Chimpanzee Safaris

Chimpanzee safaris offer a unique, fast-paced encounter with our closest living relatives in the wild. Unlike the relatively sedentary mountain gorillas, chimpanzees are highly active, often requiring trackers to follow them through dense forest canopies as they hoot, drum on tree trunks, and move between feeding sites.

Top Destinations for Chimpanzee Tracking

While Rwanda and Tanzania offer excellent opportunities, many travellers consider Uganda the premier destination for these safaris.

1. Kibale National Park: Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” it hosts over 1,500 chimpanzees and has a sighting success rate of over 95%.
2. Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda: Offers a high-canopy trekking experience in one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests.
3. Budongo Forest: Located near Murchison Falls, this forest is famous for its massive mahogany trees and is a quieter, off-the-beaten-path option.
4. Kyambura Gorge Tourist Information Centre:  A dramatic “sunken forest” within Queen Elizabeth National Park, nicknamed the “Valley of Apes”.
5. Gombe National Park, Tanzania: The site of Jane Goodall’s pioneering research, offering intimate encounters in a secluded lakeside setting.

Safari Experience Options, Types, Duration, Description, and Approximate Costs (2026)

• Standard Trekking: This experience typically lasts 2 to 5 hours, starting with a briefing before you hike to find a habituated chimpanzee group. Once you locate them, the permit includes one hour of observation. While prices can vary by Park and season, permits generally cost between $100 and $300.
• Habituation (CHEX): For a full day, you can spend up to 4 hours with researchers and chimpanzees as they undergo the “habituation” process to become comfortable with human presence. Consequently, this unique experience typically requires a permit costing $400 or more.
• Sanctuary Visit: During a day trip to sanctuaries like Ngamba Island, you can view rescued or orphaned chimpanzees from a safe platform. Because costs depend on your group size and transport, prices typically range from $80 to $450 per person.

Key Planning Details

1. Best Time to Visit: The dry seasons (June to September and December to February) are ideal for easier hiking, though the wet seasons can sometimes mean shorter treks as food is more abundant and chimps move less.
2. Age Limit: Most parks require trekkers to be at least 15 years old, though some sites, such as Kalinzu or Budongo, may allow children aged 12.
3. What to Pack: Sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts/trousers (to protect against thorns and insects), a rain jacket, insect repellent, and binoculars.
4. Booking: Permits are limited and often sell out months in advance. We recommend booking through authorised operators, such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority, or specialised agencies, 3–6 months in advance.