Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda (Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Tours)
Second to mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda is a thrilling and one of the most sought-after safari activities by most travelers visiting Uganda for safaris. Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Tours are extraordinary safari tours that grant you a rare opportunity to encounter one of the human’s closest relatives, ‘‘Chimpanzees’’ in their natural habitat. In general, Uganda is a popular primate tracking destination in Africa and the world at large and chimpanzees are among the primate species that call this place home.
Uganda offers arguably some of the best chimpanzee trekking safaris in the world, thanks to its thriving chimpanzee population that inhabits the country’s lust tropical rainforest with ample food for these primates. More than 5,000 chimpanzees are found in Uganda, inhabiting various conservation areas including National Park and Sanctuaries making it one of the best places in the world to encounter these incredible primates. Just like mountain gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda takes you to some of the country’s most unique and biodiverse areas for an immersive primate trekking adventure.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about chimpanzee trekking in Uganda/Uganda Chimpanzee Safaris, including the best trekking locations, the best time to go chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, the chimpanzee tracking permits, and how to prepare for your trek. Embark on a thrilling adventure into Uganda’s tropical jungles for an immersive and life-changing Chimpanzee trekking adventure.
Where to trek chimpanzees in Uganda – Best Places to go for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
Kibale National Park
Located in the western part of Uganda, Kibale National Park is Uganda’s most famous chimpanzee trekking destination. Kibale National Park is also often referred to as the “primate capital of the world” because of its impressive population of other primate species including the velvet monkey, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and olive baboons among others. About 13 different primate species can be found in Kibale National Park making it truly one of the best destinations for primate tracking safaris in Uganda. Chimpanzees are the primary attraction in Kibale National Park, with over 1,400 chimpanzees said to reside within the park boundaries. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park/ Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda promises an immersive experience that takes you through the lush tropical forest of Kibale.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park takes you through the lush tropical Forest of Kibale, an experience that starts from the Kanyanchu Visitors Center. The primate walk in Kibale/Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale usually begins early in the morning with a briefing from experienced guides at the visitor’s center. The trek through the forest can range from anywhere between 2 to 3 hours depending on where the chimpanzees are located. Since there are various other primate species in Kibale, you’ll enjoy witnessing them during your trek. Trekkers are usually put into small groups of about 6 people each for conservation purposes and to minimize disturbance. Kibale’s ecosystem is stunning, featuring vibrant flora and fauna that will captivate nature lovers during chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda.
Budongo Forest Reserve in Murchison Falls National Park
The Budongo Forest Reserve is located within Murchison Falls National Park – another prime location for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. On top of its scenic beauty and tranquility, Budongo is also the largest forest reserve in Uganda, hosting a diversity of flora and fauna. The Budongo Forest Reserve is home to around 600 chimpanzees with several habituated communities that you can trek during your Uganda Primate safari tour.
Among other top attractions in Budongo besides the chimpanzees are; bird species, reptiles, and unique plant life – an ideal location for eco-tourists and those looking for a less crowded trekking experience on their Uganda Primate Tracking Safari.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest, just like in Kibale National Park, is conducted by experienced ranger guides – the experience starts with a briefing and allocation. You’ll then dive into these tropical jungles to search for the primates. The chances of witnessing chimpanzees in Budongo are high, just like in Kibale National Park.
Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Although less popular than Kibale National Park and Budongo Forest, the Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park is another top destination for Uganda Chimpanzee trekking safaris/Chimpanzee Trekking safaris in Uganda. The population of chimpanzees here inhabits the steep, forested cliffs of the Kyambura Gorge – granting visitors an opportunity to see chimpanzees in a unique environment, different from the lush rainforests of Kibale or Budongo.
Chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura Gorge is truly remarkable, you’ll explore the gorge’s slopes that can be challenging to climb however, the experience is truly rewarding with excellent chimpanzee sightings and the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape – including expansive savannahs and the distant Rwenzori Mountains. Unlike the Kibale National Park and Budongo Forest where chimpanzees are easy to spot, chimpanzees in Kyambura are more elusive and require patience and commitment to trek.
Chimpanzee Permit in Uganda
To trek Chimpanzees in Uganda, you need a chimpanzee trekking permit which is issued by the Authorities responsible for protecting the chimpanzees and their natural habitats. For Kibale National Park and Kyambura Gorge, the chimpanzee permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), government authority responsible for managing 10 Uganda National Park and 12 game reserves.
Below are the different prices of Chimpanzee trekking permits for each location;
Chimpanzee permit prices for Kibale National Park
International Visitors (Foreign Non-Resident) pay US$ 250 per permit
Foreign Residents pay US$ 200 per permit
East African Citizens pay UGX 180, 000 per permit
Chimpanzee Permit Prices for Kyambura Gorge
International Visitors (Foreign Non-Resident) pay US$ 100 per permit
Foreign Residents pay US$ 80 per permit
East African Citizens pay UGX 50, 000 per permit
Best time for trekking Chimpanzees in Uganda
Although generally Chimpanzee trekking safaris to Uganda can be done all year round, some months of the year offer ideal conditions for chimpanzee trekking. The two dry seasons; the long dry season between June to September and December to February are considered the best time for Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.
The dry season attracts clear suny weather that makes your trek more enjoyable. The trekking trails in the forest are also less slippery compared to the wet season. The vegetation is as well less thick during this period making sighting Chimpanzees even much easier.
Embark on a Chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda with us and explore Uganda’s lush tropical rainforests for a memorable encounter with the chimps. We also offer gorilla trekking safaris and wildlife safaris in Uganda. Let us customize your dream African journey today and enjoy unrivaled safari experiences in Africa.