The Best Places for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Uganda, located in Africa, stands out as one of the prime destinations for chimpanzee trekking. Chimpanzees, our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, share a striking 98.7% of their DNA with humans. This makes encountering them in their natural habitat an extraordinary experience. In Uganda, chimpanzee trekking ranks as the second most popular activity after gorilla trekking. These endangered primates exhibit human-like characteristics in their social behaviors, adding to the fascination of observing them in the wild. Here, we explore the best destinations for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park boasts the highest population of chimpanzees in Uganda. Apart from chimpanzees, the park is home to a variety of primate species, including endangered ones. Three chimpanzee communities have been habituated for trekking in Kibale. Visitors can also encounter Vervet monkeys, Colobus monkeys, Olive baboons, and more during their trek. Kibale offers the unique experience of chimpanzee habituation, allowing travelers to spend extended periods observing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

 Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Situated on Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary houses 49 orphaned chimpanzees. A visit to this sanctuary provides an enlightening and unforgettable experience. Both day and overnight tours are available, offering visitors a chance to observe these great apes up close in a unique setting.

 Kyambura Gorge

Kyambura Gorge, located within Queen Elizabeth National Park, is an underground forest amidst the savannah. While the gorge has fewer chimpanzees compared to other destinations, the forest walk and the panoramic views of the gorge make it a rewarding experience. Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge is relatively easy compared to other locations. Nature walks and bird watching are also popular activities here, enhancing the overall safari experience.

Kalinzu Forest Reserve

Kalinzu Forest Reserve, visited alongside Queen Elizabeth National Park, is another hotspot for chimpanzee trekking. The reserve is home to around 40 habituated chimpanzees out of a population exceeding 300. Although the chance of spotting chimpanzees during a trek is about 50%, the forest offers diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes. Visitors can also encounter blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and vervet monkeys during their safari.

Budongo Forest

Located in the Kaniyo Pabidi section of Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest offers a rewarding chimpanzee trekking experience. While only a few chimpanzees are habituated for tourism, Budongo Forest boasts the largest chimpanzee population in Uganda. The forest is also renowned for its biodiversity, including 465 tree species, numerous mammals, butterflies, and moths. Bird watching and nature walks are popular additional activities in Budongo Forest.

Toro Semliki National Reserve

Toro Semliki National Reserve, situated near Uganda’s western border, features an impressive array of primate species, including chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. The reserve is also home to various other wildlife such as waterbucks, warthogs, bushbucks, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and elephants. Chimpanzee trekking here typically lasts 3 to 4 hours and is conducted near Semliki Safari Lodge, guided by experienced ranger guides.

In conclusion, Uganda offers an unparalleled opportunity to trek alongside our closest relatives in their natural habitat. Each destination listed above provides a unique experience, whether it’s encountering chimpanzees, exploring diverse ecosystems, or enjoying additional activities such as bird watching and nature walks. A visit to these destinations promises an unforgettable safari experience for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.