CategoriesTravel Tips By Mugisha Aron

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Up Close with Our Wild Cousins: Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to come face-to-face with a creature that shares nearly 98% of our DNA, chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is an experience that will linger in your soul long after the jungle mud has washed away.

At Safari 2 Gorilla Tours, we take pride in guiding travelers through the lush, untamed forests of East Africa—where the calls of wild chimpanzees echo through the canopy, and the bond between humans and nature is felt with every step.

Why Trek for Chimps?

While gorilla trekking often takes the spotlight, chimpanzee trekking is equally thrilling—and far more dynamic. Chimps are incredibly social, fast-moving, and unpredictable. You may find them grooming each other on the forest floor, swinging effortlessly through the trees, or communicating with calls that reverberate like drums in the distance.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is home to some of Africa’s best chimpanzee trekking destinations:

  • Kibale National Park: Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale boasts over 1,500 chimps and 12 other primate species. Trekking here means you’re almost guaranteed a close encounter.
  • Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park): Nicknamed the “Valley of Apes,” this sunken tropical forest offers a dramatic backdrop for your trek—and a chance to see a small, isolated chimp community in the wild.
  • Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls National Park): Located in the northern region of Uganda, Budongo is home to a well-habituated chimp population. It’s perfect for combining primate tracking with a classic savannah safari.
  • Bugoma Forest: A hidden gem within the Albertine Rift Valley, Bugoma Forest is rich in biodiversity and home to over 600 chimpanzees. The serene, less-crowded trails here offer a more personal and off-the-beaten-path trekking experience.
  • Kalinzu Forest: Situated near Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest Reserve is another excellent chimp trekking spot. With a habituated group of about 300 chimpanzees, Kalinzu offers a more affordable and rewarding alternative to the more frequented parks. The forest is also a haven for birds and medicinal plants, making the trek both educational and thrilling.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda may be better known for gorillas, but its chimpanzee trekking is equally captivating, especially in these two remarkable rainforests:

  • Nyungwe National Park: One of Africa’s oldest rainforests, Nyungwe is home to a habituated chimpanzee community and 13 other primate species. Treks can be steep and misty, but the rewards are immense—from thrilling chimp encounters to birdwatching, waterfalls, and canopy walks.
  • Gishwati-Mukura National Park: Rwanda’s newest and smallest national park is fast gaining attention for its chimpanzee population. Located in the northwestern part of the country, Gishwati-Mukura offers a more intimate trekking experience with fewer visitors and a growing focus on reforestation and conservation. Chimps here share the forest with golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and countless bird species, making it a fantastic destination for eco-tourism

What to Expect on the Trek

  • Early Mornings: Trekking typically starts at dawn, when chimps are most active.
  • Expert Guides: local rangers guides will help track the chimps using vocalizations, nests, and movement patterns.
  • 1 Hour with the Chimps: Once located, you’ll have one magical hour to observe their behavior, snap photos, and simply watch in awe.
  • Moderate Hiking: Trek difficulty varies depending on terrain and the chimps’ location, but it often involves muddy paths, steep climbs, and dense forest.

What to Pack

  • Sturdy hiking boots
  • Long trousers and sleeves (for protection against bugs and thorns)
  • Rain gear (it is the rainforest, after all!)
  • A good camera with zoom lens
  • Reusable water bottle and snacks

Why Choose Safari 2 Gorilla Tours?

Our experienced guides, personalized itineraries, and passion for conservation ensure that your chimpanzee trekking experience is safe, sustainable, and unforgettable. Whether you want to combine chimp trekking with gorilla tracking, cultural tours, or classic safaris—we’ve got you covered.

Click here to contact us today and start planning your journey into the wild heart of East Africa—with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours by your side.

CategoriesTravel Tips By Mugisha Aron

Things to do and see in Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve

Discover Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve – A Hidden Gem in Uganda

Nestled along the Albertine Rift Valley in western Uganda, Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve offers a serene and intimate safari experience. Spanning 87 square kilometers, the reserve boasts diverse landscapes – from savannah plains to the shoreline of Lake Albert, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Mountains in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, or cultural explorer, Kabwoya promises a peaceful yet enriching getaway.

Top Activities & Attractions:

  • Game Drives: Explore the reserve on guided game drives and encounter Uganda kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks, buffaloes, hippos, warthogs, and, with luck, predators like leopards and hyenas. Both daytime and nocturnal drives offer unique experiences.
  • Bird Watching: Home to over 460 species, including Albertine Rift endemics like the Rwenzori turaco and Grauer’s broadbill, Kabwoya is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Guided walks bring you close to species such as the African fish eagle and grey crowned crane.
  • Fishing on Lake Albert: Spend a day on Lake Albert fishing for Nile perch, mudfish, and catfish. Guided excursions are available for both half-day and full-day trips.
  • Guided Nature Walks & Hiking: Discover the reserve on foot, where trails lead you past antelopes, warthogs, birdlife, and spectacular views of Lake Albert and the Blue Mountains.
  • Adventure Activities: Thrill-seekers can enjoy mountain biking, quad biking, and even horseback riding through the savannah plains, offering up-close wildlife encounters and incredible scenery.
  • Fossil Hunting: Uncover ancient artifacts such as arrowheads and pottery fragments, giving your adventure an educational twist.
  • Cultural Encounters: Immerse yourself in the local culture with community interactions that provide insight into the traditions and lifestyle of the area’s people.

Accommodation:

Stay at Lake Albert Safari Lodge, which offers comfortable rooms with breathtaking views of Lake Albert and the Blue Mountains. It’s the perfect base for your safari adventures.

Getting There:
Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is easily accessible by road from Kampala, approximately a 4-hour scenic drive. Along the way, you’ll experience Uganda’s diverse landscapes, from bustling towns to tranquil countryside.

Extend Your Safari Experience

For a truly unforgettable adventure, extend your trip to explore some of Uganda’s other iconic wildlife destinations:

  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: A short drive from Kabwoya, Ziwa is Uganda’s only home to wild rhinos. Enjoy guided walks and tracking experiences to see these magnificent creatures up close.
  • Murchison Falls National Park: Located nearby, Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest national park. Witness the powerful Murchison Falls, explore the Nile River, and spot a wide range of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and elephants.
  • Bugoma Forest: For a rich rainforest experience, head to Bugoma Forest, known for its chimpanzee population and diverse flora and fauna.
  • Budongo Forest: Located near Murchison Falls, Budongo is home to Uganda’s largest chimpanzee population and offers excellent guided forest walks and primate tracking.

Ready to Book Your Ultimate Safari Adventure?

Contact Safari 2 Gorilla Tours today to plan your unforgettable journey to Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve and beyond! Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an action-packed adventure, we’ll craft the perfect itinerary for you.

CategoriesTravel Tips By Mugisha Aron

Ultimate Guide to Exploring Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwestern Uganda, is famed for its lush, ancient rainforest and as a sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorillas. The park offers unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences, allowing visitors to hike through dense jungle and spend time with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. For a deeper encounter, the Gorilla Habituation Experience offers extended time alongside researchers and gorilla families.

Beyond gorillas, Bwindi is a haven for bird watchers, boasting over 350 bird species, many of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift. Nature lovers can explore a network of forest trails leading to waterfalls, rivers, and breathtaking viewpoints. Cultural experiences are equally rich, with opportunities to visit Batwa communities, discover traditional forest life, and engage with local villages.

Adventurous travelers can enjoy mountain biking tours, while photographers will find endless inspiration in the misty landscapes and diverse wildlife. After a day of exploration, the park’s eco-lodges provide serene retreats where guests can unwind and immerse themselves in the beauty of one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
Here’s a list of top things you can do there:

1. Gorilla Trekking

The biggest highlight! You hike into the dense jungle to spend one precious hour with a family of mountain gorillas. It’s an unforgettable experience.

2. Gorilla Habituation Experience
Unlike regular trekking, this allows you to spend up to 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group, learning about their behavior with researchers.

3. Bird Watching
Bwindi is a bird paradise with over 350 species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics like the African green broadbill. Perfect for serious birders.

4. Nature and Forest Walks
There are several trails for nature lovers — you can explore waterfalls, rivers, and incredible forest ecosystems on guided hikes.

5. Batwa Cultural Experience
Meet the Batwa pygmies, the forest’s original inhabitants, and learn about their traditional hunting, gathering, and storytelling ways.

6. Community Visits

Tour local villages, support local craft markets, visit tea plantations, or take part in traditional dance performances.

7. Mountain Biking

Some lodges offer biking tours through community trails and scenic countryside.
8. Photography Safaris
The misty forest, the wildlife, and the cultural richness make it a dream for photographers.

9. Visit the Waterfalls

Trails like the Munyaga River Trail lead you to beautiful hidden waterfalls deep inside the forest.

10. Relax and Enjoy the Lodges

Many lodges in Bwindi are luxurious and eco-friendly, offering spa treatments, stunning views, and cozy firesides after your trekking adventures.

Ready to experience the magic of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for yourself? Whether you’re dreaming of an unforgettable gorilla trek, a peaceful nature walk, or an immersive cultural encounter, we’re here to make it happen.
Let our expert team handle all the details so you can focus on the adventure of a lifetime.

Book your Bwindi safari with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours today — and step into the heart of Africa’s wild beauty.
Contact us now to start planning your journey!