Chimpanzee Tracking and Wildlife Safari in Uganda. Uganda is one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations, combining thrilling chimpanzee trekking experiences with classic wildlife safaris across diverse ecosystems. Known as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda offers lush tropical rainforests, open savannah plains, dramatic waterfalls, crater lakes and rich cultural heritage. What makes Uganda truly special is the ease with which travelers can combine close encounters with endangered chimpanzees and unforgettable game viewing featuring elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes and countless bird species.

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda allows visitors to observe our closest relatives in their natural forest habitat, while wildlife safaris deliver iconic African scenes along rivers, grasslands and remote wilderness areas. Whether you are a first‑time safari traveler, a nature lover, a photographer or a seasoned explorer, a chimps trekking and wildlife safari in Uganda promises a deeply immersive and authentic African experience.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda: A Life‑Changing Primate Experience

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is one of the country’s top tourism activities. Uganda hosts over 5,000 chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in Africa to see them in the wild. Trekking involves hiking through tropical forests with experienced rangers in search of habituated chimpanzee communities.

Once located, visitors are allowed to spend one unforgettable hour observing chimpanzees as they feed, groom, play and communicate. Their intelligence, social behavior and human‑like expressions make every encounter emotional and memorable.

Best Places for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Kibale Forest National Park – The Primate Capital of Africa

Kibale Forest National Park is the most popular chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda. It is home to the highest concentration of chimpanzees in East Africa and protects 13 different primate species. Treks here are well organized and have a very high success rate.

Kibale also offers the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, a full‑day activity where visitors accompany researchers and spend extended time observing chimps as they get used to human presence.

Budongo Forest (Kaniyo Pabidi)

Located near Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest is another excellent chimpanzee trekking site. The Kaniyo Pabidi area provides guided forest walks with experienced trackers and is perfect for travelers combining chimp trekking with a wildlife safari in northern Uganda.

Kyambura Gorge – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kyambura Gorge offers a unique chimpanzee trekking experience within Queen Elizabeth National Park. The trek takes place in a lush underground forest surrounded by open savannah. This is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy both primates and classic wildlife in one destination.

Wildlife Safari in Uganda: Big Game and Scenic Landscapes

Uganda’s wildlife safaris are incredibly diverse, thanks to the country’s varied habitats. From river‑based safaris to savannah game drives and remote wilderness experiences, Uganda delivers exceptional wildlife encounters with fewer crowds than many other African destinations.

Top Wildlife Safari Parks in Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most visited safari park. It is famous for its rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes and the Kazinga Channel boat safari, which offers close encounters with hippos, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species. Game drives reveal elephants, lions, buffaloes, antelopes and, in the Ishasha sector, tree‑climbing lions.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and most dramatic safari destination. The park is bisected by the River Nile, which plunges through a narrow gorge to form the powerful Murchison Falls. Wildlife safaris include game drives on open plains and boat cruises to the base of the falls, where elephants, giraffes, lions and hippos are commonly seen.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is remote, wild and spectacular. Located in northeastern Uganda, it offers vast open landscapes and some of the best game viewing in East Africa. Wildlife includes cheetahs, lions, elephants, ostriches and large herds of buffaloes, making it ideal for adventurous travelers.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is compact and easily accessible from Kampala. It is perfect for short wildlife safaris and is known for zebras, elands, impalas and night game drives.

Best Time for Chimps Trekking and Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

Uganda can be visited all year round, but the best time for chimpanzee trekking and wildlife safaris is during the dry seasons, from December to February and June to August. During these months, forest trails are less slippery, and wildlife is easier to spot around water sources.

The rainy seasons, from March to May and September to November, offer lush scenery, fewer tourists and excellent bird watching, though trekking can be more challenging due to muddy conditions.

Chimpanzee Trekking Permits in Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking permits are mandatory and issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Permits include ranger guides and park entry for the activity. Prices vary depending on the trekking location and visitor category, and availability is limited, especially in peak seasons.

Booking permits in advance through a licensed tour operator is highly recommended to secure preferred trekking dates.

Sample Chimps Trekking and Wildlife Safari Itineraries

5‑Day Chimps Trekking and Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and Bigodi wetland walk
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park with game drive
Day 4: Kazinga Channel boat safari and evening game drive
Day 5: Return to Entebbe or Kampala

7‑Day Chimps and Wildlife Safari Adventure

Day 1–2: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
Day 3–4: Wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 5–6: Murchison Falls game drives and Nile boat cruise
Day 7: Return to Entebbe

Accommodation Options

Uganda offers accommodation ranging from budget lodges and camps to luxury eco‑lodges. Visitors can choose forest lodges near chimp trekking sites or classic safari lodges overlooking savannah plains and rivers. Many lodges support community projects and conservation initiatives.

Packing List for Chimps Trekking and Wildlife Safari

• Lightweight long‑sleeved clothing

• Sturdy hiking boots

• Rain jacket

• Insect repellent and sunscreen

• Binoculars and camera

• Reusable water bottle

• Personal medication and travel documents

Responsible Tourism and Conservation

Chimpanzee trekking and wildlife safaris in Uganda are carefully regulated to protect animals and their habitats. Visitors are required to follow ranger instructions, maintain distance from wildlife and respect conservation guidelines. Supporting responsible tour operators contributes directly to wildlife protection and local community development.

Booking Chimpanzee and Wildlfie Safari with Kenlink Tours

Booking your chimpanzee trekking and wildlife safari with Kenlink Tours guarantees a seamless, authentic, and unforgettable Ugandan safari experience. We specialize in expertly planned chimpanzee treks in Kibale, Budongo, and Kyambura, perfectly combined with thrilling wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and beyond. Our team handles all logistics, including permits, accommodation, transport in comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles, and professional local guides.