Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest, Uganda and Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda & Rwanda is an exciting opportunity to come across some of the most intelligent and interesting primates of Africa in their natural forest homes. Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda and Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda are the two premier destinations for chimpanzee trekking in East Africa. Both forests offer guided trekking, beautiful scenery and opportunities to spot other wildlife and primate species.
In Uganda, chimpanzee trekking is mainly done in Kibale Forest National Park which is often considered as one of the best primate viewing destinations in Africa. A large population of chimpanzees and other primates such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and olive baboons. The main chimpanzee tracking base is Kanyanchu Visitor Centre where visitors are briefed before heading into the forest with experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority guides and trackers.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is done in the morning and afternoon sessions. Once inside the forest visitors follow the guides in search of chimpanzee communities. The experience can take a couple of hours, depending on the location and the movement of the animals. When the chimpanzees are found, visitors are allowed a maximum of one hour to observe them.
You may see them feeding, grooming, playing, communicating through loud calls or moving through the forest canopy. For visitors who want a longer experience, Kibale also offers a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, which allows them to accompany researchers and trackers as they follow chimpanzees that are still becoming accustomed to human presence.
In Rwanda, chimpanzee trekking takes place in Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests. Nyungwe is famous for its biodiversity, its beautiful hiking trails and its incredible variety of primates.
We begin to track chimpanzees very early in the morning, typically around 5:30 am when tourists meet their guides before entering the forest. The trek can take one hour or several hours depending on where the chimpanzees are located. Once they are found, visitors can spend up to one hour observing their behaviour in the wild.
Nyungwe has chimpanzee tracking communities in the main forest and the nearby Cyamudongo Forest. The chimpanzees are highly active and often move quickly through the trees, making the experience adventurous and sometimes physically demanding. Visitors may hear their calls echoing through the forest before seeing them.
Nyungwe also offers a chimpanzee habituation experience, as well as colobus monkey tracking, forest hiking and the famous canopy walk, which provides spectacular views above the rainforest.
Both Kibale and Nyungwe national park offer rewarding chimpanzee trekking experiences, but each has its own appeal. Kibale is an excellent choice for visitors exploring Uganda’s western safari circuit, especially those combining chimpanzee trekking with gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga, wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and a visit to the crater lakes or Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Nyungwe is ideal for travelers exploring Rwanda, particularly those combining chimpanzee trekking with a canopy walk, Lake Kivu, a Kigali city tour or gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Chimpanzee trekking is available throughout the year, although forest conditions and chimpanzee movements can affect the experience. Visitors should wear comfortable hiking boots, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts and a waterproof jacket. Carry drinking water, insect repellent and a camera without flash.
The trails can be muddy and steep, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Visitors who are unwell should not participate because human illnesses can be transmitted to chimpanzees.
Permits are required and advance booking is recommended. Age restrictions and permit conditions check with the relevant park authority before travelling.
At Pearl Nature Holidays, we organize chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda, including combined primate and wildlife tours. Let us arrange permits, accommodation, transport and guided activities to make your safari memorable whether you want to explore the rich rain forest of Kibale or discover the beautiful landscapes of Nyungwe.