Chimpanzee Trekking in Africa: What You Need to Know

If you’re dreaming of a true wild adventure – one that will take you to seemingly untouched environments where forests grow unhampered and animals reign supreme – a trekking holiday in Africa could be your perfect escape. A chimpanzee tracking safari is one such escapade.

An extraordinary wildlife encounter, a chimpanzee trekking safari in Africa will take you deep into lush forests, guided by expert trackers, to witness our closest relatives in their natural habitat.

More than just a tour, chimpanzee trekking is an immersive journey into Africa’s wild heart, promising memories that will last a lifetime.

What Exactly Is Chimpanzee Trekking?

Chimpanzee trekking is an immersive, guided wildlife experience that involves tracking and observing chimpanzees in their natural environment. Similar to gorilla trekking, this adventure will take you to a community of wild chimpanzees to observe them as they go about their daily lives – feeding, grooming, playing, and interacting with one another.

These treks can be done in various East African countries, primarily Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The experience typically involves hiking through challenging terrain, which can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the chimpanzees’ movements.

Once a community is located, visitors are usually allotted a set amount of time (around an hour) to observe these habituated chimps, ensuring minimal disturbance to their natural behaviour.

Chimpanzees can be quite active and can move fast through the forest canopy. You may come across them eating on the forest floor or swinging from branch to branch. The guides who take travellers on this adventure really know the chimps, from their personalities to the politics that are woven through their fascinating communities. The passion of these guides is infectious, and you’ll learn so much as you traverse the forest.

The Best Places to See Chimpanzees in the Wild

Africa is home to the world’s most incredible chimpanzee trekking destinations. While several countries offer this experience, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania stand out as the premier locations for a chimpanzee safari, offering safe and well-organised trekking opportunities.

Uganda

Kibale National Park

Often hailed as the “Primate Capital of the World”, Kibale National Park in the west of the country is home to around 1,500 chimpanzees, the highest concentration anywhere in the country.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park will take you across relatively flat terrain; however, expect some instances of uneven ground, muddy sections (depending on rain), and dense forest growth. Treks can last up to five hours, including one hour observing the chimps.

If you want to experience both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, this Classic Uganda tour includes both as well as an exploration of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

This deep, forested gorge provides a unique setting for chimpanzee trekking. Choosing Queen Elizabeth National Park for your Uganda safari can give you a well-rounded experience that includes a range of experiences.

During this Best of Uganda tour, you’ll explore the savannah during a classic safari experience to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and more before heading off on your chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park

In southern Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is a high-altitude mountainous rainforest home to a significant chimpanzee population of about 500 individuals. Among the dense canopy of trees that dominate the forest, trekkers can visit one of two habituated chimp troops.

With rugged terrain and dense vegetation, this trek can be quite strenuous. You’ll walk at a slow pace, however, in order to absorb the stunning environment around you and notice the incredible array of birds and other wildlife that wander here.

For the ultimate Rwanda safari, you can combine chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park with a gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park, like in this nine-day tour.

Tanzania

Rubondo Island

Located in the southwest of the massive Lake Victoria, Rubondo Island – the largest island national park in Africa – is covered in pristine forest and is a sanctuary for chimpanzees and other wildlife. A truly unique experience, a stay on Rubondo is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Besides a few park wardens, researchers, and accommodation staff, the island is uninhabited by humans.

During a Rubondo Island safari, you’ll go on a guided trek to see the primates, who came to the island during Professor Bernhard Grzimek’s Noah’s Ark Project in the 1960s. Besides chimps, the island is a refuge for Colobus monkeys, elephants, suni antelopes, and over 300 bird species.

Mahale Mountains National Park

Situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale is a remote and stunning location, home to approximately 1,000 chimpanzees. The idyllic lakeside setting adds to the special experience.

In the Greatest Tanzania Adventure tour, you’ll have the spectacular opportunity of exploring the Serengeti, one of the most famous safari destinations in the world thanks to the excellent game viewing here, as well as Mahale Mountains National Park for chimp trekking.

What to Wear Chimpanzee Trekking

One of the most important parts of planning an enjoyable chimp trekking experience is to prepare and bring the essentials, including:

• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers: Opt for lightweight, breathable materials that cover your arms and legs. This will help protect against scratches from plants and insect bites. Neutral colours like khaki, green, or brown are best.
• Sturdy hiking boots: Waterproof and ankle-supporting hiking boots are essential. You’ll be navigating muddy and sometimes steep trails, so good grip and comfort are important.
• Rain jacket: Even during the dry season (December to February and June to October), sudden downpours can occur. A lightweight, waterproof rain jacket is a must.
• Garden gloves: These will protect your hands from thorns and rough vegetation, and can be removed when you’re observing the chimps.
• Hat: A wide-brimmed hat or a baseball cap will offer protection from the sun and light rain.
• Insect repellent: Apply liberally to exposed skin to ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects.
• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the strong African sun, even on cloudy days.
• Small backpack: To carry water, your camera, and other essentials.
• Water bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your trek.
• Binoculars: Enhance your viewing experience, especially when chimps are high in the trees.
• Camera: Capture those incredible moments, but remember to turn off your flash to avoid startling the chimps.
• Walking stick: Often provided by the park, a walking stick offers stability on slippery or uneven ground.

Ready to answer the call of the wild and embark on your own chimpanzee trekking safari? Whether you envision a dedicated chimpanzee trekking itinerary in Uganda’s Kibale National Park, a thrilling Tanzania chimpanzee safari on Rubondo Island, or an unforgettable chimpanzee and gorilla safari adventure in Rwanda, these experiences promise profound connections and lifelong memories.

Explore our diverse chimpanzee trekking packages and let Discover Africa help you plan a journey into Africa’s extraordinary wild heart that you’ll cherish forever.