Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda is a popular tourist activity that allows visitors to observe and interact with chimpanzees in the wild. Uganda is home to an estimated 5,000 chimpanzees and there are several national parks, forests, and reserves where tourists can go for chimpanzee tracking. Chimpanzee tracking usually involves tracking through the forest together with experienced guides who are knowledgeable and familiar with chimpanzee’s well-being and their habitat. In that case, visitors are required to obtain chimpanzee permits in advance before the day of tracking as the number of daily visitors is limited to ensure conservation and minimum disturbance to the chimpanzees. During the trek, visitors can have the opportunity to see chimps feeding, interacting with each other, playing, and other daily activities they do. The activity can last for hours to a full day depending on the location of the chimp group.
It is important to know that chimpanzees are wild animals that have been habituated to human presence; they should be treated with respect and caution. There are regulations and guidelines to be followed. Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda provides a unique and enriching experience for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. It not only helps support the conservation efforts for those endangered primates but also allows visitors to learn more about their behaviors and overall wellbeing including the structures and challenges they face in their natural habitats.
Chimpanzee tracking destinations in Uganda/places to track chimpanzee
Kyambura gorge
This is referred to as the Valley of Apes; it is a popular chimp destination in Uganda where visitors can go for chimpanzee tracking. The place is located within Queen Elizabeth National Park, the most visited national park in Uganda covering an area of approximately 1,978 sq. km. Kyambura Gorge contains a thick forest that covers 100 m deep and 16 km long with various chimp primates such as chimps, red-tailed monkeys, Colobus monkeys vervet monkeys, and olive baboons. The chimp population is relatively low compared to Kibale but because the gorge is situated within the park, it makes it easier for visitors to track chimps here and chances of viewing other wildlife species are high. However, there is a high probability of not seeing chimps here in Kyambura Gorge since they tend to move far deep in the forest making it difficult for visitors to track them. At this moment, a chimpanzee tracking permit in Kyambura costs $ 50, but starting July 2024, it will cost $ 100.
Kibale forest
This is the best chimpanzee tracking destination in Uganda with over 1500 chimpanzees which is the biggest number of chimpanzees and offers high chances of sighting. The forest has a number of habituated chimp groups and visitors can go on guided treks to observe and learn these primates. Tourists can also enjoy chimpanzee habituation in Kibale National Park to spend more time with the chimpanzees for a greater experience. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest is done twice a day and that is in the morning and afternoon session. It is the best experience when you combine the tracking with the visit to Bigodi wetland to enjoy the best nature walk around the forest while understanding different wildlife. The Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale Forest National Park costs $ 200 and the chimp habituation costs $ 250.
Budongo forest
Located within Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest is another great destination for chimpanzee tracking. It is home to also a large population of chimpanzees and visitors can join guided treks to enjoy tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitats. It is a wonderful experience when you come see the chimpanzees, they are funny, and active, and offer amazing moments with them. Besides tracking chimps, other primates are found in the forest such as the baboons, red-tailed monkeys, black and white Colobus monkeys, and also a variety of bird species.
Ngamba sanctuary
Chimpanzee tracking in Ngamba island sanctuary is a unique and rewarding experience in Uganda. The island is located on Lake Victoria near Entebbe and t serves as a safe haven for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. To track chimpanzees in Ngamba sanctuary, visitors will need to arrange to visit the sanctuary in time, and the island is accessible by boat. We can organize tours to visit these orphaned chimps that were rescued from the poachers, others were found sick. Apart from tracking chimps, Ngamba Island offers other inspiring activities that attract tourists to visit the sanctuary. Visitors are involved in feeding the chimps, educational moments about chimps and their behavior, and walking around the island forest. Visitors are offered the opportunity to learn and support chimp conservation efforts in Uganda. It is a chance to observe these intelligent creatures in a controlled and ethical environment while contributing to their welfare and protection.
Kalinzu forest
Kalinzu forest is situated on the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth National Park but it populates some numbers of chimpanzees. Visitors a times prefer tracking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge and they happen to find none, but the probability of seeing chimps in Kalinzu is higher than in Kyambura because chimps in Kalinzu are concentrated on a smaller area of land, and seeing them is easy. A Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kalinzu costs $ 50 and the minimum age is 12 years. However, visitors who want to track chimps in Kalinzu should book accommodation within or near Queen Elizabeth National Park since there are no proper accommodations in the forest apart from camping sites.
Chimpanzee tracking permits
The cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda depends on the destination you wish to visit which is a chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale Forest National Park. The cost of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is USD 200 per person for foreign nonresidents, USD 150 per person for foreign residents, and UGX150,000 for East African citizens.
Chimpanzee habituation is also available in Kibale Forest National Park. This is a full-day activity that can be done only in Kibale Forest. Chimpanzee habituation costs USD 250 for foreign nonresidents, USD 200 for foreign residents, and UGX200 000 for East African citizens.
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu Forest costs USD100 per person for foreign nonresidents, USD50 for foreign residents, and 30,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
Budongo forest chimpanzee trekking permits cost USD130 per person for foreign nonresidents, USD120 per person for foreign residents, and USD85 per person for East African citizens.
Best time for chimpanzee tracking
Chimpanzee tracking can be done all year round in Uganda but the best time to enjoy the tracking is the dry seasons. This runs from June to September and December to February. During this season, chimps can be spotted and track their movements throughout the forest. It is this season of the year when fruits for chimps are in full production; this increases the chance of seeing a large number of chimpanzees while feeding.
The rainy season in Uganda runs from March to May, and the short season starts from October to November. This could be challenging but again chimp tracking can be done though the primates can be dispersed due to lush vegetation. This will give you the best experience in the forest with few crowds.
Kibale National Park has two tracking sessions, in the early morning and afternoon. During this time of the day, chimps are most active and sighting can be easy. All that is needed is your flexibility, you need to prepare for weather that changes every time. These park guides are familiar with chimpanzees’ habitat as well as their habits which will maximize your chances of encountering chimpanzees on your Uganda safari.
