Chimpanzee Trekking Experience in Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking is just like that powerful moment when the mystical scene opens up to you for the first time in the natural wonder of the world.  Uganda has over 1500 chimpanzees in a total spread in three National Parks Kibale National Park, Murchison Fall National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is located in Kabarole and Kamwenge district and is about five to six hours drive from the capital city Kampala. The forest boasts of three habituated communities of chimpanzees of which two communities trek every day. Each tourist interested in chimpanzee trekking has to hold a permit and entitles you of one hour with the habituated chimps and includes a guide as well as park entrance fees. Kibale Forest National Park has been named the best place in Africa to trek chimps and spot other 12 primates and birds there within the forest. Forest buffaloes, elephants, and forest birds are among other attractions that enhance your chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park. Kibale Forest National Park, therefore, remains the best place in Uganda to trek chimpanzees due to the nature of the terrain, proximity to Kampala as compared to other chimpanzee trekking sites. Chimpanzee trekking permit cost $ 150 per person per trek and one can trek either in the morning or afternoon, and this is the main activity which takes place in Kibale National Park and other activities include Nature walk, bird watching, community visit, crater Lakes visit and so many

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park

Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park is another home to chimpanzee tracking in Uganda. You can even do a one-day chimpanzee tracking safari here, Budongo forest is about 5 hours from Kampala and is the nearest of the chimpanzee tracking destination. One needs hold permit that allows you one hour, Chimpanzee trekking experience at Budongo forest is next to that at Kibale Forest National Park and as such, this forest ranks number two in as far as best places for trekking chimps are concerned. It has very little accommodation which is Budongo Eco Lodge which is reliable budget accommodation in the forest. Chimpanzee permit in Budongo forest cost $80 per person per trek and one can trek either in the morning or afternoon.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Kyambura Gorge is situated in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Chimpanzee trekking here can be a bit strenuous as most chimpanzees keep on moving from one places to another and jumping from one tree to another given its steep terrain. It takes about 6 on 382.9 km and the terrain can be a bit on the rough side, it means crossing creeks and rivers all part of the excitement of being with the chimpanzees of Kyambura Gorge. Tracking chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge are 3 hours well spent, and the chimpanzee permits here are usually cheaper than those for Kibale forest. Chimpanzee permit in Kyambura Gorge cost $50 per person per trek and one can trek either in the morning or afternoon.

Best time to do chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

During June, July, August, September, and December, January and February are the best time to do chimpanzee trekking in Uganda since Uganda being crossed by the equator has a modified equatorial climate with two rainy seasons and because of this people tend to associate these rainy seasons with the best times to trek chimpanzee. These are dry months/season which favours trekking chimpanzee in their natural environment since the trail is dry making it easier to do chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.