Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda – Into the Wild Hearts of Our Closest Relatives

Chimpanzee trekking is one of Africa’s most exhilarating primate adventures — an intimate encounter with the playful, intelligent, and expressive cousins we share over 98% of our DNA with. Deep in the ancient forests of Uganda and Rwanda, travelers set out at dawn to follow echoes of pant-hoots and rustling leaves, guided by expert rangers who track these social, fast-moving apes. The experience is both thrilling and emotional — a raw, sensory immersion into the very essence of the African jungle and the astonishing lives of wild chimpanzees.

Where to Go for Chimpanzee Trekking in East Africa

Chimpanzee trekking is mainly experienced in Uganda and Rwanda, with Uganda offering several prime habitats and the highest chimpanzee populations in East Africa.

1. Kibale National Park – The Primate Capital of the World (Uganda)

If there is a true home of chimpanzees, it is Kibale Forest National Park. Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale hosts over 1,500 chimpanzees and thirteen other primate species. The dense tropical rainforest, interwoven with tall mahogany and fig trees, creates an enchanting backdrop for chimpanzee trekking.

Treks begin early in the morning with an informative briefing at Kanyanchu Visitor Centre before visitors set out in small groups accompanied by rangers and trackers. Within minutes, the forest comes alive with distant calls, drumming on roots, and the chatter of monkeys above. Once a chimpanzee family is located, trekkers spend an hour observing their fascinating behavior — from grooming rituals and feeding to social displays and playful antics.

For a deeper experience, Kibale also offers a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, allowing visitors to spend up to four hours with chimpanzees still being accustomed to human presence. This extended encounter provides rare insight into their daily lives — following them as they wake, feed, play, and build nests at sunset.

Kibale is easily accessible from Fort Portal, and the area boasts charming lodges such as Chimpundu Lodge, Primate Lodge, and Kibale Forest Camp, offering comfort amidst nature’s rhythm.

2. Budongo Forest Reserve – Murchison Falls Region (Uganda)

Situated in the northern Albertine Rift, Budongo Forest is another incredible location for chimpanzee trekking, located near Murchison Falls National Park. The Kaniyo Pabidi section, managed by the Jane Goodall Institute, offers a quieter and more rustic experience than Kibale.

Budongo’s chimpanzees are known for their distinctive calls and complex social behaviors. The forest’s towering mahoganies, calm trails, and rich birdlife make the trek deeply atmospheric. Visitors often combine chimp trekking in Budongo with a wildlife safari in Murchison Falls, where lions, giraffes, and elephants roam the savannah — offering a perfect blend of forest and savannah adventure.

3. Kyambura Gorge – The “Valley of Apes” (Uganda)

Hidden within Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyambura Gorge is one of Uganda’s most dramatic landscapes. This lush forested canyon carved by the Kyambura River offers a striking contrast to the surrounding grasslands.

Trekking here feels almost surreal — descending into the deep gorge, the sounds of the forest rising around you, and then encountering chimpanzees in their natural setting. Though the chimp population here is smaller and more elusive, the scenery and sense of discovery make Kyambura a memorable experience, especially for those already exploring Queen Elizabeth’s wider ecosystem of savannah and wetlands.

4. Kalinzu Forest Reserve – Off-the-Beaten Path (Uganda)

Just outside Queen Elizabeth National Park lies Kalinzu Forest, a less-known but rewarding chimpanzee trekking site. Managed by the Uganda Forest Authority, Kalinzu offers affordable permits and high chances of sightings, often exceeding 70%.

The forest shelters about 300 chimpanzees, of which several groups are habituated for tourism. The trekking trails also reveal a rich variety of butterflies, birds, and medicinal plants, creating a holistic forest experience. It’s a perfect alternative for travelers seeking fewer crowds and authentic wilderness.

5. Nyungwe Forest National Park – Rwanda’s Primate Paradise

Across the border in Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park offers one of Africa’s most pristine montane rainforest experiences. This vast, mist-covered forest is home to over 500 chimpanzees, as well as 12 other primate species including the Rwenzori colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey.

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe starts at dawn, with trackers following early morning calls to locate the troops. The terrain is steep and covered with mossy trees and thick ferns, creating a fairytale-like setting. The trek rewards travelers with close views of chimpanzees swinging energetically through the canopy, feeding, or socializing noisily among the branches.

The park also features Africa’s first Canopy Walkway, suspended 60 meters above the forest floor — a thrilling way to experience the forest’s grandeur. Nyungwe pairs perfectly with gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, offering a complete primate safari experience.

When to Go Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking can be done year-round, but the best times are during the dry seasons — June to September and December to February. During these months, forest trails are less slippery, and chimpanzees tend to move closer to the ground in search of food. In wetter months (March–May and October–November), trekking becomes more challenging but equally rewarding as the forest turns vividly green and sightings can be highly active.

Permits and Costs

Chimpanzee trekking permits vary by location:

Kibale National Park (Uganda): USD 250 per person

Budongo Forest: USD 130 per person

Kalinzu Forest: USD 50 per person

Kyambura Gorge: USD 100 per person

Nyungwe Forest (Rwanda): USD 150 per person

Permits can be obtained through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or authorized tour operators such as Imvelo Safaris, who can arrange full chimpanzee trekking packages including accommodation, transport, and guided experiences.

What to Expect on the Trek

Trekking begins early morning with a briefing on safety and behavior. Groups are small, usually six people, accompanied by armed rangers and local trackers. The hike can take one to three hours depending on chimp movements. Once found, you’ll spend one hour observing them up close — a flurry of energy, communication, and fascinating interaction that showcases their intelligence and emotions.

Chimpanzees are often louder, faster, and more playful than gorillas. Expect to hear them calling across the canopy, drumming on tree trunks, and occasionally descending to the forest floor for fruit or grooming sessions.

Why Chimpanzee Trekking Matters

Chimpanzees, like gorillas, are endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. Trekking supports conservation through tourism revenue that funds protection efforts and community projects. Local guides, rangers, and nearby villages all benefit directly from responsible visitation, creating a sustainable model that gives these forests a future.

Beyond conservation, chimpanzee trekking offers something deeply human — the recognition of shared ancestry. Their gestures, laughter, and expressions mirror our own. To sit quietly in their presence is to rediscover the origins of empathy and connection that define what it means to be alive.