Tours & Safaris · Uganda
Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda: Kibale Chimp Tours for 2027
Private chimp trekking tours with your own guide and vehicle, permits arranged through a licensed Kampala operator, and a written quote before you pay.
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda means a guided forest walk with a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger to find a habituated chimpanzee group, then up to an hour watching them feed, call and move through the trees. Most of our guests track chimps in Kibale and pair it with gorillas in Bwindi, but you can also book a short chimp-only trip. We plan the route, book the permits in your name and send a written quote that lists every lodge and inclusion.
Where to go chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
- Kibale National Park. Our main recommendation. Treks leave from Kanyanchu, about 326 km from Kampala via Fort Portal (UWA). Kibale has 13 primate species, and the community-run Bigodi wetland walk sits right next to the park. Read our Kibale destination guide.
- Kyambura Gorge, Queen Elizabeth National Park. Also offers chimpanzee tracking. It is a different experience from Kibale, and we will tell you honestly which suits your route. See Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Chimpanzee permit prices 2027
| Permit (foreign non-resident) | Standard | Low season |
|---|---|---|
| Chimpanzee tracking, Kibale | $300 | $200 in April, May and November |
| Chimpanzee habituation experience, Kibale | $400 from 2027 ($300 in 2026) (UWA tariff) | No low-season rate listed |
A permit is only held once it is paid, and low-season permits cannot be rescheduled. For the full tariff, including gorillas, see our gorilla and chimp permit cost guide.
Our chimpanzee trekking tours
| Trip | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale and Bigodi Wetland | From US$1,400 per person | Chimp permit included. A short trip focused on Kibale and the Bigodi wetland walk. |
| 4-Day Chimpanzees then Gorillas: Kibale to Buhoma | From US$2,879 per person | Both permits included. Chimps in Kibale first, then gorillas in Buhoma. |
| 4-Day Gorilla Trekking with Chimpanzee Tracking | From $2,879 per person | Gorillas in Bwindi and chimps in Kibale in four days. |
| 5-Day Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Wildlife | From $3,219 per person | Adds Queen Elizabeth game drives to both great apes. |
| 7-Day Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Wildlife | From $3,869 per person | Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi at a gentler pace. |
| 8-Day Gorillas, Chimps and Big Five | From $4,239 per person | Gorilla and chimp permits both included. Our flagship western circuit. |
| 10-Day Wildlife, Big 5, Chimpanzee and Gorilla Safari | From $5,141 per person | Ziwa rhinos, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi. |
| 12-Day Best of Uganda Wildlife with Primates | From $5,697 per person | Gorilla and chimp permits both inside the from-price. |
| 14-Day Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Wildlife | Price on request | Our longest primate and wildlife route. |
Prices are per person, mostly for two people sharing, as shown on each package page. Whether a permit is inside a from-price is stated on the package page and in your written quote. Browse every trip on our Uganda safari packages page.
What to expect on a Kibale chimp trek
- Briefing at Kanyanchu. A UWA ranger explains how to behave near chimpanzees, how close you can go and what to do with cameras and bags.
- Tracking. Chimps move quickly and spend much of their time in the trees. You often hear their calls and drumming before you see them. Some days the walk is short, other days much longer.
- Your hour with the group. Up to one hour, at least 10 metres away. It is lively and noisy, and very different from the calm of a gorilla visit.
Wear long trousers, long sleeves and closed walking boots, and carry a light rain jacket in any month. Full details are in our Kibale chimpanzee tracking guide and packing list.
Best time for chimpanzee trekking
Chimp tracking runs all year, and rain affects comfort rather than whether treks go ahead. The drier months, June to September and December to February, bring easier trails. April, May and November are wetter, but the chimp permit drops to $200 and the forest is quieter. Compare the months in our best time to visit Uganda guide.
Before you travel
A yellow fever certificate is no longer required to enter Uganda (notice of 2 October 2026). You need an e-visa, and travel insurance is not included in our trips. Read our e-visa and health requirements guide and our Uganda safety guide, which summarises current official travel advice, including for western Uganda.
Book your chimpanzee trek
Send us your dates, group size and whether you want gorillas too. We reply within one business day with a written quote. To book, we take a 30% deposit, and the balance is due 60 days before departure. Our office is at Plot 96B Bukoto Street, Kamwokya, Kampala. Message us on WhatsApp at +256 789 487 378, email info@mwanzotoursuganda.com, or use the Plan your journey form.
Chimpanzee trekking FAQs
How much is a chimpanzee permit in Uganda in 2027?
A chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale is $300 per foreign non-resident, or $200 in the low season months of April, May and November, according to UWA letter TDO 93/04. Low-season permits cannot be rescheduled.
Where is the best place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?
Kibale National Park, near Fort Portal in western Uganda, is the main chimpanzee tracking forest. Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park also has chimpanzee tracking, and it is a different experience from Kibale.
How long do you spend with the chimpanzees?
Once your ranger finds the group, you have up to one hour with the chimpanzees, keeping at least 10 metres away. UWA lists start times of 8:00, 11:00 and 14:00 from Kanyanchu, with up to six trekkers per group.
What is the chimpanzee habituation experience?
It gives you up to 4 hours with the chimps, with a chimpanzee group in Kibale that is still being habituated to people. It is a separate UWA permit with limited places, priced at $400 from 2027 ($300 in 2026) per person.
What is the minimum age for chimpanzee trekking?
UWA sources give either 12 or 16, so we check with UWA for anyone under 16 before we book.
When is the best time for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?
Chimp tracking runs all year. The drier months, June to September and December to February, have easier trails, while April, May and November bring lower permit prices and greener forest.