Chimp Tracking Safaris in Uganda & Rwanda

Chimpanzee tracking is an sustainable wildlife adventure where you hike through dense natural forests to find and observe chimpanzees in their natural environment.These natural forests are few and only found in Africa, especially Uganda, Rwanda and DR.Congo.

On this exquisite hike, you are led by experienced rangers who know every detail about these old forests. On the way, you learn about the chimps’ behavior, social structure, and habitat and of course, get a chance to see them up close and in action.

Yes, chimpanzee tracking is safe.

The chimps you will visit are habituated for long period to get them acclimated to human presence, meaning they are used to seeing people. The experienced rangers ensure your safety by leading the way and providing instructions on how to behave around the chimps.

The rangers know all the habits and subtleties of chimps and their knowledge and guidance will keep you safe and enjoy learning form them.

While Chimpanzees exist in other East and Central African countries, Uganda has the largest populations and is the global center for both conservation and sustainable tourism in chimpanzees.

In Uganda, you can see chimpanzees in four main locations:

• Kibale Forest National Park. Known for having the highest concentration of chimps in the world.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park. Particularly in the Kyambura Gorge.
• Murchison Falls National Park. In the Budongo Forest.
• Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. A sanctuary for rescued and orphaned chimps on a forested Island of Lake Victoria.

Besides these 4 places, several other forests in Uganda have chimpanzees, but these 4 will provide you with plenty of opportunities to meet and observe our closest living cousins.

While Uganda is sunny all year round with comfortable temperatures, the dry season is generally more suited for chimpanzee tracking and other safari activities.

The dry season is good because it makes the forest trails a little (but helpful) bit easier to navigate as the rain season can make them very muddy and slippery in parts. This same reason applies to gorilla trekking in the national parks of Bwindi, Mgahinga or Rwanda’s Volcanoes.

For people who enjoy a bit of a challenge and much smaller crowds, the rainy season is ideal, more lush and perfect for photography.

You should also know that the local climate of rain forests is unpredictable and it can rain at any time of the year – the difference is in the predictability (certainty) and amounts. This means that your schedule shouldn’t hinge so much on Uganda’s seasons.

Depending on your schedule and the specific safari you book with us, we’ll advise you on how to better prepare and pack your bags so that no matter the season, your chimpanzee tracking experience is going to be simply transcendental.

The actual chimpanzee tracking experience can last from 2 to 4 hours. This includes the hike through the forest, which can be long or short depending on the terrain, group pace and the location of the chimps on that day.

It’s important to be well-prepared for the hike to see chimps in the forest. Here are some basic you should have.

After booking your trip with us, we’ll often give specific packing advice that is reliant on your full itinerary, travel period and much more. This brief list can however give you a general idea.

• Comfortable hiking shoes: Ensure they are well broken-in.
• Light jacket: Rain is common in the rain forest – regardless of the general season.
• Bottled water & a snack: To stay hydrated during the hike and keep the energy level up.
• Binoculars: For better viewing of the chimps and other wildlife.
• Camera: To capture your memorable experience.
• Sunscreen and hat: To protect yourself from the sun.

Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs to protect against insects and thorny plants. Neutral colors like green, brown, and khaki are best as they blend into the natural environment. Long sleeves and long pants are recommended.

Yes, it is recommended that you be in good health and free of any communicable diseases such as flu or cough.

Since chimpanzees are around 98% identical to humans in our genetic make up, we can easily spread diseases to them. If you are really sick, you won’t be allowed to go see chimp for this reason.

Beyond communicable diseases, you might want to check with your doctor for professional recommendations especially for antimalarial drugs since that is a common disease in the African tropics.

As for Yellow fever, you will already have your certificate as part of your Uganda tourist visa and entry requirements.

While chimpanzee tracking is not as taxing as gorilla tracking, it requires some physical energy. The slopes are easier to handle but a good level of fitness is recommended so that you can do your entire hike with out the distraction of being tired or running out of your breath.

Beyond this general advice, you should talk to your doctor about and seek their professional advice.

If you are able to do a leisurely hike of more than 30 minutes, you should be okay. Some practice before your trip might help, but thousands of people with varying levels of physical fitness track chimps every year.

Yes, for you to track chimpanzees, you will need a chimpanzee tracking permit.

This must be purchased ahead of time since there is a limited number of permits each day. The permits are limited to minimize the impact of tourism on the chimpanzees’ lives and habitat.

At Exclusive African Safaris, we buy the chimp tracking permits on your behalf so that you never have to worry about whether you will get a permit or not. It is part of your all-inclusive safari package.

Children under 12 years are not allowed to join chimpanzee tracking. This is for safety and conservation reasons.

Children over 12 years old are allowed to go and see chimps in the wild. It’s important that they are physically fit and able to follow the guide’s instructions during the hike.

Chimpanzee tracking significantly supports conservation.

The money from selling chimpanzee tracking permits funds research, habitat preservation, and anti-poaching efforts. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds is invested in local communities, promoting education and sustainable livelihoods, which helps reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

Yes, you can combine chimp tracking with any other safari activity you wish. Many of our own tour packages offer a combination of several activities, and our guests love them.

You can enjoy game drives in the savannah parks, boat safaris, bird watching, cultural encounters, and even gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga. Combining activities can provide a more comprehensive and enriching safari experience.

Yes, you can take photos and videos of your chimpanzee tracking experience.

You should know that flash photography is not allowed since it can scare and disturb the chimps – making their behavior unpredictable. Make sure your camera settings are adjusted accordingly.

While everything regarding your trip will already be paid for and awaiting you, we recommend you carry some extra money for personal expenses. Tips to guides, porters and other service people are the most common use of this safari pocket money.

You might also want to buy souvenirs from local markets or craftspeople. Additionally, having cash on hand can be useful for any incidental expenses not covered by your safari package, such as extra snacks or drinks, or special activities you decide to add on the spot.

Take a look at our article about carrying safari pocket money, and dig into a bit more detail and our insight on the matter.

You should choose Exclusive African Safaris because we Ugandan – and know Uganda, and promise to show you everything there is. Here are 3 big reasons, but you can talk to us to see what your gut feeling says.

• Expert Guides: Our knowledgeable guides are passionate about sharing their love for Uganda’s culture and are dedicated to providing you with an authentic and enriching experience.
• Tailored Itineraries: We understand that every traveler is unique, which is why we offer personalized itineraries that cater to your interests, preferences, and travel style.
• Responsible Tourism: We are committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that benefit local communities and preserve Uganda’s cultural and natural heritage for future generations.