Combining Chimpanzee Tracking with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda. Uganda is one of the few places on Earth where travelers can experience both chimpanzee tracking and gorilla trekking in one safari adventure. These two remarkable primate encounters offer a unique opportunity to observe the fascinating behavior of our closest relatives in their natural habitats. While gorilla trekking takes you deep into the misty forests of southwestern Uganda, chimpanzee tracking leads you through lush tropical jungles in the country’s central and western regions. Combining these two activities in one safari makes for an unforgettable experience of Uganda’s diverse wildlife, landscapes, and culture.

Why Combine Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee Tracking?

Combining chimpanzee tracking with gorilla trekking allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of primate behavior and conservation. Gorillas and chimpanzees share about 98% and 99% of human DNA respectively, making interactions with them incredibly enlightening and emotional.

• Diversity of Experience: Gorillas live in calm, cohesive family groups led by a silverback, while chimpanzees live in more dynamic, vocal communities. Experiencing both species highlights fascinating behavioral contrasts.
• Scenic Landscapes: Uganda’s primate habitats are set in stunning environments—from the high-altitude Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to the dense tropical rainforests of Kibale.
• Adventure and Conservation: Each trek supports conservation efforts and local communities living near the national parks, ensuring sustainable tourism.
• Efficiency and Value: Combining both experiences saves travel time and costs, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to experience Uganda’s best in one trip.

Best Destinations for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The park’s dense rainforest and rugged terrain make gorilla trekking both challenging and rewarding. Over 20 habituated gorilla families can be visited across four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.

Each trekking sector offers unique experiences:

• Buhoma: The most accessible and historically significant, being the first sector opened to tourism.
• Ruhija: Known for beautiful forest views and birdwatching opportunities.
• Rushaga: Offers gorilla habituation experiences where visitors can spend up to 4 hours with a gorilla family.
• Nkuringo: Famous for its scenic beauty overlooking the Virunga volcanoes.

A typical trek lasts 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. The encounter—spending one hour in the presence of these gentle giants—is an experience like no other.

2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, Mgahinga is smaller but equally captivating. It is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, known for its friendliness and ease of viewing. The park also offers the chance to combine gorilla trekking with volcano hiking and cultural encounters with the Batwa pygmies.

Top Destinations for Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda

1. Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest, often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World,” is the best place in Uganda for chimpanzee tracking. The park hosts over 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species such as red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and L’Hoest’s monkeys.

Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale starts early in the morning, with visitors joining experienced rangers to locate a habituated group. The experience offers incredible close-up views of the chimps as they feed, groom, or play in the trees. Kibale also offers the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX), allowing tourists to spend more time with chimps undergoing the habituation process.

2. Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls National Park)

Located in northwestern Uganda, Budongo Forest Reserve is another excellent chimpanzee tracking destination. It lies within Murchison Falls National Park, offering visitors the chance to combine chimpanzee tracking with classic wildlife safaris and boat cruises along the Nile River. The Kaniyo Pabidi section of Budongo Forest hosts a well-habituated chimp community managed by the Jane Goodall Institute, making it one of the most respected chimp tracking areas in Africa.

3. Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park)

Nicknamed the “Valley of Apes,” Kyambura Gorge provides a dramatic backdrop for chimpanzee tracking. The gorge is about 100 meters deep and filled with lush tropical forest contrasting sharply with the surrounding savanna of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Visitors often combine chimp tracking here with wildlife game drives, boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel, and visits to nearby crater lakes.

Combining Both Experiences

A well-planned 7 to 10-day Uganda primate safari allows travelers to experience both gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking, along with other wildlife adventures.

Sample 8-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Relax and prepare for your adventure.

Day 2: Drive to Kibale National Park
Travel to Fort Portal, passing through scenic tea plantations and rolling hills. Overnight near Kibale Forest.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Join your guide for an early morning briefing and begin the search for chimpanzees. Spend time observing them before visiting the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birding and community experiences.

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.

Day 5: Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking & Game Drive
Track chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, then enjoy an afternoon game drive in the park’s savannas to see elephants, buffaloes, lions, and leopards.

Day 6: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Travel south through the scenic highlands known as the “Switzerland of Africa.” Overnight in Bwindi.

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, attend a briefing and head into the forest to track mountain gorillas. Spend an hour observing these magnificent creatures and capturing memorable photos. In the evening, visit a local Batwa community to learn about their traditional forest life.

Day 8: Return to Kampala or Entebbe
After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe with scenic stopovers along the way. Depart for your flight home or continue to other destinations.

Permits and Costs

Both gorilla and chimpanzee tracking require permits issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

• Gorilla Trekking Permit: USD 800 per person (as of 2025).
• Gorilla Habituation Experience: USD 1,500 per person (4 hours).
• Chimpanzee Tracking Permit (Kibale): USD 250 per person.
• Chimpanzee Habituation Experience: USD 300 per person.
• Kyambura Gorge Chimp Tracking: USD 100 per person.
• Budongo Chimp Tracking: USD 130 per person.

Permits are limited and should be booked in advance, especially during the high season (June–September and December–February).

Best Time to Visit

Uganda can be visited year-round, but the best time for chimpanzee tracking and gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons:

• June to September
• December to February

During these months, forest trails are less muddy, visibility is better, and trekking conditions are more comfortable. However, some travelers prefer the wet season (March–May and October–November) when forests are lush and lodges offer discounts.

Packing Tips for Your Primate Safari

To fully enjoy your chimpanzee and gorilla adventure, pack appropriately:

• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (for protection against insects and thorns)
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Gardening gloves (for gripping vegetation)
• Hat and sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Lightweight backpack
• Drinking water and snacks
• Camera (no flash) and binoculars

Cultural and Wildlife Add-Ons

While the main focus is primate tracking, Uganda offers countless ways to enrich your itinerary:

• Wildlife safaris in Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth National Parks
• Boat cruises on the Nile or Kazinga Channel
• Birdwatching in Bigodi or Bwindi
• Cultural tours with the Batwa or Bakiga communities
• Adventure activities such as white-water rafting on the Nile in Jinja or hiking the Rwenzori Mountains

Booking Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari with Afrigaze Uganda Safariz

Book your unforgettable Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari with Afrigaze Uganda Safariz and experience the best of Uganda’s primate adventures. Trek through the misty jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to meet the majestic mountain gorillas, and explore the lush forests of Kibale National Park to encounter playful chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Our professional guides, comfortable accommodations, and well-planned itineraries ensure a memorable and safe safari experience. Discover Uganda’s stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant culture with Afrigaze Uganda Safariz.

Book your adventure today: 📧 info@afrigazeugandasafariz.com