Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda and Rwanda
Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda and Rwanda offers an exciting opportunity to observe our closest living relatives in their natural forest habitats. Unlike gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking often involves following vocal calls and movement through the forest canopy, making every encounter unique.
In Uganda, Kibale National Park is one of the leading destinations for chimpanzee tracking, and the experience can be combined with wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park or a visit to Murchison Falls. In Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park offers another remarkable forest experience for visitors interested in chimpanzees and other primates.
Whether you are planning a dedicated chimpanzee-tracking trip or a longer wildlife adventure, Bush Shrike Adventures can help you choose a safari that fits your interests, available time and travel plans.
Where to Go Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda
Uganda offers several opportunities to experience chimpanzee tracking, and the best destination depends on your wider safari itinerary. Kibale National Park is a leading choice for dedicated chimpanzee encounters, while Kyambura Gorge offers an opportunity to combine primate tracking with wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Budongo Forest is a useful option for travellers exploring Murchison Falls, and Kalinzu Forest provides another alternative in western Uganda.
At Bush Shrike Adventures, we can help you choose a suitable destination based on your travel dates, interests, route and available tracking permits. If Kibale does not fit your plans, we can explore other options when planning your customised safari.
Interesting Facts About Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees are among our closest living relatives, sharing approximately 98.8% of their DNA with humans. These intelligent primates live in social communities, communicate through vocalisations and gestures, and use tools to access food. During chimpanzee tracking, visitors may observe them feeding, grooming, playing, moving through the forest canopy, or interacting with other members of their community. Every encounter is different, making chimpanzee tracking an exciting wildlife experience.
Did You Know?
Social animals: They live in communities with complex relationships and social behaviours
Highly intelligent: Chimpanzees use tools, including sticks to extract insects and other
Excellent communicators: They use calls, facial expressions, gestures, and body language.
Forest acrobats: They move through the trees and also travel on the ground.
Different from gorillas: Chimpanzees are generally more active and vocal during tracking, while gorilla trekking often involves spending time observing a family group at rest or feeding.
Safaris that can include this experience
Uganda
6-Day Murchison, Chimpanzee & Rhino Safari
This Murchison Falls safari explores northern and western Uganda, combining rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, wildlife viewing in Murchison Falls National Park, a boat safari…
- Ziwa rhino tracking
- Murchison game drives
Uganda
6-Day Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari
Discover Uganda's incredible primates and wildlife on this 6-day Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee safari. Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, enjoy a Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk and…
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Queen Elizabeth wildlife
Rwanda
7-Day Rwanda Chimpanzee & Gorilla Safari
A primate-focused Rwanda safari linking chimpanzees in the forested south-west with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
- Nyungwe chimpanzee tracking
- Mountain gorilla trekking
Uganda & Rwanda
8-Day Uganda & Rwanda Primates Safari
This 8-day Uganda & Rwanda primates safari combines unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, golden monkey in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with chimpanzee tracking…
- Rwanda gorillas
- Uganda gorillas
Uganda
8-Day Uganda Birding, Primates & Wildlife Safari
A photo-friendly Uganda safari balancing bird-rich wetlands, chimpanzees, classic wildlife, boat cruising and mountain gorillas.
- Mabamba birding
- Kibale chimpanzees
Uganda
8-Day Uganda Primates & Wildlife Safari
A classic primate and wildlife circuit with chimpanzees, gorillas, savannah game viewing and a scenic lake finish.
- Kibale chimpanzees
- Queen Elizabeth wildlife