What are the Best places to trek Chimpanzees in Uganda?: The country is one the best places in the world to trek chimpanzees in their natural habitats. Imagine walking through the lush forests of Uganda, coming face-to-face with our closest living relatives, the chimpanzees. At Alive Africa Adventures, we offer expertly guided chimpanzee trekking tours that take you deep into the heart of Uganda’s primate paradise. Join us on an unforgettable journey as we explore the world of these intelligent, social, and fascinating creatures.
Situated in the heart of East Africa, Uganda, known as the “Pearl of Africa”, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and adventure opportunities. The country is a paradise to a significant population of these primates chimpanzees, with estimates suggesting around 5000 individuals reside in the Pearl of Africa. chimpanzees are our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom sharing almost 99% of their DNA with humans.
Best places to trek Chimpanzees in Uganda
Chimpanzee Tracking Experience:
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda begins at 6:00 or 7:00 am and it is led by expert guides who lead small groups through the forest, sharing insights into chimpanzee behavior. Before embarking on your chimpanzee trekking adventure, you’ll receive a comprehensive briefing from your guide. This briefing will cover essential information, including; Chimpanzee behavior,social structures, and body language. You’ll learn about the rules and guidelines for trekking, including maintaining a safe distance, not feeding the chimpanzees, and not littering. Your guide will discuss safety precautions, such as what to do in case of an encounter with an aggressive chimpanzee. Once you spot and encounter the chimpanzees you are given one hour with them.
Chimpanzee Habituation:
Chimpanzee habituation is a unique and exciting experience that allows you to participate in the process of habituating chimpanzees to human presence. Chimpanzee habituation is the process of gradually introducing chimpanzees to human presence, allowing them to become comfortable with humans and reducing the risk of aggression. This process typically takes several years and involves a team of experienced researchers, guides, and conservationists.
Typically, a chimpanzee habituation experience can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, with the actual time spent with the chimpanzees ranging from 1 to 4 hours.
Best places to trek Chimpanzees in Uganda
Kibale National Park
Kibale National park is one of the best places to do chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, giving tourists a close encounter with chimpanzees while in the wild. Located in western Uganda about 230 km from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the is renowned for its chimpanzee populations that offers unforgettable trekking experiences.
Kibale National Park, often referred to as the ” primate capital of Africa”, inhabits the biggest portion of wild chimpanzees compared to other destinations in Uganda hosting over 1500 chimps along with other 12 other species of primates for example; red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, Uganda red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkey, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, Uganda mangabeys, patas monkeys among others which makes it the ultimate place for chimpanzee tracking in the world.
Kibale National Park also supports 5 habituated chimpanzee communities all available for trekking and this is done in 2 sessions. The first session starts in the morning and the second one in the afternoon
Budongo Forest
Part of Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo is known for its habituated chimpanzee groups. Budongo Forest is a stunning and diverse ecosystem located in northwestern Uganda, near the town of Masindi. As one of the largest mahogany forests in East Africa, Budongo Forest is a treasure trove of biodiversity, with a rich array of flora and fauna.
The forest is home to a large and healthy population of chimpanzees, estimated to be around 600-800 individuals. The forest offers a unique and exciting chimpanzee trekking experience, allowing visitors to observe these intelligent and social animals in their natural habitat.
The Budongo forest is also home to a variety of other wildlife including; Black and white colobus monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Bushbucks, Duikers with over 290 bird species
Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of Apes,” is a stunning geological feature located in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. This breathtaking gorge is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and primate enthusiasts.
Kyambura Gorge is home to a large community of chimpanzees, estimated to be around 30 individuals. The gorge’s unique habitat, with its steep slopes and dense forest, provides an ideal environment for these intelligent primates. Visitors can participate in guided chimpanzee trekking excursions, which offer a thrilling opportunity to observe these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.
Kalinzu forest reserve
Kalinzu Forest Reserve is a stunning protected area located in western Uganda, in Queen Elizabeth National park. The reserve is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including a healthy population of chimpanzees.
The forest is home to a thriving population of chimpanzees. The forest offers a unique and exciting chimpanzee trekking experience, allowing visitors to observe these intelligent and social animals in their natural habitat.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary!
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a unique and fascinating destination located on Lake Victoria, Uganda. The sanctuary is home to over 50 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees, offering a safe and natural environment for these incredible animals.
How much does it cost to go Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda?
The cost of chimpanzee trekking in Uganda varies depending on where you go trekking, from around 50 USD to 250 USD. There can also be a difference in price depending on if you are a visitor, a foreign resident, or a Ugandan resident.
Note; the fees are normally for the chimpanzee trekking activity only. Treks take place in forest reserves or national parks, for which there is normally a fee payable for entry.
Kibale Forest National Park; Chimpanzee trekking in the Kibale park costs $250 foreigners, $200 foreign residents, and shs 180,000 East African Residents. These fees include national park entry for only a day.
Kyambura Gorge; Queen Elizabeth National Park. $100 USD for foreigners $80 for foreign residents whereas East African Residents are required to pay a cost of shs50,000.
Kalinzu Forest Reserve; Trekking in the forest costs $130
Budongo Forest; Costs range from $120 USD to $130.
Ngamba Island.It costs $73 USD per person.