Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda: A Thrilling Alternative to Gorilla Safaris

Uganda is a wildlife lover’s paradise, offering unique experiences like chimpanzee trekking in lush forests and dramatic landscapes. While mountain gorillas often steal the spotlight, chimpanzee trekking in Uganda presents an exciting and immersive adventure in its own right. Below, we’ll explore the ins and outs of chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, its differences from gorilla trekking, and tips for making the most of your wildlife safari.

Chimpanzee Trekking vs. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

While both chimpanzees and gorillas inhabit similar areas in Uganda, the trekking experiences they offer are quite distinct. Chimpanzees are dynamic and vocal, often making their presence known with loud whoops and calls. Trekking in areas like the Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge, you’ll find that the chimpanzees are often high up in the trees, making for a thrilling and active adventure, although patience is required to spot them. This provides a more energetic and noisy experience compared to the calm atmosphere of gorilla trekking, where mountain gorillas tend to stay closer to the ground, offering a more intimate and quieter encounter.

Gorilla trekking, on the other hand, takes visitors deep into the forest to observe these gentle giants as they interact in smaller family groups, often on the forest floor. Both experiences give a deep dive into Uganda’s biodiversity, showcasing the country’s successful conservation efforts and providing a rare chance to observe these magnificent primates in their natural environments.

Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest is renowned as the “primate capital of the world,” boasting over 1,500 chimpanzees along with 12 other species of primates. This biodiversity makes Kibale an unparalleled location for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Visitors to Kibale embark on a thrilling trek through the dense forest, accompanied by expert guides who share insights about the flora, fauna, and history of the park. The trek involves walking through towering fig trees and thick undergrowth, with an exciting payoff when you encounter a troop of chimpanzees, which can sometimes number as many as 100. Watch as they engage in grooming, playing, and other social behaviors, offering a rare glimpse into their complex society.

For an even deeper understanding of chimpanzee behavior, visitors can take part in a chimpanzee habituation program, where they observe chimps in a more intimate setting, or opt for a fireside chat with a primatologist to learn more about the ongoing conservation efforts in the area.

Discovering the Kyambura Gorge

Another remarkable location for chimpanzee trekking is the Kyambura Gorge, located in Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is often referred to as the “Valley of Apes.” The steep ravines and lush vegetation of the gorge create a dramatic setting, perfect for an adventurous chimpanzee trekking experience. Although the population of chimpanzees here is smaller and their habitat more fragmented, the rugged landscape and the opportunity to spot additional wildlife, such as red-tailed monkeys and numerous bird species, make the trek worth the challenge.

After a rewarding chimpanzee trek, visitors can explore Queen Elizabeth National Park further with a game drive or a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. For those seeking an even more unique experience, the Ishasha sector of the park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which provide yet another rare sight in Uganda’s wildlife repertoire.

Where to Stay and How to Make an Impact

When trekking through the Kibale Forest or Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the best ways to enhance your experience is by staying at eco-lodges that blend luxury with sustainability. At places like Kyambura Gorge Lodge, guests not only enjoy stylish and comfortable accommodations but also contribute to the Kyambura Gorge Ecotourism Project, which helps protect the endangered chimpanzees and their forest habitat. For those visiting Kibale, the new Kibale Lodge offers stunning views of a crater lake and the Rwenzori Mountains, while actively supporting the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots program, which fosters conservation and community engagement.

By choosing to stay at these eco-friendly lodges, travelers not only enjoy an unforgettable primate trekking experience but also make a positive impact on Uganda’s wildlife conservation efforts and local communities. These lodges are integral in preserving the natural habitats and promoting sustainable tourism, ensuring that future generations will be able to experience the magic of Uganda’s incredible primates.

Praveen Moman is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in chimpanzee and gorilla safaris. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Moman by contacting him at praveen@volcanoessafaris.com.