Uganda has the highest primate diversity of any country in Africa, and chimpanzee tracking is the best way to experience it. Following a habituated chimp community through the forest canopy is quieter, faster-paced and considerably cheaper than gorilla trekking — and for many travelers, just as memorable.
Key Highlights
- Primary location: Kibale National Park, Uganda’s primate capital
- Alternative sites: Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls, Kalinzu Forest
- Standard tracking permit is significantly cheaper than a gorilla permit
- Chimpanzee habituation experience available for a full-day immersion, similar in concept to gorilla habituation
- Best paired with a stay in Fort Portal or Queen Elizabeth National Park
Where to Track Chimpanzees
Kibale National Park is Uganda’s premier chimp-tracking destination and one of the best places in Africa to see chimpanzees reliably. Kyambura Gorge, a steep-sided rainforest gorge inside Queen Elizabeth National Park, offers a second option that’s easy to combine with a wider Queen Elizabeth safari. Budongo Forest, near Murchison Falls National Park, and Kalinzu Forest near Queen Elizabeth are quieter, more budget-friendly alternatives.
What a Tracking Day Involves
Tracking starts with an early-morning briefing, followed by a walk that’s typically shorter and less physically demanding than gorilla trekking, since chimp communities in Kibale range over smaller, better-known territories. Once located, you get up to an hour observing the group — often more active and vocal than a gorilla family, since chimps spend much of their day moving through the canopy.
Combining Chimps With the Rest of Your Safari
Chimpanzee tracking pairs naturally with gorilla trekking in a southwestern Uganda circuit, or with big game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park if you’re tracking at Kyambura Gorge. Birders often add a walk through Kibale’s Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for forest and wetland species in the same area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chimpanzee tracking easier than gorilla trekking?
Generally yes — walks tend to be shorter and terrain less demanding, though this varies by day and location.
Do I need a separate permit from gorilla trekking?
Yes, chimpanzee tracking permits are booked separately from gorilla permits, and the two are usually combined into one itinerary rather than one trek.
Plan Your Chimpanzee Tracking Safari
Tell us which parks are already on your route and we’ll fit chimpanzee tracking in at the location that makes the most sense for your itinerary.