Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
By no means a support act to the gorillas, Uganda’s chimps are a draw in their own right. Occupying different habitats to the gorillas and living within distinct social structures, the chimps are close to us – not just in terms of DNA. They have a dark side that enthrals just as much as their more charming characteristics.
Introduction to chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
Uganda is unique in its ability to combine a huge diversity of wildlife and safari experiences along a single itinerary.
Chimp tracking in Uganda is one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences available on the continent.
There are 3 major chimp trekking destinations in Uganda: Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kibale Forest is the best place for chimp trekking, as the forest has high population densities and sightings are most common here.
What is chimpanzee trekking?
Chimpanzee trekking, one of the most popular wildlife activities in Uganda, allows you to step into the world of chimpanzees in the wild. Uganda Wildlife Authority Interpretive Rangers lead a small group (maximum of 8) into the realm of the chimps.
The treks last about three hours and include a maximum of one hour with the chimps, during which you can expect to see them from a safe but intimate distance of 8-10 metres. Get up close and personal with the chimpanzees and discover their beauty, intelligence, and social structures.
What is chimpanzee habituation?
Chimpanzee habituation is a fully immersive experience. You can join the researchers of the habituation team for a half or full day excursion deep into the forest. These chimps are less used to human presence and so the experience is more unpredictable.
Whilst it can be challenging to follow the lead of these agile primates, the experience is thoroughly rewarding.
The main difference between the standard chimp treks and the habituation experience is how long you spend with the chimps. The habituation experience allows you to spend much longer in the company of the chimps.
Where can I go chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?
Kibale National Park
Home to around 1,500 chimpanzees, Kibale Forest National Park is the main chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda.
Located in South-West Uganda, the rainforest is easily accessible from Kampala or Entebbe.
The forest has excellent chimp populations, and the park has become synonymous with chimpanzees. The chances of sightings here are at 90% or more, and the park sits along the south-western safari circuit so is easy to combine with other experiences.
The tracking excursions depart twice a day at 08:00 and 14:00 and the morning excursions are busier since many itineraries combine it with an afternoon visit to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Tracking permits are required, and they can be booked through the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Chimp habituation experiences are also available at Kibale. For those joining for the full day, you will join the chimps from when they break nests at about 06:30 until they nest again for the night at about 19:00.
