Track wild chimps as they move through the forest
Visit Kibale Forest or Ngamba Island for some of the best places to see chimpanzees in Africa
Guided chimpanzee tracking in Uganda can be experienced in Kibale Forest National Park, which borders Murchison Falls National Park at Budongo Forest Reserve, and the Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. A two to three hour walk along well-defined hiking trails will usually lead you to a family of habituated chimpanzees that are used to seeing humans. The chimps tend to be livelier and more vocal than the gorillas and often display superb acrobatics high up in the canopy to shouts and cries from their peers. A chimpanzee tracking experience compliments a gorilla trek really well, without the enormous cost, and is something not to be missed.
Chimpanzee Permit Prices: tracking permits cost $60 per person.
Alternatively, you can get close-up with an excursion to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary to visit a community of orphaned chimpanzees, most of which were confiscated from poachers.
Located in Lake Victoria and only 23kms from Entebbe, Ngamba Island was officially opened to visitors in October 1999 and is currently home to around 50 orphaned chimpanzees. The sanctuary provides these orphaned chimpanzees with a secure home to live out their lives, since a return to their natural habitat is not possible. It also educates visitors and local communities about this remarkable species and the importance of conserving its fragile forest habitat.
Guests have the opportunity to view two daytime feedings of the chimpanzees, as well as morning and evening feeds at the holding facility. Optional activities include observing some of the island's 154 recorded bird species, visiting a local fishing village, taking a sunset cruise, or simply relaxing by the lake, enjoying a memorable African sunset.
Active Uganda - Gorillas, Chimps and Big Game
- Entebbe
- Bwindi
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The best of Uganda's Mountain Gorillas, Forest Chimps and Big Game mixed with activities to explore the surrounding area on foot
Uganda Chimpanzee Tracking Holidays, Trips and Tours Ideas
Our Uganda chimpanzee tracking expert, Ruth, says:
“Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda is such a lively and memorable experience. The chimps are energetic, playful, and incredibly vocal – swinging through the canopy, calling to each other, and showing off their acrobatics. Families and wildlife lovers alike will be captivated by how close you can get while still respecting their wild habitat. The guides are brilliant at spotting the chimps, explaining their behaviour, and bringing the forest to life. It’s an experience that’s fun, educational, and unforgettable.”
Uganda Chimpanzee Tracking Lodges and Camps
Uganda Chimpanzee Tracking Holidays FAQs
Planning a Uganda chimpanzee tracking holiday? Our experts share advice on everything from what to pack, when to go, to tips for families, covering the questions we get asked the most.
Where are the best places to track chimpanzees in Uganda?
The prime location is Kibale Forest National Park, widely regarded as the best place in East Africa for chimpanzee tracking thanks to its high population and excellent guiding. Other rewarding options include Budongo Forest Reserve and the dramatic Kyambura Gorge within Queen Elizabeth National Park.
How long does a chimpanzee tracking experience take?
Most treks last between two and three hours along well-defined forest trails. The exact duration depends on how quickly the trackers locate a habituated chimpanzee group and how they move through the forest that day.
How much do chimpanzee tracking permits cost?
Tracking permits are approximately USD 60 per person, making chimpanzee tracking a more affordable complement to gorilla trekking while still offering a rich and immersive primate encounter.
What are chimpanzee encounters like compared to gorilla trekking?
Chimpanzees tend to be more energetic and vocal, often swinging through the canopy and communicating loudly with each other. This creates a lively, dynamic experience that contrasts with the calmer, more contemplative nature of gorilla encounters.
Can chimpanzee tracking be combined with gorilla trekking?
Yes, and it works exceptionally well. Many travellers combine chimpanzee tracking in Kibale with gorilla trekking in Bwindi, creating a well-rounded primate-focused itinerary without significantly increasing overall costs.
Is there an alternative if I want a closer, guaranteed viewing experience?
You can visit the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where rescued orphaned chimpanzees live in a protected environment. The island sits on Lake Victoria, about 23 km from Entebbe, and offers scheduled feeding viewings alongside educational talks about conservation.
What else can you do during a chimpanzee tracking visit?
Beyond the tracking itself, many areas offer excellent birdwatching, guided forest walks, and cultural visits to nearby communities. On Ngamba Island, you can also enjoy birding, village visits, sunset cruises, and relaxed lakeside downtime, making it a varied and rewarding addition to any Uganda itinerary.
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Alistair