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.

Why Add Golden Monkey Trekking to Your Gorilla Safari?

Golden Monkey & Gorilla Trekking: Discover East Africa’s Hidden Primpate Wonders with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours

When travelers picture East Africa’s mist-covered jungles, it’s usually the mighty mountain gorilla that comes to mind. But tucked within the same emerald forests lives another rare and remarkable creature—the golden monkey. With Safari 2 Gorilla Tours, you have the unique opportunity to encounter both of these iconic primates in a single, unforgettable journey.

What Makes Golden Monkeys So Special?Golden monkeys (Cercopithecus kandti) are a dazzling species of primate found only in the Virunga volcanic mountains that span Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. With their vibrant golden-orange fur, expressive eyes, and playful personalities, they offer a fast-paced, energetic spectacle as they swing through the bamboo forests in search of food.

Unlike the more grounded and powerful gorillas, golden monkeys are agile, quick, and curious—making for a dynamic wildlife experience that’s full of movement and surprises.

Golden Monkeys and Gorillas: The Perfect Wildlife Pairing

Safari 2 Gorilla Tours offers trekking adventures for both golden monkeys and mountain gorillas in the heart of East Africa’s most biodiverse parks:

  • Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
  • Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda

Both parks are stunning, ecologically rich, and home to habituated groups of golden monkeys and gorillas. Trekking typically begins in the early morning with a ranger briefing, followed by guided hikes into the forest. While golden monkey trekking offers a lively, fast-paced experience, gorilla trekking provides a more intimate, awe-inspiring encounter with these gentle giants.

Why Combine Golden Monkey and Gorilla Trekking?

  1. Two Unique Primate Encounters: See the contrast between the playful energy of golden monkeys and the powerful grace of mountain gorillas.
  2. Unmatched Photography: Capture stunning shots—from the vibrant coats of monkeys in motion to the quiet intensity of a gorilla’s gaze.
  3. Deeper Conservation Impact: Each permit supports conservation initiatives that protect these endangered species and their habitats.
  4. Maximize Your Safari Experience: Add depth and variety to your itinerary by experiencing both forest treks, each offering a unique perspective on East Africa’s wildlife.

What to Pack for Your Treks

  • Sturdy hiking boots
  • Long pants and long-sleeved shirts (for protection from nettles and insects)
  • Lightweight rain jacket
  • Drinking water and energy snacks
  • Camera with zoom lens
  • Binoculars (optional but great for spotting canopy life)
  • Leg gaiters

Travel with Experts Who Know the Forest

With years of experience designing custom wildlife safaris across Uganda and Rwanda, Safari 2 Gorilla Tours is your trusted guide to East Africa’s wild heart. Our local expertise, professional guides, and commitment to responsible tourism ensure a journey that’s immersive, safe, and truly life-changing.

Golden monkey and gorilla trekking are more than just excursions—they’re encounters with two of the most captivating creatures on Earth.

Ready to experience the magic of the forest?

Let Safari 2 Gorilla Tours craft your personalized itinerary today and take you on the ultimate primate adventure.

Don’t just dream about Africa’s wildlife—live it.

Whether you’re captivated by the charm of golden monkeys or the powerful presence of mountain gorillas, this is your chance to witness both in their natural habitat. Let Safari 2 Gorilla Tours take you deep into the heart of the jungle for an experience that will stay with you forever.

Click here to book your golden monkey and gorilla trekking adventure today
Contact Safari 2 Gorilla Tours and start planning the journey of a lifetime.

General Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking & Volcano Hike Packing list 

All treks are led by Senior Rangers Guides who are responsible for the daily monitoring of the habituated gorilla groups. Gorilla Trekking can be from 2-10 hours, depending on location of the group being trekked & the difficulty of the terrain.

During the trek, trekkers are advised to come in long trousers &  long sleeved shirt to protect them from stings & thorns, whilst a pair of long socks are essential to tuck trousers into them in case of army ants. Good walking boots are also necessary & we advise bringing along a raincoat, gloves & Charged cameras & Phones. You can as well bring some leg gaiters which would protect your shoes & trousers from getting dirty/wet when walking through muddy areas in rain season

To safeguard the health of the gorillas, visitors are encouraged to facemasks to wear when in the presence of the gorillas. As mountain gorillas & or Chimpanzees are susceptible to human illness.

Other list of Essentials
* Sturdy hiking boots, the forest trails are muddy and slippery.
* Comfortable light hiking clothes.
* Thick socks to avoid blisters on your feet.
* Sun hat/cap & sunscreen
* Rain gear (poncho and/or jacket)
* Hydration bladder pack (2-3L)
* Energy bars, snacks, drinks
* Warm clothes for the evenings
* Rubber boots/ Gumboots
* Gloves for the cold
Extras
* Insect repellent
* Toiletries, wet wipes & sanitizer
* Prescribed & personal medications
* Camera & sunglasses (for cool photos)
* Pocket money for extra activities, tips, snacks, meals & souvenirs.

The Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is a very popular wildlife activity that can only be done in Africa. Mountain gorilla trekking is even more popular and is only possible in Uganda and Rwanda. As more and more people get to know about the activity, the number of travellers heading to the two countries increases each year – so that much that gorilla permits may be extremely difficult to get during certain months of the year. Those who are planning for gorilla often wonder if there is an age limit for gorilla trekking especially when intending to travel with minors.

Minimum Age for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda
The age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years in all three countries but there can be exceptions in Uganda as you will find out shortly. The age limit for gorilla trekking is set by the different government authorities responsible for managing the national parks. In Uganda, it is the Uganda Wildlife Authority while in Uganda it is the Rwanda the Rwanda Development Board.

Why age limit of gorilla trekking is set at 15
The age limit for gorilla trekking is set at 15 because younger travelers are considered to be children who may not be able to deal with any negative reactions from gorillas. Gorillas are very calm and gentile creatures but they can become aggressive when they feel threatened or misinterpret the actions of trackers. Children may not stay calm or lay low when a mighty silverback approaches them or appears aggressive. Screaming or running away could force the gorilla to run after the youngster. The only way to contain an aggressive or charging gorilla is to act submissive and lay low. Mature travelers are better at controlling their emotions in the event that a gorilla charges.