These remarkable animals, the most intelligent and social of all great apes, face grave danger. Over 50 years, the chimpanzee population has plummeted from millions to less than 300,000 due to habitat destruction caused by human activities. Today, they survive in a few central and eastern African countries, battling ongoing threats like poaching, disease, and conflict.

Chimpanzees aren’t mere animals; they’re unique individuals with emotions, just like us. They communicate, use tools for hunting and grooming, and exhibit creativity. Their complex social structures involve deep bonds with family and friends. Like us, they express emotions through sounds, gestures, and facial expressions  laughing, crying, hugging, and kissing.

What is chimp trekking?

Chimp trekking is an immersive guided wildlife experience that involves tracking and observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Similar to gorilla trekking, you’ll follow your knowledgeable guide through the dense forest to locate a group of wild chimpanzees and observe them going about their day. Typically offered in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania, chimp trekking is a memorable and educational experience, offering a rare glimpse into the complex social world of these intelligent animals.

Embarking on a chimpanzee habituation adventure with us is not just a journey; it’s a commitment to protect these endangered primates and our distant relatives. By choosing us you are making a significant contribution to safeguarding their habitats and ensuring their survival.

Where To Go Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee Trekking In Tanzania
Embark on a thrilling chimpanzee safari in Tanzania. just a short flight from the open plains of the Serengeti. Explore pristine forests with rangers, searching for wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Trekking can be challenging at times due to the thick forest undergrowth and the unpredictable nature of chimpanzees. The island also hosts a variety of other species like elephant, giraffe, sitatunga and bushbuck. A unique conservation experience awaits!

Another top place for chimpanzee trekking is Mahale Mountains National Park which lies on the Eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika. Due to its protected status, the forested mountain slopes are home to a flourishing population of chimpanzee.

Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda
Uganda safaris offer thrilling chimpanzee trekking adventures in Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls, and the Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kibale boasts the largest population of wild chimpanzees, with over 1,500 individuals and four habituated groups. You can choose between a standard trek lasting an hour or an entire day habituation encounter, where you get up close with researchers. Budongo Forest provides a more affordable option, home to over 600 chimpanzees and other wildlife like monkeys, birds, and butterflies. Each destination offers a unique experience, catering to different preferences and budgets. Kyambura Gorge is a haven for primates and bird species, surrounded almost entirely by savannah. Here, you can see chimpanzee as well as red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus, baboons and vervet monkeys.

Chimpanzee Trekking In Rwanda
Rwanda’s picturesque rainforest reserve, Nyungwe Forest National Park, has 13 primate species, including the elusive chimpanzees. Rwanda chimpanzee trekking allows you to search for a semi-habituated group of around 40 members. Once found, you’ll be amazed and enthralled as you watch the chimpanzees swing from trees, forage for food, and vocalise among each other.

Primate and Safari

When planning your chimpanzee trek, a few simple additions can take your itinerary to new heights. For instance, a visit to see the chimps on Rubondo Island is just a short flight away from the wildlife peppered plains of the Serengeti. Similarly, Uganda is a sprawling country which features a diverse range of parks, so you’re not able to just see chimpanzee, but a few strategic hops can have you exploring the savannah in no time.

A chimpanzee trekking adventure can very easily be turned into a primate extravaganza with the addition of some gorilla trekking. Both equally exciting and thoroughly rewarding experiences. Enquire now to chat to one of our experienced travel experts who can suggest a few options to take your dreams and make them a reality.

Best Time To Go On A Chimpanzee Safari

As chimpanzee safaris are offered in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania, the best time to go will depend on where it is that you’re going. Generally, the drier seasons are best for a trek through the forest as conditions are a little easier and and less muddy.

The best time to go to Tanzania for chimps is June to September and December to February. The trails aren’t as muddy, and the vegetation is less dense. The dry seasons also offer clear views and favorable photography conditions. The wet seasons, from March to May and October to November, are less appealing but still possible. The chimpanzees are more elusive. However, this quieter season has advantages like reduced prices and fewer crowds. The same seasons apply for those seeking the optimal time to visit Uganda for chimpanzee trekking.

The dry season is best time to go to Rwanda; between December and February and from June to September when the weather conditions are more favourable.

Other Things to Know About Chimpanzee Trekking

Kibale National Park in Uganda is the world’s primate capital, with over 1,500 chimpanzees. You’ll spend extended time with them, observing their natural behaviour. Rwanda and Tanzania also offer adventurous chimp trekking opportunities. Pack light and comfortable clothing, sturdy hiking boots, rain jackets, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, a camera, binoculars, and plenty of snacks and water. You’ll need cash to tip guides and obtain permits in advance.

How fit do you need to be to go chimpanzee trekking?

Chimpanzee trekking is a physically demanding adventure lasting for hours, so a moderate level of fitness is required. You’ll be tackling hilly and mountainous terrain, often muddy and uneven, while simultaneously navigating the thick vegetation over an extended period. The length of your trek and difficulty of the terrain will depend on where the chimpanzees are located, and you could be hiking for anywhere between one and five hours. Flexibility, stamina, and a good sense of balance will help greatly in navigating the uneven and unpredictable conditions.

You certainly don’t need to be an athlete to go chimp trekking, but being in good health and having a reasonable level of fitness will enhance your enjoyment of the experience. If you have concerns, chat to your experienced guide who can assist you and provide additional support as you go.

Chimpanzee Trekking Rules and Regulations

There are some responsibilities and rules to adhere to, to ensure your safety as well as that of the chimps. As our closest relatives, chimps are vulnerable to the same illnesses that we are. For this reason, you will not be permitted to trek if you have a cold or infection. The idea is to observe the chimpanzees without disturbing them, or their environment, at all. Other rules and regulations include:

• No flash photography is allowed
• Maintain a distance of 7-8 meters from the chimps
• Do not provoke the chimps or try to attract their attention
• Keep noise and talking to a minimum
• No eating or drinking while viewing the chimpanzees
• You may only spend one hour observing the chimps
• Group numbers are limited to eight travellers
• Always follow the rules given to you by your ranger