CHIMPANZEE TREKKING TOURS IN UGANDA AND RWANDA

Are you planning the best chimpanzee trekking tours in Uganda and Rwanda? Uganda and Rwanda are favorite destinations in Africa for offering the best chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation tours.

Chimpanzee tours in Uganda take place in Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Kaniyo Pabidi, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. In Rwanda, chimpanzee tours or chimpanzee safaris are done in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

To participate in an amazing chimpanzee tour in Uganda and Rwanda, one must have a valid chimpanzee permit. In Uganda, chimpanzee permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). On the other hand, chimpanzee parts in Rwanda are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). It is possible to do a combined Rwanda and Uganda chimpanzee permit and create everlasting memories on your Uganda or Rwanda safari.

Where to do chimpanzee tours in Uganda and Rwanda?

Chimpanzee tours in Rwanda and Uganda offer some of the best safari experiences like gorilla trekking safaris. These tours involve clients getting up close with these human-like creatures while monitoring and studying their behaviors.

Like mountain gorillas, chimpanzees are social animals. They live in groups known as chimpanzee families. Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to 2 habituated chimpanzee families available for trekking. Book your combined Rwanda and Uganda chimpanzee trekking tour and create a signature of memories that will be on your memory as long as you live.

Chimpanzee tours in Uganda take place in Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Kaniyo Pabidi, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. In Rwanda, chimpanzee tours or chimpanzee safaris are done in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Chimpanzee trekking tours in Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is located in western Uganda about 4 hours from Kampala – the capital city of Uganda. The park is also known as the “Primate Capital of the World” since it is home to multiple primate species. A comprehensive chimpanzee tour in Kibale National Park is a gateway to an ultimate private experience on your Uganda safari. It is an opportunity for travelers or tourists to get up close to hundreds of primates including chimpanzees, white colobus monkeys, bush pigs, and many bird species.

Like mountain gorilla trekking tours in Uganda, chimpanzee trekking tours usually start early in the morning at about 8:00 am. After breakfast at their respective lodges or accommodation facilities, tourists gather at the park headquarters for briefing.

The briefing entails equipping tourists with chimpanzee trekking rules and regulations. They are led by an experienced tour guide or park ranger and start the search for a particular chimp family. With the help of expert guides, spotting the chimpanzee family becomes an easy task in Kibale National Park.

Upon encountering the chimpanzee family, tourists are allowed to spend one hour in their presence. They monitor, take pictures, and study the behaviors of this human relative.

Chimpanzee trekking tours in Nyungwe Forest National Park

In neighboring Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a hidden treasure of biodiversity and offers a captivating chimpanzee tracking experience. This ancient rainforest is one of the oldest in Africa and is home to a thriving population of chimpanzees.

Guided chimpanzee treks in Nyungwe Forest provide visitors with the opportunity to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. As you explore the dense forest, you may also encounter other primate species, such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’hoests monkeys, and owl-faced monkeys.

The rich biodiversity and breathtaking scenery of Nyungwe Forest create a truly immersive experience for primate enthusiasts.

Chimpanzee tours in Kyambura Gorge

Kyambura Gorge is an escarpment that forms part of the Great Rift Valley located in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The gorge is covered by a forest which is a perfect home for primates including monkeys, baboons, and chimpanzees.

Chimpanzee tours in the Kyambura Gorge involve tourists following a chimp family and spending one hour in their presence. The activity can be done in the morning, mid-morning, and afternoon. Chimpanzee trekking tours in Kyambura Gorge can easily be combined with other popular activities like tree-climbing lion tracking in Ishasha, wildlife safari game drives, guided nature walks, birding tours, boat cruises, and many more.

Chimpanzee tours in Budongo Forest 

Located within the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest is another excellent destination for chimpanzee tours in Uganda. The forest is part of the larger Budongo-Bugoma Forest Reserve and is known for its diverse wildlife and ancient mahogany trees.

Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest allows visitors to witness the unique behaviors and social dynamics of these primates. The forest also provides an opportunity to spot other primate species, such as baboons, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. Alongside the chimpanzee tracking experience, visitors can learn about the ongoing research and conservation efforts dedicated to protecting these remarkable creatures.

How much is a chimpanzee tour in Uganda and Rwanda?

Chimpanzee tours in Uganda and Rwanda vary in price or cost depending on the number of days and other activities to be combined with the chimps. Other factors like transportation and accommodation should also be considered while determining the cost of chimpanzee tours in Uganda.

Generally, a complete chimpanzee tour in Uganda may go for USD 1600 or USD 3000 Per person inclusive of chimpanzee trekking permit fees. Talk to your local tour operator in Uganda or Rwanda for a quotation for your chimpanzee tour including, transportation, park entrance fees, and accommodation.

Chimpanzee permits in Uganda and Rwanda are served on a first come first serve basis and availability tends to be scarce during high seasons (June to September and December to February) due to high demand for the permits. This is why it is advisable to book your Rwanda and Uganda chimpanzee permits in advance to avoid inconveniences.

Chimpanzee tours in Uganda and Rwanda provide unparalleled opportunities to observe and learn about our closest living relatives. Whether you choose to explore the forests of Kibale National Park or Budongo Forest in Uganda or venture into Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda, each destination offers a unique experience with these fascinating primates.

These tours not only allow visitors to witness the remarkable behaviors and social structures of chimpanzees but also contribute to conservation efforts and local communities. It is essential to engage in responsible tourism practices, follow guidelines provided by park authorities, and respect the chimpanzees’ natural habitat.