Chimpanzees share 98% of human DNA making them our closest relatives and that’s why they are keenly followed by many. Chimps attract large numbers of tourist and Kibale National Park is the main tourist destination for these primates.

Like the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees take an average of 4 years before they can conceive. They look after their young one for close to 10 years before mature enough to stand on their own.

Life of a Chimpanzee

Chimps live in communities unlike gorillas which live in families. Therefore, this means different communities have different life styles and hence, conflicts between the different communities is a common occurrence among these primates. Chimpanzees are intelligent enough to use tools to help them achieve different tasks. For example, the use of stones to crack nuts, use of sticks to pull out ants from termite hills, use of tree branches to build nests and many more. Chimpanzees are mainly vegetarian and feed on fruits and vegetation within the forests. But occasionally, they do hunt for the small monkeys which seems cannibalistic because monkeys are closely related to chimps.

Tracking down the habituated groups of chimpanzees is a very unforgettable experience. Since the chimpanzees have a very close relation to humans among the existing creatures, they are fun to watch as they play, feed and rest in their natural habitat. Unlike monkeys, chimps live in extended families/groups of up to 100 individuals and move in small sub groups around the forest revolving with close relations of brothers, sisters and mothers. The male chimps normally spend their lives within the group they were born whereas the female may move to the adjacent community on reaching adolescence.

Where to see chimpanzees in Uganda during a safari.

 If you’re interested in spotting chimps in Uganda, there are various options to consider. Kibale National Park is one of the most sought-after locations, positioned in the country’s western region. There, you can embark on an expedition to track chimpanzees in the forest, and witness their natural habitat up close. Another captivating choice is Kyambura Gorge, found within Queen Elizabeth National Park. You can trek across the valley and attempt to view the chimpanzees, as well as other animals who reside in this region. Whether you opt for Kibale National Park or Kyambura Gorge, Uganda is the ideal destination for chimp sightings! You can also go for a Chimp trek in Budongo Forest, found in Murchison Falls National Park.

• Kibale National Park

Kibale National park is one of the best places where you can see the chimps, while in Uganda. The park lies in the Western arm of the country. This protected zone boasts of 13 primate species, which includes the famous chimpanzees. These primates are known for their agility and can be spotted climbing trees.

Visitors can opt for an arranged safari to explore the forest and appreciate the excitement of tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

• Murchison falls National Park

When visiting Murchison Falls National Park, many tourists take part in chimpanzee trekking. The trek gives them a special opportunity to see these uncommon and threatened animals in their natural environment.
In the southern section of the park, particularly in the Budongo Forest, there are various chimpanzee families that are easily visible during the trek. With the guidance of expert guides, visitors can explore the forest and watch the chimpanzees’ behavior and living spaces.

The best time for chimp tracking in Budongo forest is in the morning as most of them are leaving their habitats to search for food. To book a chimpanzee permit for a chimp walk in Budongo forest, you may contact us to help you.

They can hear the chimps’ cries, observe their eating patterns, and even catch a glimpse of their fun behavior.
Overall, while on a safari to Murchison falls, you can combine your wildlife expedition with a Chimpanzee trek in Budongo Eco Lodge. It is truly an experience you would not wish to miss. .

•  Queen Elizabeth National Park

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, chimpanzee tracking is a popular activity among tourists. One of the most popular chimpanzee tracking sites is Kyambura gorge, which lies within the Kyambura Forest.

The chimpanzee trekking experience can be facilitated by experienced trackers who lead the visitors to the areas where the chimpanzees can be found. There is a high chance of spotting these primates during the trekking experience. In addition to Kyambura gorge, Kalinzu Forest is another chimpanzee tracking site in the park that offers a similar experience. Overall, chimpanzee tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park is an incredible activity for anyone who loves nature and wildlife.

• Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is located on Ngamba Island, a 45-minute boat ride from Entebbe in Uganda. It is a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees. Visitors can go chimp trekking in Uganda to observe the chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The sanctuary offers a whole day chimpanzee habituation experience, where visitors have the opportunity to spend time with the chimpanzees and learn about their behavior and daily lives.
Just like the Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, watching the chimps as they play, feed and relate is such a delight .
The sanctuary is committed to conservation and through education and tourism, they aim to raise awareness about the importance of protecting chimpanzees and their natural habitat. A visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

About the chimpanzee habituation Experience (CHEX)?

 Chimpanzee habituation experience (CHEX) is a unique opportunity for visitors to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. CHEX involves a chimp trek deep into the forest to observe these primates in their natural environment. The chimp habituation process, also known as CHEX, is a process of gradually getting chimps used to human presence. Uganda is one of the few countries where Chimps Habituation takes place. Among the top places to have the CHEX is Kibale National Park.

It took years to habituate the chimps to the point that researchers could closely observe them without disturbing the natural behavior. CHEX aims to offer insights and create awareness about chimpanzees, their habitat, and their conservation. At the same time, visitors get to experience the nature and raw beauty of the forest, get some exercise, view other wildlife and meet other trekking team members.

The best time of year to go chimp trekking.

The chimpanzee trekking in Uganda happens best in the morning. However, one may also opt for the afternoon trek Tourist have to report to the visitor information centers at 7:30 am and be briefed on the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee tracking. They will then be divided into smaller groups before they head off to the forest.

On average, chimpanzee trekking takes 3 hours. Although, you are advised to take enough water, wear long pants and carry along a rain jacket. Make sure you tuck in your pants to avoid crawling bugs. Eight meters distance is recommended between the trackers and the chimps. Avoid flash photography and taking prerecorded void recording.

Chimpanzee Permits can be easily got at Uganda Wildlife Authority Headquarters in Kampala at 200 US dollars. Chimpanzee Habituation permits go for 250 US dollars each. It is highly advisable to book these permits at least 3 months to the tracking day.

Are chimps friendly to humans?

Although chimpanzees are not inherently fond of humans, they can learn to display a certain level of trust towards them. Throughout their wild habitat, chimpanzees usually steer clear of human contact and may respond with aggression when threatened or provoked.

However, when chimpanzees are habituated, they tend to get more at ease with people. Thereafter, these chimpanzees even express signs of affection.
Nonetheless, Chimpanzees remain untamed animals even when they seem friendly. This renders them very unpredictable in their actions. In addition, prolonged exposure to humans can trigger inappropriate behavior, influencing their conduct in the wild. It is vital to acknowledge these intelligent primates’ boundaries, and extend to them the respect they are worthy of.

Tips to prepare for chimpanzee trekking

Are you planning to visit Uganda for a Chimps trek? Consider some of these tips before you go Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Being before a chimpanzee group is a beautiful moment many, be it in Budongo forest, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or even Kibale Forest National park.

– Firstly, make sure to obtain your chimp tracking permits from the wildlife authorities beforehand. These can either be for the habituated chimpanzees (CHEX) or just a normal Chimpanzee trekking permit.

– Secondly, wear comfortable clothes and shoes as the trek can be physically demanding.

– Thirdly, carry with you a camera and/or a pair of binoculars to easily see the chimpanzees as they sway in the trees.

– Fourthly, follow the instructions given by the park rangers as chimpanzees can be unpredictable and might become aggressive.

– Lastly, don’t panic if a chimp approaches you, stay calm and let the ranger manage the situation. By following these tips, you can prepare yourself for an unforgettable trek

Threats to Chimpanzees in Uganda

• Chimpanzees are losing their habitats because forest have been cut down at an alarming rate.
• Chimpanzees are hunted for their meat in most parts of Africa including Uganda.
• The chimps have also fallen victim to traps laid to trap other wildlife.

The government has stepped up its efforts of conservation of this endangered primate by gazetting national parks and sanctuaries. It has also endeavored to protect the forested areas, which are the main habitat for the chimpanzee.

Where to Stay when Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

When planning a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda, it’s important to consider the best places to stay.

Trekking in Kibale Forest Park is a great choice for those interested to see chimps in Uganda. The park offers some of the best primate viewing opportunities in the world, with guided treks available to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Accommodation options range from Budget to Luxury. one could opt to stay in Chimpundu Lodge, Primate Safari Lodge, Papaya Lodge as the Luxury options; Chimpanzee Guest House, Kibale Forest Camp, among others. Alternatively, visitors can stay in nearby towns such as Fort Portal or Kasese, and take day trips to the park.

Another great option is Queen Elizabeth National Park, which offers both chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Forest or Kalinzu Forest and game drives.
Budongo Eco Lodge is another option as you take on a Chimpanzee tracking experience in Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls Game park.
No matter where you choose to stay, trekking the chimpanzees in Uganda is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

What more to a Chimpanzee tracking?

To enhance a chimpanzee tracking experience, there are various options to consider. Firstly, visitors can extend their itinerary and combine the activity with a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This provides an opportunity to witness both gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Additionally, guests can explore other national parks such as Murchison Falls and Lake Mburo NP, which are both home to diverse wildlife. For those who enjoy spending time near water bodies, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an ideal location where visitors can enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga channel. By adding these activities, visitors can easily immerse themselves in Uganda’s captivating natural attractions.