Chimpanzee Trekking at Queen Elizabeth National Park

Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most exciting wildlife experiences offered in Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. This activity allows visitors to explore tropical forests while searching for and observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The trekking experience combines adventure, wildlife observation and education making the Park a major attraction for all tourists visiting the park.

Chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park is carried out in Kyambura Gorge a beautiful valley situated along the eastern side of the park. The Gorge is also referred to as the “Valley of Apes” due to the big population of chimpanzees staying in a deep forested ravine surrounded by open savannah grassland. The gorge is approximately 100 meters deep and approximately 11 kilometers long forming a unique ecosystem within the park.

The chimpanzees found in the park belong to the species Chimpanzee one of the closest relatives to humans as they share 98% of their DNA with humans, which explains their intelligence and complex behavior. The chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge live in social groups known as communities which include: Adult males, Adult females, Young chimpanzees, Infant chimpanzees and these are fond of communicating through vocalizations, facial expressions and body gestures.

Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

Chimpanzee trekking at the Park is exceptional as it offer you a chance to trek and watch the rare species of Chimpanzees in their natural forest habitat. The trekking experience starts with a transfer to the Park headquarters where you are welcomed by park rangers who take you through briefing session regarding the chimpanzees, trekking adventure, then later you shall continue to the Park in allocated groups of 8 with lead guides who shall transfer you to the forest to trek the chimpanzees.

You shall traverse from one point to another in the green forest for a period of 2 to 4 hours until you meet the chimpanzees. After encountering them, you shall stay in their presence taking various photos for an hour. After the chimpanzee trekking, you shall transfer back to the park headquarters for your chimpanzee trekking certificate.

During the briefing, travelers are informed about:

  • Safety rules
  • Chimpanzee behavior
  • Trekking guidelines
  • Environmental conservation
  • Activities during chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge

While trekking through the forest, travelers Follow chimpanzee vocal sounds, Observe feeding and social behavior, Watch grooming and play among young chimpanzees, Take photographs and once the chimpanzees are found, visitors are usually allowed about one hour to observe them.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Chimpanzee trekking can be done throughout the year, but the best seasons to trek the chimpanzees is during the months of June to September and December to February as they are dry seasons making forest trails easier to walk.

Other Wildlife animals watched during the Trek

Besides chimpanzees, visitors may encounter other wildlife animals like Monkeys (black-and-white colobus and vervet monkeys), Forest birds, Butterflies,
Small mammals. There are various bird species that can be watched.