Uganda is a fantastic destination for trekking chimpanzees and has been praised for being one of the most outstanding wildlife experiences in Africa. This adventure allows visitors to step into the small World of Chimpanzees in their natural environment or captivity. With the help of expert Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger guides, these treks promise nothing short of magical as small groups of not more than 8 persons venture into the beautiful realm of these endangered Great Apes.

Chimpanzee trekking expeditions last anywhere between two and four hours, that include the magical one hour spent in the presence of the chimpanzees. During this one hour, the Great Apes are watched and photographed while maintaining a minimum distance of 8 meters and as you are in their presence, learn about their interesting behavior, level of intelligence and social structures.

Wonderful destinations to go for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

There are over five major and wonderful destinations in Uganda to trek chimpanzees in the wild and they include Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu Forest while Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Uganda Wildlife Education Center among others offer chimpanzee viewing opportunities in captivity.

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is one of the Continent’s outstandingly important Primate Sanctuaries and is haven to approximately 1500 of the 5000 chimpanzees in Uganda, thus making it the main trekking destination in the country.  By trekking these Great Apes through the high canopy rainforest, visitors are brought closer to the charm, blemish and daily routines that are not different from our own hence unforgettable experience.

This Park offers the best chimpanzee trekking opportunities and it is not surprising that it has always been associated with chimpanzees. Chances of sighting these Great Apes here is about 95% or more. Kibale Forest is situated within the western part of Uganda and is easily accessible from the Capital City. Chimpanzee trekking excursions are conducted twice (morning and afternoon) with the former being popular hence offering opportunities of exploring the verdant Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Trekking permits cost $200 and can be booked through Uganda Wildlife Authority or a credible tour operator (although they are only issued by UWA).

Budongo Forest, within Murchison falls National Park

Budongo Forest is set within the wooded south of the spectacular Murchison falls National Park and is also another wonderful place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Chimpanzee sighting in this Forest is always placed at about 80% (lower than Kibale Forest but surprisingly higher than other places such as Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu Forest). Much as the chance of sighting these Great Apes is higher in Kibale Forest, the lower visitor turn-up in Budongo Forest makes the trekking experiences more intimate and memorable. Trekking permits cost only $85 per person and can be booked through National Forestry Authority. Chimpanzee treks are particularly wonderful in this forest with up to 3 groups of 6 persons being able to spend time with the Great Apes during each session.

Kyambura Gorge, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Set in the extreme eastern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyambura Gorge is surprisingly a wonderful isolated forest at the underground of the sweeping savannah bordering Queen Elizabeth Park. This is so far the third most popular chimpanzee trekking destination in the country and it being the “Valley of Apes”, it shelters over 29 chimpanzees alongside other 5 primate species. As the professional Ranger Guided attached to Uganda Wildlife Authority takes you through the isolated underground forest, you will enjoy the thrill of venturing into another World. Chances of sighting these Great Apes is at about 60% but the echoing sounds and beautiful sights of the forest will make these treks even more memorable. Chimpanzee trekking permits cost only $50 for foreign non-resident and resident visitors and Shs. 30,000 for East African Community visitors, and can be booked through Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve

Toro-Semliki is another amazing chimpanzee trekking destination found in the western corner of the country. The Reserve is mainly characterized by dry and sparsely forested chimpanzee environment that allows them to roam far in the attempt to find food hence you shouldn’t expect an easy trek and search for these Great Apes. The chimpanzees here were habituated by a Japanese Research project at the edge of the forest and conducts studies to find out the relationship between these Great Apes walking on two legs vis-à-vis the evolution of humans.

Kalinzu Forest

Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu is about seclusion whereby about 40 chimpanzees were habituated for tourism in a dense forest of about 300 individuals. Chimpanzee sightings in this area were placed at 50% but remember that the forest is rarely visited hence promises sights and sounds of other forest residents. Permits for this destination cost $50 per person and can be booked through National Forestry Authority.

Difficulty of Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

Chimpanzee treks in Uganda demand for moderate level of physical fitness, given the long hours spent in finding these Great Apes although they occupy areas of lower altitudes with gentler terrains (compared to mountain gorillas). However, the frisky nature of chimpanzees requires stability and swiftness to keep up with them.

What do you need to pack to go chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?

Chimpanzee treks usually follow forest rails much as thick undergrowth is expected while trying to locate the chimpanzees. These trails become muddy and slippery while forest becomes thicker during rainy season hence hiking boots, long sleeved shirts, long pants and walking stick are handy. The Tropical climate means rains are expected anytime hence rain jacket, waterproof backpack and hat are needed in addition to energy-giving snacks, water bottle, camera and binoculars.

Best time of the year to go chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is done all year round, and given the Equatorial climate experienced in the country, temperatures are consistent all year round except with changing levels of rainfalls. The dry season-June to September and December to mid-February comes with clear sunny weather hence making treks more exciting but downpours should be expected anytime. Unfortunately, the demand for accommodation facilities is high hence costs also go high.

The wet season-March to May (long) and October to November (short) some along with heavy downpours and difficult trekking conditions, although most accommodation facilities offer discounted rates.