Exceptional Chimpanzee Encounters

Chimpanzee Tracking

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda: A Primate Adventure Like No Other

What is Chimpanzee Trekking?

Chimpanzee trekking is a thrilling wildlife adventure that takes you deep into the forests of Uganda and Rwanda to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Known for their intelligence, social structure, and playful behavior, chimpanzees are one of the most fascinating primates to observe in the wild. Trekking through lush forests and trekking trails, you’ll have the unique opportunity to witness chimpanzees interacting with one another, foraging for food, and playing.

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer exceptional chimpanzee trekking experiences, with opportunities to see these incredible creatures in some of the most biodiverse national parks in Africa. Whether you’re seeking adventure in Uganda’s Kibale National Park or Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park, each destination provides a distinctive and memorable experience.

Conservation and Community Impact

Funds from your chimpanzee trekking experience help fund conservation programs in Nyungwe and the surrounding areas. The permit fees contribute to protecting chimpanzee populations, maintaining the park’s ecological integrity, and supporting local communities who are involved in park management and sustainable tourism initiatives.

Chimpanzee Trekking: A Rewarding Adventure for Wildlife Enthusiasts

Whether you choose Kibale National Park in Uganda or Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda, chimpanzee trekking offers an unforgettable wildlife experience. You’ll not only get a chance to see wild chimpanzees up close but also contribute to the protection and preservation of these incredible primates and their habitats.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Why Choose Uganda for Chimpanzee Trekking?

Uganda is widely considered one of the top places for chimpanzee trekking, thanks to its abundance of primates and rich biodiversity. The Kibale National Park, often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World,” is home to over 1,400 chimpanzees. The park’s tropical rainforest offers a unique setting for a chimpanzee trekking adventure. Chimpanzee can be tracked in different locations in Uganda including Kibale forest National Park, the Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Toro-Semliki Reserve, Budongo forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Kalinzu forest in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bugoma forest reserve.

On your chimpanzee trip, you’ll explore dense, lush rainforests as you track chimpanzees and other primates, including blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and colobus monkeys. The chimpanzees live in large, sociable groups and are known for their complex social dynamics, making it a fascinating place to witness their behavior.

What to Expect on a Chimpanzee Trek in Uganda

Duration: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale typically lasts between 1 to 3 hours depending on where the chimpanzees are located.

What You’ll See: During your trek, you’ll observe chimpanzees foraging, grooming, and interacting with each other. The experience offers the chance to see their intelligence and playful nature in action.

Seasonality: While chimpanzees can be tracked year-round in Uganda, the best times to visit are during the dry seasons (from June to September and December to February), when the weather conditions are most favorable for trekking.

Chimpanzee Trekking Permit Prices in Uganda (2025 – 2026)

Planning to trek with chimpanzees in Uganda? Below are the updated permit costs for various chimpanzee trekking destinations across the country:

Kibale Forest National Park

Known as the Primate Capital of the World, Kibale offers the most popular chimpanzee trekking experience in Uganda.

  • Foreign Non-Residents: $250
  • Foreign Residents: $200
  • East African Citizens: UGX 200,000
Kyambura Gorge & Kalinzu Forest

Perfect for budget travelers or those exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park.

  • Foreign Non-Residents: $50
  • Foreign Residents: $50
  • East African Citizens: UGX 30,000
Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve

A lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path location for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda.

  • Foreign Non-Residents: $30
  • Foreign Residents: $30
  • East African Citizens: UGX 20,000
Budongo Forest Reserve (Murchison Falls Area)

Budongo Chimpanzee Permits costs vary by season:

Peak Season (June–September, December–February)

  • Foreign Non-Residents: $130
  • Foreign Residents: $120
  • East African Citizens: $85

Off-Peak Season (March–May, October–November)

  • Foreign Non-Residents: $120
  • Foreign Residents: $110
  • East African Citizens: $80

Note: Chimp Permits availability is limited and demand is high—especially in peak seasons. Early booking is highly recommended.

Have questions or need help planning your chimpanzee trekking safari? Contact Gentle Giants Safaris for expert advice and seamless arrangements.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda

Why Choose Rwanda for Chimpanzee Trekking?

While Rwanda is most famous for its mountain gorillas, it also offers incredible opportunities for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Located in the southwest of Rwanda, Nyungwe is home to a wide variety of primates, including the endangered chimpanzee. The park offers a pristine environment for trekking and exploring, with breathtaking views of rolling hills and dense forest.

Nyungwe’s chimpanzees live in smaller groups compared to those in Uganda, and trekking in this park offers a more intimate and tranquil experience. Trekking through Nyungwe allows you to enjoy the forest’s beauty and biodiversity, with the chance to see many other wildlife species, such as monkeys, birds, and butterflies.

What to Expect on a Chimpanzee Trek in Rwanda

Duration: The trek typically lasts between 1 to 4 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzee group.

What You’ll See: On the trek, you will see chimpanzees in their natural habitat—feeding, grooming, and interacting with one another. You may also encounter other species, including L’Hoest’s monkeys, Colobus monkeys, and a range of birdlife.

Best Time to Visit: The dry season (from June to September and December to February) is the best time for trekking, offering the most favorable conditions for spotting chimpanzees and trekking through the forest.

Chimpanzee Trekking Permit: A chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe costs approximately $90 per person.

5+ Years of curating wild experiences to Uganda and East Africa.

Inspirational Safari Experiences

Curated Journeys

Your journey should be as unique as you are. At Gentle Giants Safaris, we craft true African safari experiences designed around your dreams—whether it’s witnessing elephants roaming freely or spotting elusive leopards in the heart of the wild.

Scroll
Customize Consent Preferences
When you visit our website, it may store information through your browser from specific services, usually in form of cookies. Here you can change your privacy preferences. Please note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our website and the services we offer.