Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda
Close Encounters with Wild Chimps: Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda’s Ancient Rainforests
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is more than a wildlife encounter—it’s a window into behavior, emotion, and connection. Whether you're tracking vocalizing chimps through the dense Kibale Forest or observing acrobatic leaps high in the canopy of Nyungwe, this is nature at its most animated.
Led by expert trackers and primate researchers, you’ll follow the hoots, drumming, and rustling of these intelligent, social creatures. Each trek is a blend of insight and instinct, where no two encounters are the same—and the memories last a lifetime.
Chimpanzee Trekking Tours
Explore our curated chimpanzee trekking tours designed to bring you closer to wild chimp communities while supporting conservation and local livelihoods. From short forest excursions to multi-day primate safaris that combine gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and game drives, each itinerary strikes a balance between comfort, access, and impact.
Why Trek With Us
Journey Makers Africa is more than a booking service—we’re on the ground, walking the same trails our ancestors did. We work with local communities, national park authorities, and leading conservationists to deliver travel that gives back.
What sets our chimpanzee treks apart:
- We partner directly with Kibale, Budongo, Nyungwe, and Gishwati authorities for permit access and priority scheduling.
- Every guide is deeply experienced and trained in primate behavior and safety protocols.
- Our accommodation partners are handpicked for eco-design, ethical operations, and proximity to trekking trails.
- Your safari is handled end-to-end by a single planner who knows your goals, not passed between departments.
This is trekking with purpose—sustainable, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Where to Trek: Uganda vs Rwanda
Both Uganda and Rwanda offer remarkable chimpanzee encounters, but they differ in terrain, accessibility, and experience depth.
Uganda
Kibale Forest National Park: Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” it’s home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. Treks are often lively and loud—chimps here are highly habituated and easy to locate.
Budongo Forest: Found near Murchison Falls, this lesser-known gem is ideal for those combining chimp trekking with classic savanna safaris.
Kyambura Gorge: A dramatic forest canyon near Queen Elizabeth NP. The chimps are wilder and more elusive here—perfect for adventurers.
Rwanda
Nyungwe Forest National Park: One of Africa’s oldest rainforests, Nyungwe is rich in biodiversity with a large chimp population. Treks here are immersive and best paired with canopy walks and colobus monkey viewing.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park: Rwanda’s newest primate haven, offering off-the-beaten-path experiences with smaller chimp communities and fewer visitors.
Not sure which forest suits your travel style best? Let’s talk it through.
What Chimpanzee Trekking Feels Like
At first, it’s a rustle. Then a hoot. Suddenly, the forest erupts with calls, laughter, and movement. Your guide signals, and there they are—chimpanzees swinging between branches, pounding tree trunks, grooming, foraging, vocalizing.
You stand among them, just meters away, as their world plays out with intelligence, hierarchy, and emotion. It's an adrenaline rush and a quiet awe all at once. The forest hums, the air is thick with scent and sound, and for a moment, time slows.
These are not passive sightings. Chimpanzee trekking is raw, energetic, and beautifully unpredictable.
Permits & Pricing
Chimpanzee trekking permits are your official access to join a guided trek with habituated chimp communities—and they are strictly limited by park authorities to ensure minimal impact on the animals. Each day, only a small number of visitors are allowed into each forest sector, making demand for permits especially high during peak travel months (June–September and December–February).
Booking well in advance—often 3 to 6 months ahead—is strongly advised, particularly for Kibale and Nyungwe, where group sizes are capped and permit slots fill quickly. Last-minute availability is rare and often non-existent for travelers with specific dates or tour combinations.
These permits not only reserve your space but also help fund critical conservation efforts, including anti-poaching patrols, community engagement, and long-term research into chimpanzee behavior.
- Kibale Forest (Uganda): USD 200 per person
- Budongo Forest (Uganda): USD 120 per person
- Kyambura Gorge (Uganda): USD 100 per person
- Nyungwe Forest (Rwanda): USD 150 per person
- Gishwati-Mukura (Rwanda): USD 75 per person
Permit costs contribute directly to forest conservation, ranger patrols, and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Want us to handle your permits? We secure and confirm them as part of every itinerary.
Best Time to Go & When to Book
Chimpanzee trekking is available year-round, but your experience can vary greatly depending on the season.
Dry Season
June to September and December to February
East Africa experiences two primary dry seasons: June to September and December to February. These months offer ideal trekking conditions—clear skies, firmer trails, and reliable sightings as chimpanzees roam in larger groups and vocalize more frequently.
Wet Season
March to May and October to November
In the wet seasons (March to May and October to November), forests are lush and alive with birdsong—but trails can be slippery, and sightings may require longer treks. However, availability is more flexible, permits are easier to secure, and some lodges offer lower off-season rates.
When to Book Your Trek
- For dry season treks, book at least 4–6 months in advance to secure permits and ideal accommodations.
- If traveling during the rainy season or on short notice, we can still help—but flexibility is key.
Need help deciding the right month for your travel window? That’s what we’re here for.
Planning & Preparation Guide
Physical Fitness
Treks range from 1–4 hours depending on forest density and chimp location. A moderate fitness level is recommended, especially in hilly regions like Nyungwe or Kyambura Gorge. Sturdy hiking shoes and confidence walking on uneven ground are essential.
What to Pack
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants (earth tones recommended)
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
- Rain jacket and gaiters (rain is common even in dry season)
- Gloves (to protect hands from branches)
- Refillable water bottle and energy snacks
- Camera with zoom lens (no flash photography allowed)
Health & Safety
- Yellow fever vaccination will be required for entry.
- Anti-malarial medication is strongly advised.
- Surgical masks are required while near the chimps to prevent disease transmission.
Always follow your guide’s safety briefings—maintain distance, move quietly, and never feed or touch the animals.
Conservation Impact of Your Trek
Your chimpanzee trekking experience does more than create lasting memories—it directly contributes to safeguarding Africa’s great apes and the ecosystems they call home.
Every permit purchased supports:
- Local ranger wages and forest protection patrols
- Veterinary care and health monitoring of habituated troops
- Community education and benefit-sharing programs
- Long-term research into primate behavior, genetics, and habitat change
We partner with trusted local and international conservation initiatives to ensure that your visit leaves a net positive impact on the environment and the lives of those who live around it.
Responsible travel isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.