Into the Wild: Chimpanzee Trekking Across Uganda

Uganda is one of few places where you can see wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat—and what a privilege it is! There are a couple of areas you can do this, but the main destinations for chimp trekking are: the famous Kibale Forest, renowned for its incredible primate population; Kyambura Gorge, a dramatic valley on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park; and Budongo Forest, tucked away within the breathtaking Murchison Falls National Park.

During my time in Uganda, I had the unforgettable opportunity to visit all three of these extraordinary locations. Each trekking experience was totally unique, offering different landscapes, challenges, and chimp encounters.

Budongo Forest: An Introduction to the Wild

My first chimp trekking adventure was in Budongo Forest, a vast tropical forest on the edge of Murchison Falls National Park. Home to around 800 chimpanzees divided into four communities, Budongo has been open to visitors since the 1990s, but it still feels wonderfully wild and untouched.

After just an hour’s drive from my lodge, we arrived at the forest, and I couldn’t wait to get started. The terrain here is relatively flat, making it one of Uganda’s ’easier’ treks. Truthfully, I did find  this trek a little challenging. This being my first trek, I was still adjusting to the heat and altitude, and the chimps were very active that morning, which meant we had to keep up a brisk pace. Oh, and I should probably mention I’m definitely not at peak fitness these days…!

We started early—an absolute must, as mornings are when chimps are most active. Our guide, Joseph, was a wealth of knowledge, explaining everything from their social structures (chimps live in communities, not families like gorillas) to their remarkable longevity—they can live well into their 50s here.

After about an hour and a half of trekking, the forest came alive with loud, echoing hoots. It was electrifying! We followed the calls deeper into the trees and spotted the chimps high in the canopy, swinging effortlessly between branches. Occasionally, one would descend to the forest floor, giving us a fleeting but thrilling close-up.

Budongo’s chimps were the hardest to spot out of the three treks I did (I suspect due to the weather) but nothing compares to that first sighting. Hearing their calls, seeing their movements in the wild—it was magical. You’re allowed just one hour with the chimps, but it’s an hour I’ll treasure forever.

If Budongo is on your list, I’d recommend visiting in the dry season when sightings are more consistent. It’s an incredible introduction to the world of wild chimpanzees.

Kibale Forest: The Ultimate Chimpanzee Experience

Next, I headed to Kibale Forest, often considered the pinnacle of chimp trekking in Uganda as the primate capital—and it didn’t disappoint! This lush, biodiverse forest in Western Uganda is home to an estimated 1,450 chimps, making it one of the best places to see them. If you’ve watched Netflix’s Chimp Empire, you’ll already have a sense of how extraordinary this place is.

Our day began with a lively briefing from Alex, whose passion for Kibale was infectious. He walked us through the dos and don’ts and shared fascinating details about the forest, which is also home to black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and even the occasional elephant.

The trek with our guide Janice took about two to three hours in total and was relatively straightforward. The dense forest made it feel like a real adventure, slinking our way through the bush. When we found the chimps, it was utterly captivating. The chimps here are more habituated and while you have to respect they are wild animals, human presence doesn’t seem to faze them and we were able to get much closer than I’d expected.

Watching them interact was like peering into another world. They groomed each other, squabbled over food, and occasionally glanced in our direction with curiosity. At one point, a young chimp passed just metres from me—it was the kind of moment that makes your heart race.

If you’re after up-close views and incredible photos, I do feel Kibale is the place to go,  but keep in mind that everyone else thinks this too, so there are more people. Its combination of abundant wildlife, more reliable sightings (although never guaranteed), and stunning scenery make it a must-visit for any wildlife enthusiast.

Kyambura Gorge: A Trek Into the “Valley of Apes”

My final trek took me to Kyambura Gorge, often called the “Valley of Apes.” This otherworldly landscape near Queen Elizabeth National Park is as much about the scenery as it is about the chimps. Picture a steep, forested gorge with a winding river at the bottom—it’s straight out of a storybook.

The trek began with a steep climb down into the gorge, which was challenging but absolutely worth it for the views alone. Once at the bottom, the trail levelled out, leading us across log bridges and through lush vegetation. It was raining that day, but instead of ruining the experience, the rain added a mystical, almost cinematic quality to the trek.

Kyambura’s chimps are less habituated, so sightings are usually more difficult. For a while, we could only hear their calls and see rustling in the canopy. Then, as the rain eased, they started climbing down to the forest floor. Watching them interact up close, in this magical setting, was unforgettable.

The trek lasted around four hours in total, and the climb back up was just as eventful. Along the way, we passed hippos lounging in the river, spotted leopard tracks, and watched colourful birds darting through the trees. For me, Kyambura offered the perfect balance of adventure, scenery, and wildlife, making it my favourite trek of the three.

Why You Should Go

Chimp trekking in Uganda is so much more than a wildlife encounter—it’s a journey into their world and each visit supports not only the local community but also the preservation of these cheeky chimps.

For me, Budongo was serene and challenging, Kibale felt like stepping into a wildlife documentary, and Kyambura was a true adventure in an awe-inspiring setting.

It sounds obvious but these are wild animals, so sightings aren’t ever guaranteed. Therefore if you can, plan more than one trek to maximise your chances of seeing chimps in the wild and experience the diversity which each location has to offer.

Key Items for Trekking

Walking Boots – Essential! Make sure they’re well-worn and not straight out of the box to avoid blisters.
Rain Jacket – You’re going to be trekking through rainforest, so you always need to be prepared for a downpour.
Water – You could be trekking for hours, so hydration is key.
Walking Stick (Kyambura) – A lifesaver for negotiating tricky terrain (usually provided at the visitor center).
Snacks – Perfect for a quick energy boost after the trek but keep in mind you can’t eat anywhere near the chimps.
Mask – Required to protect the chimps from human-transmitted diseases.
Camera (and waterproof covering) – A good zoom lens is ideal for capturing chimps in the canopy as they may not come down from the trees.
Small back pack (waterproof) – Needed to carry your water, bug spray (essential), snacks and suncream.

Chimp trekking in Uganda is an experience that will stay with you forever. From the heart-pounding moments of finding the chimps, hearing their calls to each other coupled with banging on the trees, to the breathtaking beauty of the forests, I know these experiences are ones I’ll never forget.