February 24, 2022

About Chimpanzees

Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda – The average weight of an adult well-grown male chimpanzee is between 35 and 70 kilograms, with a height of approximately 3 meters whereas the adult female chimpanzee weighs between 26 and 50 kilograms and a height between 2 and 4 feet. A chimpanzee’s life expectancy is at 40 years whereas that for those living in captivity can extend up to 60 years.

In Uganda today, Efforts towards chimpanzee conservation are extensively acknowledged and well supported. The Jane Goodall Foundation has played a major role in the overall conservation of not only these Chimpanzees but Gorillas in Uganda as well found; therefore, by going for chimpanzee tracking experience, you directly contribute to the conservation efforts.

Chimpanzees are the closest relatives to humans sharing about 98% of their DNA composition with humans. They are Sociable, intelligent as well as communicative, and among their very fascinating traits is the ability to utilize tools like rocks for crushing nuts, empty pods for hollowing out water plus sticks for capturing termites from their holes.

These skills have for long been passed on from one generation to another and researchers have discovered that; different troops have specialist tasks, based on their habitat as well as diet.

Chimps stay in groups of 10 – 100 members and they can babysit each other’s young, kiss, groom one another, and even hold hands. The young chimps become independent at the age of 4 years. Nonetheless, chimps can be aggressive and unsociable, if disturbed. Although they spend most of their time on the ground, they normally feed and make their sleeping nests up in the trees.

The Chimpanzee Diet

Chimpanzees are diurnal (however frequently active on well moonlit nights) and start their activities at sunrise. On climbing down from their night-nests they excitedly feed on various fruits (which are their main diet), leaves, seeds, buds, flowers as well as blossoms, although they have been spotted killing smaller monkeys for food.

After some time, their feeding turns out to be choosier, picking out just the ripest fruits using their hands, although they eat berries and seeds directly using their lips off the stems.

Their diet comprises close to 80 diverse plant foods. Chimpanzees also supplement their feed with meats, like young antelopes or even goats. However, their most common victims, are other primate species like young baboons, blue monkeys as well as colobus monkeys.

Chimps use some tools like sticks for gathering termites, rocks for crashing open nuts in addition to many other items. They use branches as well as huge sticks as clubs and these they throw at their enemies such as leopards.

Behavior of Chimpanzees

Chimps normally stay in groups known as troops, of about 30 – 80 individuals. The large groups consist of smaller, very supple groups of fewer members, possibly all females, or all males or at times mixed.

The Chimps from time to time chew leaves until they are absorbent and they use them as a sponge, by dipping them into the water and then suck-out the moisture. In addition, the chimps use twigs or at times grass stems as tools, by poking these into termite holes or ant nests on which the insects cling and they eat; these are a delicacy to the chimps.

They can cram nuts between the roots of trees and then break open the shells using a stone.

Actually, Chimps are arboreal as well as terrestrial and spend most of their hours of daylight on the ground. The chimps are quadrupedal, so they walk fast on all their four limbs with their fingers half-flexed so as to support the great weight of the fore-quarters on their knuckles. They from time to time walk erect but only for very short distances.

Chimps are swift climbers and set up their nests high in trees and in there they rest during midday and later sleep in at nightfall. They build new nests in just minutes by simply bending branches, interweaving them to create a platform as well as lining the ends with twigs. There isn’t a particular breeding season for chimps and the females give birth every four to five years.

Chimpanzee Safaris in Uganda

Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda is will be a very fascinating experience during your African Safari holiday and adventure trip. Get prepared for the Kibale all-natural jungle as you spend a number of hours tracking these impressive creatures.

You will be allowed to spend some time at most an hour with our fascinating relatives, as you observe them swing from one tree to another, feed, play about or progress speedily on the ground right in front of you.

Chimpanzees as well as humans share over 98 percent of their DNA. However, these being wild animals, chances of spotting these chimps are not always guaranteed although they are over 95% within the Kibale Forest, hence making it the most perfect destination in the whole of East Africa for chimpanzee tracking. It is in addition probable to take part in the fascinating habituation experience, meaning that you can actually get a chance to spend the entire day with this impressive creature.

Chimpanzee Tracking Destinations in Uganda

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park Primates walk and Chimpanzee tracking are some of the most favorite activities around. It is characterized by walks from the Kanyanchu Visitor Center at 08.00 & 15.00 and lasts 2 to 3 hours, Chimpanzees are the most sought-after primates by visitors, but you should look out for the black & white colobus, red-tailed monkey, or the grey-cheeked mangabey. Your guides will be able to show you pittas & different bird species and will give details of the different plant species within the forest.

This walk is for 6 people in a group. Advance booking is all-important, especially during peak season.

Kibale’s most popular activity is the Kanyanchu Primate Walk. Three chimpanzee communities have been habituated for trekking in Kibaale and all trekking starts at the Kanyanchu information center after a briefing. Besides chimpanzees, Kibaale forest national park is a shelter for Vervet monkeys, Cush babies, Columbus monkeys, Blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey-cheeked Mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, Pottos, black and white colobuses, and L’Hoest monkeys among others.

Additionally, Kibaale offers an exceptional chimpanzee habituation experience, which allows travelers to spend extended time with their close relatives.

chimpanzee tracking in Uganda — Chimpanzee

Thirteen species can be sought, and a good variety of diurnal monkeys invariably encountered, but the stars of this twice-daily show are chimpanzees. Kibale’s most popular activity is the Kanyanchu Primate Walk.

Thirteen species can be sought, and a good variety of diurnal monkeys invariably encountered, but the stars of this trail are the chimpanzees. Kanyanchu’s chimps have been tracked since 1993 and the chances of locating them are excellent. Guided walks start at 8 am and 2 pm and last an average of three hours, depending on various factors.

The perennially popular primate walk provides the chance to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Kanyanchu’s groups are accustomed to human presence – some have been observed for over 25 years – and the chance of locating them is over 90%. Walks leave Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 08.00, 11.00 and 14.00 and last between 2-5 hours.

Early arrival to allow for registration and briefing is recommended. Contact time with chimpanzees is limited to one hour; group size is limited to six visitors; participants must be aged 16 or over. Advance booking is essential.

Kyambura Gorge “Valley of Apes” in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is among the most remarkable national parks within Uganda for outstanding Wildlife as well as Bird-life, it is also a perfect place to enjoy the popular chimp tracking/trekking activity done within the Kyambura Gorge where there are several habituated Chimpanzees.

Also known as the “valley of apes” Kyambura gorge is in the eastern section of Queen Elizabeth national park. Kyambura gorge is roughly 100 meters deep and home to the great chimpanzees.

The scenery within this gorge is very spectacular and there are several other mammals and birds to be seen as you start out in the morning on your chimpanzee trekking safari. Interestingly, chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura gorge is quite easy and takes limited time to meet these apes unlike in Kibale forest national park.

This Chimpanzee Tracking activity within the Kyambura Gorge can be included in any other Uganda Safari activity within Queen Elizabeth and offers you a holistic adventure of this splendid national park.

Budongo Forest

Budongo forest is yet the best place for chimpanzees trekking situated in Murchison falls national park. For those earlier chimp trekkers, Budongo has been ranked second to Kibale forest in offering memorable chimp tracking experiences.

A visit to Budongo forest for chimpanzees is a not-miss on your safari to Murchison falls national park and is surely worth doing. To trek chimps, travelers will need to be armed with a Tracking Permit going for as low as $80 USD in high season and $75 USD in the low season while east African residents pay $40 USD.

Budongo forest is Uganda’s biggest mahogany forest, which comprises 465 tree species and is home to over 24 mammals, 290 butterflies, and 140 species of moths. Kaniyo Pabidi and Busingiro ecotourism sites are also interesting to visit on your visit o Budongo Forest. Besides chimpanzee trekking, Budongo forest is good for bird watching and nature walks, which make it the best place to visit.

Kalinzu Forest

Kalinzu forest is yet another place to see the famous chimpanzees and is visited along with Queen Elizabeth national park. Kalinzu forest compromises over 414 tree species hosting over 378 bird species among which include black casket, great blue Turaco, sunbirds, and white caskets among others.

Also, Kalinzu is home to blue monkeys, black and white colobuses, and vervet monkeys among others. You should also expect to see over 250 butterflies, 100 moths, and various reptiles and flowers all at your disposal.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest is done at a cost of $40 USD hence the best option for budget travelers. Other places to see chimpanzees in Uganda include Kagombe, Itwara, Kasyoha-Kitoma, Otzi, Muhangi, and Wambabya all offering you a close encounter with these amazing apes.

The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX)

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience is a lifetime experience that allows you to accompany Kibale National park’s researchers when habituating chimpanzees during their daily routine in order to get them used to human presence without changing their normal being.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) is available on a full or half-day basis starting and advance booking for this activity is required. During your tour, expect to come across the chimps de-nesting (in their nocturnal nests) between 05.00 to 06.30, before feeding, copulating, hunting, breastfeeding, resting, patrolling, and displaying until it is time to build new nests around 7 pm.

Cost of chimpanzee habituation

However, the Chimpanzee habituation Permit is a quite expensive costing 220usd for foreign nonresidents, 200usd for foreign residents, and 150,000ush for East African residents.

Both chimpanzee tracking and chimpanzee habituation are life-changing and worth doing. The Habituation Experience by touristss for low season months of March, April, May, and November.

As a tour operator accredited by UTB we can ably provide you with travel services including Chimpanzee Habituation Experience booking in order to take your dream trip.

royal mile — Tourists tracking chimpanzees in Budongo forest

What to consider when tracking Chimpanzees in Uganda

Wear shoes that have a good grip, suitable for climbing steep moist muddy slopes
A number of people actually feel more at ease when wearing clothes that are long sleeved as this will protect them from the pricking thickets as they move through the verdant jungle
Do not forget a rain gear, since the weather here is highly unpredictable
Bring enough drinking water plus snacks to bite on
Carry a pair of binoculars
If taking photos, keep in mind that your subjects are actually black animals living within dim light, so camera flashes is strictly not permitted. Better to have a fast film (of 400 – 800 ASA) or even utilize the settings on your camera.

Click here Speak to a chimpanzee expert

What is Chimpanzee tracking?

Chimpanzee trekking is an exhilarating activity that involves visiting these majestic primates in their natural habitat. The experience starts early in the morning with a briefing on the necessary protocols at the forest headquarters.

After which, visitors are firmly grouped into teams led by park guides and rangers who will take them to the forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee encounter.

Male chimpanzees weigh between 35 and 70 kilograms and stand at 3 meters tall. Females weigh between 26 and 50 kilograms and stand between 2 and 4 feet tall. Chimpanzees live up to 40 years in the wild and 60 years in captivity.

Chimpanzees share 98% of their DNA with humans and use tools like rocks, empty pods, and sticks. Different troops have specialist tasks based on their habitat and diet.

Behavior of Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees typically live in groups called troops, consisting of 30 to 80 individuals. These large groups are made up of smaller subgroups of fewer members, which can be all females, all males, or mixed.

Chimps sometimes chew leaves until they are absorbent and use them as sponges to soak up water, which they then suck out. They also use twigs or grass stems as tools to poke into termite holes or ant nests to extract the insects, which they consider a delicacy. They can also wedge nuts between the roots of trees and use a stone to crack open the shells.

Chimpanzees are both arboreal and terrestrial and spend most of their daylight hours on the ground. They walk on all fours with their fingers half-flexed to support the weight of their forequarters on their knuckles. They occasionally walk upright, but only for short distances.

Chimps are agile climbers and build their nests high up in trees, where they rest during the midday heat and sleep at night. They can construct new nests in just a few minutes by bending branches and weaving them together to create a platform, which they line with twigs. There is no specific breeding season for chimps, and females give birth every four to five years.

Chimpanzee Tracking Locations In Uganda

Kibale National ParkKibale Forest National Park is famous for chimpanzees. The Kanyanchu Primate Walk is the main activity, with guided treks to three habituated chimpanzee communities.

Besides chimpanzees, the park has other primates like Vervet monkeys, Colobus monkeys, and olive baboons.

Kanyanchu’s chimpanzees are used to human presence, making it a great opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. The chance of locating them is over 90%. Walks leave Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 8 am, 11 am, and 2 pm, and last between 2-5 hours. Contact time with chimpanzees is limited to one hour, and group size is limited to six visitors aged 16 or over. Booking with us is essential.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge

The Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of Apes,” is located in the eastern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park and is roughly 100 meters deep. It is home to the great chimpanzees, and the scenery within this gorge is very spectacular.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most remarkable national parks in Uganda, known for its outstanding wildlife and birdlife.

It is also a perfect place for chimp tracking/trekking, which is a popular activity done within the Kyambura Gorge where several chimpanzees have been habituated.

There are several other mammals and birds to be seen as you start in the morning on your chimpanzee trekking safari. Interestingly, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge is quite easy and takes a limited time to meet these apes, unlike in Kibale Forest National Park.

Cost of chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge

The cost of chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge depends on the number of days you spend and the places where you choose to stay during your safari. A chimpanzee trekking permit costs $50 per person per trek for a foreign non-resident and $40 for a resident.

Because the cost is reasonable compared to other chimpanzee tracking locations, Kyambura Gorge is the best option for budget travelers who plan to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park.

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the habituated chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge. In addition to the permit, you will need to pay for other services to make your chimpanzee trekking experience successful, including transportation, accommodation, and guiding.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest

The Budongo Forest, located at the apex of the Albertine Rift, is a tropical rainforest that spans an area of 435 km² and is designated as a Central Forest Reserve. It is home to Uganda’s most extensive mahogany forest, boasting over 465 tree species, 24 mammal species, 290 butterfly species, and 140 species of moths.

The Budongo Forest Reserve is situated in Masindi District, Uganda, and is part of the Murchison Falls National Park.

The forest is home to a significant chimpanzee population (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii), with an estimated 600-700 individuals. The Budongo Forest Conservation Field Station closely monitors the chimpanzees to ensure their conservation and study their behavior.

The information center at the Budongo Eco Lodge provides visitors with a briefing before embarking on a chimpanzee trekking adventure.

The forest’s well-established trails enable visitors to observe chimpanzees, as well as other smaller primates and birds. Chimpanzee trekking in the Budongo forest takes place in the morning and afternoon shifts. While the chimp communities tend to be located very close to the Budongo Eco Lodge throughout the year, they may wander further afield in search of food and water during dry periods.

As a result, it is not always possible to locate them during times of food scarcity. However, the success rate of spotting the chimps is still high, second only to Kibale Forest National Park. For the best chance of observing the chimpanzees, it is recommended to visit between October and January.

A typical chimpanzee tracking expedition in the Budongo forest involves a three-hour trek. Observers are permitted to view the chimp community for an hour following its discovery.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest

Kalinzu forest reserve is a 147 sq km forest under the management of NFA. It is located in Bushenyi district in Western Uganda and is approximately 375km (5 hours’ drive) from Kampala.

Kalinzu Forest is famous for Chimpanzees, six different Species of Primates, Blue Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, 262 Butterflies, and 97 Moths, it harbors 378 Species of Birds, Reptiles, 414 Species of trees and Flowers.

The main activities in Kalinzu forest reserve include; Chimp Tracking, Forest Walks, Research, Conservation Education, Birding, Butterfly Identification, and small Mammal viewing.

Kalinzu forest is one of the good places to track chimpanzees in Uganda and is usually visited along with Queen Elizabeth National Park. A branch-off to Kalinzu forest reserve is quite easy since the two attractions are adjacent to each other.

What is the cost of chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest?

The cost of chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest depends on the number of days spent and the places where you stay during your safari to Kalinzu Forest for this activity. A chimpanzee trekking permit costs $130 for a foreign non-resident and $65 for a resident per person per trek. This permit allows you to spend one hour encountering the habituated chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest.

Other places to see chimpanzees in Uganda include Kagombe, Itwara, Kasyoha-Kitoma, Otzi, Muhangi, and Wambabya all offering you a close encounter with these amazing apes.

The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX)

The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that allows visitors to accompany Kibale National Park researchers as they habituate chimpanzees to human presence. This process helps the chimpanzees get used to people without changing their natural behavior.

You can choose between a half-day or full-day experience, but booking is required. During your visit, you can expect to see the chimpanzees de-nesting (leaving their nocturnal nests) between 5:00 and 6:30 am. You will then observe them as they feed, copulate, hunt, breastfeed, rest, patrol, and display until around 7:00 pm when they build new nests.

Cost of Chimpanzee Habituation

Keep in mind that the Chimpanzee Habituation Permit can be expensive, with a cost of USD 250 for foreign non-residents, USD 220 for foreign residents, and 150,000 UGX for East African residents.

However, both trekking and habituation experiences are life-changing and well worth the investment. The best time to visit for the habituation experience is during the low season months of March, April, May, and November.

How to book a Chimpanzee tracking Permit

As a UTB-accredited tour operator, we can offer you travel services that include booking for the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. Let us help you plan your dream trip.

What to carry along when tracking Chimps

Please keep the following information in mind while planning a trip to the jungle:

– Wear shoes with a good grip, especially if you plan on climbing steep, moist, and muddy slopes.

– Wearing long-sleeved clothes is recommended for those who want to protect themselves from the prickly thickets they may encounter in the verdant jungle.

– Don’t forget to pack rain gear as the weather in the jungle is highly unpredictable.

– Bring enough drinking water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized.

– Carry a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the wildlife.

– If you plan on taking photos, remember that your subjects are black animals living in dim light. Therefore, using camera flashes is strictly prohibited. It’s better to use fast film (of 400 – 800 ASA) or adjust your camera settings accordingly.

– If you’re interested in joining our chimpanzee tracking trips, please contact us