Which Parks Offer Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda?

Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is renowned for its diverse wildlife, lush rainforests, and incredible primate encounters. While gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park often steals the spotlight, chimpanzee trekking is another unforgettable experience that draws wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.

Chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, share about 98% of our DNA, making encounters with them both fascinating and humbling. Uganda is one of the best destinations for chimpanzee trekking, offering several locations where visitors can observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat.

In this article, we explore the key parks and reserves in Uganda that offer chimpanzee trekking, detailing what makes each location unique, the trekking experience, permits, and practical tips for planning your adventure.

1. Kibale National Park – The Chimpanzee Trekking Capital of Uganda

Kibale National Park is Uganda’s premier destination for chimpanzee trekking, boasting the highest concentration of primates in Africa. Located in western Uganda near Fort Portal, this tropical rainforest is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, with several habituated groups available for trekking.

Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

• Trek Duration: 2-4 hours (depending on chimpanzee location)
• Permit Cost: $200perperson(foreignnon-residents),$150 (foreign residents), UGX 150,000 (East African residents)
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but dry seasons (June-September & December-February) are ideal

Kibale offers both standard chimpanzee trekking and the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHE), a more immersive full-day program where visitors accompany researchers as they habituate wild chimps to human presence.

Other Activities in Kibale

• Bird watching (over 375 bird species)
• Nocturnal walks to spot bushbabies and other night creatures
• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for nature walks

2. Budongo Forest Reserve – A Hidden Gem in Murchison Falls National Park

Located within the larger Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest Reserve is another excellent spot for chimpanzee trekking. It is one of Uganda’s oldest and largest mahogany forests, with a thriving chimpanzee population.

Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

• Trek Duration: 2-5 hours
• Permit Cost: $90perperson(foreignnon-residents),$80 (foreign residents), UGX 80,000 (East African residents)
• Best Time to Visit: December-February & June-September

Budongo is less crowded than Kibale, offering a more secluded experience. The Kaniyo Pabidi sector is the primary trekking area, where visitors can also see other primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys and red-tailed monkeys.

Other Activities in Budongo

• Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
• Boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls
• Bird watching (over 360 species, including the rare Puvel’s Illadopsis)

3. Kyambura Gorge – The “Valley of Apes” in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kyambura Gorge, part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, is a dramatic sunken forest known as the “Valley of Apes.” While chimp sightings here are less guaranteed than in Kibale, the scenic beauty of the gorge makes the trek worthwhile.

Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

• Trek Duration: 2-3 hours
• Permit Cost: $50perperson(foreignnon-residents),$40 (foreign residents), UGX 50,000 (East African residents)
• Best Time to Visit: Dry seasons (June-August & December-February)

Kyambura’s chimps are semi-habituated, meaning sightings are not always guaranteed, but the lush landscape and other wildlife (like hippos and elephants nearby) enhance the experience.

Other Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
• Lion tracking in the Ishasha sector (famous for tree-climbing lions)
• Game drives in Kasenyi Plains

4. Kalinzu Forest Reserve – A Budget-Friendly Alternative Near Kibale

Adjacent to Kibale National Park, Kalinzu Forest Reserve offers a more affordable chimpanzee trekking experience. Managed by the National Forestry Authority, this reserve has a smaller but thriving chimpanzee population.

Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

• Trek Duration: 2-4 hours
• Permit Cost: $40perperson(foreignnon-residents),$30 (foreign residents), UGX 30,000 (East African residents)
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but dry seasons are preferable

Kalinzu is ideal for travelers seeking a quieter, less commercialized trekking experience. The forest also hosts six other primate species, including red-tailed monkeys and vervet monkeys.

Other Activities in Kalinzu

• Bird watching (over 414 species recorded)
• Nature walks and butterfly spotting
• Community visits to nearby villages

5. Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve – A Remote Wilderness Experience

Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, located near the Democratic Republic of Congo border, offers a rugged and remote chimpanzee trekking experience. The reserve is part of the larger Semliki Valley ecosystem, known for its biodiversity.

Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

• Trek Duration: 3-5 hours
• Permit Cost: $30perperson(foreignnon-residents),$20 (foreign residents), UGX 20,000 (East African residents)
• Best Time to Visit: Dry seasons (June-September & December-February)

The chimps here are less habituated, making sightings more challenging but rewarding for adventurous trekkers.

Other Activities in Toro-Semliki

• Game drives (seeing Uganda kob, buffalo, and elephants)
• Hot springs visit at Sempaya
• Bird watching (home to rare species like the shoebill stork)

6. Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary – A Unique Conservation Experience

For those who prefer a more controlled environment, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria offers a different kind of chimpanzee encounter. This sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates orphaned and rescued chimps.

Chimpanzee Viewing Experience

• Boat Ride: 45 minutes from Entebbe
• Entry Fee: $50-$100 (depending on the package)
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round

Visitors can observe feeding sessions and learn about chimpanzee conservation efforts.

How to Choose the Best Park for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

When deciding where to go for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, consider:

1. Guaranteed Sightings: Kibale is the best for reliable chimp encounters.
2. Budget: Kalinzu and Toro-Semliki offer cheaper permits.
3. Combination with Other Safaris: Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls allow for combined wildlife experiences.
4. Adventure Level: Kyambura and Budongo offer more challenging but rewarding treks.

Tips for a Successful Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

• Book permits in advance (especially for Kibale).
• Wear sturdy hiking boots and long-sleeved clothing.
• Carry rain gear (Uganda’s forests can be wet).
• Follow park rules (maintain a 10-meter distance from chimps).
• Hire a porter for assistance on steep trails.

Uganda is a prime destination for chimpanzee trekking, offering diverse locations from the dense forests of Kibale to the dramatic landscapes of Kyambura Gorge. Whether you seek guaranteed sightings, budget-friendly options, or a combination with other wildlife safaris, Uganda’s parks provide unforgettable primate encounters.

By choosing the right park and preparing adequately, you can enjoy one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences in Africa—walking alongside our closest relatives in their natural habitat.

Would you like recommendations for tour operators or a sample itinerary for your chimpanzee trekking adventure? Let me know in the comments!