Trekking to see Africa’s chimpanzees is exhilarating! The closest living relative of humans, chimpanzees are fascinating to observe in their natural habitat. The primates are found in many places throughout Africa, but we recommend trekking in Tanzania (where Jane Goodall’s pioneering research on the species took place) and Uganda based on the terrain, availability of appropriate accommodations and quality of the experience. Both countries also offer a robust safari experience to add on to your chimp trekking adventures.
Trekking chimpanzees is a physical activity and travelers who wish to see the chimps should have a good level of fitness. Some areas are tougher to trek in than others – the Mahale Mountains in western Tanzania reach an elevation of over 8,000 feet (with a base level of around 2,500 feet), while Kibale National Park in Uganda is relatively flat and not strenuous. Treks can range in distance from a mile or two to several miles with steep climbs, depending on where you choose to trek and generally run from 2-5 hours, including time with the chimps.
Scouts are out in the forest early to locate the chimpanzee families, making it easier for your trekking group to find them. You will follow generally well-cleared paths for much of your trek, but bushwhacking is sometimes necessary as well. Once you find the chimps, you’ll have the chance to observe them from a distance of 8-10 yards for an hour. You’ll find that the time passes very quickly – we recommend booking two treks if you have the flexibility.
If you’d like more time with the chimps, Uganda’s Kibale National Park offers a habituation experience. This is a smaller group of trekkers going into the forest with researchers and spending up to 4 hours with a group of chimpanzees. Ask your Journey Specialist about this special option.
It is important to note that permits are required to trek chimpanzees and a limited number are available each day. It is essential to book well in advance to secure your trekking permit.
Chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania is at its best during the dry season running from June through October. November and the onset of the rains can still be good while December through March see the most moisture. It’s great for seeing the forest at its most lush and photography is excellent with crystal clear skies, but the trekking is more challenging and the chimps can be harder to see. We do not recommend chimp trekking in April and May.
Uganda chimp trekking safaris can take place all year however, we think the best time to visit is during the dry months of December through February and again from June through August.
Overall, we prefer chimp trekking in the dry season to avoid the challenges of muddy trails. Talk with your Journey Specialist to find the right time for your trek.
Chimp trekking takes place in dense forest. We recommend that travelers wear long-sleeved shirts and pants in neutral colors when trekking, not only for protection from vegetation but also from the sun and insects. Hiking boots or sturdy trekking shoes with long socks are a must, and we like to wear a pair of gaiters to keep moisture and insects from getting in our shoes or pants. Gardening gloves can also be handy to avoid hurting your hands when grabbing vegetation to support yourself as you move through the forest.
Bring along insect repellent, sunglasses, sunblock, a hat, rain jacket and a fleece. You’ll want a small pack, preferably waterproof, to accommodate all of these items along with your camera, phone, water, etc.
Chimpanzee trekking permits range from $100 – $300 per person per day depending on the country and park you choose.
Our favorite places for chimpanzee trekking are in remote Western Tanzania at Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park, or in Uganda’s Kibale National Park and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Chimps can also be seen in Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park and Gishwati Mukura National Park.
Chimp trekking can range from gentle and undulating terrain to steep gorge and mountain climbs depending on where you choose to trek. You will be guided by an expert who spends most days in the forest with the chimps and who has expertise on finding the apes, as well as interpreting their behavior. They will also be able to point out other interesting forest species you may see along the way. Talk with your Journey Specialist to determine which park is the right fit for your customized chimpanzee trekking safari.
The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking in both Tanzania and Uganda ranges from 12 to 15, as different parks have different regulations. This is both for travelers’ safety as well as the chimps – younger guests are more likely to transmit disease and illness to the chimps who are especially vulnerable to human ailments.
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Photos courtesy Kym Illman, AAC Senior Journey Specialist Sara Stark, AAC Marketing Director Beth McCabe, AAC President Kent Redding and AAC Journey Specialist Nell Pollak