Why Choose a Gorilla & Chimp Tracking Safari in Uganda
Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking safaris in Uganda offer an exceptional combination of primate experiences. Uganda is, without doubt, the leading destination to experience the best gorilla and chimpanzee tracking/trekking adventures in Africa. Each of these primate experiences allows nature enthusiasts to have a deep penetration into the African jungle to interact with diverse primates. Booking the best gorilla and chimpanzee tracking safaris in Uganda with Native Africa Tours is a great opportunity to encounter both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in the wild.
Where to Go for Gorilla and Chimp Tracking in Uganda
Uganda’s enriching destinations guarantee primate enthusiasts astonishing encounters with the rare mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. The checklist of best destinations to visit to see the Great Apes in Uganda includes the scenic misty rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park–ideal specifically for mountain gorilla trekking. Chimpanzee tracking safaris in Uganda are best enjoyed in places such as Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest, Kibale National Park, and Kalinzu Forest Reserve.
Visit Bwindi in the far southwestern Uganda to experience the best gorilla trekking experience. Kanungu is where this park is strategically located, and it covers 331 sq. km comprising largely of a lush-misty rainforest where over half of the remaining mountain gorillas call home. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers abundant opportunities for visitors to be involved in the trek with gorillas. The park features up to 4 regions and holds 24 habituated gorilla groups that are open for tourism.
While in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, expect to begin your unforgettable primate adventure from Nkuringo, Ruhija, Buhoma, and Rushaga. The popular gorilla families to visit in Bwindi include Rushegura group, Habinyanja gorilla group, Mubare family, Mishaya, Nshongi, Oruzogo, Mukiza group, Nkuringo gorilla group, Christmas, Kahungye, Katwe, Kutu, Rwigyi, and more.
Places to book on the Uganda gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi
Choose carefully the place to stay after, or before you embark on gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park. First, consider the proximity of the lodge to the intended gorilla sector to be explored. The popular lodges to book for an overnight stay in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest include Bwindi Safari Lodge, Orugano Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Bweza Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ride 4 a Woman, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, and Mahogany Springs.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park provides an exceptional alternative to visitors with plans to enjoy a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda. Mgahinga, like Bwindi, is located in southwestern Uganda but covers a small geographical area of about 33.7 sq. km. In the lush bamboo and rainforest of Mgahinga National Park, expect to begin your search for the only gorilla group, the Nyakagezi family.
Gazetted in 1991, Mgahinga is an ideal destination for you to enjoy gorilla trekking adventures without getting any interruptions. Visitors at Mgahinga begin their day with a briefing at the Ntebeko reception. Beyond mountain gorillas, Mgahinga is a special place to also explore the rare golden monkeys and hike some of the finest Virunga Volcanoes.
Where should you stay in Mgahinga, Uganda?
Available lodging alternatives to consider in and around Mgahinga National Park include Traveller’s Rest Hotel, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Mucha Hotel Kisoro, and Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, etc.
Best chimpanzee tracking safaris in Uganda
When it comes to trekking with chimpanzees in Uganda, there are many places to choose from, each guaranteeing unique memories. Uganda currently contains over 5000 chimpanzees, and more than 1500 of them live in Kibale National Park, also home to over 4 habituated communities. Most popular as the ‘Primate Capital of Africa’, Kibale is one destination with the highest success rate of chimpanzee conservation and tourism. The park was established in 1993 primarily to safeguard the chimpanzees and their habitats.
Today, the park protects not only chimps but also 12 other primate species. To visit the chimpanzee communities in Kibale, a visitor must obtain a permit and which costs USD 250 per person. Besides the standard chimpanzee treks, Kibale is also popular for chimpanzee habituation experience, a unique adventure that involves visitors searching for the semi-habituated chimpanzee community. With chimpanzee habituation, permits are available for reservation at USD 300 per visitor. Kanyanchu is the right spot to begin your day with Kibale chimpanzees, and it is here where you can get briefed and also be allocated a ranger guide.
Budongo Forest
Spanning over 825 sq. km in northwestern Uganda, Budongo Forest Reserve is a special location to visit for chimpanzee tracking safaris. Trekking Budongo’s chimpanzees starts from Budongo Eco-Lodge at Kaniyo-Pabidi sector. The Jane Goodall Institute fully habituated the Kaniyo-Pabidi chimp community, which is run by Budongo Eco-Lodge. Besides the Kaniyo-Pabidi, Budongo also features other communities worth exploring, including Waibira and Sonso. Lastly, the forest reserve also shelters the Busingiro and Waisoke communities. In Budongo Forest, expect to experience both the usual chimpanzee treks and habituation.
Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge is part of Queen Elizabeth National Park and shelters a significant chimpanzee population. It is currently one of the top preferred locations to explore on chimpanzee tracking safaris in Uganda. Kyambura Gorge features a breathtaking valley with lush rainforest where chimpanzees reside. Chimpanzee permits for the Kyambura Gorge are open for booking at USD 100 per person.
Kalinzu Forest Reserve –(Bushenyi)
Located adjacent to Queen Elizabeth NP, Bushenyi District, Kalinzu Forest is an ideal place to experience the best of Uganda chimpanzee tracking safari. Kalinzu chimp treks allow you to interact with chimpanzees in their habitat.
Other places to find chimpanzees in Uganda include Semuliki National Park/Reserve, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Bugoma Forest, and Entebbe Zoo.
Best Time to Track Gorillas and Chimps
You can plan and secure gorilla and chimpanzee tracking safaris in Uganda at any time of the year. However, the dry season offers more friendly conditions for you to experience the best of gorilla and chimpanzee treks. June to September is when the dry season mainly occurs, and a shorter period happens from December to February.
Useful Tips for Planning Gorilla & Chimpanzee Tracking Safaris in Uganda
First, you should ensure that you have booked your permit early, whether for gorilla or chimpanzee tracking safaris. Contact Native Africa Tours to help you with the essential steps to secure a permit before the actual trekking date.
Prepare physically–to find chimpanzees and gorillas, you should be fit to navigate through the rugged terrains of Mgahinga, Bwindi, and other jungle regions to see chimpanzees.
Carry the right items–consider packing the ideal items for yourself, including gardening gloves, a rain jacket, hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, a sweater, a daypack, a first aid kit, valid permits (for chimps and gorillas), and many others.
Book a combined gorilla and chimpanzee tracking safari package in Uganda. The popular travel packages to book that combine gorilla and chimpanzee tours include the 7 days Uganda gorillas & chimpanzee tour, 5-day gorillas & chimpanzee safari, and 6 days Uganda gorillas & chimpanzee trekking safari.
Conclusion: Experience the best gorilla and chimpanzee tracking safaris in Uganda with Native Africa Tours. Book with us the gorilla and chimp tours and embark on an unforgettable journey to witness both chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in the African jungle.
