A Guide to Chimpanzee Trekking in East Africa

Uganda is arguably the best place for chimp trekking in all of Africa. It’s home to more than 5,000 chimpanzees, over a quarter of whom live in Kibale Forest National Park. 

Chimp trekking in Kibale takes place in small groups – no more than six to eight people at once – and offers a very high probability of chimp sightings thanks to the relatively large number of habituated troops.

You can also participate directly in the habituation process by joining a team of rangers and primatologists for their daily work. You’ll get to learn how the process is conducted and observe the chimps for several hours, rather than the usual one-hour experience.

In addition to being Uganda’s top destination for chimp trekking, Kibale is also a great place to see other East African wildlife like colobus monkeys, elephants and leopards.

The best place to go chimp trekking in Rwanda is Nyungwe National Park in the southwestern part of the country. This enormous and ancient swathe of forest boasts a few hundred chimpanzees and a handful of habituated troops.

Set out at sunrise for a thrilling hike through the forest, led by experienced wildlife trackers. Along the way you’re likely to see several other primates and mammals, as well as impressive avian species, diverse flora and sweeping views.

Other can’t-miss experiences in Nyungwe include the 200-metre (656-foot) canopy walk and the six-hour Bigugu Trail. You might spot chimpanzees during either if you’re lucky, but your best bet is to book a dedicated chimp trek.

You can also go gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda – just keep in mind that these larger primates are only present in other national parks (neither Nyungwe nor Kibale).

The Mahale Mountains are home to one of the best national parks in Tanzania and around a thousand chimpanzees. Just a few dozen of them are habituated to humans: the members of a specific clan known as the M-group.

Mahale chimp trekking is limited to six people per group and one hour of observation, once the animals are located.

The habituated chimps are highly accustomed to visitors and will go about their usual activities in your presence: playing, shouting, hunting, grooming and more.

Greystoke Mahale is the perfect place to stay for chimp trekking in Tanzania. Set right on the shore of Lake Tanganyika within the national park, it offers fantastic views and convenient access to the forested mountains above it.

The Republic of the Congo (not to be confused with the much larger Democratic Republic of the Congo) is one of Africa’s lesser-known destinations for chimp sightings – which makes it all the more special.

Odzala-Kokoua National Park may be famous for its western lowland gorillas, but it’s also a habitat for chimpanzees and several other primate species.

Note that the chimps here are not habituated, so greater care must be taken to avoid disturbing them. You might also spot them by chance as you move through the wilderness on other expeditions.

There are just three private lodges within Odzala-Kokoua National Park, all operated by Kamba. The best one for chimp (and gorilla) sightings is Ngaga Lodge. Sightings are also possible, though rare, around Mboko Lodge.

The best time to go chimp trekking is generally the dry season, which varies slightly depending on your destination. Hiking is easier and visibility is higher when skies are clear, trails are dry and foliage is relatively thin.

• Uganda dry seasons: June–August and December–February
• Rwanda dry seasons: June–September and December–February
• Tanzania dry season: July–October
• Congo dry seasons: May–September and January–February

Our packing list for chimp trekking includes the same basic items that we’d suggest bringing for most outdoor adventures, with a few specific additions.

• Long-sleeved shirt and trousers
• Hiking boots and tall socks
• Warm jacket
• Waterproof rain gear
• Gloves
• Hat and/or sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Small backpack