Trekking with Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, Uganda: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Safari Experience
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When I dreamed of going on safari in Africa, I imagined the sweeping plains of the Serengeti and witnessing the Great Migration, but chimpanzee trekking in Uganda quickly became just as unforgettable. As international travel resumed in 2021, we made our bucket list safari dream a reality and added an unforgettable detour: trekking with chimpanzees and gorillas in Uganda.
One of the absolute highlights of our entire trip? Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, a lush rainforest in southwestern Uganda known as the “Primate Capital of the World.” Home to over 1,500 wild chimpanzees, Kibale offers one of the best and most accessible chimp tracking experiences in all of Africa.
Where Is Kibale National Park?
Located near the town of Fort Portal in southwestern Uganda, Kibale National Park is a biodiversity hotspot and one of the best places to see wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. It’s easily accessible by road or air from Entebbe or Kampala, and can be combined with a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking.
What to Expect on a Chimpanzee Trek in Uganda
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale starts early in the morning with a detailed briefing from expert guides and rangers. Groups are small and led by knowledgeable trackers who help locate the chimpanzees and ensure your safety and theirs.
Before the trek even began, we had an unexpected welcome committee: baboons by the lodge! Once on the trail, we were quickly immersed in a rich, tropical forest teeming with the sounds of birds, insects, and distant chimpanzee calls. It’s an experience that’s both peaceful and exhilarating.
Watch Out for Ants!
Fair warning: the ants are very real here. I stepped into a trail of them early on (despite the guide’s warning!), and let’s just say I spent the rest of the day slapping and scratching. These little guys are relentless and find their way into places you’d never expect.
Pro Tip: Wear long pants, tuck them into high socks or boots, and avoid standing on ant trails!
Up Close with Kibale’s Wild Chimpanzees
One of the reasons Kibale National Park chimpanzee trekking is so special is the presence of habituated chimpanzee families, groups that are accustomed to human presence without being domesticated or fed. Once you reach a group, you typically have about one hour to quietly observe them.
It’s hard to describe the moment we spotted our first chimpanzee in the wild. From watching mothers gently groom their babies to seeing young chimps play and tumble in the trees, the entire experience was moving, humbling, and full of wonder.
Trekking times vary. Ours was on the longer side, about 3 hours round-trip, as the chimps were deep in the forest.
An Emotional & Personal Experience
If you’ve followed our international adoption journey, you might remember that this trip came just days after we learned I was pregnant, while in the middle of an emotional and difficult month navigating major life changes.
Looking back, chimp trekking was one of the first moments I truly began to exhale. Walking through that forest, camera in hand and fire ants on my ankles, I felt my body begin to relax for the first time in weeks.
And when we saw a family of chimpanzees, complete with mothers and their babies, it hit me hard. I was pregnant. I was in Africa. I was watching another species care for their young with gentleness and intention, and I knew everything was going to be okay.
Why Kibale National Park Is the Best Place for Chimpanzee Trekking
Over 1,500 wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat
Expert rangers and conservation-focused experiences
Easily combined with gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga
A chance to see 13 other primate species like colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys
Supports conservation and local communities
Trekking here doesn’t just offer amazing wildlife encounters, it actively contributes to the conservation of Uganda’s endangered primates and supports local eco-tourism efforts.
Tips for Your Kibale Chimpanzee Trek
Wear long pants and tall socks (yes, for the ants!)
Waterproof hiking boots are essential as the trails can get muddy
Bring a hat and bug spray
Don’t forget your camera or binoculars (but silence your shutter)
Bring water and a snack in your daypack
Is Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda Worth It?
Absolutely. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or it’s your first time in Africa, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The emotional connection, the beauty of the rainforest, and the rare chance to see our closest relatives up close, all of it left a lasting imprint on my heart.
Ready to trek with chimpanzees in Uganda? Let me help you plan your dream African safari that includes this incredible experience.
