Best Time for Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is one of the top primate activities to think about when planning your safari to Uganda. This amazing country is home to different primate species and also boosts over 5000 Chimpanzees living in the country’s tropical rainforests. Knowing the Best Time for Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is important when planning your safari.

The most visited destination for chimpanzee trekking safaris is Kibale Forest National Park.  The national park boasts almost 1500 individuals and while here the chances of spotting these amazing primates are high. The best experience however requires the best preparation before taking on your adventure in the pearl and knowing the Best Time for Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda means you will have a hassle-free chimp tracking experience, with ease in getting chimpanzee trekking permits, trekking in smooth and permeable trails – with guarantee of sightseeing experiences as high as 90%.

Best Time for Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

If you are wondering what could be the Best Time for Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, the best time to trek these primates is between November to February, and June to October. Chimpanzee trekking safaris during this period of the year is much easier in most trekking destinations.

Chimpanzee Trekking Experience in Uganda – Best Time for Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

Similar to gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking involves small groups going on a trek with trained rangers to see and spend time with a chimpanzee troop in the wild. Chimps are very similar to gorillas in many ways, while also, of course, having easily noticeable differences.

Unlike the gentle mountain gorillas, Chimps are lighter and vocalists, trekking them is much more difficult compared to Mountain gorilla trekking. The Chimps are lighter, chimps live primarily in trees while gorillas live on the ground and can transverse in the forest faster though can be easily located since they are vocalists and make interesting sound effects in the jungle.

Chimpanzee Trekking Permit in Uganda – Cost of Trekking Chimps in Uganda

Depending on the time of year, Ugandan Chimpanzee Trekking Permit prices change. There are two seasons—the peak season, also known as the dry season, and the low season, sometimes known as the wet season—and throughout each of them, a variety of tourists travel to observe chimpanzees. A chimpanzee trek permit in Kibaale Forest National Park costs $1500 per day per person during the peak/high season and as little as $100 per person per day during the low season. In both the high season and low season, chimpanzee permits in Budongo cost $90, whereas they cost $50 in the Kyambura Gorge.

Best places to go for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda 

Kibale National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda and is famous for chimpanzee tracking. With 13 different primate species and more than 1500 chimpanzees residing in this park, Kibale Forest National Park is known as the primate capital of the world. The main destination for chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda is Kibale Forest National Park, which is a must-visit for anyone looking for the height of primate experience. Due to the presence of numerous different monkey species, the National Park is also known as the capital of primates. While on safaris, the trails in the National Park provide access to the region and a fantastic opportunity to view chimpanzees and other species.

Budongo Forest Reserve

With an 80% chance of seeing these amazing chimpanzees, Budongo Forest Reserve in Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s second-best place to go chimpanzee trekking. Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest Reserve gives opportunities to make your journey even more thrilling because the forest reserve is situated in one of the top safari destinations in the country. Being the biggest and most well-known safari park in Uganda, Murchison Fall National Park, a visit for chimpanzee tracking at Budongo forests offers the opportunity to also partake in a number of other adventurous activities. Game drives, boat tours, chimp trekking, walks to breathtaking waterfalls and landscapes, and sundowners at upscale lodges with views of the savannah can all be included in one trip.

Kyambura Gorge

The Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s third most popular safari destination for chimpanzee tracking. The Kyambura Gorge, also referred to as “the Valley of the Apes,” is found in the Queen Elizabeth National Park’s far East. Despite being an important source of water for many species and having a savanna as a border, the area is renowned for having a high population of primates. The Kyambura River has eroded the valley walls over many years, leaving behind a rich forest that covers them and provides chimpanzees with an ideal environment.