Deep within Queen Elizabeth National Park lies a hidden treasure that promises one of Uganda’s most thrilling wildlife encounters. Kyambura Gorge, often called the “Valley of Apes,” offers visitors a rare opportunity to trek through pristine tropical forest in search of our closest living relatives—chimpanzees. This dramatic landscape combines stunning natural beauty with unforgettable primate encounters, making it an essential stop on any Ugandan safari.

The Magnificent Kyambura Gorge

Kyambura Gorge is a spectacular geological formation carved into the eastern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This lush tropical rainforest occupies a dramatic valley that plunges 100 meters deep, stretches 11 kilometers in length, and spans approximately one kilometer in width. The gorge’s towering walls create a unique microclimate that supports an incredibly diverse ecosystem.

The Kyambura River serves as the gorge’s lifeblood, flowing through the valley floor and providing essential water for the park’s wildlife. Fed by natural springs in the surrounding rock formations, this river eventually empties into the Kazinga Channel—Queen Elizabeth National Park’s primary water source. Animals from across the park descend to the gorge to quench their thirst, making it a wildlife hotspot.

Beyond its famous chimpanzee population, Kyambura Gorge shelters numerous bird species, other primates, and various mammals, all thriving within this protected forest sanctuary.

Why Trek Chimpanzees in Kyambura?

Kyambura Gorge holds a special distinction as the only location within Queen Elizabeth National Park where visitors can observe habituated chimpanzees. These remarkable primates share approximately 97% of their DNA with humans, making every encounter a profound reminder of our evolutionary connection.

The small chimpanzee community residing in the gorge has been carefully habituated to human presence, allowing trekkers to observe their natural behaviors without causing stress or disruption. Watching these intelligent creatures interact, communicate, and navigate their forest home offers insights into our own origins and the complex social structures that define primate societies.

The Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

Trek Sessions and Briefings

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge operates twice daily, with morning and afternoon sessions available. Each trek begins at the visitors center near the gorge entrance, where you’ll receive a comprehensive briefing from experienced guides.

During this orientation, rangers explain the essential rules and regulations designed to protect both visitors and chimpanzees. You’ll learn proper viewing etiquette, safety protocols, and what to expect during your trek. Each session accommodates a maximum of eight trekkers, ensuring an intimate and minimally invasive experience.

Into the Valley

Armed ranger guides lead small groups down the steep slopes into Kyambura Gorge. You’ll be provided with walking sticks to help navigate the sometimes challenging terrain as you descend toward the river valley below. The path winds through dense tropical vegetation, across streams, and along the gorge floor.

Thanks to the relatively compact size of the gorge, the search for chimpanzees typically doesn’t take long. Rangers maintain communication about the chimps’ location, increasing your chances of a successful encounter. The anticipation builds as you move deeper into this green cathedral of ancient trees.

The Magical Hour

Once your group locates the chimpanzees, you’ll have one precious hour to observe them in their natural habitat. This intimate viewing time allows you to witness an incredible range of behaviors: chimps feeding on fruits and leaves, grooming one another to strengthen social bonds, mothers nursing their infants, juveniles playing, and occasionally, dramatic displays of dominance or territorial behavior.

The hour passes quickly as you watch these charismatic apes go about their daily routines. Photographers will find endless opportunities to capture memorable images, though the forest’s dappled light presents both challenges and creative possibilities. Remember that your guides will help position the group for optimal viewing while maintaining the required safe distance.

Beyond Chimpanzees

While chimpanzees are the main attraction, Kyambura Gorge offers much more. During your trek, keep your eyes and ears open for other wildlife inhabitants. You might spot various monkey species swinging through the canopy, colorful forest birds flitting between branches, or even forest elephants and other mammals that venture into the gorge to drink from the river.

Permit Information and Booking

Costs and Requirements

To trek chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, you’ll need to secure a chimpanzee trekking permit. These permits are available only to visitors aged 15 and above. Current pricing is $50 for foreign non-residents and foreign residents, while East African citizens pay UGX 30,000.

Securing Your Permit

Kyambura Gorge allocates 16 chimpanzee trekking permits daily—eight for the morning session and eight for the afternoon. These permits are sold through Uganda Wildlife Authority and should be booked well in advance, particularly if you’re traveling during the dry season when demand peaks.

You have two options for booking: purchase directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority or work with a reputable local tour operator who can handle the logistics at no additional cost. The booking process requires your preferred trek dates, and once availability is confirmed, you’ll need to make payment to secure your spot. Your permit will be reserved and waiting when you arrive in Uganda.

What to Pack for Your Trek

Kyambura Gorge’s tropical rainforest environment requires thoughtful preparation. Here’s what you should bring:

Footwear and Clothing:

• Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and grip
• Long cotton or synthetic socks
• Long-sleeved shirts and pants (protects against vegetation and insects)
• Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
• Light sweater or fleece layer

Accessories:

• Gardening gloves (for gripping vegetation on steep sections)
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Lightweight backpack

Equipment:

• Camera with appropriate settings for low-light forest conditions
• Binoculars for birdwatching and distant wildlife viewing
• Refillable water bottle

Essentials:

• Insect repellent with DEET
• Sunscreen
• Hand sanitizer
• Energy-giving snacks (nuts, dried fruit, energy bars)

Where to Stay

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers excellent accommodation options for visitors trekking in Kyambura Gorge. Whether you’re seeking luxury pampering or budget-friendly comfort, you’ll find suitable lodging:

Luxury Options:

• Kyambura Gorge Safari Lodge
• Mweya Safari Lodge
• Jacana Safari Lodge

Mid-Range Choices:

• Elephant Hab Lodge
• Katana Lodge
• Pumba Safari Cottages

Budget-Friendly:

• Kingfisher Camp

These lodges provide comfortable bases for your chimpanzee trekking adventure while offering opportunities to explore other attractions within Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Getting to Kyambura Gorge

By Road

Kyambura Gorge is accessible via two main routes from Kampala:

1. Western Route: Kampala → Mubende → Fort Portal → Queen Elizabeth National Park → Kyambura Gorge (approximately 5-6 hours)
2. Southern Route: Kampala → Masaka → Mbarara → Kasese → Queen Elizabeth National Park → Kyambura Gorge (approximately 6-7 hours)

Both routes offer scenic drives through Uganda’s diverse landscapes, from bustling towns to rural farmland and dramatic mountain views.

By Air

For those preferring to minimize travel time, chartered flights are available from either Kajjansi Airstrip or Entebbe International Airport to Mweya Airstrip within Queen Elizabeth National Park. Bar Aviation Uganda and Aerolink Uganda operate these flights, with the journey taking approximately 1-2 hours. From Mweya Airstrip, it’s a short drive to Kyambura Gorge.

Best Time to Visit

While chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge is possible year-round, the dry seasons (December to February and June to September) offer the most comfortable trekking conditions. During these periods, trails are less muddy and slippery, making the descent into and ascent from the gorge more manageable.

However, the wet seasons have their own appeal—the forest is lushest, birdlife is most active, and you’ll often have a more exclusive experience with fewer visitors competing for permits.

Conservation and Responsible Tourism

Trekking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge directly supports conservation efforts. Permit fees fund ranger patrols, habitat protection, and community programs that reduce human-wildlife conflict. By following guidelines—maintaining distance, keeping voices low, not eating near chimps, and limiting group sizes—you help ensure these endangered primates continue to thrive for future generations.

Final Thoughts

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge offers more than just wildlife viewing—it’s a journey into a spectacular natural cathedral where you’ll come face-to-face with our closest evolutionary relatives. The combination of dramatic scenery, pristine forest, and intimate primate encounters creates memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you’re a dedicated primate enthusiast, a wildlife photographer, or simply someone seeking an authentic African adventure, Kyambura Gorge delivers an experience unlike any other. Start planning your trek today and prepare for one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife encounters.