When I was a little girl, I watched Dunston Checks In, and it had me obsessed with the idea of having a pet chimpanzee! Obviously, I was just a child; I didn’t know any better at the time, and that this was nothing but a wild fantasy. Anyhow, I think I made this little girl a lot happier when I went to Uganda’s Kibale National Park specifically for chimpanzee trekking!
So, if spending time with wild chimpanzees is a childhood dream of yours too, you should absolutely add chimpanzee trekking in Uganda to your bucket list. That’s why I put together this guide, which breaks down everything you need to know about the experience: what to expect, how to plan and book it, what to pack, and more.
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Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda at a Glance (TLDR)
- Best time to do it: During the long dry season from June to September, the short dry season from December to February, or the shoulder season from October to November.
- Where to go: Kibale National Park is the best destination for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and possibly all of Africa.
- Where to stay: Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge
- How to get a chimpanzee trekking permit: Through a trusted local tour operator.
- Cost of permit: USD 250 for foreign non-residents (increasing to USD 300 in 2027). Read along for more pricing information.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Top 3 packing essentials: Gaiters, hiking sticks, and sturdy waterproof hiking shoes.
- Don’t forget: Travel insurance and Uganda/Africa eSIM.
What Is Chimpanzee Trekking?
Chimpanzee trekking, also often commercially referred to as chimpanzee tracking, is a guided wildlife experience. Travelers get to hike through a rainforest to track and observe habituated wild chimps in their natural environment.
Is It Chimpanzee Trekking or Tracking?
Even though the most commonly used term is “chimpanzee tracking”, the more accurate one would be “chimpanzee trekking”. You see, there’s actually a difference between both.
As I just mentioned, chimpanzee trekking involves a guided tour into the rainforest led by local experts and rangers to find chimps and spend time with them. On the other hand, chimpanzee tracking is the act of finding the animals, which is a much more complicated, time-consuming process that other experts do. These experts, called trackers, head out early in the morning, before the guided tours, to track the chimps so that the guided travelers can find them easily and have a more seamless experience.
So, while the process of tracking is thoroughly explained to us, travelers, and you might spot interesting signs on the trail, like prints or food leftovers, we’re not the ones who do the actual tracking.
Planning Your Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure
Where to Go for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda?
Kibale National Park is where most travelers go in Uganda for chimpanzee trekking, and that was my personal choice as well.
While cheaper, less crowded alternatives exist, like Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park is the best option for a reason. In fact, I could name a couple. For starters, the rainforest is home to roughly 1,500 chimps, which means sightings have much higher success rates, 90%, to be precise. The abundance of premium hotels and lodges near Kibale is also an important factor that needs to be considered.
Best Time to Go Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
Chimpanzee trekking is doable year-round, but the best time is during the dry season or shoulder season for better trail conditions. On rainy days, the rainforest gets muddier and slipperier, making the experience much more challenging and less enjoyable.
I went in October, during the shoulder season, but the rain had started earlier than expected, and even though I went chimpanzee trekking on a sunny day, the slopes were too slippery. We also had to pass through swamps; I was ankle-deep in the mud, and my feet got stuck multiple times!
The 2 dry seasons in Uganda are from June to September (long dry season) and from December to February (short dry season). However, the short wet season from October to November is considered the shoulder season, which is another good time to visit, as the rain means lush green scenery, and there are fewer tourists too, so it’s a win-win.
Chimpanzee Trekking Permits
To be able to do chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, tourists need to purchase chimp permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority through a reputable tour operator. Just like the permits for gorilla trekking in Bwindi, a very limited number of permits are printed per day to limit the time of interaction between humans and chimpanzees for conservation purposes. The permits are also valid for the date they’ve been issued for and cannot be refunded. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and purchase your permits in advance.
How much does the chimpanzee trekking permit cost?
P.S. The following prices are subject to change.
- Foreign Non-Residents: USD 250 (increasing to USD 300 in 2027)
- Foreign Residents: USD 200 (increasing to USD 200/250)
- Rest of Africa (ROA): USD 100
- East African Citizens (EAC): UGX 180,000 (or UGX 150,000 under prior tariffs)
What does the chimpanzee trekking permit include?
The cost of the permit covers the park entrance fees, park ranger services to ensure your safety, as well as a dedicated guide. Aside from the permit fees, it’s also customary to tip the trackers; around UGX 20,000 is socially appreciated.
How to Book a Chimpanzee Trekking Experience?
As I mentioned earlier, it’s best to purchase your permit through a reputable local tour operator. When you book the experience through a local guide, they won’t just take care of your permit; they’ll also facilitate the rest of the logistics, as they know the process better.
Just make sure you check a tour’s star ratings and read the reviews on Viator or GetYourGuide before booking.
What to Expect During Chimpanzee Trekking
Difficulty Level
Unlike gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee trekking isn’t as physically demanding. If you’re fit and physically active, you can absolutely do it. The hike is considered of moderate difficulty, though, because of the trail conditions. The terrain in Kibale is muddy, comprised of occasional slippery slopes, and covered with uneven tree roots and dense vegetation, making walking through a bit challenging.
The thing is, you can’t really guess the exact level of difficulty or elevations because you’re tracking wild animals, and chimps are pretty active and move a lot. Also, travelers are divided into groups and assigned a particular section of the forest or family of chimps upon arrival. So, you can’t really figure out the exact route you’ll be hiking in advance. In my unfortunate case, as I mentioned earlier, a section of our route was boggy, and we had to hike through swamps! I was ankle-deep in the mud, my feet got stuck multiple times, and I came out of the rainforest smelling like sulphur. But once we reached those amazing creatures, it was all absolutely worth it!
Rules and Regulations
- Once the chimps are located, your group is allowed to spend only one hour with them.
- You must keep a distance of 7-8 meters (25 feet) from the chimps. In case they approach you, try to stay calm and slowly back away as instructed by your guide.
- Wear a face mask whenever in the presence of chimps for safety purposes. Humans and chimpanzees share roughly 98.8% of their DNA, which means diseases can be transmitted from humans to chimps and vice versa. While we humans can easily get treatment and go to the hospital, these animals can’t.
- If you need to use the restroom in the forest, let your guides know, and don’t be embarrassed to tell them exactly what you need to do. They actually need to know so they can instruct you accordingly. There are washrooms at the visitor’s center; it’s best if you use them before you head out.
- Eating and drinking around the chimpanzees is strictly prohibited.
- Never touch, pet, or feed the chimpanzees.
- No littering, obviously.
- Do not use flash photography. While you can use your camera or smartphone to take photos and videos, flash photography is strictly forbidden to avoid startling the animals.
- Keep your voice low and don’t make any noises around the chimps. Refrain from imitating them or vocalizing back at them for your own safety.
How the Day Goes
- Aim to arrive at the visitor’s center in Kibale National Park as early as 7:45 AM, as the briefing starts at 8 AM. This means you have to wake up early to have breakfast and check out from your nearby hotel. I stayed at Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge, an amazing hotel that’s just a few minutes away from the forest.
- During the briefing, you’ll get to learn more about the chimpanzees, what to expect from the experience, and the rules and restrictions.
- Then you’ll be divided into small groups of a maximum of 6-8 participants and assigned a ranger and a starting point.
- Sometimes the starting point is a short drive away, so your own guide will drive you there, where you’ll meet your assigned ranger and the rest of your group. Try to use the restroom at the visitor’s center before you head out.
- From there, you’ll start hiking. Your assigned ranger(s) will be following the trackers’ directions.
- Once you reach the chimps’ territory, you’ll be expected to put on your mask. You’ll know as soon as you’re close, as you’ll hear them vocalizing.
- As I said earlier, you’re allowed one hour maximum with the chimps. During that time, you can take their photos and observe them in their natural habitat. Sometimes you’ll feel as if they’re posing for you! Other times, they’ll just be chilling, possibly grooming each other, then all of a sudden they can be jumping up and down, making noises and slamming tree trunks. Sometimes they’ll be up in the trees, but I was lucky enough to have on-ground encounters.
- When you’re done, you’ll return to the visitor’s center and receive a certificate of completion.
Where to Stay Near Kibale National Park
Accommodations near Kibale National Park are pretty nice, so you don’t have to opt for a 5-star hotel to have a luxury stay. Mid-range accommodations are quite luxurious, in my opinion! The top 2 stays that were recommended by my guides from Buutu Safaris were Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge and Isunga Lodge.
I ended up staying at Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge, and it truly exceeded my expectations. Aside from the spacious rooms with scenic views, the food was delicious, and the service was top-notch. What more can someone ask for? Well, I personally wish I’d stayed there longer, but I had a pretty tight itinerary.
For more options, check out the lodging map below to help you pick a nearby stay that’s within your budget. Just make sure you check out the ratings and read the reviews before booking.
What to Wear and Pack for Chimpanzee Trekking
What to Wear
- Long, lightweight hiking pants. You need the length for protection against insects and vegetation, but it’s incredibly humid in the rainforest, so you also want something breathable. My Colombia convertible (zip-off) pants were so comfortable.
- Long-sleeved DRI-Fit hiking top, or in any other moisture-wicking material.
- A sturdy pair of waterproof hiking boots (my Merrell Alverstone Mid GTX was a total life-saver on those muddy trails).
- Moisture-wicking long socks.
- Hiking gaiters are an absolute necessity. Some hikers settle for tucking their trousers inside their socks, but my waterproof gaiters came in handy when I was ankle-deep in mud and swamps.
- Sun hat or cap. The canopy usually blocks the sun, but you never know if you’ll pass through an exposed area. By the time you’re done, it’ll be noon and too sunny, so you’ll need them anyway.
What to Pack/Bring
- Small daypack to carry your essentials.
- Hiking sticks. Another non-negotiable.
- Lightweight waterproof rain jacket in case it rains.
- DSLR camera and lenses and/or your smartphone. I didn’t have to use my camera while chimpanzee trekking, and I took all my photos and videos using my iPhone 16. However, if the chimps decide to stay up in the trees, you’ll most likely need a telephoto lens.
- Lots of water! You can carry 2 bottles of water (1L each) or a hydration bladder for easy access.
- Electrolytes
- First-aid kit
- Waterproof dry bag for gadgets and electronics.
- Surgical mask.
- Insect repellent with DEET.
- Sunscreen
- Power bank to keep your electronics charged.
- Travel eSIM. This is a must for communicating with your guide once you’re done with the hike.
- Travel medical insurance. My favorite is SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance because of the adventure sports and electronics theft add-ons.
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P.S. If you wear glasses like me, bring contact lenses if you’re comfortable wearing them. Unfortunately, I can’t wear them, and my glasses were foggy the entire time. The humidity was so bad; it was worse inside the rainforest, and of course, the masks made things much worse!
Chimpanzee Trekking FAQs
How much is a chimpanzee trekking permit?
The permit for foreign non-residents costs USD 250 (increasing to USD 300 in 2027), and USD 200 for foreign residents (increasing to USD 200/250). African citizens also get a discounted rate: East African citizens pay UGX 180,000 (or UGX 150,000 under prior tariffs) and the rest of Africa pay USD 100. Please note that subjects are always subject to change.
Where is the best chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?
Kibale National Park is the best place to do chimpanzee trekking in Uganda for higher chances of sightings and for better accommodation options.
Can you do other things on a chimpanzee trekking experience?
While the experience focuses primarily on spotting chimpanzees, you’ll most likely spot other beautiful creatures on your hike. Kibale National Park is not just home to chimps, but it’s also inhabited by over a dozen species of primates like the colobus monkey, baboons, and the red-tailed monkeys. I also spotted other pretty creatures like different birds, butterflies, and even beetles (yes, I’m a fan of beetles)!
It’s also worth noting that forest elephants live in Kibale, and there’s a slight chance you might encounter one or more. Unlike elephants that live in the savanna, forest elephants aren’t habituated, so they might be more aggressive. In case of an encounter, don’t fret. This is exactly why the rangers are armed; no one attempts to hurt the animals; those are just warning shots in the air to scare them away in case of an attack. In my experience, I only came across small ponds, which are often a sign of forest elephants, as this is where they go to wallow, but luckily, I haven’t encountered any in Kibale.
How long is a chimpanzee trekking experience?
The trek takes about 2-5 hours depending on the location of the chimpanzee group and the terrain. That includes the one hour spent with the chimpanzees.
Do I need specific physical training for chimpanzee trekking?
Absolutely not. You just need to be fit enough to attempt chimpanzee trekking in Kibale. The terrain itself is relatively fine. It’s considered a moderate hike because of the muddy, slippery slopes, often covered with uneven tree roots and dense vegetation. You might come across some boggy sections where you have to hike through swamps, like I had to.
Other Things to Do Near Kibale National Park
Bigodi Community Walk
If you’d like to learn more about the local culture, paying a visit to the Bigodi village near Kibale Forest is totally worth it. Throughout this afternoon community walk, you’ll get to visit 4 locals’ houses: the coffee maker, the village healer, the basket-weaving women, and the Banana Man. The last one was my ultimate fav!
Chimpanzee habituation experience
If you’re adventurous enough, you can take things up a notch and join a chimpanzee habituation experience where you get to spend some time with chimps that aren’t used to human presence just yet.
Final Thoughts
Chimpanzee trekking is hands down one of the best wildlife encounters I’ve had in Uganda and one of my most unforgettable travel experiences for sure. So, if you’re an animal lover and an adventurous, outdoorsy person who happens to have East Africa or Uganda on your radar, then chimpanzee trekking is absolutely worth adding to your bucket list.
Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!
Travel (solo or not) isn’t always rainbows and butterflies – things might go down south sometimes. You might fall ill or lose your luggage, and that’s when you’ll thank me for having your back covered with travel insurance.
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Booking a trip soon? Here are some useful travel resources:
- Book your flight with Skyscanner, Kiwi, CheapOair, or WayAway.
- Book your hostel with Hostelworld.
- Book your hotel with Booking.com.
- Get your travel insurance with SafetyWing.
- Hire a car with Skyscanner, Discover Cars, Rentalcars, or AutoEurope.
- Book your tours with Get Your Guide, Viator, Tiqets, or Klook.
- Download an eSIM from Airalo or Jetpac.
- Check out my trip planning tools for more travel resources.
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Nadine is an Egyptian curly-head who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. She ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time digital nomad and to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.
