Chimpanzee Tracking Safaris
Encounter our closest living relatives in the heart of pristine rainforests. Experience intimate chimpanzee family encounters and explore rich forest ecosystems.
Encounter our closest living relatives in the heart of pristine rainforests. Experience intimate chimpanzee family encounters and explore rich forest ecosystems.
Chimpanzees share approximately 98% of our DNA, making encounters with these remarkable primates profoundly moving and educational. Our chimpanzee tracking safaris offer exceptional opportunities to observe these intelligent, social beings in their natural forest habitats. Trek through dense rainforests guided by expert primatologists and local trackers who understand chimpanzee behavior and ecology intimately.
From the renowned habituated communities of Kibale Forest in Uganda to the pristine populations of Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda, each tracking experience reveals the complexity of chimpanzee family structures, communication patterns, and intelligence. Combined with other primate encounters and cultural experiences, these expeditions provide comprehensive African adventure and scientific discovery.
Duration: 7-12 Days
Best Season: Year-round (Mar-May, Sep-Nov peak)
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Altitude: 1,000-1,600m (3,300-5,250ft)
Group Size: 2-6 people per trek
Fitness Required: Good to Excellent
From $3,850 per person
Expertly guided forest expeditions maximizing chimpanzee encounters while exploring Africa's richest rainforest ecosystems.
9 Days | Kampala • Queen Elizabeth • Kibale Forest
Kibale Forest is East Africa's premier chimpanzee tracking destination with over 1,500 habituated chimpanzees. Trek through pristine forest canopy encountering multiple chimpanzee communities, observing their complex social behaviors, tool use, and family interactions. Combine with other primate species and wildlife viewing for a comprehensive forest experience.
Duration: 9 Days | From $4,350
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8 Days | Kigali • Nyungwe Forest • Volcanoes
Nyungwe Forest hosts Africa's oldest rainforest with exceptional primate diversity. Track chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and other primates in this pristine ecosystem. Combine with mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park for an ultimate primate safari spanning multiple species across Rwanda's most biodiverse regions.
Duration: 8 Days | From $4,950
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12 Days | Uganda & Rwanda | Complete Primate Experience
The ultimate primate adventure tracking chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, colobus monkeys, and other primates across East Africa's richest forests. This comprehensive expedition showcases the region's incredible primate diversity while exploring multiple ecosystems and engaging with local communities committed to conservation.
Duration: 12 Days | From $7,250
Learn MoreEncounter multiple primate species including habituated and wild chimpanzee communities across pristine forest ecosystems.
Kibale & Nyungwe: Trek to habituated chimpanzee families observing their complex social structures, tool use, and communication patterns with expert primatologists.
5-7 hours • From $1,850
Forest Canopy Experience: Observe spectacular colobus monkeys including black-and-white and red colobus species in their forest canopy habitat.
Half-day • From $650
Comprehensive Primate Search: All-day forest expeditions seeking multiple primate species including chimpanzees, monkeys, and other forest inhabitants.
Full day • From $2,150
Scientific Education: Visit research stations where scientists study chimpanzee behavior, learn about ongoing conservation efforts, and contribute to primate research.
Half-day • From $450
Nocturnal Encounters: Explore forests after dark seeking nocturnal primates and other creatures active during night hours with specialized guides.
Evening • From $550
Forest Heights Experience: Walk suspended bridges high above the forest floor observing canopy wildlife and forest ecosystem from unique perspectives.
2-3 hours • From $350
Stay at exclusive eco-lodges and forest retreats offering unmatched comfort and access to East Africa’s best chimpanzee habitats.
Set on the edge of Kibale Forest National Park, this boutique lodge offers luxury cottages, spa treatments, and close proximity to the best chimpanzee tracking trails.
Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda
Perched above a crater lake with sweeping views of the Rwenzori Mountains, Ndali Lodge combines colonial charm, fine dining, and serene tranquility for nature lovers and primate enthusiasts.
Fort Portal, Uganda
Nestled within a working tea plantation at the edge of Nyungwe National Park, this ultra-luxury retreat offers world-class hospitality, forest views, and guided chimpanzee treks from your doorstep.
Nyungwe National Park, RwandaUganda Kibale Chimpanzee Safari - Your tracking adventure day-by-day
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Transfer to luxury Kampala hotel. Afternoon orientation including cultural highlights and local markets. Evening briefing by primatologist guide on chimpanzee behavior and forest ecosystems. Welcome dinner featuring authentic Ugandan cuisine at traditional restaurant.
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (6 hours). Afternoon game drive encountering tree-climbing lions, buffalo, and savanna wildlife. Day 3: Early morning game drive followed by Kazinga Channel boat safari observing hippos, water birds, and aquatic wildlife. Afternoon rest and preparation for forest trekking ahead.
Travel to Kibale Forest National Park (3 hours). Day 4: Pre-dawn start for your first chimpanzee trek. Trek through dense rainforest guided by expert trackers. Encounter habituated chimpanzee families, observe their behavior, communication, and social dynamics. Afternoon nature walk seeking other primates and forest species. Day 5: Second chimpanzee tracking session with different family group, offering varied behavioral observations.
Day 6: Visit Kibale research station to learn about ongoing chimpanzee behavioral studies, conservation initiatives, and contribute to scientific data collection. Afternoon colobus monkey tracking observing multiple monkey species in forest canopy. Day 7: Full-day forest expedition with primatologist seeking multiple primate species, forest birds, and ecosystem features. Evening canopy walkway experience observing forest heights.
Morning final forest walk in Kibale with optional night walk seeking nocturnal species. Afternoon drive back to Kampala (5 hours) with cultural stops. Final evening at luxury Kampala hotel with reflection dinner discussing chimpanzee behaviors observed, conservation insights, and primate research. Day 9: Departure with lasting memories of chimpanzee encounters and forest immersion.
Peak Seasons: March-May and September-November offer lush vegetation and excellent chimpanzee activity and visibility.
Dry Seasons: December-February and June-August provide comfortable trekking conditions and concentrated animal sightings.
Year-Round: Chimpanzees can be tracked any time. Each season offers unique advantages for forest exploration.
Moderate to Challenging: Chimpanzee tracking involves hiking 3-7 hours through steep, muddy forest terrain in humid conditions.
Preparation: Good cardiovascular fitness and hiking experience recommended. Regular training beneficial.
Age Considerations: Generally suitable for ages 12-75+. Fitness level and forest experience matter more than age.
Your chimpanzee tracking experience directly supports conservation efforts protecting these endangered primates and their forest habitats.
Tourism revenues fund forest conservation initiatives, anti-poaching efforts, and habitat restoration protecting chimpanzee populations and ecosystems.
Contributions support ongoing behavioral research, population monitoring, and scientific studies advancing primate conservation knowledge.
Local communities receive employment, education support, and economic benefits from sustainable tourism, incentivizing wildlife protection.
Customize your tracking expedition combining specific forests, primate species focus, duration, and accommodation preferences for your ideal primate safari.
Experience intimate chimpanzee encounters in pristine forests. A transformative journey into primate intelligence and behavior.