– The Best Places for Chimpanzee Trekking with Uganda Horizon Safaris

Uganda is a true primate paradise. While it’s globally renowned for its mountain gorillas, this lush East African country is also one of the very best places on Earth to encounter our closest relatives: chimpanzees. With thriving populations found in several national parks and reserves, Uganda offers a variety of unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experiences, ranging from dense tropical forests to riverine valleys and swamps.

At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we specialize in ethical, immersive chimpanzee trekking tours that connect you with the wild in a meaningful and responsible way. Whether you want to hike into the jungle at sunrise, take part in a full-day chimpanzee habituation experience, or see them from a boat cruise, Uganda has the perfect setting for every kind of traveler.

This guide highlights where to see chimpanzees in Uganda, the best times to go, and what makes each destination unique — helping you plan your ultimate primate adventure with Uganda Horizon Safaris.

🐒 Why See Chimpanzees in Uganda?

Chimpanzees share around 98.7% of our DNA, and observing them in their natural environment is both humbling and fascinating. In Uganda, chimpanzee encounters are not confined to just one park — there are multiple trekking locations across the country, each offering different terrain, ecosystems, and experiences.

Unlike zoos or sanctuaries, trekking in the wild allows you to witness chimps feeding, grooming, climbing trees, and socializing in their own environment. With professional rangers and expert Uganda Horizon guides, your trek is not just exciting — it’s also safe, educational, and deeply inspiring.

🌿 1. Kibale Forest National Park – Uganda’s Primate Capital

Known as the “Primate Capital of the World”, Kibale Forest is Uganda’s most famous and reliable location for chimpanzee trekking. With over 1,500 chimpanzees in the park, the chances of spotting them are extremely high — often over 90%.

Highlights:

• Daily chimpanzee trekking excursions (morning & afternoon)

• Full-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience available

• Home to 13 primate species including red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys & baboons

• Birdwatching hotspot with over 375 species

• Easy access from Fort Portal town

Optional Activities:

• Visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

• Cultural encounters with local Batooro communities

• Crater lake walks near Fort Portal

🌳 2. Budongo Forest – Chimpanzees of Murchison Falls

Located within the Murchison Falls Conservation Area, Budongo Forest Reserve offers chimp trekking combined with scenic views and rich biodiversity. It’s a quieter alternative to Kibale and ideal for travelers visiting Murchison Falls National Park.

Highlights:

• Guided chimpanzee trekking in the Kaniyo Pabidi section

• Part of the largest mahogany forest in East Africa

• Combine with game drives and Nile boat cruises

• Excellent chance to see chimpanzees without the crowds

Optional Activities:

• Visit the top of Murchison Falls

• Wildlife safaris (elephants, lions, giraffes)

• Birdwatching tours with over 360 species

🌲 3. Kyambura Gorge – The Lost Valley of Apes

Hidden on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kyambura Gorge is a dramatic and scenic site for chimpanzee tracking. Though sightings are less frequent than in Kibale, the breathtaking beauty of the gorge itself makes this a worthy stop.

Highlights:

• Trek through a tropical “underground forest”

• Scenic photography opportunities

• Combine with classic Big Five safaris in Queen Elizabeth NP

• Home to chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys & more

Optional Activities:

• Kazinga Channel boat cruise

• Lion tracking in Kasenyi plains

• Game drives and crater lake explorations

🌴 4. Kalinzu Forest Reserve – Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure

Just outside Queen Elizabeth National Park lies the Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve, a lesser-known gem for chimp trekking. The forest is home to over 300 chimpanzees, with a habituated group available for visits.

Highlights:

• Affordable and less touristy than Kibale

• Strong community-based tourism model

• Panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley

• Trekking through tea plantations and lush forest

Optional Activities:

• Birdwatching and butterfly spotting

• Cultural walks with local guides

• Combine with Queen Elizabeth or Bwindi NP tours

🏝️ 5. Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary – A Unique Introduction

If you’re short on time or arriving in Uganda via Entebbe, a visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria offers a great introduction to chimpanzees. Though not a wild experience, this sanctuary provides a safe haven for rescued or orphaned chimpanzees and allows for up-close observation and learning.

Highlights:

• Boat ride across Lake Victoria to reach the island

• Guided feeding tours and educational programs

• Opportunity for overnight stays on the island

• Perfect for families or visitors with limited mobility

Optional Activities:

• Sunset boat cruises on Lake Victoria

• Birdwatching and island nature walks

• Volunteer experiences and behind-the-scenes tours

🗺️ Plan Your Chimpanzee Safari with Uganda Horizon Safaris

With a range of incredible habitats and trekking options, Uganda offers unmatched diversity for chimpanzee trekking. Whether you’re looking for a short nature walk or a full-day immersion experience, Uganda Horizon Safaris will help tailor your trip for maximum comfort, excitement, and conservation value.

We offer:

• Private & group chimpanzee safaris

• Multi-park itineraries combining chimpanzees, gorillas & Big Five

• Professional guides and conservation-friendly experiences

• Comfortable accommodations near each trekking destination

📞 Ready to Meet the Chimps?

Book your chimpanzee trekking tour in Uganda with Uganda Horizon Safaris and take the first step toward an unforgettable journey. Get in touch today — the forest is calling, and the chimps are waiting!