Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Chimpanzees are our closest relatives, sharing about 98.7% of DNA with humans. They adapt to their environments over time, developing tools for survival much like humans. One can spend an hour with these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat by visiting one of the areas where trekking is offered in Uganda. During the trek, accompanied by a ranger guide, visitors have the opportunity to observe the chimps closely, take photographs, and learn more about their behavior.

Where to Experience Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Kibale National Park stands out as the primate capital of the world, boasting a large chimpanzee population. With over 120 habituated chimps and approximately 1400 residing in the forest, the chances of encountering them during a trek are high, with a success rate of about 95%. Chimpanzee trekking sessions are available twice daily, commencing at 7 am and 12 pm, accommodating up to 6 groups tracking each day, each with a maximum of 6 individuals. The park is also home to about 13 different primate species, including black & white colobus, red-tailed monkey, red colobus monkeys, and baboons.

Kalinzu Forest offers another rewarding chimpanzee trekking experience, with approximately 40 habituated chimps out of a total population exceeding 300 individuals. Though the sighting rate during treks stands at around 60%, the forest’s scenic beauty and flowing streams add to the experience. Treks in this area are typically long and require a reasonable level of fitness.

Budongo Forest, particularly the Kaniyo Pabidi section within Murchison Falls National Park, provides yet another opportunity for encountering chimpanzees in their natural habitat. While the forest harbors the largest population of chimpanzees, only a few are habituated for tourism. Unlike Kibale, where permits need to be booked in advance, at Kaniyo Pabidi, visitors can inform the park rangers a day before the trek.

Kyambura Gorge, situated within the renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park, offers a unique experience of exploring an underground forest amidst the savannah landscape. Although the forest hosts a smaller population of chimpanzees, spotting them can be challenging. However, the forest walk itself is rewarding, and the views of the gorge from a lookout point are spectacular. Visitors may also encounter other wildlife such as hippos and elephants during the trek, with rare sightings of lions.

For those with limited time, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary provides an opportunity for an up-close experience with chimpanzees. Located 45 minutes from the Entebbe pier on Lake Victoria, the sanctuary can be reached by speedboat in 1.5 hours on a motorized traditional canoe.

Chimpanzee Trekking Tips

• Participants must be at least 15 years old to trek chimpanzees.
• It is recommended to wear trousers and long-sleeved shirts.
• Waterproof boots or hiking shoes are advisable.
• Use insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes.
• Carry bottled water for hydration during the trek.