Uganda is globally recognized as a premier destination for primate lovers. While gorilla trekking often steals the spotlight, chimpanzee trekking offers a high-energy, immersive experience that is equally captivating. With over 98% human DNA, chimpanzees are our closest living relatives, and watching them swing through the ancient canopies of Uganda’s rainforests is a true bucket-list adventure.
Where to See Chimpanzees in Uganda
Uganda boasts several diverse habitats where you can track habituated chimpanzee families.
1. Kibale Forest National Park
Often called the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale is the top destination for trekking. It hosts over 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. The success rate for spotting chimps here is over 95%.
2. Murchison Falls National Park (Budongo Forest)
Budongo Forest is home to approximately 600 chimpanzees. Tracking here is excellent, particularly at Kaniyo Pabidi, where the towering mahogany trees provide a stunning backdrop for the trek.
3. Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kyambura Gorge)
Known as the “Valley of Apes,” this 100-meter-deep gorge is a sunken tropical forest amidst the savannah. It offers one of the most dramatic and scenic trekking experiences in Africa.
4. Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Located on Lake Victoria, this sanctuary is home to orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. It is an ideal spot for visitors who want to observe chimp behavior up close without a long forest hike.
5. Other Notable Locations
Kalinzu Forest: Near Queen Elizabeth Park, offering high success rates at a lower cost.
Semuliki Wildlife Reserve: Ideal for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
The Chimpanzee Trekking Permit
To visit these primates, you must obtain a permit issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Availability: Permits are limited to ensure conservation and minimize human-to-wildlife disease transmission.
Booking: It is highly recommended to book through a trusted local tour operator. They handle the logistics, and once payment is confirmed, you receive a unique serial-numbered permit.
Cost: Prices vary by location and residency status.
Kibale Forest: ~$250 USD (Standard rate can fluctuate by season).
Kyambura Gorge: ~$50 USD.
Budongo Forest: ~$130 USD.
Note: Always verify current rates with your operator as UWA prices are subject to periodic updates.
Trekking vs. Habituation: What’s the Difference?
When planning your trip, you can choose between two distinct experiences:
Chimpanzee Trekking: A 2–3 hour hike to find a group that is already used to humans. Once found, you spend one hour observing them.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX): A deeper immersion where you accompany researchers and rangers as they follow a group not yet fully comfortable with humans. This lasts 4 hours to a full day, allowing you to see them “de-nest” in the morning or build new nests at night.
Essential Rules and Regulations
To protect the health of the chimpanzees and ensure your safety, several rules are strictly enforced:
Health: You are not allowed to trek if you have a communicable disease (flu, cough, diarrhea).
Distance: Maintain a minimum distance of 8 meters (25 feet).
Age Limit: The minimum age for trekking is 15 years.
Behavior: No flash photography, no eating/drinking near the chimps, and keep noise levels to a minimum.
Waste: If you must use the “bush toilet,” dig a 30cm hole and bury everything completely.
What to Pack for Your Trek
The Ugandan jungle is humid and rugged. Come prepared with:
Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots with a good grip for muddy slopes.
Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers (tuck them into your socks to prevent ant bites).
Gear: A light rain jacket (the weather is unpredictable), binoculars, and a camera (no flash!).
Supplies: At least 2 liters of drinking water and energy-boosting snacks.
Protection: Insect repellent and sunscreen.
Best Time to Visit
While trekking is possible year-round, the Dry Seasons (June to September and December to January) are the most popular. The trails are less slippery, and the vegetation is less dense, making spotting easier. However, the Wet Season (March to May and November) offers the advantage of shorter treks, as food is abundant and chimps don’t have to travel far.
Fast Facts About Chimpanzees
Intelligence: They use tools, such as sticks to “fish” for termites and stones to crack nuts.
Social Structure: They live in communities of 10 to 100 members led by an Alpha male.
Lifespan: Up to 40 years in the wild and 60 years in captivity.
Weight: Males weigh between 35–70kg, while females are smaller at 26–50kg.
