Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda – Ultimate Travel Guide

Chimpanzee trekking in East Africa is one of the most exciting primate adventures you can experience. Unlike gorilla trekking, chimpanzees are energetic, playful, and constantly moving through the forest canopy, making the encounter thrilling and dynamic.

Uganda and Rwanda offer the best chimpanzee trekking experiences in Africa, especially in Kibale Forest National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Best Places for Chimpanzee Trekking

Kibale Forest National Park – Uganda

Kibale Forest is known as the primate capital of the world. It is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and 13 primate species. Trekking here offers the highest success rate of spotting chimpanzees in Africa.

Budongo Forest – Murchison Falls National Park

Located in northwestern Uganda, Budongo Forest offers a less crowded chimpanzee trekking experience combined with classic wildlife safaris in Murchison Falls National Park.

Kyambura Gorge – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Often called the “Valley of Apes,” Kyambura Gorge offers a unique trekking experience inside a dramatic underground forest canyon.

Nyungwe Forest National Park – Rwanda

Nyungwe Forest is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and offers excellent chimpanzee trekking combined with canopy walks and birdwatching.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

For travelers wanting more time with chimpanzees, Uganda offers a full-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale Forest. This allows visitors to spend up to four hours with researchers and a semi-habituated chimpanzee group.

Chimpanzee Trekking Permit Cost

Uganda: Approximately $300 per person

Rwanda: Approximately $250 per person

Permit prices may change, so we always advise confirming before booking.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking

The best time for chimpanzee trekking is during the dry seasons:

June to September and December to February. However, trekking is available all year round.

What to Pack

• Long-sleeved shirt and trousers

• Waterproof hiking boots

• Rain jacket

• Insect repellent

• Camera (no flash allowed)

Combine with Other Safaris

Chimpanzee trekking can easily be combined with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Volcanoes National Park, as well as wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Park.

Contact us to design a tailor-made chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda.