Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris: every package, one page.
If you’re searching for the best Uganda chimpanzee trekking safari, this is the full lineup — Kibale Forest chimpanzee tracking, Budongo Forest chimp trekking, the Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary, and every combined gorilla and chimpanzee safari we run across Uganda and Rwanda. Compare durations, prices, and parks, then book directly with a licensed local operator.
Uganda’s rainforests hold the best chimpanzee trekking on Earth
Uganda is home to some of the highest chimpanzee densities anywhere in Africa, and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda consistently ranks among the country’s most rewarding wildlife experiences — often more physically accessible than gorilla trekking, and considerably more affordable. Whether you’re tracking a wild community through the tall forest canopy of Kibale National Park, the “Primate Capital of the World,” following ancient logging trails through Budongo Forest inside Murchison Falls National Park, or meeting rescued chimps up close at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria, every route below delivers a genuinely different kind of encounter with our closest living relative.
Below you’ll find every Uganda chimpanzee safari package we currently run — from a fast single-day Kibale trek to full multi-day itineraries pairing chimp tracking with mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi, golden monkey tracking, and Big Five game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Each package links straight through to full day-by-day details and pricing.
Every Uganda chimpanzee trekking safari package
All eight of our chimpanzee-focused itineraries, from a same-day Kibale trek to full primate circuits combining chimps with mountain gorillas. Tap any card for the complete day-by-day itinerary.
Ngamba Island
1 Day Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Tour
The easiest chimpanzee encounter in Uganda — a short boat ride from Entebbe to a rescued-chimp sanctuary on Lake Victoria, with feeding sessions viewed from a raised platform. No trekking fitness required, making it perfect for families or a spare day before your flight.
Kibale Forest
2 Days Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
A focused introduction to Kibale chimpanzee tracking, the densest population of wild chimps anywhere in East Africa. One night near the forest, one full morning trek, and time to explore the surrounding tea plantations.
Lake Victoria
2 Days Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary Tour
An extended version of the island-sanctuary experience, with an overnight stay allowing for a sunrise boat crossing, a second feeding session, and unhurried time with Uganda’s rescued chimpanzee community.
Kibale Forest
3 Days Kibale Primate Tour
Beyond chimps, Kibale hosts 12 other primate species. This itinerary combines a full chimpanzee trek with guided walks through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, spotting red colobus, l’Hoest’s monkeys, and rich birdlife.
Bwindi + Kibale
Most Booked
4 Days Gorilla & Chimpanzee Tour
Our most-booked gorilla and chimpanzee trekking combo — mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, back to back, without wasted travel days.
Kibale + Bigodi
4 Days Kibale Chimpanzees & Bigodi Swamp Tour
A slower-paced primate and wetland safari, giving two separate chances at chimpanzee tracking alongside a full guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary — a birder’s favourite corner of western Uganda.
Kibale + Queen Elizabeth
4 Days Kibale & Queen Elizabeth Safari
Pairs a Kibale chimpanzee trek with Big Five game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park — chimps, lions, elephants, and hippos in one compact western-Uganda circuit.
Nyungwe + Volcanoes
5 Days Nyungwe Forest Chimps & Gorillas
Our cross-border pick for travellers wanting Rwanda in the mix — chimpanzee tracking through Nyungwe Forest National Park, followed by mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, all in a single guided loop.
Kibale, Budongo, or Ngamba — which chimpanzee trek is right for you?
Kibale Forest National Park
Known globally as the “Primate Capital of the World,” chimpanzee tracking in Kibale offers the highest sighting success rate in Uganda, plus the option of a full-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience for travellers wanting more than the standard one-hour visit.
Budongo Forest
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest, inside Murchison Falls National Park, pairs naturally with a Nile boat cruise and Big Five game drives — the best choice for travellers already building an itinerary around Murchison Falls.
Ngamba Island Sanctuary
For travellers short on time or trekking fitness, the Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary on Lake Victoria offers guaranteed, close-range viewing of rescued and orphaned chimps without any forest hiking required.
Ready to trek chimpanzees in Uganda?
Every package above is bookable directly with our licensed, UWA-partnered team — permits secured, transport arranged, and guides who know these forests better than anyone. Chimpanzee permits are limited daily, especially across the June–September and December–February dry seasons, so the sooner you reach out, the more flexibility you’ll have on dates and parks.
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda: FAQs
How much does chimpanzee trekking cost in Uganda?
A standard Kibale chimpanzee permit costs around $250 per person; Budongo Forest permits run closer to $150. Both include a briefing and up to one hour with a habituated chimp community once found.
Is chimpanzee trekking easier than gorilla trekking?
Generally, yes. Chimpanzee treks in Kibale average 2–5 hours on more established trails, compared to gorilla treks in Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park, which can run up to 6–8 hours over steeper terrain.
Can I combine chimpanzee trekking with gorilla trekking?
Yes — our 4 Days Gorilla & Chimpanzee Tour and 5 Days Nyungwe Forest Chimps & Gorillas are both built specifically around pairing the two experiences in one trip.
What’s the best time of year for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?
The dry seasons, June to September and December to February, offer the easiest trail conditions, though chimpanzee trekking runs year-round and remains rewarding even in the wetter months.
Do I need a permit for Ngamba Island?
Ngamba Island requires a paid sanctuary entry ticket rather than a trekking permit, since chimps there are viewed from a platform rather than tracked through forest — making it accessible to nearly any fitness level.