What to Expect on a Chimpanzee Trekking Tour in Uganda, According to a Top Safari Advisor

Uganda is a land of breathtaking biodiversity, home to some of the most extraordinary primate experiences in the world. While mountain gorillas in Bwindi often steal the spotlight, chimpanzee trekking offers its own set of thrills. Below, I’ll walk you through the nuances of chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, how it compares to gorilla trekking, and how to make the most of your journey. 

Chimpanzee vs. Gorilla Trekking 

Chimpanzees and mountain gorillas may share similar habitats, but the experiences of trekking to see them are vastly different. 

Chimpanzees are highly active and vocal. When trekking chimps, particularly in the western part of Uganda in the Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge, expect a cacophony of whoops and hollers guiding you to their location. Unlike the more subdued gorillas, chimpanzees spend much of their time swinging through treetops, offering an exhilarating spectacle (but requiring more patience to spot). 

Gorilla trekking, on the other hand, is often a quieter, more intimate encounter. Mountain gorillas live in smaller groups and spend much of their time on the ground, making for a close and personal connection. Both experiences, however, bring visitors into the heart of Uganda’s lush landscapes and are a testament to the country’s wildlife conservation success. 

Trekking in the Kibale Forest 

Kibale Forest, often called the “primate capital of the world,” is the top destination for chimpanzee trekking. With more than 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, it offers unparalleled opportunities to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. 

The trek begins with an early morning briefing, where you’ll learn about the forest’s biodiversity and the rules for observing chimpanzees from expert guides. As you set out, the guides will lead you through towering fig trees, thick undergrowth, and the occasional swamp. The highlight comes when you encounter a troop of chimps — sometimes with as many as 100. You’ll observe their complex social behaviors, from grooming sessions to playful antics. 

For an even deeper insight, you can spend a full day at a chimpanzee habituation program, which trains primates on how to behave when humans are around and vice versa, or book a fireside chat with a primatologist pre- or post-trek. 

Discovering the Kyambura Gorge 

Dubbed the “Valley of Apes,” Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a more secluded chimpanzee trekking experience. The gorge’s steep ravines and lush vegetation create an atmospheric setting that feels almost mythical. 

Tracking chimps here is more challenging due to the smaller population and fragmented habitats, but the dramatic scenery makes it worthwhile. Alongside chimpanzees, you might spot other wildlife, including red-tailed monkeys and a wealth of bird species. I like to pair this trek with an afternoon in Queen Elizabeth National Park for a game drive or a boat safari down the Kazinga Channel; at Ishasha, a sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and a border crossing point between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, go in search of the famous tree-climbing lions. 

Where to Stay and How to Make an Impact 

When visiting the Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park, travelers can stay at eco-lodges that combine luxury with conservation and community impact. 

At Kyambura Gorge Lodge, guests enjoy stylish accommodations while supporting Volcanoes Safaris’ initiatives like the Kyambura Gorge Ecotourism Project, which safeguards a small family of endangered chimpanzees and restores their forest habitat. For those exploring Kibale, the new Kibale Lodge, which opened in July, offers breathtaking views of a crater lake and the Rwenzori Mountains. The lodge actively engages with the Jane Goodall Institute and supports their local Roots & Shoots children’s program. By staying at these lodges, travelers not only experience the beauty of Uganda, but also directly contribute to uplifting the conservation and social efforts in the region.

Praveen Moman is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in chimpanzee and gorilla safaris. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Moman by contacting him at praveen@volcanoessafaris.com.