The Best Places to Track Chimpanzees in Uganda

The Best Places to Track Chimpanzees in Uganda

The Best Places to Track Chimpanzees in Uganda- Uganda is one of Africa’s leading primate destinations and one of the best countries in the world for chimpanzee tracking. With an estimated population of over 5,000 chimpanzees, the country offers several well-protected forests and sanctuaries where visitors can observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat.

Chimpanzees share about 97% of human DNA and belong to the Hominidae family, alongside mountain gorillas and orangutans. Tracking them in the wild is both educational and exciting, often combined with sightings of other primates, birds, and forest wildlife. For many travelers, chimpanzee trekking perfectly complements a gorilla safari in Uganda.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

Below are the best places to track chimpanzees in Uganda, explained in detail to help you choose the right destination.

Kibale Forest National Park 

Kibale Forest National Park is widely regarded as the best place to track chimpanzees in Uganda. Often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and boasts one of the highest concentrations of primates in Africa.

The park features a lush tropical rainforest with towering trees forming a dense canopy, interspersed with grasslands, swamps, shrubs, and ferns. Over 350 tree species have been recorded here, making it one of Uganda’s most biodiverse forests.

In addition to chimpanzees, Kibale supports 13 other primate species, including red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, bushbabies, and pottos. Large mammals such as forest elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, and duikers also inhabit the forest, though they are rarely seen.

Birdwatching in Kibale is exceptional, with species such as the African pitta, green-breasted pitta, crowned eagle, Abyssinian ground thrush, blue-breasted kingfisher, and black bee-eater frequently recorded.

Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale: USD 250 per person

Kyambura Gorge 

Kyambura Gorge lies within Queen Elizabeth National Park and is often described as a “lost valley.” This dramatic gorge plunges about 100 meters below the surrounding savannah and shelters a forest ecosystem rich in wildlife and birdlife.

Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge is usually done as a supplement to a wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Although the chimpanzee population here is smaller compared to Kibale, the experience is unique due to the contrast between open savannah and dense forest.

The gorge also hosts other primates, forest birds, and reptiles, while the surrounding park offers game drives, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, and crater lake views.

Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kyambura Gorge: USD 100 per person (park entrance fee required)

Budongo Forest 

Budongo Forest is Uganda’s largest mahogany forest and is located near Murchison Falls National Park. This forest is a key chimpanzee tracking destination for travelers visiting Uganda’s largest conservation area.

The forest is home to chimpanzees, nine primate species, over 360 bird species, and more than 465 tree species dominated by mahogany. Occasionally, large mammals such as forest elephants, lions, and leopards are reported, though sightings are rare.

Chimpanzee tracking is conducted mainly at Kaniyo Pabidi and Busingiro Ecotourism Sites, which offer well-established trails and experienced guides.

Budongo Forest is ideal for visitors seeking a combination of chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching, and a safari to Murchison Falls National Park.

Kalinzu Forest 

Kalinzu Forest Reserve is located near Queen Elizabeth National Park in Bushenyi District and covers approximately 147 square kilometers. It borders Maramagambo Forest and is easily accessible for travelers heading to or from Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Kalinzu is home to chimpanzees and several other primate species, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, baboons, galagos, and pottos. The forest also supports over 370 bird species, such as the great blue turaco, African pitta, blue-headed sunbird, and black-billed turaco.

Managed by the National Forestry Authority, Kalinzu offers a more budget-friendly chimpanzee tracking experience compared to national parks.

Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kalinzu Forest: USD 140 per person

Ngamba Island

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is located on Lake Victoria, about 23 kilometers from Entebbe. The island covers 40 hectares and is managed by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT).

Established in 1997, the sanctuary is home to over 40 rescued orphaned chimpanzees that cannot be returned to the wild. Although this is not a traditional forest trekking experience, Ngamba Island offers a valuable opportunity to observe chimpanzees up close and learn about conservation and rehabilitation efforts.

Visitors observe chimpanzees from a raised viewing platform as they move freely within a protected, netted forest area.

Why Track Chimpanzees in Uganda?

Uganda stands out for its diverse chimpanzee tracking locations, experienced guides, and high success rates of sightings. Whether you prefer deep rainforest treks, dramatic gorges, or conservation-focused experiences, Uganda offers an option for every traveler.

Chimpanzee tracking can easily be combined with gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, birding tours, and cultural experiences, making Uganda a complete safari destination.

How to Book a Chimpanzee Safari 

Track Chimpanzees

Chimp Homes Uganda Safaris specializes in chimpanzee tracking tours, gorilla trekking safaris, and customized wildlife experiences across Uganda. We help you choose the best chimpanzee tracking destination based on your travel plans, budget, and interests.

Contact us to plan your chimpanzee safari in Uganda:

Phone: +256 742 874045 / +256 703 903243

Email: info@chimphomesafaris.com

Gmail: chimphomesugandasafaris@gmail.com

Let Chimp Homes Uganda Safaris guide you to the best chimpanzee tracking experiences in Uganda with professional planning and local expertise.