Chimpanzee tracking

Chimpanzee tracking is one of the leading tourist attractions in East Africa especially in Uganda and Rwanda. The experience offers visitors an incredible opportunity to meet our closest relatives in the wild with whom we share 98% of our DNA. Primate enthusiasts usually combine chimpanzee tracking with gorilla trekking in either Uganda or Rwanda or both to maximise their primate experience in East Africa. However, those who may not want to see gorillas or are on a limited budget can opt to track chimps alone or combine the experience with other safari encounters like game viewing.

Popular chimpanzee tracking safaris in Uganda & Rwanda

Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda

Uganda is one of the most reliable destinations in the world to see chimpanzees. Kibale National Park in the west of the country is popular known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” majorly due to its huge population of chimpanzees alongside other 12 primate species.

Where to see chimpanzees in Uganda

1. Kibale National Park: Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” this is Uganda’s premier chimpanzee tracking destination. Kibale protects the highest density of chimpanzees (around 1,500) and offers a sighting success rate of over 90%. In addition to chimps, visitors to Kibale have a chance to see more primate species including Black-and-Colobus monkey, L’Hoest monkey, among others as we as a variety of birdlife.
2. Kalinzu Forest: Situated near Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu is often considered the best “value” option when it comes to chimpanzee tracking. It offers high sighting rates and is managed by the Ministry of Forestry rather than the Wildlife Authority. Being close to Queen Elizabeth National park, Kalizu makes it easy for visitors to a chimpanzee tracking encounter to their game viewing experience in the park.
3. Budongo Forest: Located within Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo offers an excellent opportunity to see chimps to those already planning a savannah safari. The forest is famous for its giant mahogany trees and habituated chimpanzee groups. In addition to chimpanzees, visitors can also spot baboons, colobus monkeys as well as a variety of bird species.
4. Kyambura Gorge: A sunken forest located inside a 100-meter-deep valley in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Although chimpanzee sighting rates may be lower than in other areas, the dramatic landscape and the magic sound of the flowing river below the forest makes for a unique trek.

Cost of chimpanzee tracking in Uganda

The cost of chimpanzee tracking in Uganda differs according to the tracking area you visit. In Kibale national park, the chimpanzee permit is sold at $250 to foreign non-residents, $200 to foreign residents and UGX180,000 to East African citizens. The prices at Budongo forest are $130, $120 and $85 respectively while at Kalinzu forest it is $50, $50 and UGX30,000 respectively. At Kyambura Gorge, it is $100, $80 and UGX50,000 respectively. Kibale national park also offers a chimpanzee habituation experience (CHEX) at $300 which allows you to spend up to four hours with the chimps instead of the usual one hour.

Chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda

Chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda is one of the leading tourist attractions in the country with the experience usually combined with gorilla trekking and game viewing. This high-energy and immersive primate experience primarily takes place in the rainforests of the southwest in Nyungwe national park.

Where to see chimpanzees in Rwanda

Chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda takes place within Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests. There are three main habituated groups you might visit in Nyungwe:

• Cyamudongo Forest: This is a small, detached pocket of the park. Its relatively small size (about 4 sq km) increases the success rate for sighting the chimps.
• Uwinka Group: This is found within the main body of Nyungwe national park. It is a large group, but because the terrain is vast and steep, they can be more challenging to locate sometimes.
• Gisovu Group: This is a more remote group in the northern part of the park. Visitors to this group enjoy a quieter experience away from the main visitor centres.
• Gishwati-Mukura National Park: This is the most recently-opened destination for chimpanzee tracking. The park is still being developed for more tourism activity.

Logistics and Cost of chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda

• Permit Fees: For foreign non-residents, a chimpanzee permit in Rwanda is typically $150 USD per person while foreign residents and EAC citizens can get the permit at $75
• Age Limit: The minimum age for chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda is 15 years old.
• Duration: Chimpanzee treks in Rwanda usually start at 5:00 AM with a briefing. The hike can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the movement and where the chimps spent the night, and you are allowed one hour of observation once you locate them
• Success Rate: Nyungwe national park boasts a high success rate of approximately 90%

When to go for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda and Rwanda

The Dry Seasons (June–September & December–February) presents the best conditions for chimpanzee tracking. During this period, the trails are firmer and less muddy, making the physical trek easier.

Rainy Seasons (March–May & October–November): Are often considered the best for sighting chimpanzees in both countries. Food is more abundant at lower altitudes during the rains, meaning the chimps don’t have to travel as far or as deep into the forest to find fruit, making them easier to locate.

What to pack for chimpanzee tracking

Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip to help you manoeuvre through the muddy and slippery conditions.

Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers (to protect against stinging nettles and insects). Gardening gloves can also be useful for this regard.

Other Gear: A lightweight raincoat, a daypack with water, and a high-quality camera with extra batteries (no flash allowed).

Optional: A walking stick, which can be rented or provided at the park headquarters.