Chimpanzee Trekking

Walking · Wildlife

Chimpanzee Trekking

Follow expert trackers into Kibale Forest to observe wild chimpanzees. A primate-focused Uganda itinerary can combine time in the rainforest with a guided walk through the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Follow expert trackers into Kibale Forest to observe wild chimpanzees. A primate-focused Uganda itinerary can combine time in the rainforest with a guided walk through the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Chimpanzee Trekking

The experience

Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park is a guided walk into dense forest to spend time with a habituated community. Kibale holds one of the highest primate densities in East Africa, so the walk often turns up other species along the way.

Like gorilla trekking, it runs on permits allocated to specific dates and groups, which means the tracking day is usually fixed before the rest of an itinerary is built around it.

Several of our Uganda routes pair Kibale with Bwindi for gorillas, or with Queen Elizabeth National Park for savannah game viewing a short drive away.

What to expect on a Chimpanzee Trekking

What to expect

Expect a briefing, then a walk of variable length on forest trails, following trackers who have located the community that morning. Chimpanzees move quickly and spend time high in the canopy, so viewing is different from a gorilla encounter.

Time with the group is limited by park rules. Numbers per group are capped and a minimum age applies.

Who it suits

  • Travellers combining primates with savannah wildlife
  • Guests with reasonable mobility for forest walking

Where to experience it

The destinations in our catalogue where this runs. Open one for its landscapes, places to stay and the journeys that include it.

Journeys featuring this experience

Itineraries in our collection that already build this in. Each one sets out its destinations, transfers, stays and inclusions.

10-Day Uganda Primate Wildlife Luxury Safari
10-Day Uganda Primate Wildlife Luxury Safari

Uganda offers a rare chance to see both great primates and diverse savannah wildlife in a single journey. This.

Destinations:

Kampala City | Murchison Falls National Park | Kibale Forest National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
4-Day Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Primate Safari
4-Day Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Primate Safari

Kibale Forest National Park serves as the ultimate destination for primate enthusiasts in East Africa. This journey focuses on.

Destinations:

Entebbe | Kibale Forest National Park | Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary | Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes
7-Day Uganda Big Four Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari
7-Day Uganda Big Four Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari

Uganda offers a rare chance to see the world’s most powerful primates and classic savannah wildlife in one week..

Destinations:

Kibale Forest National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kasenyi & Ishasha) | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Kazinga Channel
9-Day Uganda Big Five Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
9-Day Uganda Big Five Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Uganda’s diverse landscapes come alive in this comprehensive expedition across the country’s premier national parks. The journey connects the.

Destinations:

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Murchison Falls National Park | Kibale Forest National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Rushaga Sector)

Places to stay nearby

Camps, lodges and hotels close enough to make this straightforward to arrange around your other plans.

Kyaninga Lodge, Fort Portal
  • Bar / Lounge
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Family Rooms
  • Free Parking
  • Kids-Friendly
  • Restaurant
  • Wifi
  • Wildlife Viewing
Primate Safari Lodge, Kibale National Park
  • Bar / Lounge
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Family Rooms
  • Free Parking
  • Kids-Friendly
  • Restaurant
  • Wifi
  • Wildlife Viewing
Turaco Treetops Lodge, Kibale Forest National Park
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Family Rooms
  • Free Parking
  • Kids-Friendly
  • Restaurant
  • Swimming Pool
  • Wifi
  • Wildlife Viewing

Timing and arrangements

Tracking runs year round. The drier months generally mean easier trails, while wetter months can concentrate fruiting trees and bring the community lower. Tell us your dates and we will check permit availability.

How long to allow: Permit-based forest walk, half day typical

Check the activity, location, season and inclusions against your chosen itinerary. An experience described here is not automatically included in every safari.

Planning a Chimpanzee Trekking

Before you book

The details that help you decide whether this belongs in your itinerary.

Is this included in every safari?

No. Check your chosen itinerary and final proposal. Optional activities, separate excursions and local operator arrangements should be confirmed before you book.

Where can I arrange chimpanzee trekking?

The linked destinations below show the places supported by JohnBow’s existing catalogue for this experience. Tell us which destination and dates you are considering so we can confirm the actual activity, operator and inclusions.

How long should I allow?

Permit-based forest walk, half day typical. Check how the activity fits with your accommodation, other excursions and transfers when planning the day.

How do I add it to my itinerary?

Mention this experience in your enquiry, together with your dates, party size and chosen route. We will discuss the relevant programme and make its inclusions clear in the proposal.

Ready to start planning your Safari? Tell us your travel dates, who you are traveling with, and what matters most to you.