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Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda: Best Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris & Tours
Among African safari destinations, Uganda Chimpanzee trekking safaris/Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda tours offer one of the best experiences! This is because Uganda is home to a fascinating population of over 5,000 chimpanzees, making it one of the best safari destinations in Africa.
Note that this charming chimpanzee trekking Uganda safari adventure offers you a memorable encounter with the endangered chimpanzees in their charming natural habitat!
During your chimpanzee trekking in Uganda safari, you’ll watch these intelligent apes feeding and learn about their exciting behaviors! After this stimulating experience, you’ll agree that chimpanzees are man’s close cousins only living in the jungle!
Most Uganda chimpanzee tours are done in Kibale National Park, as it holds the highest population of chimps in Uganda.
However, there’re other destinations in Uganda for chimpanzee trips, like Kalinzu Forest and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The other site for chimp trekking Uganda safaris is Budongo, just near Murchison Falls National Park.
Only one magical hour remains for this remarkable adventure with man’s closest genetic relatives! We advise travelers to bring sturdy hiking boots, insect repellents, and a rainponcho for this safari.
For a thrilling experience on your holiday safari in Uganda, it’s ideal you combine this safari with a wildlife and gorilla trekking safari in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park.
If you’re interested in learning more about chimp trekking tours in Uganda, read on!
Sites for Chimpanzee Uganda Safaris—Where Can I See Chimpanzees in Uganda?
Frequently, many people wonder whether there are chimpanzees in Uganda! Please note that Uganda boasts the highest population of Chimpanzees among the East African safari destinations. Many amazing destinations host these chimps!
Below are the charming sites for chimpanzee trekking Uganda tours:
a) Kibale National Park
Unquestionably, Kibale Forest National Park is not only a chimpanzee haven in Uganda but also in Africa!
This park holds the highest population of Uganda chimps! It holds the biggest population of the 5,000 chimpanzees recorded in Uganda.
Chimpanzee trekking has been a popular activity in Kibale Forest Park for over 30 years. Though this lush tropical rainforest has over 4 Chimpanzee communities, Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest takes place within the Kanyanyu area, on Kanyantale Chimpanzee Community.
Note that chimpanzees live in communities of about 20–150 individuals led by a dominant alpha male.
Chimp tracking in Kibale Forest is possible in the morning and in the afternoon hours, 8 am and 2 pm, respectively.
Also, note that the chimp trek/chimp trekking in Uganda Kibale Forest Park takes about 2-5 hours and this depends on the movement of a Chimpanzee community!
As you track chimpanzee in Kibale Forest, Uganda, you have over a 90% chance of spotting chimps.
While tracking chimpanzees, you can expect to encounter several bird species and beautiful primate species in Kibale Forest.
- Olive Baboons
- Red-tailed Monkeys
- Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys
- Vervet Monkeys and,
- L’Hoest’s Monkey
While on chimpanzee tracking, one may also encounter forest elephants, buffalos, bushpigs, and bushbucks.
Please note that for visitors interested in the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, Kibale Forest Park is the best place to go! And you should endeavor to visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a thrilling village walk on top of your Chimpanzee Habituation Experience adventure. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a prominent birding destination!
FEES FOR CHIMPANZEE PERMIT IN KIBALE FOREST PARK—HOW MUCH IS CHIMPANZEE TREKKING IN KIBALE NATIONAL PARK?
- Non-Foreign Resident: 200 USD
- Foreign Residents: 150 USD
- East African Residents: 150,000 UGX
b) Kalinzu Forest
Furthermore, Kalinzu Forest is another ideal site for Uganda chimpanzee trekking tours. This biodiverse tropical rainforest (Kalinzu Forest) is just adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kalinzu holds over 300 chimpanzees, and out of these, about 100 are habituated chimpanzees by Japanese specialists for over 20 years, open for tourism.
Chimpanzee safaris in Kalinzu take about 3-4 hours and visitors have about a 90% chance of spotting chimps here.
Chimp treks are possible at 8 am and 2 pm. On your Kalinzu chimp trekking, expect to encounter stunning wildlife species such as colorful butterflies, bird species, and amazing primates like Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Olive Baboons, and the Red-tailed Monkey.
Chimpanzee permits in Kalinzu cost 50 USD.
c) Budongo Forest
This is another excellent place for chimpanzee expeditions in Uganda. Budongo Forest is situated just close to Murchison Falls National Park, one of the most visited parks for Uganda wildlife safaris
Therefore, you can combine a game-watching safari in Murchison Falls Park as well as a chimp trekking tour in Budongo.
Over 600 chimpanzees live in this lush, scenic forest, with about 100 of them trained for tracking. In Budongo, chimpanzee trekking takes place within the Kaniyo Pabidi section. Initially, this Chimpanzee community was under the management of Jane Goodall Institute but changed to Budongo Eco Lodge.
Visitors undertaking chimp trekking here can go for a morning trekking session at 8 am or one at 2 pm. All treks take about 3-4 hours and you have over an 80% chance of spotting chimps. Red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, and colobus monkeys are common along the trail.
Also, visitors can undertake a chimp habituation experience in Budongo for a wonderful experience.
The fee for Uganda Chimpanzee trekking permits in Budongo is 130 USD. Permits for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo are bought from Budongo Eco-Lodge.
d) Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travelers typically engage in chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge (Valley of Ape) as part of their wildlife safaris in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kyambura Gorge is a breathtaking rainforest canyon amidst the dry savannah of Queen Elizabeth Park, boasting over 25 habituated Chimpanzees.
Visitors undertaking chimp trekking Uganda tours in Kyambura Gorge have about a 60% chance of spotting chimps.
However, the experience of walking on the cool floor of this 100-m-deep mysterious valley (Kyambura Gorge) is worth undertaking!
While tracking chimps in Kyambura Gorge, you’ll encounter numerous colorful bird species and primate species such as black-and-white Colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. Also here, chimp trekking is possible in the morning and afternoon.
Chimpanzee permits (Chimpanzee permits) in Kyambura Gorge cost 50 USD.
e) Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Situated in Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is also a thrilling place for chimpanzee tours in Uganda.
This dazzling island (Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary) in Lake Victoria is prominently known for keeping orphaned chimpanzees in Uganda. And it’s one of the iconic primate sanctuaries in East Africa.
Ngamba Island boasts 52 chimpanzees. 46 of these are orphans, rescued from poachers and the illegal pet and bush meat trade. Six (6) chimps, such as Easy and Surprise, were born on the island due to the ineffectiveness of the contraceptives!
Visitors to this captivating chimpanzee sanctuary in Uganda can watch these orphaned animals “chimps” from the viewing platform as they come out of the forest to feed!
Please note that this wonderful sanctuary works in partnership with 6 other wildlife conservation organizations, such as:
- Jane Goodall Institute
- The Uganda Wildlife Society and,
- Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, etc.
How Many Chimpanzees Are in Uganda?
In East Africa, Uganda holds the highest population of chimps, totaling over 5,000 chimpanzees. The highest population of chimps in Uganda dwells in Kibale Forest. Other sites for chimp tours in Uganda include Budongo and Kalinzu Forests, as well as Kyambura Gorge.
Wild chimpanzees in Uganda can be spotted in various protected areas; however, within the Albertine Rift Valley region, some of these include Maramagambo Forest and Semuliki Wildlife Reserve. The Semuliki Wildlife Reserve is among the few game reserves in Uganda where you can spot wild chimps.
Note that, though chimps live in West Africa, chimpanzee safaris in Uganda offer the best chimpanzee tracking experience!
Chimp trekking safaris in Kibale Forest National Park offer the best experience in Africa!
Rules and Regulations for Chimp Trekking Uganda Safaris
There are rules and regulations to follow during your chimp trekking adventure in Uganda. This helps to secure your life as well as that of the chimps.
These guidelines include:
- We do not allow travelers with contagious diseases like flu and cough to track chimpanzees. Chimps can easily get infectious human diseases. This applies while visiting mountain gorilla groups.
- It is illegal to litter the forest during a chimpanzee trek or while tracking them. When tracking chimps, visitors should leave any rubbish they brought into the park with them.
- Always maintain maximum silence along the trail as you track Chimpanzee.
- On encountering the endangered chimpanzees, you must keep 8 meters from them all the time.
- You must not eat, drink, or smoke near the endangered chimpanzees.
- It’s illegal to use flash cameras while taking photos as you track chimpanzees. This scares (irritates chimps).
- You’re not allowed to mimic Chimpanzee vocalization during your chimp trekking adventure. You don’t know what you might be saying. This might make a chimp troop (Chimpanzee community) attack you!
- If you’ll feel like easing yourself along the trail, you must go off the track! After, cover your waste 30 cm deep with all tissue used.
- When visiting a chimp troop, you can only spend an hour with the chimps.
- It’s illegal to chase chimpanzees.
- Always follow the ranger’s instructions during the chimp trek.
- Each session allows a group of 6 visitors to track chimps. And for a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, strictly 4 participants are allowed to track Chimpanzee.
What is the Minimum Age for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda?
According to the rules and regulations of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the minimum age for tracking chimpanzees in Uganda is 12 years. This applies to all chimp trekking destinations under UWA, like Kibale Forest, Kalinzu Forest, and Kyambura Gorge.
Please note that some exceptions can be made on proving that your child is old enough and fit, strong, as well as capable of following the instructions of the ranger guides!
In Budongo Forest, the minimum age for chimp tracking is 15 years. However, only if their guardians sign a consent form can those under 15 years old trek chimpanzees.
Packing List for Chimp Trekking Uganda Safaris | Things to Carry for A Chimpanzee Tracking Safari in Uganda-H2
If you’re planning a chimpanzee tour in Uganda, we recommend the following:
- A camera: This should have extra batteries and a big storage space to accommodate many pictures.
- Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots: These are ideal on a Chimpanzee trek as you’ll be walking in the fairly challenging dense forest trails.
- A rain jacket having wood (a poncho): Tropical rainforests like Kibale Forest are prone to rainfall so, you never know!
- Insect repellents: To protect you from any possibility of biting insects like mosquitoes during your chimp trekking expeditions in a tropical rainforest.
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts: These protect your body from cuts and nettles while on a Chimpanzee trek.
- Long socking: This helps you tuck in your trousers and this safeguards you from safari aunts while on a chimp trekking trail in a tropical rainforest.
- Hardy cloves: Protect your hands from thorns during your chimp trekking adventure.
- Sunscreens, sunglasses, as well as a sunhat: These will protect you from tropical sunshine.
- A waterproof bag pack: To keep all your essentials like a camera, extra clothes, documents, and toiletries safe.
- Energy-giving snacks.
- Ensure you have enough drinking water as the 2–5 hour trek is always strenuous.
What to Wear on Your Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Uganda?
Visitors undertaking chimp trekking tours in Uganda are encouraged to always put on environmentally friendly clothes.
These clothes easily blend in with nature and don’t stress up Chimpanzees! And among these:
- The colors are Khaki, brown, and grey.
Note that:
- We don’t recommend white or any other light color because they absorb dirt easily.
During the chimp trek, you should put on:
- Comfortable waterproof hiking boots: These help in case you come across hilly and muddy points on your chimp trekking trail.
- If there are safari ants along the trail, you should tuck in your long socks to avoid them.
Hotels (Safari Lodges) in Uganda to Use During Your Chimpanzee Safari in Uganda
As you plan to have a chimpanzee holiday safari in Uganda, you shouldn’t worry about where to stay! Uganda holds a range of accommodations ranging from budget to mid-range as well as luxury.
All sites for chimpanzee trips in Uganda contain these items.
a. Popular budget lodges include:
- Rwenzori View Cottages in Kibale forest park
- Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve & Community Camp Site in Kibale, Uganda
- Pumba Safari Cottages in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Red Chili Rest Camp in Murchison Falls National Park
- Mweya Hostels in Queen Elizabeth park
- Trackers Safari Lodge in Bwindi, commonly used by visitors undertaking gorilla trek expeditions in Bwindi Park.
b. Best midrange lodges in Uganda
- Budongo Eco-Lodge in Budongo Forest
- Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Isunga Lodge in Kibale Forest National Park: Commonly used by visitors undertaking chimpanzee tracking.
c. Recommended luxury lodges in Uganda
- Mweya Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Paraa Safari Lodge in Murchison falls park
- Primate Lodge in Kibale forest national park
- Murchison River Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park
Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an ideal eco-friendly lodge for your gorilla tracking expedition in Bwindi National Park.
Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda Safaris—When Is the Best Time for Chimpanzee Uganda Tours?
Uganda chimp trekking safaris can take place all year; however, the best time is during the dry months.
Dry months include December-February and June-August.
Rainforests typically expect less rainfall in these months. Therefore, the trails are often drier and mud-free, and this makes hiking easier. This is also an ideal time for Uganda Mountain gorilla trekking safaris.
On the other hand, undertaking a chimp trekking safari in Uganda during wet months (September-November and March-May) is a blessing in disguise!
In these months, there’s much food in the jungle; thus, chimpanzees in Uganda rarely move deeper in search of food. You can always spot them with ease!
What is the Best Time of the Day for Chimp Trekking in Uganda Tours?
Though Uganda chimp trekking holds two sessions, that’s to say, the morning and the afternoon sessions.
As experts in chimpanzee safari trips in Uganda, we recommend a morning chimp trekking session. Normally, in the morning hours, chimpanzees spend most of their time roaming, searching for food.
Therefore, as you track chimpanzees in the morning, you’ll enjoy them actively playing, swinging in trees, unlike in the afternoon.
In the afternoon, normally chimps spend most of the time resting under tree shades; they rarely move!
How much is Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda? How much is chimpanzee tracking in Uganda?
How much does chimpanzee trekking cost in Uganda? The cost for a chimpanzee trekking permit in Uganda varies, for example:
- Kibale forest park: 200 USD
- Budongo Forest: 130 USD
- Kalinzu Forest 50 USD
- Kyambura Gorge: 50 USD
Please note that, although the chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale Park is relatively higher, it offers the best experience!
Cost For Uganda Chimpanzee Habituation: How Much Is Chimpanzee Habituation in Uganda?
In Uganda, chimp habituation experience can only be done in 2 (two) destinations, and below is its price:
- Kibale Forest park: 250 USD
- Budongo Forest: 230 USD
Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda Vs. Gorilla Trekking
While both chimp trekking and gorilla trekking are adventure activities on a Uganda safari, they differ significantly, as explained below.
- Chimp trekking in Uganda normally takes about 2-5 hours, while gorilla trekking (a gorilla trek) takes about 2-8 hours.
- In comparison, trekking mountain gorillas is more challenging than chimpanzee tracking. This is because mountain gorillas typically inhabit mountainous areas with elevations ranging from 8000 to 13000 feet. While chimps generally live in lowland tropical rainforests
- Uganda gorilla tracking permits (gorilla permits) cost 700 USD, while chimp trekking in Uganda costs 200 USD. Therefore, tracking chimpanzees is almost half the price of gorilla trekking. Your tour operator can book for you the gorilla permits.
- Only 8 people can visit mountain gorillas, a habituated gorilla family, while only 6 people can visit a chimpanzee community.
- You cannot track mountain gorillas or chimpanzees if you have a contagious disease.
- Both chimpanzee and gorilla tours take place in the rainforests.
Is Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda worth it?
Unquestionably, chimp trekking Uganda tours are worth undertaking for a remarkable experience on top of your African safari holiday!
Here are the reasons why you should undertake a chimp trekking trip in Uganda:
Uganda Holds the Highest Population of Chimpanzees in Africa
Uganda records over 5,000 chimpanzees living in various areas. This makes Uganda offer plenty of chimpanzee trekking permits more than its neighbors, like Rwanda, which has only one site for chimp tour (Nyungwe park)
Uganda Holds the Chimpanzee Haven in Africa
The Pearl of Africa (Uganda) boasts the Primate Capita of Africa (Kibale NP). This forest holds the highest diversity and concentration of primates in Africa, counting over 1500 chimpanzees. Some of the other 12 primates include olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.
Therefore, undertaking a chimp tour in this mythical dense forest is a memorable adventure worth undertaking!
Chimpanzee Trips in Uganda Can Easily Be Combined With Wildlife Safaris
Uganda offers a variety of safari destinations, unlike Rwanda, which only offers wildlife safari sites!
In Uganda, you can easily combine your chimp tour with a wildlife safari by visiting incredible parks like Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Uganda gorilla trekking trips are also possible!
Is Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda difficult? How difficult is Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?
Most of the Uganda chimp trekking trips are not so difficult; however, they require some moderate level of fitness!
Unlike gorilla trekking in the mountainous Mgahinga Gorilla NP and the hilly Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee tracking adventures in Uganda mainly take place on fairly flat terrains of the forest.
Also, chimpanzees live generally at low altitudes, which are easier to trek, unlike gorillas (gorilla groups). Mountain gorillas inhabit over 8,000–13,000 m above sea level.
Therefore, you should get to know that chimp trekking in Uganda tours are ideal for all travelers, as there is no hiking difficulty.
Note that, only during the wet season, some trail points in the tropical rainforests become slippery. This makes hiking quite challenging!
Is Chimpanzee Trekking Safe in Uganda? | Is It Safe to Track Chimps on Your Uganda Holiday?
Is chimpanzee trekking safe? Normally, most visitors undertaking chimpanzee trips in Uganda get worried for their lives!
Please note that all chimp trekking adventures in Uganda are generally safe and below are the reasons to prove this:
- All chimpanzee safaris in Uganda involve fully habituated chimps. Therefore, don’t get anxious about being attacked by chimps, all these chimps are used to human presence.
- Armed rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority always accompany you on the trek. These ensure your safety in the jungle.
- Regularly, the anti-poaching team makes patrols in the forest. Therefore, all forests are free from poachers.
- Also, the 8-10m distance rule from chimps ensures your safety.
How Much Is a Chimpanzee Safari in Uganda?
This is a common query for most visitors planning to undertake a chimpanzee safari holiday in Uganda! However, you should note there is no fixed price for a chimpanzee safari.
Usually, the cost of a chimpanzee tour in Uganda varies with several factors, including:
- Accommodation to use on your Chimpanzee tour
This determines so much the cost of your chimpanzee trip in Uganda. Choosing to use luxury accommodation raises your safari price, while budget accommodation minimizes the cost.
- Number of days you’ll spend on a safari
Generally, long safaris are more expensive than short trips. For example, a 2-day chimpanzee safari is relatively cheaper than a 5-day Uganda primate safari.
This is so because the more days, the higher the safari expenses like accommodation and fuel, etc.
- A safari vehicle you are to use on your tour
This is also a key factor in determining the safari price of your chimpanzee trip in Uganda. For example, using a 4×4 safari land cruiser is fairly expensive than using a safari van.
This is due to their differing fuel consumption rates.
- Activities to undertake during your chimp trip
Additionally, the price of your chimp safari in Uganda is influenced by this.That’s to say, the more safari activities, the higher the price!
For example, if you are interested in a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Parks on top of your chimp tour, expect your safari price to be higher compared to one who will take a chimp trip only!
- Number of people on a Chimpanzee safari
In general, the safari cost increases with the increase in the number of people on a trip. This is because each person requires a specific safari service, which includes accommodations among other things.
On the other hand, many people call for reduced safari costs as it allows sharing costs like accommodation & transport.
Top Safari Companies to Travel with On Your Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda Safari
Choosing one of the reliable chimp trekking safari companies to travel with is always a challenge. This is due to the many tour operators online!
Here is a list of one of the best safari companies in Uganda you should travel with for a fascinating chimpanzee tracking experience:
- Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
- Safari Uganda Safaris
- African Safaris & Tours
- A Uganda Safari
- Gorilla Trekking Uganda
- Gorilla Safaris & Tours
Below Are the Best Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Packages in Uganda for You
Here are some of the charming chimpanzee tour packages in Uganda for you to choose from:
- 2 Days Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Kibale National Park
- 3 Days Chimp Trekking Safari in Kibale Forest
- 4 Days Chimpanzee Tracking and Wildlife Safari Uganda Tour
- 5 Days Uganda Primates Safari
- 5 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari And Chimpanzee Tour
- 7 Days Uganda Safari Tour
- 8 Days Uganda Safari Tour
- 9 Days Uganda Safari
- 10 Days Uganda Safari Tour
- 12 Days Uganda Safari Tour
- 14 Days Uganda Safari Tour
- 15 Days Uganda Safari Tour
- 16 Days Uganda Safari Tour
- 18 Days Uganda Safari Tour
In summary, chimpanzee trekking Uganda safaris rank among the top sensational experiences worth undertaking on your African safari in Uganda. This charming adventure gives you a golden opportunity to encounter chimps in their natural environment.
Though there’re other sites for chimp trekking tours in Uganda, Kibale National Park ranks as the best. For a memorable experience in Uganda, you should combine wildlife as well as a gorilla trekking safari on your chimp tour!
For any inquiries about your safari in Uganda, please feel free to email our responsive team. Book With Us Now Your Uganda Safari for a Memorable Experience!