimpanzees in Uganda with Kibale National Park having the biggest number estimated at around 1500 individuals living in 13 communities. Out of these, some groups have been habituated among whom some are for scientific study whereas other like those of Kanyanchu group for tracking. Besides Kibale, there are also chimps in Kyambura gorge, Kalinzu forest, Budongo forest, Ngamba Island and Entebbe Zoo.

Where Can You See Wild Chimpanzees in East Africa?

Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences you can have in East Africa. The region is home to thousands of wild chimpanzees living in protected forests, offering travelers a unique opportunity to observe these intelligent primates in their natural environment. From the lush forests of Uganda to the ancient montane jungles of Rwanda and the remote shores of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania, chimpanzee tracking immerses you in rich ecosystems teeming with biodiversity.

The best places to see wild chimpanzees in East Africa are in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Each country offers unique forest habitats, levels of accessibility, and varying chimpanzee populations. Below is a detailed guide to the top destinations, arranged by country, to help you choose the best spot for your adventure.

Uganda – East Africa’s Premier Chimpanzee Trekking Destination

Uganda stands out as the leading destination for chimpanzee trekking in East Africa. It hosts over 5,000 wild chimpanzees across several forests and reserves. What makes Uganda special is the diversity of chimpanzee trekking options available, from the standard one-hour treks to the more immersive full-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHE). In addition, the country’s forests are accessible, relatively affordable, and embedded within a well-developed ecotourism network.

One of the most popular chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda is Kibale National Park, often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World.” This moist evergreen rainforest, located near Fort Portal in western Uganda, harbors an estimated 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. Kibale offers both regular chimpanzee tracking (1-hour encounters) and the special habituation experience where visitors spend up to 4 hours with a semi-habituated group. With success rates as high as 90%, Kibale provides some of the most consistent and rewarding chimp sightings in all of Africa.

Another top site is the Budongo Forest Reserve, which lies within the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area in northwestern Uganda. Budongo is known for its tranquil setting and large mahogany trees. It’s home to about 600 chimpanzees and is particularly appealing to travelers who want to combine chimpanzee tracking with big game safaris in Murchison Falls National Park. Though less visited than Kibale, Budongo offers excellent chimp tracking with experienced guides and conservation-based tourism practices.

In Kyambura Gorge, located in the southern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can also track a small but fascinating population of chimpanzees. The gorge itself is a dramatic rift in the landscape, often described as the “Valley of Apes.” Although the chimp group here is isolated and relatively small, the experience is visually stunning, with treks leading deep into the narrow forested ravine, making it ideal for those visiting Queen Elizabeth NP.

Lastly, Kalinzu Forest Reserve—near Queen Elizabeth National Park—is another excellent chimp trekking site in Uganda. Kalinzu has around 300 chimpanzees, and its treks are generally less expensive than those in Kibale. It’s also less crowded, making it a good option for budget travelers or those looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience. Kalinzu is rich in biodiversity, home to several monkey species, butterflies, and over 370 bird species.

Rwanda – Scenic Forests and Mountain Chimps

Rwanda offers a picturesque chimpanzee trekking experience in its mountainous rainforests, primarily within the Nyungwe Forest ecosystem. Though sightings are slightly less guaranteed than in Uganda due to the rugged terrain and wide-ranging chimps, the beauty of the forest and overall experience make it a worthwhile destination.

The most renowned site is Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in southwestern Rwanda. Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests. It shelters around 500 chimpanzees, as well as other primates such as colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. The chimpanzee tracking experience here is often fast-paced, as the chimps are highly mobile and the terrain is steep. Still, the combination of primate viewing, scenic forest trails, and the famous canopy walk (a hanging bridge above the forest canopy) makes Nyungwe an unforgettable destination.

Nearby is the smaller and more intimate Cyamudongo Forest, a forest fragment that was once part of the greater Nyungwe ecosystem. Cyamudongo is home to about 30–40 chimpanzees and is known for offering slightly better chances of spotting chimps due to its compact size. The forest’s smaller scale makes for a less strenuous hike, and visitors often get closer views of the chimpanzees. Both Nyungwe and Cyamudongo are protected under the same national park authority and can be accessed from the same tourist hubs in western Rwanda.

Tanzania – Remote, Wild, and Rich in Chimpanzee Research History

Tanzania’s chimpanzee trekking experiences are unlike anywhere else in East Africa—wild, remote, and deeply connected to scientific history. The country’s chimpanzee tourism is centered on two national parks located along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika: Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks. These destinations are not only beautiful but also offer visitors a chance to step into the world of Jane Goodall, who began her revolutionary chimpanzee studies in this region in the 1960s.

Gombe Stream National Park is Tanzania’s most iconic chimpanzee site. It is relatively small and accessible only by boat from Kigoma town. The park is home to about 100–150 chimpanzees, and it was here that Dr. Jane Goodall made her groundbreaking discoveries about chimpanzee tool use, social structures, and emotional intelligence. Tracking chimpanzees in Gombe is a raw, emotional, and deeply educational experience, especially for those with an interest in primatology or conservation history.

Further south lies the Mahale Mountains National Park, one of the most remote and pristine chimpanzee habitats on the continent. Mahale is home to a large chimpanzee population of about 800–900 individuals. It offers multi-day trekking experiences through misty forests that rise above the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika. Access is more difficult—usually involving flights and boat transfers—but the reward is an untouched paradise where chimps roam free and tourists are few. Mahale combines beach relaxation, forest hikes, and chimpanzee tracking into a single, magical experience that feels like a step back in time.

Whether you’re looking for the best sighting success, the most immersive primate experience, or the most scenic rainforest setting, East Africa offers several world-class chimpanzee trekking destinations. Uganda leads in terms of chimpanzee density, accessibility, and tracking variety. Rwanda adds stunning mountain scenery and canopy adventures to the experience, while Tanzania provides a deep dive into chimpanzee research history and untouched wilderness.

No matter where you choose to go, encountering wild chimpanzees in East Africa is not just a wildlife experience—it’s a soulful journey into the lives of our closest living relatives, and a chance to support vital conservation efforts in some of Africa’s most fragile forest ecosystems.