Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is an unforgettable experience that allows you to witness these incredible primates in their natural habitat. It is up and down and up and down huge hills and mountains is undeniably hard as you search for the endangered primates in their natural habitats. These are not trails that you will be trekking on. It takes a lot of physical energy and endurance. You need to be in shape to do the chimpanzee tracking.
Trekking to see chimpanzees takes 3 to 4 hours through the jungle forests rewarding you with an unforgettable experience that brings you face-to-face with these remarkable primates in their natural habitat. The country offers several prime destinations for this thrilling adventure, each with its unique charm and challenges. Chimpanzee trekking allows you to learn about the chimps, their habits, and their lifestyle
Top places for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
Kibale Forest National Park
Located in western Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park is the most popular destination for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, renowned for its high chimpanzee density and diverse ecosystem. Kibale National Park is a MUST visit in Uganda for chimpanzee trekking. The forest is also known as the “ Primate Capital of the World”, sheltering 13 primate species for which the Chimpanzees are sought after! Chimpanzee Tracking introduces you to the closely related Cousins of human beings. Kibale Forest is so natural that all you listen to, are the sounds of wildlife! Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest begins at Kanyanchu Visitor Information Centre where travelers are first registered and briefed on the dos and don’ts of the adventure. Our 3 days chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest is the suitable package for you combined with a nature walk in Bigodi wetland sanctuary
Various chimpanzee communities have been habituated to ease trekking. You must have a permit to be allowed to engage in this adventure. Each chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale Forest National Park costs $250 for foreign nonresidents, $200 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens. Authentic Africa Safaris helps you reserve and secure chimpanzee permits. With a contact rate of around 90%, Kibale Forest offers the best chance of encountering these intelligent primates. The forest is home to approximately 1,500 chimpanzees, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Budongo Forest
Located in Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo forest is yet another popular destination for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. This pristine rainforest is home to a significant chimpanzee population, offering visitors the opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural environment. The contact rate here is around 80%, ensuring a high probability of a successful encounter. Enjoy an encounter with the endangered chimpanzees playing and chasing each other in your presence. Budongo Forest is normally muddy, long pants tucked into the boots is highly recommended to keep the aunts out
Kyambura Gorge
Also known as the “Valley of Apes” Kyambura gorge offers you an exceptional chimpanzee trekking experience. Enjoy a chimpanzee trek in the underground of Kyambura Gorge located in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This dramatic gorge offers breathtaking views and a chance to spot chimpanzees in a stunning setting. While the contact rate here is lower than in Kibale and Budongo, the sheer beauty of the gorge makes it a worthwhile destination
Kyambura Gorge is 1 kilometer long and 100 meters deep and it’s part of the Kyambura Game Reserve. River Kyambura which flows in the heart of the forest is the major source of water. Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge costs. In addition to chimpanzees, Kyambura gorge shelters a variety of colobus monkeys and bird species which you will see during your chimpanzee trek. The permit to trek chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge costs $50 for foreign visitors while Ugandans and East Africans pay 30,000shs for an hour’s interaction.
Kalinzu Forest
Located in southwestern Uganda near Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest is another great destination for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. The rainforest is home to a significant population of chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in Uganda to observe these intelligent creatures in tire natural habitats. The cost of trekking chimpanzees in Kalinzu forest is $130 for foreign nonresidents and $65 for foreign and East African residents
Best time for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
In whichever destination you go chimpanzee trekking, the dry season, from June to September and December to February, is the best time to visit these endangered primates. During the dry season, there are minimal or no rains which makes it easy to trek through the dense forest where these primates live. Photography is also best done in the dry season. However, chimpanzee trekking can be done all year round. The low season normally is characterized by fewer visits which guarantees the availability of permits even for last-minute travelers.
Rules of chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
At the start of each chimpanzee trekking session in Uganda, travelers are first briefed on the rules and regulations of this adventure. The rules are emphasized to ensure the safety of both travelers and the endangered chimpanzees ensuring sustainable chimpanzee trekking. The guidelines for chimpanzee trekking include
- Do not trek chimpanzees when sick, The endangered primates share over 98% of human genes which makes them susceptible to human illnesses
- Do not touch the chimpanzees
- Do not look directly into the eyes of the chimpanzees. Direct eye contact irritates the chimpanzees making them feel insecure
- Do not use flashlight cameras. This too irritates the endangered primates
- Do not eat or drink in the presence of the chimpanzees
- Do not shout or speak loudly when with the chimpanzees
- Keep a distance of 7 meters away from the chimpanzees
- Do not litter in the park
- Spend strictly an hour with chimpanzees. This is counted from the moment you see them
What to pack for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
To ensure a successful and enjoyable chimpanzee trekking experience, travelers are advised to carry the right things. The packing list to see chimpanzees in the Pearl of Africa includes:
- Gardening gloves to protect your hands
- Long-sleeved shirt /blue to cover your arms protecting them from thorny scratches
- Long pants to protect your legs from ants and thorny bushes
- Light-closed hiking boots for an easy trek through jungle forests which are slippery and muddy at times
- Rain jackets to deal with the unpredictable Forest weather
- Insect repellants to prevent poisonous insect bites
- Sunglasses to protect your eyes from direct sunshine
- Hat to cover and protect your hair and head
- Toiletries
- Energy-giving snacks to keep strong during the trek
- Warm jackets and sweaters for cold nights
- Bottled drinking water to keep you hydrated
How to book chimpanzee trekking tours in Uganda
There are several tours and travel operators licensed to operate chimpanzee tours in Uganda. Choose one of the trusted travel agents, and after confirming its transparency and services, book with them. Authentic Africa Safaris is one of the trusted reliable travel operators licensed to offer chimpanzee tours in Uganda. Alternatively, you can book directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority, the government body responsible for conservation and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.
