With only 21 countries where chimpanzees thrive in Africa, Uganda is exceptionally one of the best chimpanzee trekking safari destinations you should count a must to visit to trek to see these magnificent apes in the wild. Uganda is found in East Africa and over 5050 chimpanzees are distributed in different parts of this magical landlocked country. Up close with a group of these distinct primates in the wild gives trekkers on Uganda safari insight into how close they are to humans. Chimpanzees share about 98 percent of their DNA with humans making them our closest relatives in the wild.

Where to go for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

Kibale Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is best done in Kibale Forest National Park which is set in the western side of the country. Over 1500 chimpanzees are confined in the lush rainforest of Kibale National Park and a significant population of these unique creatures have been habituated for visitors on Uganda chimpanzee safari to make their dreams come true. While on chimpanzee trekking tour in Kibale National Park, trekkers also have a chance to explore 12 other species of primates including black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, olive baboons, pottos, bush babies to mention but a few.

Trekkers on Uganda chimpanzee safari in Kibale National Park can spend about 2-4 hours trekking chimpanzees and upon finding them, one hour is given to them to strike their imaginations, take pictures, learn about their behaviors and body gestures. Chimpanzee permits can be obtained at $150 although the rates are due to change to $200 for foreign non-residents, $150 for foreign residents and shs 150000 for East African residents. For any plan to enhance your chimpanzee experience, there is also chimpanzee habituation experience-the whole day primate adventure that involves following semi-habituated chimpanzees in order to make them get used to human presence prior introducing them officially to trekkers to track. Habituation experience permits cost $250 for foreign non-residents and foreign residents and shs.200000 for East African residents.

Kyambura Gorge at Queen Elizabeth National Park
Visitors on wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park can also spice their game viewing experiences with chimpanzee trekking adventures in Kyambura Gorge. Kyambura Gorge is best known as the Lost Valley and to others, it best described as valley of the apes. It lies along the Western Rift Valley and remarkably, the best chimpanzee tracking safari destination in Uganda. Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge lasts for about 3 hours including an hour of a face to face encounter. Permits for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge cost $30 for both foreign non-residents and foreign residents and shs.20000 for East African residents.

Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest forms part of the vast Murchison Falls National Park the only park in Northwestern Uganda. It is the best place to visit for chimpanzee trekking. It takes trekkers about 4-5 hours to get to Budongo Forest. Permits for chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest cost $80 per trekker.

Kalinzu Forest
This is another significant spot to visit for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Kalinzu Forest Reserve is set adjacent Queen Elizabeth National Park. You need $30 to secure chimpanzee permit that will allow you trek chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest.

Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
Semuliki Wildlife Reserve is not only famous for its rewarding birding experiences but also for thrilling chimpanzee trekking experiences. This wildlife reserve lies in western Uganda just near Kibale Forest National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Permits for chimpanzee trekking in Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve cost $30 for foreign non-residents and foreign residents then shs. 20000 for East African residents.

Other places to visit to see chimpanzees include Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) in Entebbe, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

What is chimpanzee trek in Uganda like?
Chimpanzee trek in Uganda begins with an early morning breakfast in your respective safari lodge and then you gather at visitor center for briefing on the set guidelines that you have to follow while on search for chimpanzees. This adventure can last you for 2-4 hours and upon finding chimpanzees, you have only an hour of face to face encounter. You can choose to do chimpanzee trekking in the morning or afternoon and trekkers are escorted by park ranger guides.

Guidelines for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

  • A distance of 7 meters should be kept away from chimpanzees.
  • Persons above 15 years are eligible for buy chimpanzee permits.
  • No flashlight camera is accepted when taking pictures of chimpanzees.
  • Keep your voices low while on search for chimpanzees.
  • Cover your mouth when coughing and nose when sneezing.
  • No drinking, smoking or eating in the presence of chimpanzees.

What you should to pack for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.
When packing for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, you need to consider essential items first. In your packing list, consider the following a must; long trousers, long sleeved shirts/t-shirt, waterproof daypacks, insect repellents, camera with no flashlight, sun hut, sun glasses, sweaters, rain jacket or poncho in case it rains, valid passport, valid visa, first aid kit and many more.

When to visit Uganda for chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda can be planned throughout the year. However, the dry season is the best to go for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and it starts from June to September and December to February. Alternatively, you can travel to Uganda for chimpanzee trekking during the wet months of the year which begin from March to May and October to November.

In conclusion, a trip in Uganda is never complete without a trek to see chimpanzees. With so many tourist sites, visitors have more options to choose from to make their dreams come true with these magnificent creatures while in the wild.