Chimpanzee Destinations in Uganda: Best Places to See Wild Chimps in Their Natural Habitat

Uganda is one of the best countries in the world to encounter chimpanzees in the wild. With its dense tropical rainforests, protected national parks, and well-regulated ecotourism programs, Uganda offers several unforgettable destinations where travelers can engage in chimpanzee trekking or the more immersive chimpanzee habituation experience. Whether you’re looking for a short forest walk or a full-day adventure with primatologists, Uganda’s chimpanzee destinations deliver raw, close-up experiences with our closest genetic relatives.

In this guide, we explore the top chimpanzee destinations in Uganda, what makes each location unique, the types of chimpanzee experiences offered, and how to prepare for your primate safari.

Kibale Forest National Park – The Primate Capital of East Africa

Location: Western Uganda, near Fort Portal
Chimpanzee Population: ~1,500 individuals
Best For: Chimpanzee trekking and full-day chimpanzee habituation

Kibale Forest National Park is undoubtedly the most famous chimpanzee destination in Uganda. Known as the “Primate Capital of East Africa,” this rich tropical rainforest is home to 13 primate species, including a large, well-protected population of Eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii).

Visitors can choose between:

• Chimpanzee Trekking: A 2–4 hour guided experience to observe a habituated chimpanzee group for 1 hour.

• Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX): A full-day adventure following a semi-habituated group alongside researchers and guides.

The success rate of chimp sightings in Kibale is over 90%, making it the top choice for most travelers.

Budongo Forest Reserve – Off-the-Beaten-Path Chimpanzee Tracking

Location: Murchison Falls National Park, northwestern Uganda
Chimpanzee Population: ~700 individuals
Best For: Less crowded chimp trekking experiences and research-oriented visits

Budongo Forest is a hidden gem for chimpanzee enthusiasts. It lies on the southern edge of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. The forest is part of the larger Budongo Conservation Field Station, where long-term chimpanzee studies and habituation projects are ongoing.

The Kaniyo Pabidi sector is where visitors track chimpanzees on guided forest walks, offering a more relaxed and private experience compared to Kibale.

Kyambura Gorge – The Valley of Apes in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Location: Eastern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, southwestern Uganda
Chimpanzee Population: ~30–40 individuals
Best For: Scenic trekking in a dramatic gorge, combining with wildlife game drives

Nicknamed the “Valley of the Apes,” Kyambura Gorge is a dramatic, forested chasm carved into the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is home to a small but habituated community of chimpanzees. The uniqueness of Kyambura lies in the stunning contrast between the open savannah and the lush riverine forest below.

Although chimp sightings are less guaranteed here compared to Kibale, the gorge itself is a breathtaking location and ideal for travelers combining safari game drives with a short primate excursion.

Kalinzu Forest Reserve – Budget-Friendly Chimpanzee Tracking

Location: Near Bushenyi, western Uganda
Chimpanzee Population: ~300 individuals
Best For: Affordable chimp trekking and birdwatching

Located near Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve offers some of the most affordable chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Managed by the National Forestry Authority rather than UWA, Kalinzu is less commercialized but still provides excellent primate viewing opportunities.

Guided forest walks take visitors into a vibrant ecosystem with over 400 tree species, six primate species, and 350 bird species, including the Great Blue Turaco.

Chimpanzees in Kalinzu are well-habituated, and sightings are common—especially in the dry season.

Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve – Remote and Raw Encounters

Location: Western Uganda, near Semliki National Park
Chimpanzee Population: Small, semi-habituated group
Best For: Adventurous travelers and researchers

Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve offers one of Uganda’s most remote and wild chimpanzee destinations. The chimpanzees here are semi-habituated and require longer treks to locate. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the raw, off-the-grid nature of the reserve appeals to seasoned travelers and conservation volunteers.

The surrounding ecosystem, a mix of savannah and lowland rainforest, adds to the beauty and biodiversity of the experience.

Comparing Uganda’s Chimpanzee Destinations

When choosing where to go for a chimpanzee experience in Uganda, consider:

• Budget – Kalinzu and Kyambura are more affordable than Kibale.

• Level of immersion – Choose habituation in Kibale for a full-day experience.

• Location and itinerary – Combine Budongo with Murchison Falls or Kyambura with Queen Elizabeth for diverse wildlife adventures.

Essentials to Pack:

• Hiking boots

• Long-sleeved shirt and trousers

• Rain jacket

• Insect repellent

• Camera (no flash)

• Reusable water bottle

• Daypack and snacks

From the towering forests of Kibale to the scenic depths of Kyambura Gorge, Uganda is a true haven for chimpanzee lovers. Whether you’re seeking budget-friendly trekking, in-depth habituation experiences, or off-grid primate adventures, Uganda offers an unmatched diversity of chimpanzee destinations. Each forest tells a different story—one of biodiversity, conservation, and the deep connection between humans and great apes.

Book your chimpanzee tour with trusted operators like Animal View Safaris, and support sustainable tourism that protects Uganda’s incredible primate heritage.