Uganda is a land of breathtaking biodiversity, home to some of the world’s most extraordinary primate experiences. While the mountain gorillas in Bwindi often grab the headlines, chimpanzee tracking offers its own set of thrills. Below, I will tell you about the specifics of chimpanzee tracking in Uganda, how it compares gorilla trackingAnd how to make the most of your trip.
Chimpanzee vs Gorilla Tracking
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Chimpanzees and mountain gorillas may have similar habitats, but trekking to see them has very different experiences.
Chimpanzees are highly active and vocal. When chimpanzee tracking, especially in the Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge in the western part of Uganda, expect to hear a cacophony of noises and howls leading you to their location. Unlike the more docile gorillas, chimpanzees spend most of their time hanging out in the treetops, offering a delightful sight (but requiring more patience to identify).
Gorilla tracking, on the other hand, is often a quieter, more intimate encounter. Mountain gorillas live in small groups and spend most of their time on the ground, creating an up close and personal relationship. However, both experiences put visitors right into the heart of Uganda’s lush landscapes and are testament to the success of the country’s wildlife conservation.
Trekking in Kibale Forest
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Kibale Forest, often called the “chimpanzee capital of the world”, is the top destination for chimpanzee trekking. With over 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, it offers unique opportunities to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
The trek starts with a morning briefing, where you will learn from the expert guide about the biodiversity of the forest and the rules of chimpanzee viewing. As you set out, guides will lead you through tall fig trees, dense bushes and sometimes swamps. The highlight is when you encounter a group of chimpanzees – sometimes more than 100. You’ll witness their complex social behaviors, from grooming sessions to playful antics.
For an even deeper dive, you can spend an entire day here Chimpanzee Habitat Programwhich trains primates how to behave when humans are around and vice versa, or book a fireside chat with a primatologist before or after the trek.
Exploration of Kyambura gorge
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Kyambura gorge named “Valley of the Apes” Queen Elizabeth National Park Offers a more secluded chimpanzee tracking experience. The steep valleys and lush vegetation of the gorge create an atmospheric environment that feels almost mythical.
Tracking chimpanzees here is more challenging due to the small population and fragmented habitats, but the dramatic views make it worthwhile. As well as chimpanzees, you can also spot other wildlife, including red-tailed monkeys and several species of birds. I like to combine this trek with an afternoon game drive in the Queen Elizabeth National Park or a boat safari down the Kazinga Channel; In Ishasha, which is a sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and a border crossing point between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, go on the lookout for the famous tree-climbing lions.
Where to stay and how to make an impact
Courtesy Kyambura Lodge
When visiting Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park, travelers can stay in eco-lodges that combine luxury with conservation and community impact.
But Kyambura Gorge LodgeGuests enjoy stylish accommodations while collaborating Volcano Safari‘Initiatives such as the Kyambura Gorge Ecotourism Project, which protects a small family of endangered chimpanzees and restores their forest habitat. For those looking for Qibla, new Kibale LodgeWhich opened in July, offers stunning views of Crater Lake and the Rwenzori Mountains. The lodge is actively involved with the Jane Goodall Institute and supports their local Roots & Shoots children’s program. By staying in these lodges, travelers not only experience the beauty of Uganda, but also directly contribute to enhancing conservation and social efforts in the region.
Praveen Momen is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-list and specializes in chimpanzee and gorilla safaris. You can create a special itinerary with Momen by contacting him praveen@volcanoessafaris.com,
