All You Need To Know About Chimpanzee Trekking

Choose The Right Location

Chimp trekking experiences are predominantly offered in East Africa, with several prominent destinations to choose from in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Republic of Congo. With so many options, it can be difficult to know which to visit. Each destination offers a unique experience, so the choice will ultimately boil down to your personal preference. When weighing up the different chimp trekking locations, it's important to consider:

• Success rates of seeing chimps on your trekking experience
• Trail accessibility and trekking difficulty
• Additional safari offerings that could enhance your trip
• Logistics between locations, if you want to add other destinations to your itinerary

Combine Chimp Trekking With Other Safari Destinations

Once you settle on where to go chimpanzee trekking, consider broadening your experience in Africa by adding on other safari destinations. Most, if not all, regions where chimp trekking is available are perfectly situated near wildlife-rich regions. Seamless logistics between destinations make it easy to pair chimpanzee trekking with a classic Big 5 safari or gorilla trekking for a well-rounded adventure in Africa.

A few popular add-ons tend to be a Serengeti safari when visiting Rubondo Island or Mahale Mountains, while a Queen Elizabeth National Park safari is an easy addition to a chimp trek in Kibale Forest. When in Rwanda, hiking through Nyungwe Forest, an Akagera National Park safari is perfect for seeing Africa's iconic animals.

If spending time with chimpanzees isn't enough primate action for you, consider a Bwindi Impenetrable Forest safari or a Volcanoes National Park safari for a soul-stirring gorilla trekking expedition.

What Should You Pack For Chimp Trekking?

The first item you'll want to pack is a quality pair of sturdy hiking boots with good grip for uneven terrain. Chimp trekking involves a lot of hiking and movement, so you'll want to invest in the right footwear to ensure you don't hurt yourself.

Africa's rainforests are made up of dense vegetation and thick foliage. Pack lightweight, log-sleeved tops and bottoms to protect against insects and scratches. Other essential items include a rain jacket, hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Nonessentials but nice to have items range from binoculars and cameras (with no flash only) to gardening gloves to help grip tree branches and walking sticks for balance and support.

How Long Is The Chimp Trek

The trek itself can last anywhere from one to four hours, depending on the location and movement of the chimpanzees. For those who would like to enjoy the company of these playful primates, certain regions in Uganda and Congo offer chimpanzee habituation experiences where guests can spend nearly a full day with a troop, helping them adapt to the presence of humans.

How Close Will You Get To The Chimps?

A minimum distance of 8 metres (26 feet) is enforced between humans and chimps. This is to prevent disease transmission as primates are easily susceptible to human illness, as well as to avoid disturbing the chimpanzees. Always follow your guide's instructions and avoid direct eye contact with chimps, as this might be interpreted as a challenge by the primates.

Is Chimp Trekking Difficult?

The difficulty level of chimp trekking depends on the trail and can range from moderate to challenging. For instance, the trails are steeper and consist of dense foliage in Kibale and Nyungwe Forests, while a trek through the Mahale Mountains means taking on rugged terrain. Kyambura Gorge features steep descents and ascents, but Murchison Falls is a relatively easy hike. All in all, a reasonable level of fitness is recommended for chimp trekking.

Is It Safe To Go Chimp Trekking In Africa?

Traveller safety is of the utmost importance when chimp trekking. Trekkers are led by experienced guides and trackers who know the region and its inhabitants like the back of their hand. Before trekkers head out, the guides and trackers scout the area and locate the chimps for an easier journey.

The chimps you'll encounter in trekking areas are habituated to human presence. However, they are still wild animals, so as long as you follow the safety guidelines outlined by the experts, you'll be completely safe. In locations where large mammals like elephants and buffalo are present, trekkers will be accompanied by armed rangers in the unlikely case of an emergency.

Rules And Regulations

A few rules of thumb that need to be followed to ensure the safety of both humans and primates are as follows:

• A distance of 8 metres (26 feet) must be kept at all times
• No drinking or eating is permitted near the chimps
• Cameras are allowed, but flash photography is not
• Avoid sudden movements and keep voices low to not startle the chimps
• Chimps are highly susceptible to human disease, so if you are sick, please do not participate in a trek

Make Sure You Have A Permit

A chimp trekking permit needs to be booked in advance as daily group sizes are limited. If you do not have a permit, you won't be able to join a trek. Costs of permits vary by country and can be anything from US$ 50 to US$ 150.

Please note: Prices are subject to change without notice. Consult your Africa Safari Expert for the latest information and permit costs.

Age Requirements To Join A Chimpanzee Trek

Unfortunately, there is a minimum age for chimp trekking, which means young children will not be able to participate in this particular activity. This rule protects both trekkers and the chimps, as little ones may struggle with the physical demands of the hike or might unintentionally disturb the primates.

Individuals aged 15 years and over are permitted on chimpanzee treks in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Only those 16 and older can join a chimp trek in Congo.

What Are The Group Sizes For Chimp Trekking?

Group sizes are kept small for chimp trekking, averaging around six to eight people per trek. The modest group size is intentional as it reduces environmental impact, minimises stress on the chimps, and allows for a more intimate, exclusive experience.

Is Chimp Trekking Ethical?

Yes, chimp trekking is an ethically sound activity and can play a vital role in protecting primates and their habitats when conducted responsibly. Travellers should only visit established trekking sites that follow conservation guidelines, and avoid operators that encourage close-contact encounters, like petting or holding chimps. While you're in these areas, respect the park rules to minimise stress on the animals.