Here Is All You Need To Know About Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda:

1. What Is Chimpanzee Trekking?

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda involves hiking through the lush tropical rainforests in search of a habituated community of wild chimpanzees.

The adventure starts with a briefing, during which you learn a little about the animals you’re about to see, as well as being given some dos and don’ts. Top of the list: avoid getting too close. Not only for your own safety, but also for theirs as our colds, viruses, and diseases can easily spread to them due to shared DNA.

Once you’ve been briefed, you’re separated into groups of up to 8, each accompanied by an expert local ranger guide, who is armed in case of emergencies. And then it’s time to head into the forest.

Chimpanzee tracking takes about 2-6 hours and a certain level of fitness is required to cope although you do not need to be ‘very’ fit.

Along the way, you enjoy looking for other primates, birds, animals, butterflies, and unique plants. Your guide teaches you about tracking the chimpanzees, pointing out signs they have left as you hike through the beautiful forest.

Upon reaching them, you view these human-like creatures playing and interacting in their natural habitat – an incredible sight. A maximum of one hour is allowed to be with the chimps after tracking them down.

However if one wishes to spend more time with the chimps another experience called the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) is offered in some parks which allows spending more than 1 hour with the chimps.

Chimpanzee Trekking Sessions

There are usually 2 chimp trekking sessions a day: one starting at 8 am and another at 2 pm. In the morning, chimps have just woken up and are quite mobile, mostly swinging high up in the trees looking for fruits or hunting monkeys to feed on.

In the afternoon, the chimpanzees are just lazing around in the tree branches, resting, grooming each other, and mating. They can also come to the ground to escape the heat of the sun in the canopies.

The 2 sessions may give a different experience with the chimps.

2. Best Places for Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda

Uganda features the most desired places to see habituated chimpanzees in their natural habitats. Seeing these forest dwellers is sure to leave you fascinated by how similar they are to us. Here are the best places to trek chimpanzees in Uganda:-

(a). Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is the best place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

Located about 326km (5-6 hour drive) west of Kampala, this beautiful park of 776km² is home to about 1500 Chimpanzees who live in communities of varying sizes. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest is available throughout the year and offers a 95% chance of seeing the Chimps.

Kibale also offers the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Uganda, where you spend half or the full day in the forest with a community of chimpanzees that are undergoing habituation.

Besides Chimps, the park hosts 69 other species of Uganda mammals, 250 butterfly species, 375 species of Uganda birds, and 12 other species of primates, including:

• Olive baboons
• Black and white colobus
• Red colobus
• Grey-cheeked Mangabeys
• Red-tailed monkeys
• Blue monkeys
• Vervet monkeys
• L’Hoest’s monkeys
• Bushbaby
• Potto

Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking Permit Fees

• USD 250 per person for Foreign Non-residents
• USD 150 per person for foreign residents
• UGX 150,000 per person for East African Citizens

(b). Kalinzu Forest Reserve

Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve is the second-best place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

The forest is located in southwestern Uganda near Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is inhabited by about 300 chimps including a 40-strong chimpanzee community habituated for tourism.

Chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest is at USD 50 per person per trek and now comes with about a 90% success rate.

Chimp tracking here is often incorporated into a safari to the Queen Elizabeth NP which is home to an amazing Uganda wildlife including the rare tree-climbing lions, Leopards, Buffalos, elephants, antelopes, and over 600 bird species.

Kalinzu is also the closest chimpanzee trekking location to the Uganda gorilla trekking destination of Bwindi, where half of the world’s mountain gorillas live.

(c). Budongo Forest Reserve

Budongo Central Forest Reserve is the next best place for Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

Budongo which is East Africa’s biggest mahogany forest hosts Uganda’s second-biggest population of Chimps: over 800 individuals. One community of more than 100 members that live in the Kaniyo Pabidi area in the south of Murchison Falls National Park has been habituated for chimpanzee tracking.

Chimp tracking in Budongo is best done as an add-on to Uganda wildlife safaris in Murchison Falls NP, which contains the world’s strongest waterfalls and four of the big five animals  – lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo.

Budongo Chimpanzee Trekking Permit Cost:

• USD 130 per person for Foreign Non-residents
• USD 120 per person for foreign residents
• USD 85 per person for Uganda citizens

(d). Kyambura Gorge

Kyambura Gorge is considered the fourth best place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, with a sighting success rate of about 50%.

Also known as the ‘Valley of Apes, this 100-meter deep gorge is a stunning geological feature is found in the northeast Queen Elizabeth NP.

The gorge is home to around 30 chimpanzees.

Despite the lower odds of seeing the chimps, the trek here is well worth it. The view is incredibly impressive with a deep gorge covered in lush tropical vegetation. You see other primates such as the Red-Tailed, Colobus, Baboons, and Vervet Monkeys. You also see your fair share of colorful bird species.

Kyambura Gorge Chimp Trekking is also usually included as an add-on to an existing Uganda safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park,

Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Trekking Fees

• USD 50 per person for Foreign Non-residents
• USD 40 per person for foreign residents
• UGX 30,000 for East African Citizens

3. How Difficult Is Chimp Trekking Uganda?

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is not very difficult or very physically demanding because of the relatively easy terrain of the tracking places.

It is less strenuous than the gorilla trekking in Uganda which occurs in the mountainous terrain of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. However, because the treks are approximately 2-6 hours long, the Chimp trek requires a reasonable degree of physical fitness.

Also unlike gorillas, chimpanzees are highly active and can dash through the jungle. To stay up with them, you should be able to move fast on short notice.

The trek will mainly follow forest trails, but you should be prepared to go into the undergrowth if the chimps are located away from the trails.

During the rainy season, the trails will be more slippery, and the forest will be denser. This can increase the difficulty of the trek.

4. Chimp Trekking Rules in Uganda

Chimp trekking rules in Uganda are put in place to govern the activity, ensure the safety of both the tourist and the primates and give you a delightful experience. Here are the rules for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda:

1. Do Not Enter The Forest To Trek Chimps If You Are Sick.

One of the reasons chimps are declining in number is that they die from human tract diseases. Therefore you don’t want to infect any chimp with flu or any other illness that might kill it.

2. The Minimum Age For Chimpanzee Tracking In Uganda Is 12 Years.

Children can get tired easily during chimpanzee trekking and you can never determine the time in which you can find a habituated chimpanzee community.

Children are also highly playful and cannot be as obedient as adults. They can move off the trail very easily and perhaps get lost in the forest.

3. Do Not Leave Litter In The Forest.

You are advised to keep any form of garbage with you. If you have a backpack, please put all trash into it, and you can always empty it at a designated disposal point when you return to the briefing area.

Kibale National Park and other Uganda chimpanzee trekking destinations are fragile ecotourism sites that need to be kept free from litter.

4. Keep As Quiet As Possible In The Forest, You Will See More.

You are requested to keep your voices at a low volume as you head to track the chimps and even be quieter when you finally meet them.

It is so that you do not disrupt their peace and allow you to enjoy other wildlife species along the trail especially birds, monkeys, and butterflies.

5. Keep At Least 8 Meters (25 Feet) From The Chimpanzees At All Times.

This is not only for your safety but also for the safety of chimps as our colds, viruses, and diseases can easily spread to them due to shared DNA.

6. Do Not Mimic Chimps Vocalization

It is also not wise to imitate chimpanzee calls. While it might seem fun to mimic them if you’re not careful you might accidentally end up recreating a battle cry and bring 120 angry chimpanzees down upon you.

7. You Should Not Even Try To Chase the Chimpanzees at Any Time.

You do not have to forget that the chimpanzees are not pets or domestic animals they are tough and strong wild apes. Chimpanzees in the forest can attack you at any time even without realizing it.

8. Do Not Eat Near Chimpanzees.

The chimpanzees are wild animals, wildness is their main character so they may want to take your food by force and you end up getting injured, so the better thing to do is just to keep food away from them.

9. The Maximum Duration For You To Interact With The Chimpanzees Is Strictly 1 Hour.

This helps the chimpanzees not to get stressed. Chimps have wild behaviors and it is possible to gang up and attack you when they are tired of being disturbed.

10. Do Not Use Flash Photography

Flashlight frightens chimpanzees, so it is forbidden to use them on a chimpanzee trekking adventure in Uganda.

11. If You Need To Urinate/Defecate, Bury Your Waste in a Hole 30cm Deep
12. Uganda Chimp Trekking COVID-19 SOPs

• Mandatory temperature screening using non-contact infra-red thermometers
• Don’t go if you feel ill.
• Bring face masks and wear them properly.
• Sanitize or wash your hands thoroughly before trekking chimpanzees.
• Take distancing seriously- stay at least 10 meters away from chimps.
• Turn away from the chimps if you need to cough or sneeze.
• Only 6 tourists are allowed to track a chimpanzee group at a time.

6. Where to Stay During Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda Tours?

The Uganda Chimpanzee trekking destinations offer a variety of accommodation options. The Uganda safari accommodation ranges from budget, and midrange to luxury safari lodges, campsites, and tented camps. Here are the best places to stay during your chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda:-

Best Accommodation at Kibale National Park

• Primate Lodge Kibale – Luxury
• Crater Safari Lodge – Luxury
• Kyaninga lodge – Luxury
• Ndali Lodge – Luxury
• Papaya Lake lodge – Luxury
• Kibale Forest Camp – Midrange
• Kibale Guest Cottages – Midrange
• Turaco Treetops – Midrange
• Mountains of the moon hotel – Midrange
• Isunga Lodge – Midrange
• Chimpanzee Forest Guest House – Cottage – Midrange
• Kibale Forest Camp
• Chimpanzee Forest Guest House – Main House – Budget

Top Places to Stay At Kalinzu Forest & Kyambura Gorge 

• Mweya Safari Lodge – Luxury
• Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Luxury
• Kasenyi Safari Camp – Midrange
• Bush Lodge – Midrange
• Enganzi Game Lodge – Midrange
• Enjojo Lodge – Midrange
• Pumba Safari Cottages – Budget
• Top Lodge – Budget

Best Accommodation near Budongo Forest

• Paraa Safari Lodge – Luxury
• Bakers Lodge – Luxury
• Murchison River Lodge – Midrange
• Pakuba Safari Lodge – Midrange
• Hornbill Bush Lodge – Budget

7. Is Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda Safe?

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is perfectly safe.

Uganda is a safe country for tourists and chimp trekking and habituation experiences are a valuable source of income, so there are high-security levels to maintain the safety of tourists and the chimpanzees.

During your chimp trek, you will be accompanied by the expert and armed Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) ranger guides who will ensure your safety.

You don’t have to worry about chimpanzee attacks as long as you listen to your guide and follow the park rules of UWA.

8. Best Time to Go Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda

The best time to go chimp trekking in Uganda is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February.

During these dry months, the days are lovely and sunny. The trails are easier and the overall experience tends to be more enjoyable.

However, Uganda is a year-round destination. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is available throughout the year. And the wet season of March to May and August to November is a great time for birders. Rain season usually, pulls in fewer crowds, accommodation is cheaper, and it’s easier to process both a chimp permit.

But rains can make the forest trails challenging and might interfere with the experience when watching and photographing the chimps

9. What to Pack for A Chimpanzee trek Uganda Tour?

If you are planning to visit Uganda for chimpanzee trekking, you also need to think about what to pack for your amazing chimp trekking adventure.

Here is a list of essential things to pack for your Uganda chimpanzee trekking safari:-

• Facemask
• Hand Sanitizer
• Neutral color clothes/non-bright colored clothing that is quick-drying
• Long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt to protect from the sun and insect bites
• A light, compact raincoat if it is likely you will encounter rain
• Fleece/warm jacket
• Comfortable hiking shoes/boots and socks
• Bandanna or cotton scarf and a sarong
• Water bottle
• Camera and extra battery
• A pair of binoculars will usually enhance your experience considerably, especially if you encounter the chimps up in the trees
• Insect repellent
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat/Bush hat
• Energy giving snacks
• Mini first-aid kit with antiseptic and plasters
• Light waterproof day pack

10. Other Top Things to Do Before or After Chimp Trekking In Uganda

• Uganda gorilla trekking safaris
• Golden monkey tracking
• Uganda wildlife safari game drives
• Safari boat cruises
• Birding in Uganda/bird watching in Uganda
• Cultural tours & Community walks in Uganda
• Rhino Tracking on foot in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Mountain climbing tours in Uganda
• White water rafting on the Nile River in Jinja

11. Where to See Uganda Chimpanzees without Trekking In the Jungle?

You can also have a close encounter with the chimpanzees in Uganda without trekking the rainforest jungles, by visiting the places below:-

i. Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary was opened in 1999. The sanctuary is located in Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake.

It was established to provide a safe refuge for orphaned and confiscated chimpanzees, rescued from the illegal pet and bushmeat trades.

The island is now home to 52 chimps and serves as a destination for visitors on Uganda chimpanzee safaris who want to learn about the species and the importance of conserving their fragile forest habitat. It can be reached by a speed boat or traditional motorized canoe.

ii. Uganda Wildlife Education Center (Entebbe Zoo)

Located in Entebbe, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, formerly known as Entebbe Zoo has among other captive wildlife including chimpanzees. Like Ngamba, the chimps at the zoo are seen from a viewpoint!

12. Where Else Can You Go For Chimpanzee Trekking In Africa?

Sadly there are very few places left in Africa where you can still see chimpanzees in the wild. Other than Uganda, the other best countries to see these endangered creatures are Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

i. Rwanda (Nyungwe National Park with over 500 Chimpanzees)

ii. Tanzania (Mahale Mountains National Park, which is home to over 1000 chimpanzees, and Gombe Stream National Park with around 150 chimpanzees.

iii. Democratic Republic Of Congo (Virunga National Park)

Conclusion

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is a thrilling experience that gives you a lifetime chance to intimately interact with the natural forest and also with chimpanzees. It is an opportunity for you to also see several wildlife species wildlife such as birds, monkeys, and unique plants. You can book for Chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda any time of the year.