Uganda Chimpanzee Safaris | Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda Safaris | Chimpanzee Safari, Uganda

Uganda Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda/Uganda Chimpanzee safaris are memorable Uganda safari tours offering amazing Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda Kibale Forest National Park and other spots in Uganda to see the rare Chimpanzees in Uganda.

The endangered Eastern Chimpanzees are dispersed in East and Central Africa and Uganda has about 5000 of them. Both the habituated Chimps and wild chimps stay in national parks, sanctuaries, and different forests around Uganda.

Kibale National Park also referred to as the “primate capital of the world” and known to be the most famous destination for tracking Chimps has over 1500 Chimpanzees.

According to scientific research, Chimpanzees, scientifically called Pan troglodytes are the closest relatives to human beings with a DNA match of 98%-99%. Therefore, they have the capability of learning new things and they can live up to about 30 years in the wild and 60 years in captivity. Chimpanzees spend time feeding, socializing, or traveling to different places.

Chimpanzee study and conservation in Uganda was however made famous by Jane Goodall a primatologist and nature conservationist. Among her various helpful discoveries, Jane Goodall also discovered that Chimpanzees have similar behaviors to humans and that they hunt and eat meat too.

Additionally, through her Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), she participated in habituating the Kaniyo Pabidi Chimpanzee Community around Murchison Falls National Park, for conservation and Chimp trekking in Uganda. However, the Budongo Eco-Lodge now works with the National Forest Authority to manage the safety of the endangered Chimpanzees and the progress of the tourism site.

Chimps spend their time moving, socializing, or feeding, and a single chimp troop has between 10 to 150 members, led by an alpha.

They have very much contributed to Uganda’s tourism and improved conservation strategies with Chimp trekking in Uganda and Chimpanzee habituation tours to Uganda.

Therefore, the Chimpanzee tour is one of the rare activities that you ought to undertake as you safari Uganda. Book your Chimp trekking safari today to have a unique safari experience in Uganda.

Top Uganda Tour Operators for Your Chimpanzee Safaris

Book your Chimp trekking safari with the following responsible and trustworthy tour companies who will professionally handle your travels.

1. Prime Safaris And Tours Ltd
2. Wild Gorilla Safaris
3. Safari Uganda Safaris
4. A Uganda Safari
5. Africa Safaris Tours
6. Guide To Uganda
7. Travel Guide Uganda

Uganda Top 5 Popular Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris

1. 5 days Uganda safari- Chimp trekking in Kibale Forest and Kyambura Gorge and wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.
2. 8 days Uganda safari tour- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National park, Game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Chimp trekking in Kibale Forest.
3. 10 days Uganda safari tour- Gorilla trek, Chimp trekking, Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Community tours.
4. 14 days Uganda safari- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Chimp trekking in Kibale Forest, wildlife, scenery, community, and source of the Nile tour.
5. 15 days Uganda safari vacation- Gorilla trek, Chimp trekking in Kibale Forest, wildlife, scenery, and community tours.

Where Chimpanzees Live in Uganda | Where Can I See Chimpanzees in Uganda, Africa

“Are there Chimpanzees in Uganda?” Yes, there are Chimpanzees in Uganda.  Chimps spend time in places that are forested because of their tree-climbing lifestyle. They also stay in such habitats so that they can easily access food, that is fruits and vegetables since they are mostly herbivores.

The following are the various places where to see Chimpanzees in Africa in Uganda and some of them are where Chimpanzee safari takes place.

1. Kibale Forest National Park.
2. Budongo Forest (Kaniyo Pabidi)
3. Kyambura Gorge
4. Kalinzu Forest
5. Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on the shores of Lake Victoria.
6. Semuliki Wildlife Reserve.
7. Uganda Wildlife Education Center.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda

Chimp tracking in Uganda is one of the famous activities that you can do in any of the Chimpanzee destinations listed in the country.

This is a very uplifting activity that will enlighten you about the life of the endangered Chimpanzees and the different ways how you can contribute to their conservation when you visit a Chimpanzee community.

Likewise, you will be able to enjoy watching the various bird species in the forests and the beautiful scenic ambiance that it offers.

Let us look at the Chimpanzee tracking experience in the different destinations in Uganda.

Chimpanzee Safaris in Kibale Forest Park Uganda | Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

Kibale Forest Uganda is also dubbed the “primate capital of the world” because of the many primates that it protects. Out of the 13 different primates living in the forests of the park, the endangered Chimpanzees are one of them, creating the ultimate African safaris for Chimpanzee trekkers to Uganda.

This park has over 1500 Chimpanzees with one habituated Chimpanzee family called the Kanyanchu Chimpanzee Group. The total number of Chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest adds to 30 % of the total number in Uganda. The Uganda Wildlife Authority, therefore, permits Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Chimpanzee habituation tours to Uganda at the Kanyanchu Visitor Center.

Other primate species to see while tracking Chimps in Kibale Forest include Red tailed Monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Pottos, Olive Baboons, L’Hoests monkeys, and other wildlife species.

Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest is an experience that involves walking through the dense forest while taking note of the various indicators that will lead you to see the habituated Chimpanzee group.

The group for Chimp trekking at Kibale Forest is at the Kanyanchu Chimpanzee Community which was open for trekking since 1993. Chimp trekking in Kanyanchu is done in two sessions which are at 8 am and 2 pm.

Note that you cannot track other Chimpanzee communities because they are wild and not used to human presence.

Kibale Chimp trekking begins from the Kanyanchu Visitors Center where you will have a briefing before going for the activity. The trek takes about 2 to 5 hours depending on when you find the Chimpanzee family. When you finally meet the Kanyanchu Chimpanzee Community, you will be able to spend one hour with them as you take photos and learn about their ways.

More so, Chimps spend their days in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, another ideal place for tracking Chimps while on your primate safari near Kibale Park.

How Much Is Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park?

Chimp trekking in Kibale Forest costs USD 200 for foreign nonresidents USD 150 for foreign residents and USD150, 000 for citizens of East Africa.

On the other hand, Chimpanzee habituation in Kibale Forest Park is USD 250 for foreign nonresidents, USD 200 for foreign residents, and USD 200,000 for citizens of East Africa.

Chimpanzee Safaris in Budongo Forest

Budongo Forest is an extension of Murchison Falls National Park, and it is a diverse and large tropical rainforest in Uganda.

It covers about 825 square kilometers and has more than 600 Chimpanzees that live in about 4 Chimpanzee communities. Other Chimpanzee communities in this tropical rainforest are wild and not available for trekking.

The Budongo Conservation Field Station where Chimpanzee research and study is done manages three habituated Chimpanzee communities within the forest premises.

In Budongo, Chimp trekking is done at the Kaniyo Pabidi which is an ecotourism site in the dense forest.

Kaniyo Pabidi has one Chimpanzee community with around 100 members that were habituated in the late 1990s. This community roams near the Budongo Eco-lodge.

Chimp trekking in Budongo Forest takes place two times a day that is 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. It also starts with about 30 minutes of briefing at the Kaniyo Pabidi tourism eco-site.

Chimp trekking in Uganda in the Budongo area costs USD 130 for foreign nonresidents, USD 120 for foreign residents, and USD 85 for East African Citizens.

Other primates to see in the Budongo include the Red-tailed Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, and other wildlife species.

Chimpanzee Safaris in Kalinzu Forest

Kalinzu Forest near Queen Elizabeth National Park has over 350 Chimpanzees that you can visit for your safaris.

This tropical rainforest, located on the far South of Kazinga Channel has two habituated Chimps for Chimp trekking, totaling about 70 individuals.

It has therefore become more popular for Chimp trekking around Queen Elizabeth National Park because it is near Kampala and also has more habituated Chimpanzees. More so, there are more Chimpanzees in its small population thus a higher chance of seeing them in the tropical rainforest.

Unlike other Chimp trekking destinations, Chimp trekking in Kalinzu is allowed for those who are 12 years and above.

How much is Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest?

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda in Kalinzu Forest costs USD 35 for both foreign nonresidents and foreign residents. Citizens of East Africa pay UGX 30,000 for tracking Chimps in Kalinzu.

Apart from the habituated Chimpanzees in the Kalinzu area, you can also see other primate species like the Black and White Colobus Monkeys, L’hoest Monkeys, Red tailed Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and Olive Baboons.

Chimpanzee Safaris in Kyambura Gorge

Kyambura Gorge also called the “Valley of Apes” in Queen Elizabeth National Park is another place to meet the one Chimpanzee community in the park.

The Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Community consists of around 23 members that you can meet during your Uganda Chimp trekking safaris.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge takes place two times (8 am and 1 pm) a day and it begins from the Fig Tree Camp on the Western edge of this gorge.

Chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge takes around 3 hours depending on where you find the endangered Chimpanzees. Travelers can merge their Chimp trekking with birding safaris to have a more adventurous experience by seeing amazing bird species.

Apart from tracking Chimps, other primates to see at Kyambura Gorge are Red tailed Monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Olive Baboons, L’Hoest Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and Vervet Monkeys among others.

How much is Chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park? Chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge costs USD 50 for foreign nonresidents, USD 40 for foreign residents, and UGX 30,000 for East African citizens.

Chimpanzee Safaris in Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a Chimpanzee haven that protects over 52 orphaned animals that were rescued from the wild and given a peaceful home on the shores of Lake Victoria.

There is no Chimp tracking in the sanctuary, but tourists can view them from a safe raised platform as they feed.

The sanctuary authorities commit themselves to providing conservation for the Chimpanzees and their surroundings. They also create awareness about the Chimpanzees and how to promote their conservation.

They especially do this by allowing tourists to visit the Chimpanzees and also allowing volunteer work in the sanctuary. Volunteers participate in Chimp feeding, treatment, cleaning the places where they stay, and also donating to them.

To tour the Chimpanzees in Ngamba Island, you will either pay in cash in their offices or pay through pesapal which is their business partner. Payment varies on how much time you will spend with the Chimp troop while on your Chimp trekking tours, or whether you are visiting solely or in a group.

 Chimpanzee Safaris in Semuliki Wildlife Reserve

Semuliki, which stands at the Uganda and DR Congo border protects about 260 Chimpanzees. These Chimpanzees live in 3 groups that you can trek on your amazing safaris.

Scientists from Indiana University study these primates and they have discovered that, unlike their colleagues, they move straight to go feed in the savannahs.

In Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, you can also see other primates like Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, Red tailed Monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys.

Please note that even if Semuliki Wildlife Reserve offers guided Chimp trekking tours, there is a low chance of finding the primates compared to other destinations.

Therefore, tourists interested in the intriguing Chimp trekking adventures can visit the three top destinations to see them, which are Kibale Forest National Park, Kalinzu Forest, Budongo Forest, and Kyambura Gorge.

Chimpanzee Safaris at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center

About 40 Chimpanzees live in the Uganda Wildlife Education Center and tourists can see them in their enclosers.

The Uganda Wildlife Education Center, previously known as the Entebbe Zoo was formed in 1952 to keep both injured and orphaned animals.

Tourists can also see Baboons, Patas monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Red tailed Monkey, and Rwenzori Black and White Colobus Monkeys.

Where To Purchase a Chimpanzee Tracking Permit From

The Uganda Wildlife Authority sells out Chimpanzee tracking permits at their offices. Likewise, you can purchase a Chimpanzee trekking permit through your trusted tour operator. They will either purchase a Chimpanzee permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or the different stations in the different Chimpanzee destinations in Uganda.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Uganda

Chimp trekking and the Chimpanzee habituation experience only differ in the amount of time spent with the primates.

The Chimpanzee habituation experience takes longer hours than Chimp trekking as it is intended to make the Chimpanzee more used to human presence.

Chimpanzee habituation in Uganda only takes place in Kibale Forest. Both Chimpanzee trekking and Chimp habituation are therefore most favorable in Kibale Forest.

How much is Chimpanzee habituation in Uganda?

Chimp habituation in Uganda costs USD 250 for foreign nonresidents, USD 200 for foreign residents, and UGX 200,000 for East African Citizens.

Chimpanzee Trekking Vs Gorilla Tracking Safaris in Uganda

The habituated Chimpanzees and Mountain Gorillas are two great apes that sell most in Uganda.

Trekking Mountain Gorillas in Uganda, East Africa is the most famous safari activity. However, Uganda is also known for Chimpanzee tours that many tourists combine with their Gorilla trekking safaris.

Like Chimpanzees that live in groups, Mountain Gorillas tend to live in a Gorilla family or group and tourists visit the habituated communities.

However, unlike Gorillas that only live in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chimps spread through East, Central, and West Africa. Hence making Gorilla trekking famous among tourists due to the endemic habitat of Mountain Gorillas in East and Central Africa.

Chimp trekking is less strenuous than Mountain Gorilla trekking because Chimpanzees occupy low altitudes, unlike Gorillas that live in higher altitudes.

However, trekking Chimpanzees may also prove tiresome because they often move from one place to another while Mountain Gorillas tend to stay in one place often.

Upon meeting a group, it is easier to associate and take photos of Mountain Gorillas since the Gorilla groups are fewer and calmly put in one place. This is contrary to the Chimpanzees that often move from tree to tree and live in larger groups.

Both experiences require you to have a trekking permit. Habituated Gorilla groups or a Gorilla family for a Gorilla trek is either in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both Chimpanzee and Gorilla permits are sold in the UWA offices or purchased from specific stations in the respective Uganda parks.

However, visitors prefer Gorilla trekking because the experience is more well-organized, unique, and memorable.

Best Season to Come for Chimpanzee Safaris in Uganda

Uganda’s beautiful weather avails the ultimate Chimpanzee tracking experiences any time of the year. However, Chimpanzee tracking tours in Uganda are best done in the dry seasons of around December to March and June to October.

These seasons have little rainfall hence making it easy for tourists to pass through the short, dry grasses and the trekking tracks.

The wet season of April, May, and November are also favorable for Chimpanzee trekking because it abounds with many fruiting trees. While Chimpanzees spend their day moving to look for food, the rainy season can limit their movement since there is plenty of food on fruiting trees.

This hence makes the Chimpanzee tracking easier as the Chimp troop stays in one place and does not cause the visitors to spend a long time looking for them.

Best Time of the Day to Go for Chimpanzee Safaris in Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda takes place in two shifts which are in the early morning and the afternoon sessions. Both sessions are favorable for Chimp trekking because the Chimpanzees are active throughout the day and they usually rest at night.

Nevertheless, the morning session is more favored as the habituated Chimpanzees will not have traveled to distant places. Additionally, you will be fresh and active for the activity in the morning hours hence making you have a more lively experience.

Rules And Regulations for Your Chimp Trek in Uganda

When you come for a Chimpanzee safari, you will be required to follow some Chimp trekking rules and regulations/guidelines to make your trek more comfortable and successful.

Guides and rangers will explain to tourists the routes they will pass from, how to behave when they are with the Chimpanzees, and about other rules and regulations to follow during the Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

Below are the rules and regulations that are put in place to protect the Chimpanzees, the tourists, and the environment while for Chimp trekking in Uganda.

a) In case you have flu or cough, take note to not track Chimpanzees because human diseases will affect the primates since they can easily catch the sickness. This is because they have about 99% of our DNA.

b) Only those who are 12 years and above are allowed to participate in tracking Chimpanzees.

c) Make sure not to litter the forest and the environment while Chimp trekking.

d) Allow yourself to experience more by maintaining silence on your Chimp trekking tours.

e) Stay 8 meters away from the Chimpanzees when you meet them on your Chimp trekking safari.

f) Additionally, as you track a Chimp troop, do not imitate them upon meeting them because you do what you may be signaling to them.

g) Do not go after the primates while you track Chimpanzees.

h) Avoid eating, drinking, and smoking while you track Chimps because they will want your food.

i) Flash photo shoots either attract or threaten the Chimpanzees as you Chimp trek. So, they will either attack you or seek to take your Camera.

j) Human waste should be buried 30 cm deep in the ground while tracking Chimpanzees to prevent human diseases from affecting the primates.

k) In case the Chimpanzee takes what belongs to you when you are for your Chimp trek, allow it to have it because it will find no use for it and you will be able to get back what belongs to you as you track Chimpanzee group.

What You Need for Your Chimpanzee Safaris

To have an amazing experience while on your tours, ensure to have the following things as you track Chimpanzees.

• Camera
• Binoculars
• A pen and notebook
• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen
• Rain jacket
• Backpack
• Walking stick

A Camera will enable you to take memorable photos of the Chimpanzees as you remember not to take photos with flashlights.

Your pair of binoculars will enable you to do birding and look for stunning bird species during your safari.

A notebook and pen will help you to note down facts, knowledge from the guides, and special observations during your safari.

An insect repellant will stop the insects from disturbing or biting you as you track Chimpanzees.

Sunscreen will protect your skin from the heat of the sun.

A rain jacket or Poncho can be helpful more so because of the unpredictable weather when it rains.

Your backpack helps keep your belongings safe for example your camera, binoculars, and other important things.

A walking stick will help you with easy movement as you go to the trekking destinations.

What To Wear When for a Chimpanzee Safari

• Long-sleeved shirts and Trousers; will protect your body from insect bites and the weather while on your Chimp trekking.
• Strong sturdy shoes or hiking boots; are favorable for easy movement and Chimp trekking. Endeavor to get shoes that will not hurt your ankles.
• A hat or cap and sunglasses; will protect your face from the scorching sun of tropical Africa.

Where To Stay While for A Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Uganda

Your safari lodge will depend on the destination where you go for your Chimpanzee adventure. With common destinations being Kibale Forest National Park, Kalinzu Forest, Budongo in Murchison Falls National Park, and Kyambura Gorge, you can lodge at the various accommodations in these places.

Safari lodges at Kibale Forest, near Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary include Primate Lodge Kibale, Crater Safari Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, and Kibale Forest Camp.

Accommodations in Queen Elizabeth National Park include Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Enganzi Game Lodge, Kasenyi Safari Camp, and Pumba Safari Cottages.

Lodges at Murchison Falls National Park include Bakers Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Red Chili Rest Camp, and Hornbill Bush Lodge.

Other Ultimate Safaris to Do in Uganda

Other than Chimp trekking, you can likewise participate in other safari activities during your Uganda holidays like,

• Gorilla trekking Safaris/tracking Mountain Gorillas/Gorilla trek
• Birding Tours to adventure different bird species
• Wildlife Safaris
• Uganda Cultural Tours
• Scenery tours in Uganda
• Source of the Nile tours
• Hiking and Mountain climbing safaris.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are There Chimps in Uganda?

There are over 5000 Eastern Chimpanzees in Uganda Africa, with Kibale Forest, their most famous destination having over 1500 of them.

2. How Many Chimpanzees Are Left in Uganda?

There are around 5000 Chimpanzees left in Uganda, and you can see them when you track Chimpanzee family.

3. Where Do Most Chimpanzees Live In Uganda? | Where Are Most Chimpanzees Found In Uganda? | Where Do We Find Chimpanzees In Uganda?

Most Chimpanzees in Uganda live in protected forests while a few are in sanctuaries. You can see them in Kibale Forest, Kalinzu, Budongo, and Kyambura Gorge during a Chimpanzee trek.

4. What Is the Closest Chimpanzee to Humans?

   The Bonobo which is also called the Pygmy Chimpanzee is the closest relative to humans with a DNA match of about 99.6%.

5. Where Is The Best Place For Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda? | Where Is The Best Place To See Chimpanzees In Uganda?

Kibale Forest is the best place for Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. The park has about 1500 Chimpanzees, which is 30% of the population in Uganda.

6. Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda Price | How Much Is Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda? | How Much Is Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda? | How Much Is a Chimpanzee Permit in Uganda?

The price of Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda depends on the destination that you will be visiting. Below are the costs of Uganda Chimpanzee trekking permits in the different Chimpanzee destinations. They cover the Chimpanzee permits cost for foreign nonresidents (FNR), foreign residents (FR), and East African Citizens (EAC).

Chimpanzee permits in Kibale Park are also inclusive of the park entrance fees and the guide fee.

However, the Chimpanzee tracking experience price differs depending on many circumstances which among others include the number of days spent on the safari, the types of accommodation one will use, other safaris activities to be added to the itinerary, and where you will do the safari from. These circumstances will make your Chimpanzee tour in Uganda cost between USD 200 to USD 7000 including the cost for the Chimpanzee trekking permits.

7. Is Chimpanzee Trekking Safe?

Yes, Chimp trekking in Uganda is safe for all tourists. Uganda is a peaceful country and more so, while going for the trekking experience, an armed ranger always moves with the tourist to ensure their safety.

8. What Is the Age Limit for Chimpanzee Trekking?

Only those who are 12 years and above are allowed to track Chimpanzee primates in Uganda during their Chimp trekking tours.

9. What Are the Two Most Selling Primates in Uganda?

Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees are the two most-selling primates in Uganda. You can trek these two primates in the two most famous destinations to see them, which are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by purchasing a Gorilla permit and Kibale Park by buying Chimpanzee permits for a Chimpanzee trek.

10. Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Worth It?

Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda are worth it! This is because Uganda has half of the world’s Gorilla population living in Gorilla groups hence a guarantee that you will meet one of the most exciting, habituated families during your Gorilla tracking experience.

Additionally, Uganda has a cheaper cost for Gorilla tracking compared to Rwanda. While Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is USD 1500, it is USD 600 in Uganda, which is less than half the price for Rwanda.

11. Which Type of Chimpanzees Are Found in Uganda?

Uganda has Eastern Chimpanzees which are a subspecies of the Common Chimpanzees. While the Eastern Chimpanzees are native to East and Central Africa, the other Chimpanzees like the Western Chimpanzees are spread in West Africa.

Chimpanzee safaris in Uganda are one of the ways for you to experience the amazing primate tours in the pearl of Africa. You will enjoy the spectacle of the rare Eastern Chimpanzees and the joy of contributing to their conservation through a Chimpanzee trek. Therefore, book your Chimpanzee safari today for a peculiar experience with these primates in Uganda.