Chimpanzee
Tracking Safaris
Africa's most thrilling primate encounter. Trek into ancient rainforests, listen for the electrifying calls of wild chimpanzees, and spend a breathtaking hour watching our closest living relatives in their natural habitat.
with humans
Africa's Most Thrilling
Primate Encounter
Uganda is one of Africa's most rewarding destinations for chimpanzee tracking. With diverse forests, unique landscapes, and thriving primate populations, every trek is a new adventure. Whether you seek Kibale's famous encounters, Budongo's towering mahogany trees, or the budget-friendly charm of Bulindi, there's a perfect permit waiting for you.
Sharing 98% of our DNA, chimpanzees are our closest living relatives. To watch them swing through the forest canopy, groom each other, and interact in their complex social groups is an experience that stays with you for life. Every booking also contributes directly to conservation and community livelihoods.
9 Chimpanzee
Tracking Destinations
From the premium encounters of Kibale to the hidden gems of Kyambura, Bulindi and Burundi's Bururi Forest, each destination offers something unique. Every booking supports conservation and local livelihoods.
UgandaKibale National Park
Known as the Primate Capital of the World, Kibale offers the highest success rate for chimpanzee sightings in Africa. Home to over 1,500 chimpanzees. A full-day habituation experience is also available for a deeper, more immersive encounter.
UgandaBudongo Forest
Located near Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo combines rich biodiversity with excellent chimpanzee encounters. The forest's giant mahogany trees, some over 200 years old, create a spectacular cathedral-like canopy that makes every trek truly memorable.
UgandaKalinzu Forest
Nestled near Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu offers quiet, authentic chimpanzee encounters in a less-visited forest reserve. Perfect for travellers seeking intimate wildlife experiences away from the crowds, with excellent value for money.
UgandaKyambura Gorge
Called the "Valley of the Apes", Kyambura Gorge is one of Uganda's most dramatic landscapes. Trek through steep gorge walls, lush canopies and riverine forest in a truly spectacular setting for chimpanzee encounters inside Queen Elizabeth National Park.
UgandaBulindi Forest
A pioneering community-based conservation project, Bulindi offers intimate chimpanzee tracking that directly supports local families living alongside these primates. One of Uganda's most ethical and affordable trekking experiences.
UgandaBugoma Forest
Located in western Uganda, Bugoma is one of the country's largest remaining forest reserves. It offers intimate chimpanzee tracking in a less-explored environment, with rich biodiversity and a genuinely off-the-beaten-path adventure.
RwandaNyungwe Forest National Park
Rwanda's oldest and largest rainforest, home to thriving chimpanzee communities. The famous canopy walkway, suspended 70 metres above the forest floor, adds a breathtaking dimension to your visit, alongside 13 primate species.
TanzaniaGombe National Park
Set along Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania, Gombe is one of Africa's most historic primate sites, made famous by Jane Goodall's ground-breaking chimpanzee research. Trek with chimps in the same forest where Goodall first observed tool use among primates.
BurundiBururi Forest Nature Reserve
Tucked away in the hills of southern Burundi, Bururi Forest Nature Reserve is one of Central Africa's best-kept secrets for chimpanzee encounters. The reserve protects a rich montane forest ecosystem and offers a genuinely off-the-beaten-path primate experience in a rarely visited destination.
All Destinations
at a Glance
Compare all 9 chimpanzee tracking destinations to find the perfect fit for your budget, fitness level and travel style.
Best sightings rate in Africa · Full-day habituation available
Great combined with a Murchison Falls safari
Quiet, less crowded, excellent value for money
Most dramatic scenery · Inside Queen Elizabeth NP
Budget-friendly · Maximum community impact
Adventurous · Truly off the beaten path
Canopy walkway · 13 primate species
Historic primatology site · Lake Tanganyika views
Rare off-the-beaten-path destination · Montane forest
What to Expect
on Your Trek
Chimpanzee tracking is an adventure. Here's everything you need to know before heading into the forest.
Treks begin early in the morning, typically 7:00 to 8:00 AM after a briefing at park headquarters. Chimpanzees are most active in the cool morning hours.
Tracking time varies from 30 minutes to 4+ hours depending on chimp movement. Once located, you spend one guaranteed hour observing them.
Long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, waterproof boots, rain jacket, water, snacks, binoculars, and a camera without flash. Lightweight gloves help with nettles.
Moderate fitness is recommended. Trails can be steep and wet. Porters are available at most locations to assist with bags and footing.
The minimum age for chimpanzee tracking is 12 years in Uganda forests. Most other destinations require 15 years. Check with our team before booking.
Visitors showing signs of illness will be turned away. Chimpanzees are highly susceptible to human diseases, so their health always comes first.
Your Trek Funds
Conservation
Every permit purchased directly contributes to protecting chimpanzee habitat and supporting the communities who live alongside these incredible animals. Responsible tourism is the most powerful conservation tool we have.
Habitat Protection
Permit revenue funds anti-poaching patrols and forest protection across all four countries.
Community Livelihoods
Revenue employs local guides, porters and staff, giving communities a direct stake in conservation.
Scientific Research
Visitor fees fund ongoing primate research that has transformed our understanding of chimpanzee behaviour.
Chimpanzee Tracking
FAQs
Planning your chimpanzee trekking adventure? Here are the most frequently asked questions. Need more information? Contact our team and we'll be happy to help.
We offer tracking across 9 destinations in 4 countries: Kibale, Budongo, Kalinzu, Kyambura, Bulindi and Bugoma in Uganda; Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda; Gombe National Park in Tanzania; and Bururi Forest Nature Reserve in Burundi.
Permit prices vary by destination: Kibale $250 (habituation $300), Budongo $130, Kalinzu $130, Kyambura $100, Bulindi $100, Bugoma $130, Nyungwe $250, Gombe $100, Bururi Forest (Burundi) $150.
We recommend booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially for Kibale National Park, as permits are limited and sell out quickly during peak season (June to September and December to February).
Most treks take 2 to 4 hours in total, including time to locate the chimpanzees and one guaranteed hour in their company. Habituation experiences last a full day and are available at Kibale.
The minimum age is 12 years for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda forests. Most other destinations, including Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi, require a minimum age of 15 years. Please check with our team when booking.
Yes, photography is encouraged and you'll want to capture these extraordinary moments. However, flash photography is strictly prohibited at all locations to avoid disturbing the chimpanzees.
You should maintain a minimum distance of 8 to 10 metres from the chimpanzees at all times. This protects both the chimps and you from potential disease transmission, as we share 98% of our DNA with them.
Essentials: sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, rain jacket, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, light snacks, binoculars, and a camera without flash. Lightweight gloves protect against stinging nettles.
Permits are generally non-refundable once issued. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before booking. If your plans change, contact our team as soon as possible for guidance.
Simply contact Feather Trail Safaris via our website, email or WhatsApp. We handle all permit reservations, logistics, transfers and accommodation to make your trip completely seamless.
Book Your Chimp Tracking Permit
From Kibale's premium encounters to Burundi's hidden Bururi Forest, permits are limited and sell out fast. Contact our team today and we'll handle every detail.