Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Chimpanzee trekking is, without a doubt, one of the best and most done wildlife experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. It is hard to find the words to describe that moment when you get up close and personal with a chimpanzee in the wild. Regardless of how many times you have met these Great Apes, you will always develop goose bumps just thinking back to it. The thrill of seeing a wild chimpanzee emerge from the dense foliage in the morning mist or catching the silent gaze of young chimpanzees playing on tree branches ranks among the most cherished dreams of primate enthusiasts.

Uganda and Rwanda offer some of the world’s most unforgettable opportunities to encounter the Great Apes, which are mankind’s closest relatives in the animal Kingdom, in their natural habitat, from the lowland rainforests of Kibale National Park to the rugged and hilly terrains of Nyungwe Forest National Park.

In our article, we explore the chimpanzee tracking locations in Uganda and Rwanda, what to expect when seeking out these majestic creatures, a packing list for the jungle, and the best time to go for chimpanzee trekking in both countries, among others.

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

Uganda remains the undisputed Capital of chimpanzee trekking in Eastern Africa, home to over 5000 chimpanzees. This beautiful country’s network of chimpanzee-protected Protected Areas provides varying viewing experiences, each with a unique character and charm.

Kibale Forest National Park

Located in western Uganda, Kibale Forest National park is a prime destination to see chimpanzees in East Africa.  stands above the rest as Uganda’s prime chimpanzee trekking safari destination. With the highest density of these Great Apes in the country (1500), this 79500-hectare Protected Area offers phenomenal sighting opportunities (with a 98% guarantee of seeing them). The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, where visitors get up close with semi-habituated chimpanzees, adds a mystical dimension to your chimpanzee tour. A chimp permit for this Park costs $250 per person for foreign non-residents, $200 per person for foreign residents, and Shs. 180,000 per person for East African Community visitors.

Budongo Forest

Found in Northwestern Uganda is another chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda, with 600-700 chimpanzees, hence making it the second most popular destination for meeting these Great Apes. Permits for this Forest cost $130 per person for foreign non-residents and $120 per person for foreign residents.

Kyambura Gorge

Located in Queen Elizabeth National Park is another unmissable location for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, providing a chance to see these Great Apes in an underground forest. Chimpanzee trekking here provides an 80% chance of spotting chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Other Chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda are Kalinzu Forest and Maramagambo Forest, among others.

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda

Seek out mankind’s closest relatives in the animal Kingdom on the epic journey through the forest of Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park, experiencing unforgettable encounters with them. Dominated by an ancient montane rainforest along with dense bamboo, grasslands, and wetlands, this is southwestern Rwanda at its most untamed. Most travelers are drawn by the chance of spotting these Great Apes, though the rugged terrains mean chimpanzee trekking safaris here feel thrillingly remote.

It takes approximately 6-7 hours to travel by road between Kigali and Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is what many primate enthusiasts will enjoy on a classic Rwandan chimpanzee tour.

Packing list for chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda and Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda are an experience of a lifetime, and proper preparation and planning are required to make your journey safe, comfortable, and successful in getting up close and personal with the majestic Great Apes. These include;

Clothing: This includes comfortable footwear (sturdy hiking boots) for easier navigation through the jungles while searching for the Great Apes, earthy base layers in green, beige, and brown, long-sleeved shirts, and safari pants, as well as a rain jacket.

Personal care and health items: For your chimpanzee trekking trip, you will need hand sanitizers and wet wipes, a first aid kit for carrying pain relievers, prescription medicines, and anti-allergic medicines, sunscreen and lip balm for sunny weather, and an insect repellent to keep mosquitoes (and other bugs) at bay.

Documents: You will need your passport, chimpanzee trekking permits, Visas, and travel/medical insurance, and these should be kept in a waterproof folder.

A reusable water bottle: It is important to be hydrated and cut down on plastic waste by carrying a reusable water bottle for your chimpanzee trekking tours in Rwanda and Uganda.

Photography and viewing gear: To keep fresh memories from your chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda, you will need a camera with a zoom lens, extra batteries, and memory space for capturing great chimpanzee photographs. Additionally, you need a pair of binoculars for seeing smaller and faraway creatures in the forests.

Best time for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

This question usually puzzles visitors eager to explore Uganda and Rwanda’s forests to search for the majestic creatures in their natural habitats. From the drier periods that come with easier-to-navigate forest trails to the life-giving wet months, each season provides its own unique charm. For this reason, the best time for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Rwanda largely depends on your personal interests.

The dry season, typically from June to September and December to February, comes with less rainfall and more accessible forest trails. There are also clearer days and breathtaking sunsets in most chimpanzee trekking safari destinations in Uganda and Rwanda.

During the wet months, March to May, and October to November, the forests become a haven for travelers yearning to witness the verdant rainforests in their most vibrant form. Heavy rains bring a surge of life, with dense foliage and bustling bird activity. This is a time of renewal and abundance, where Uganda and Rwanda rainforests reveal their most verdant and energetic side. However, forest trails sometimes become muddy and slippery due to increased rain.

In conclusion, seeing Rwanda and Uganda’s majestic Great Apes in their natural habitat ranks among the World’s greatest wildlife experiences. Whether it is watching chimpanzees playing in the dense foliage, resting, nursing their babies, or resting, these chimpanzee encounters leave a lasting impression. While meeting these creatures might be challenging and success not 100% guaranteed, the reward of meeting face-to-face with them in their natural habitat makes early morning wake-up calls and long guided walks through the forest worthwhile.