Ultimate chimpanzee trekking safari
From US$ 9,625 per person sharing (8 days)
Trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!
Journey deep into Uganda’s forests to meet our closest wild relatives on this immersive chimpanzee safari.
From the lush canopies of Kibale National Park to the dramatic landscapes of Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, this specialist safari combines wildlife encounters, conservation insight and meaningful community connection.
Trek for chimps and find tree-climbing lions in the shadow of the Mountains of the Moon
Highlights
Chimp trekking & other wildlife: Track chimpanzees in two contrasting habitats - the lush canopy of Kibale Forest and the mysterious depths of Kyambura Gorge - and 12 species of primates, including golden monkey and East African potto. Also look out for tree-climbing lions, elephants, leopards and giant forest hogs.
Conservation in action: Join researchers on the Kyambura Lion Monitoring Project and visit Roots & Shoots schools nurturing Uganda’s future conservation leaders.
Culture & community: Meet artists at the Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation and local cooperatives transforming coffee, beekeeping, and ecotourism into sustainable livelihoods.
Wild waterways: Cruise along the Kazinga Channel, alive with hippos, elephants and fish eagles, where forest meets savannah.
Elegant sanctuaries: Stay in forest lodges that blend art, culture and comfort, with fireside talks, panoramic views and genuine Ugandan warmth.
Locations
Entebbe is a vibrant city on Lake Victoria's shores, known for its lush gardens, rich history, and excellent restaurants. It is also home to the country's main international airport. Entebbe is a short drive (traffic-dependent) from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, which offers urban attractions such as markets, museums, and cultural sites.
Kibale National Park is Uganda's premier chimpanzee trekking destination, with more than 1,000 chimps. It hosts 12 species of primates - including golden monkey and the shy and elusive East African potto. On the park’s fringes, the community-run Bigodi Wetland is a popular attraction for primate enthusiasts and birders. Kibale National Park adjoins the northern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a classic safari with a few twists. Visitors can look out for elephants, buffalo, hyenas, leopards, lions, giant forest hogs, Ugandan cob and chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking takes place in Kyambura Gorge. Queen Elizabeth NP is also one of the few places where visitors are almost guaranteed to see tree-climbing lions.
Lodges
1 night at No. 5 Boutique Hotel (Entebbe). A serene boutique retreat set in leafy gardens near Lake Victoria, offering contemporary comfort, fine dining and warm Ugandan hospitality.
3 nights Kibale Lodge (near Kibale National Park). Kibale Lodge sits on a volcanic ridge with spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon. Handcrafted from local materials, it combines natural elegance with panoramic views, a tranquil pool, and a focus on community and artistic partnerships.
3 nights Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Queen Elizabeth National Park). Converted from a former coffee processing plant, Kyambura Gorge Lodge blends contemporary design with local materials and artistry. Overlooking the gorge and the distant Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, it offers outstanding comfort and close access to chimp tracking, lion research and community-led conservation projects that define this unique region.
Timing
Chimpanzee trekking is possible year-round. That said, the ideal time to trek for chimpanzees in Uganda is from June to October and December to February, when forest trails are dry, visibility is clear and trekking conditions for chimpanzees are optimal.
Price per person sharing
7 nights (8 days) | ||
Low season | Oct-14 Dec & Mar-May | from US$ 9,625 |
High season | 15 Dec-Feb & Jun-Sep | from US$ 13,045 |
Includes: Airport meet and greet, domestic flights between Entebbe and Kasese, all road transfers, all accommodation including all meals and local beverages, guided chimpanzee treks and trekking permits, Bigodi Wetland visit, conservation and community experiences, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, all National Park fees, and 24/7 office support.
Excludes: International flights, entry visas and airport taxes, imported beverages, lunch on the last day, single room supplement, tips and gratuities, personal expenses and optional activities not specified, and mandatory travel and medical insurance.
Thank you!
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
“Photographers' ultimate subjects”
Ross Exler, AG chimp trekking safari expert: “For photographers, chimpanzees might be the ultimate wildlife subjects - playful, interactive, and emotive. Pack your fastest glass and get ready for the filtered jungle light to land on our closest living relative.”
“Inside Chimp Empire”
Our destination expert, Nadia Lautenbach, says, “The Netflix documentary Chimp Empire was filmed in the Ngogo Forest, deep within Uganda’s Kibale National Park - home to one of the world's largest and most studied chimpanzee communities.”
“Shifting shadows”
Linda Fox, AG Uganda safari expert: “At dawn, follow your guide deep into the forest to track fresh nests. High in the canopy, find chimps stretching, playing, and feeding their young before they melt back into the jungle’s shifting shadows.”
Safari planning
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Ultimate chimpanzee trekking safari
Tell us about your dream trip - our travel experts will craft a no-obligation itinerary just for you. We have crafted over 5,000 safaris since 1991. Your personal details are protected; we only use this information to contact you.
Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Trust & Safety
Guest payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability.
Make a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!