Ultimate Guide to Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Safari.
Where and How to Go.
Famous for its chimpanzee trekking safaris, Uganda is a top wildlife destination in Africa. Although trekking with gorillas is the most well-known wildlife activity in the nation, trekking with chimpanzees is a unique and exciting way to see one of our closest animal cousins.
Trekking through the verdant rainforests of Uganda is an absolute must for any nature lover who wants to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The country is home to many important chimpanzee populations.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of organizing a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda, from choosing the right places to visit to what to bring along on your journey and how to be ready for the adventure.
Why Visit Uganda for Chimpanzee Trekking?
Observing chimpanzees is a fascinating experience since they are our closest living cousins and share around 98% of our DNA. One of the top African wildlife experiences is hiking to visit the world’s biggest surviving populations of wild chimpanzees, which are located in Uganda.
One may learn a lot about the behavior of chimpanzees by observing them in their natural environment, where they live in intricate social groupings. They are constantly interacting with one another, whether it’s foraging, grooming, or even utilizing tools. Seeing these sentient beings in their natural habitat is an exhilarating adventure unlike any other primate encounter.
Trekking with chimpanzees is a great alternative to gorilla trekking for anyone on a tighter budget or seeking a different kind of primate experience, since it is often less expensive and less crowded. At around $250 for chimpanzee trekking permits and $800 for gorilla trekking, it’s a steal of an experience.
From the verdant woods of Kibale to the verdant gorges of Queen Elizabeth National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Uganda takes place in a variety of settings and parks.
Where to Go in Uganda to See Chimpanzees Up Close
Several of Uganda’s most popular hiking spots are home to chimpanzees, and each one provides a slightly different experience. The most popular places are listed here:
Kibale Forest National Park.
Kibale National Park, sometimes called the “Primate Capital of the World,” is the go-to spot for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, and for good reason. With approximately 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species calling the park home, it is really one of the most primate-rich areas in all of Africa.
Kibale provides an almost certain opportunity to see chimpanzees. Over the course of two to four hours, you will be led by knowledgeable guides through a verdant tropical forest to a group of habituated chimpanzees. You’ll get to spend an hour watching the chimpanzees play, hunt, and explore the treetops.
If you’re looking for a more in-depth experience, Kibale also provides it. You get to spend up to four hours with semi-habituated chimpanzees, watching them attentively as they adapt to being around humans. Their activities and interactions may be observed more thoroughly due to the expanded time frame.
Kyambura Gorge
Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kyambura Gorge, often called the “Valley of Apes,” is a breathtakingly picturesque site where visitors may go chimpanzee trekking. Chimpanzees and other animals find a lush, green home in this wooded ravine that passes across Queen Elizabeth National Park’s grassland.
The steep and rough terrain makes trekking in Kyambura Gorge more tough. The trip is an interesting and unique experience in and of itself, even if the odds of seeing chimpanzees are smaller than in Kibale. In addition to being a haven for many monkeys and bird species, the gorge is an excellent destination for ecotourists.
Queen Elizabeth National Park’s broad plains provide a stark contrast to the winding river that winds its way through Kyambura Gorge and the thick forest.
Budongo Forest
One of the biggest mahogany woods in East Africa, is located inside the Murchison Falls Conservation Area and is part of Murchison Falls National Park. It provides a great opportunity for hiking while also housing a sizable chimpanzee population and is home to the world-famous Murchison Falls.
Budongo, like to Kibale, provides chimpanzee trekking throughout the year and has an excellent success rate in seeing these primates. The walk is around two to three hours long, and your experience will be greatly enhanced by guides who are knowledgeable with chimpanzee behavior.
Elephants, lions, buffalo, and giraffes are just a few of the other animals that can be seen on a safari at Murchison Falls National Park. This park is perfect for those who want to experience both primate and game safaris.
Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve
Located close to the Democratic Republic of the Congo border, Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve is a lesser-known but very rewarding destination for chimpanzee trekking. Those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience will find this tranquil reserve to be a great destination.
Toro-Semliki chimpanzee tracking is more of a wild ride, but also more personal and unexpected. There is an air of adventure since the area is not yet fully established for tourists.
Located next to Queen Elizabeth National Park, the smaller and less well-known Kalizu Forest Reserve is a great place to go chimpanzee trekking.
It may not have Kibale’s massive chimpanzee population, but it provides a different choice for those interested in the neighboring national parks. Trekking For those looking for a more peaceful wilderness experience, this chimpanzee trekking option is ideal since it is less popular and less hectic.
The best time to Visit Uganda to See Chimpanzees
You may go on a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda at any time of year; however, the optimal time to travel will depend on the weather and the amount of activity among the chimpanzees.
Arid Season (from December to February and June to September)
If you want to go chimpanzee trekking, you should go during the dry season when the paths through the jungle are less muddy.Finding chimpanzees when they are foraging and socializing in groups increases the likelihood of a pleasant encounter.
March–May and October–November, Wet Season
During the rainy season, the paths become much more difficult due to the increased likelihood of mud. On the other hand, there are less visitors and the woodlands are verdant and beautiful.
During the rainy season, you may be able to see more chimpanzees since some of these groups lower their bodies to the ground.
How to buy Uganda Chimpanzee trekking permits.
No national park or reserve in Uganda allows visitors to go chimpanzee trekking without a valid permission. To avoid disappointment, be sure to reserve your permits well in advance of your trip, particularly during the most tourist seasons.
The price for a chimpanzee hiking permit in Kibale National Park is over $200 as of 2024. Other areas, such Kyambura Gorge and Budongo Forest, have permit prices between $50 and $100.
An authorized tour operator or the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) may help you reserve a permit. You may find guided hikes, lodging, and permits offered by several travel companies in one convenient package.
The Day of Chimpanzee Trekking and What to Anticipate
An early morning briefing at the park headquarters is the first stop on a typical day of chimpanzee trekking. So, here’s the deal. A meeting outlining the regulations and procedures for chimpanzee trekking will take place at the park headquarters. Once you find a group of chimpanzees, the rangers will give you the rundown on what to anticipate from the primates, including how to approach them.
Setting out into the thick forest with your party and guide is where your journey starts. The duration of the walk might range from one to four hours, depending on the chimps’ habitat. From relatively level forest floors to more rugged patches, the landscape is park-specific.
You will get an hour to watch the chimpanzees in their native habitat once you locate them. Keep an eye out as they talk, swing through the trees, and display other interesting activities. Their social dynamics will be better understood thanks to your guide’s interpretation of their activities.
Depending on your safari schedule, you may go on to additional activities like game drives or cultural excursions after the hike, or you may just go back to your resort.
Tips for Getting Ready for a Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure
The secret to a memorable chimpanzee trekking adventure is being well-prepared. I have some suggestions.
Durable Boots Make sure they can handle the muddy, rough woodland terrain with ease.
Wearing pants and a shirt with long sleeves will help keep insects at bay and plants at arm’s length.
A lightweight waterproof jacket is a good idea since the jungles of Uganda may be unpredictable.
Bring water and snacks to stay hydrated on the hike, particularly if it’s going to be humid.
The chimpanzees may be photographed from a distance using a high-quality camera equipped with a zoom lens.
A reasonable degree of fitness is necessary for the physically arduous trek to observe the chimpanzees. Your path may be rough, muddy, and steep. Be sure to drink plenty of water and bring a walking stick in case you encounter difficult terrain.
Why You Absolutely Must Go on a Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Uganda
Among the most fascinating African wildlife adventures is a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda. Walking among our closest animal cousins is sure to be a remarkable experience, whether you’re walking through the verdant rainforests of Kibale or the spectacular gorges of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Travelers seeking an authentic chimpanzee trekking experience will find Uganda to be the perfect location because to its exceptional combination of cultural richness, wildlife, and adventure. A chimpanzee safari in Uganda should be on the list of any wildlife enthusiast. From the excitement of the walk to the pleasure of aiding monkey conservation, it’s really a once in a lifetime experience.
