Can I See Chimpanzees in Uganda?
When travelers think of primate encounters in Uganda, the first image that often comes to mind is the majestic mountain gorilla, quietly feeding in the misty depths of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. But Uganda is not just the “Pearl of Africa” because of its gorillas — it’s also one of the best places in the world to see wild chimpanzees.
Yes, you can absolutely see chimpanzees in Uganda. In fact, Uganda offers some of the most exciting, intimate, and accessible chimpanzee tracking experiences in Africa. Whether you’re exploring the ancient forests of Kibale National Park, the lush woodlands of Budongo Forest, or the hidden gorges of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda gives travelers the rare chance to walk among humankind’s closest relatives in their natural environment.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about seeing chimpanzees in Uganda — where to find them, how to track them, what the experience is like, and why traveling with Muhiga Safaris makes your adventure seamless, safe, and unforgettable.
Why See Chimpanzees in Uganda?
Uganda is one of Africa’s premier primate destinations, home to more than 5,000 chimpanzees spread across several forests and national parks. These fascinating apes share 98–99% of their DNA with humans and display remarkable intelligence, communication skills, and emotional depth.
Watching chimpanzees in the wild is an eye-opening experience — you’ll observe their social interactions, hear their vocal calls echoing through the forest canopy, and witness behaviors that mirror our own: tool use, affection, play, and even conflict resolution.
Unlike gorilla trekking, which limits visitors to one hour, chimpanzee tracking often offers longer observation opportunities, with some locations allowing half-day or full-day experiences. Uganda also provides more flexibility and affordability than neighboring countries, making it the ultimate destination for primate enthusiasts.
The Best Places to See Chimpanzees in Uganda
Uganda offers several exceptional locations for chimpanzee trekking, each with its own unique environment and viewing experience. The most popular are Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls National Park), and Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park). Others, like Kalinzu Forest and Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, also offer incredible encounters for the adventurous traveler.
Let’s explore each destination in detail.
1. Kibale National Park – The Primate Capital of the World
Location: Western Uganda, near Fort Portal
Chimpanzee Population: About 1,500 individuals
Experience Type: Chimpanzee tracking and habituation
Kibale National Park is the undisputed best place to see chimpanzees in Uganda — and arguably in all of East Africa. Often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale is home to 13 primate species, including red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
But the park’s biggest attraction is its thriving chimpanzee population. With several fully habituated groups, your chances of seeing chimps here are extremely high — about 95% success rate.
Chimpanzee Tracking Experience in Kibale
The standard tracking experience starts early in the morning. After a briefing at the park headquarters, visitors set out into the rainforest in small groups led by expert rangers. The hike can take 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on where the chimps are located that day.
Once you find them, you’ll spend up to one hour observing their behaviors — grooming, climbing, feeding, or playing on the forest floor. The sound of their loud pant-hoots echoing through the forest canopy is one of Africa’s most thrilling wildlife sounds.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX)
For travelers who want a deeper encounter, Kibale also offers the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, a full-day adventure that allows visitors to accompany researchers as they follow chimps from dawn to dusk. You’ll learn how rangers identify individuals, study their social patterns, and gradually get them used to human presence.
Best Time to Visit:
-
Dry seasons (June–September, December–February) for easier trekking conditions.
-
The wet seasons (March–May, October–November) are good for birding, but trails may be muddy.
Permit Costs:
-
Chimpanzee tracking permit: USD 250 per person
-
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience: USD 300 per person
Kibale’s combination of accessibility, forest beauty, and high sighting success makes it the top choice for any chimpanzee enthusiast visiting Uganda.
2. Budongo Forest – Murchison Falls National Park
Location: Northwestern Uganda, near Masindi
Chimpanzee Population: About 800 individuals
Experience Type: Chimpanzee tracking and research walks
Budongo Forest is the largest mahogany forest in East Africa and forms part of the greater Murchison Falls National Park ecosystem. It’s another excellent spot to see wild chimpanzees, especially for travelers who want to combine a classic savannah safari with a forest experience.
Chimpanzee tracking here takes place primarily in the Kaniyo Pabidi sector, managed by the Jane Goodall Institute. The forest’s wide, open trails and gentle terrain make it easier to hike than Kibale, ideal for visitors seeking a more relaxed trek.
The Experience
Budongo’s chimpanzee groups are well-habituated, offering an intimate viewing experience. As you walk through the forest, you’ll likely encounter other primates, birds, and beautiful giant mahogany trees. The guides are experienced and often part of ongoing research and conservation projects.
Budongo’s proximity to Murchison Falls also makes it easy to combine chimpanzee tracking with game drives and a boat safari on the Nile — perfect for travelers seeking diversity in one trip.
Permit Cost:
USD 130 per person (tracking experience)
Best Time to Visit:
-
June to September and December to February for dry conditions and clear paths.
3. Kyambura Gorge – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Southwestern Uganda
Chimpanzee Population: Around 25–30 individuals
Experience Type: Chimpanzee tracking combined with wildlife safaris
Nicknamed the “Valley of the Apes,” Kyambura Gorge offers a surreal chimpanzee tracking experience unlike any other. This deep, forested canyon cuts through the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, creating a striking contrast between open grassland and tropical rainforest.
Though the chimp population here is smaller than Kibale or Budongo, the experience is unique and dramatic. You’ll descend into the gorge surrounded by steep cliffs, following the calls of chimps echoing through the ravine. The trek may also reveal other primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and abundant birdlife.
What makes Kyambura special is its location — you can track chimpanzees in the morning and enjoy a game drive on the savannah or a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel in the afternoon.
Permit Cost:
USD 100 per person
Best Time to Visit:
-
January to March and June to October for optimal visibility and dry trails.
4. Kalinzu Forest Reserve – Hidden Gem for Budget Travelers
Location: Near Queen Elizabeth National Park
Chimpanzee Population: Around 300 individuals
Experience Type: Chimpanzee tracking
Kalinzu Forest is one of Uganda’s lesser-known but highly rewarding chimpanzee tracking spots. Managed by the National Forestry Authority, it’s a more affordable and less crowded alternative to Kibale.
About 70 chimpanzees here are habituated to human presence, and the success rate for sightings is impressive — around 90%. The forest also teems with other primates, butterflies, and birds, making it a great destination for nature lovers and budget-conscious travelers.
Permit Cost:
USD 50 per person, making it the most economical option in Uganda.
Best Time to Visit:
All year round, though the dry months (June–September, December–February) offer better hiking conditions.
5. Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve – Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
Location: Western Uganda, near the Congo border
Chimpanzee Population: Small, semi-habituated group
Experience Type: Research-based chimp walks
Toro-Semliki offers a different kind of chimpanzee experience — one that appeals to adventurers and researchers. The chimps here are semi-habituated and spend part of their day in the savannah, giving visitors a chance to observe how these intelligent creatures adapt to different habitats.
Tracking here is less predictable, but the experience is raw, wild, and rewarding for those seeking something unique and untamed.
Permit Cost:
Approximately USD 100 per person
What to Expect During Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda is guided, safe, and well-organized.
-
Briefing: You’ll start your day with a safety and behavior briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers.
-
The Trek: Depending on chimp location, you may hike 30 minutes to 3 hours through the forest. Rangers use vocal calls and fresh nests to locate them.
-
The Encounter: Once found, you’ll spend up to one hour watching and photographing the chimps. Their social behavior — grooming, climbing, and playing — is captivating.
-
Rules: Keep a distance of 7 meters, avoid flash photography, and wear a mask to protect them from human diseases.
What to Pack
-
Sturdy hiking boots
-
Long-sleeved shirt and trousers
-
Rain jacket or poncho
-
Insect repellent and sunscreen
-
Binoculars and camera (no flash)
-
Water and snacks
-
Walking stick (provided by rangers)
Hiring a porter is highly recommended — not only does it make your trek easier, but it also supports local communities.
Why Travel with Muhiga Safaris
Planning a chimpanzee trekking adventure in Uganda requires careful coordination — from permit booking and transportation to choosing the right park and accommodation. This is where Muhiga Safaris comes in.
As one of Uganda’s most trusted tour operators, Muhiga Safaris specializes in custom primate and wildlife experiences that bring travelers closer to nature while ensuring comfort and safety.
Here’s why Muhiga Safaris stands out:
-
Guaranteed permit reservations for Kibale, Budongo, or Kyambura.
-
Expert guides with deep local knowledge and tracking experience.
-
Comfortable, hand-picked lodges near chimpanzee tracking areas.
-
Seamless combination safaris — linking chimpanzee tracking with gorilla trekking, game drives, and cultural tours.
-
Commitment to sustainable tourism and support for community conservation.
With Muhiga Safaris, your journey is not just about seeing chimpanzees — it’s about experiencing Uganda’s wild beauty, learning from passionate guides, and making a positive impact.
Conclusion
So, can you see chimpanzees in Uganda? Absolutely — and it’s one of the best places in the world to do so.
From the dense forests of Kibale to the scenic gorges of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda offers diverse and unforgettable chimpanzee encounters. Each destination provides a unique perspective on these intelligent primates — their social lives, habitats, and the fragile ecosystems that sustain them.
Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, researcher, or first-time traveler, chimpanzee tracking in Uganda will leave you in awe of nature’s complexity and beauty.
When you’re ready to take this journey, let Muhiga Safaris be your trusted guide. Their expertise, passion, and local knowledge ensure a seamless, ethical, and truly inspiring experience — one that will stay with you long after you leave the forest.