Where To Go Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is the premier destination for a chimpanzee safari in Uganda, providing a 95% success rate of finding a few of the 1,500-plus chimpanzees who inhabit the area. Along the way, keep an eye out for the colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and even forest elephants. The national park also offers chimp habituation experiences for a chance to spend up to four hours with a troop as they adapt to the presence of humans.

After a successful adventure in Kibale, add on a stop at Queen Elizabeth National Park for a classic Big 5 safari or search for gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Murchison Falls National Park

Observing chimps in Budongo Forest is one of the many magical moments you'll experience in Murchison Falls National Park. Home to approximately 700 chimps, treks in Murchison Falls yield an 80% success rate of coming across these cheeky primates. The region is also popular for its diverse landscape, comprising ancient mahogany forests, golden savannahs perfect for a Big 5 safari, tranquil boat cruises on the famous Nile River, and the park's namesake, the dramatic Murchison Falls.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is best known for its classic Big 5 safaris and unique tree-climbing lions, but few know that it's also home to the “Valley of Apes” – a forested valley also known as Kyambura Gorge. A chimpanzee trek here only sees a 50%-60% success rate, but the experience is an awe-inspiring one nonetheless. And if all else fails, the iconic animals of Africa's rolling plains are still waiting to be seen.

Tanzania’s Chimpanzee Safari Destinations

Mahale Mountains National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park is the capital for chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania. Visitors enjoy an exclusive experience in a gorgeous rainforest setting along the glistening Lake Tanganyika. And with a 90% success rate, you're all but guaranteed to spend time with habituated chimps. Your efforts are rewarded with waterside relaxation on the pristine beaches, or spotting the other wildlife that call the Mahale Mountains home on a boat safari.

Rubondo Island National Park

Rubondo Island is a little-known gem in southern Tanzania's Lake Victoria. Lush, tropical jungles framed by idyllic beaches and the sparkling Indian Ocean make this paradise easy on the eye, while the rich biodiversity is a veritable playground for the adventurer. Wild chimps roam the forested island freely, promising a private encounter with these playful primates virtually free of visitors. Add to that the rich birdlife, various wildlife, boating and fishing excursions, and you have a recipe for the perfect off-the-beaten-track getaway.

Rwanda’s Chimpanzee Trekking Spots

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is exclusively carried out in Nyungwe Forest National Park, a vibrant rainforest home to 500 primates and offering a 70-80% success rate. Nyungwe is a nature-lover's wonderland, a stunning landscape housing a rich, biodiverse environment. Take in this lovely marvel with a canopy walk, adding a new layer to your adventure.

Chimp Trekking Destinations In Congo

Odzala-Kokoua National Park

The Congo Basin is a natural paradise teeming with a diverse plethora of flora and fauna, including western chimpanzees. Odzala-Kokoua National Park boasts a high success rate for chimp trekking, as well as potential sightings of other inhabitants, like forest elephants and lowland gorillas. Expect a wild and immersive experience from beginning to end in a remote, exclusive setting known for its luxury eco-lodges.

Ready To Visit Africa’s Best Chimp Trekking Destinations?

If you're ready to hike one of East Africa's lush rainforests in search of chimpanzees, get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts to start planning your next adventure: