Chimpanzee Tracking

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most exciting wildlife experiences you can have in Uganda. Watching a group of wild chimpanzees swing through the forest, call to one another, feed, and interact is both thrilling and humbling. Since chimpanzees share about 98% of their DNA with humans, spending time with them in the wild feels surprisingly familiar and gives you a deeper appreciation for our closest living relatives.

The best place for chimpanzee trekking is Kibale National Park, a lush tropical rainforest that is home to more than 1,500 chimpanzees. Often called the primate capital of the world, Kibale offers one of the highest chances of finding habituated chimpanzees anywhere in Africa. Most treks last between two and five hours, depending on where the chimps are that day, and once you find them, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour watching them go about their daily lives. Guided treks are available in the morning and afternoon, giving visitors some flexibility when planning their safari.

If you’re exploring northern Uganda, Budongo Forest Reserve is another excellent place to track chimpanzees. The forest is known for its towering mahogany trees, rich birdlife, and healthy chimpanzee population. Many travelers combine a chimpanzee trek here with a visit to nearby Murchison Falls National Park, making it a great addition to a classic Uganda safari.

Near Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest Reserve offers a quieter and more affordable chimpanzee trekking experience. The forest has a well-habituated chimpanzee community, and sightings are common. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want to include primate tracking while visiting the famous wildlife parks in western Uganda.

For those with limited time or families traveling with young children, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary provides a different but equally meaningful experience. Located on the peaceful waters of Lake Victoria, the sanctuary cares for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees that can no longer survive in the wild. Visitors can watch the chimps during feeding sessions, learn about their stories, and discover the important conservation work taking place on the island.

Chimpanzee Trekking Permit Costs in Uganda

Before heading into the forest, every visitor needs a valid chimpanzee trekking permit. The cost depends on where you plan to trek and whether you’re a foreign non-resident, foreign resident, or East African citizen.

In Kibale National Park, a standard chimpanzee trekking permit costs USD 250 for foreign non-residents and USD 200 for foreign residents. The permit includes the services of an experienced park guide and allows you to spend one hour observing a habituated chimpanzee community after they have been located.

If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, Kibale also offers the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. Instead of the usual one-hour visit, you’ll spend up to four hours with researchers and a chimpanzee group that is gradually becoming accustomed to human presence. It’s a fantastic option for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone interested in primate behavior. This experience costs USD 300 per person.

For travelers on a tighter budget, Budongo Forest Reserve and Kalinzu Forest Reserve provide excellent alternatives. Chimpanzee trekking permits here are generally more affordable, typically costing between USD 130 and USD 150, while still offering a very good chance of seeing wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Whichever destination you choose, it’s a good idea to book your permit well in advance, especially during the peak travel seasons. Permit availability is limited each day to protect the chimpanzees and ensure visitors enjoy a more personal and less crowded experience.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is a fantastic choice for travelers who want to experience the country’s rich biodiversity beyond its famous mountain gorillas. The main destination is Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most beautiful rainforests. This vast montane forest is home to a healthy population of wild chimpanzees, along with dozens of other primate species, making it one of the best places in East Africa for primate adventures. Smaller chimpanzee groups can also be found in the Cyamudongo Forest, a secluded section of Nyungwe, and in Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Rwanda’s newest national park.

Chimpanzee treks begin early in the morning, often around 5:00 AM, when guides set out to locate the chimpanzees before they move deeper into the forest. Since these primates are constantly on the move, every trek is different. Some groups are found within a couple of hours, while others may require a longer hike through the rainforest. Once the chimpanzees are located, visitors are allowed to spend one hour observing their natural behavior as they feed, groom, play, and communicate high in the forest canopy.

A chimpanzee trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 150 per international visitor. This fee covers the guided trekking experience, while the Nyungwe National Park entrance fee of USD 100 per day is paid separately. To take part in the activity, visitors must be at least 15 years old.

Because only a limited number of permits are issued each day, it is wise to book well in advance, particularly if you plan to visit during the dry seasons when demand is highest. Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and are usually arranged through a licensed tour operator as part of a safari package, making the booking process simple and hassle-free.