Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is one of the most memorable Uganda wildlife safaris, trekking through the dense rain forest on foot looking for chimpanzees is a great experience to enjoy in Uganda.
We share 98.9% our DNA with the chimpanzees making them our closest living relatives, chimpanzees are social animals living in communities of 20 to 150 members. Like humans, they tend to have strong personalities and their expressive faces make their identities very recognizable to us. Their intelligence and social behavior are endlessly fascinating to observe and if you are lucky, you may hear their chorus of vocalizations called pant-hooting – a spine-tingling experience that will live in your head for ever. A few fortunate tourists have witnessed chimpanzee hunting colobus monkeys.
Where to Go Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
Uganda has 4 major destinations where chimpanzee trekking is done, these are Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Among the 4 destinations, Kibale National Park is the best place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda offering 95% chances of seeing chimpanzees.
Kibale National Park
As already stated above, Kibale National Park also known as Kibale Forest National Park is the best place in Uganda for chimpanzee trekking, the jungle of rainforest is home to more than 1500 chimpanzees thus giving the highest chances of seeing chimpanzees.
Some of the chimpanzee communities in Kibale have been habituated for chimpanzee trekking, this means they are habituated to human presence and this amazing experience has been happening since 1990s. This means visitors can enjoy extended close-up encounters of grooming and other interaction.

Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Kalinzu Forest Reserve offers a more affordable chimpanzee trekking experience in Uganda, the forest is situated near Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to more than 300 chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking is Kalinzu Forest offers a high success rate of seeing chimpanzees and ranked as the second best place to see chimpanzees in Uganda.
Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge also known as the “Valley of Apes” is a great place for chimpanzee trekking, situated in Queen Elizabeth National Park. the gorge is around 100 meters deep and 1 kilometer across.
Chances of seeing chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge are lower than in Kibale as well as Kalinzu, in search chimpanzees, your hike down into the gorge makes it feel like you are in an underground forest.

Budongo Forest Reserve
Budongo Forest Reserve is another great-off-the-beaten option for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, this verdant rainforest is easily visited along the way to Murchison Falls National Park.
Budongo forest is the largest natural forest in Uganda covering an area of about 826 square kilometers and is home over 600 chimpanzees, these chimpanzees were studied by Vernon Reynolds along with Adriaan Kortlandt and Jane Goodall the first primatologist to do extensive studies of chimpanzees and their habitat.
Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
Surrounded by the Great Rift Valley Escarpment, the Rwenzori Mountains and DR.Congo’s Blue Mountains, Semuliki Wildlife Reserve offers quitter and less certain encounters with chimpanzees than all other chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda.
But it has a lighter forest cover and chimpanzee sightings tend to be clear. Also here, chimpanzees often venture out into open savannah where they are more likely to walk upright. If you are lucky, you will witness this and you will feel as if you are watching them evolving into man.
Chimpanzee Trekking Tours In Uganda – Chimpanzee Trekking Packages
2 – Day Chimp Trekking Adventure in Kibale Forest
3 Day Kibale Gorilla Trekking Tour
4 Day Affordable Uganda Safari: Gorillas, Chimps & Lake Bunyonyi
8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari, Primates & Cultural Experiences
Affordable 5-Day Chimpanzee & Big Five Game Safari Uganda
7 Day Uganda Wildlife Safari – Chimpanzee, Gorillas, Big 5& More
5 Day Uganda Safari, Chimpanzee, Gorillas & Wildlife
10 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari, Gorillas, Chimpanzee & Big Game
14 Days Uganda – Rwanda Safari – Primates & Wildlife
17 Days Uganda, Kenya and Zanzibar Tour
18 Days Uganda Family Safari Holiday
20- Day Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania Safari Vacation
What to Expect During Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda?
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is a thrilling and active adventure that takes you on a hike through the rainforest jungle, this experience is totally different from the typical African safari experience and offers tourists an amazing break from the savannah game drives. Here is all you can expect during your chimpanzee trek in Uganda.

Pre-trek briefing
Before setting off, you will receive a briefing from your guides who will provide essential information about safety, conservation and the behavior of chimpanzees.
Trekking through the forest
Led by experienced local guides, you will embark on an exhilarating hike of about 2 to 5 hours through dense vegetation. The trails can be challenging at times but the anticipation of spotting chimpanzees keeps you motivated.
Close encounter with chimpanzees
Once you locate a chimpanzee group assigned to you, you will spend a precious hour observing and photographing these incredible creatures. Keep a respectful distance and follow your guide’s instructions to avoid disturbing their natural behavior.
Learning about chimpanzee behavior
During the trek, your guides will share insights into chimpanzee behavior, social structures and conservation efforts. This educational aspect adds depth to the experience and fosters a great appreciation for these intelligent beings.
Embracing their natural beauty
Chimpanzee trekking not only allows you to witness these amazing primates up close but also immerse you in the breathtaking beauty of Uganda’s rainforests. You will see other Uganda primates such as olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys and many birds. Take the time to appreciate the sights and sounds of the wilderness around you.
Is Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda Good for Conservation?
Chimpanzees are highly endangered and as of 2023, around 170,000 chimpanzee individuals are believed to exist in the wild, a decrease for over 1,000,000 chimpanzees in the early 1900s. Their populations are rapidly declining due to habitat loss, poaching and disease, in Uganda conservation efforts play a vital role in protecting these magnificent creatures as well as their habitats.
To provide a safe space for chimpanzees to thrive, several national parks and reserves were established. The local communities are involved in sustainable tourism initiatives that benefit both people and wildlife. By choosing to go chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, you actively support these conservation efforts. The revenue generated from chimpanzee tourism helps fund research, anti-poaching patrols and community development projects. It is a golden opportunity to make a positive impact and contribute to the long – term survival of chimpanzees and their ecosystems.
Planning Your Trip for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda