Chimpanzee trekking is well established in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania which are home to the eastern chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweintfurthii). The species’ range area spans across the entire Albertine rift valley area including Burundi and central African countries of DR Congo and Republic of Congo. The eastern chimpanzee is one of the four subspecies of chimpanzees. The others include the central, western, and the Nigeria-Cameroon. The eastern chimpanzee is considered endangered on the IUCN Red List of endangered species. Due to habitat loss, infectious human diseases, and illegal commercial bush meat trade, the population is declining and many are at risk in fragmented habitats.
Jane Goodall was the first person to conduct long-term research on eastern chimpanzees in Tanzania in the 1960s. Followed by Prof. Reynolds who studied chimps in Uganda. Scientific research studies were instrumental in understanding the species’ ecology and devising strategies to protect and conserve chimps among other great apes and primates such as mountain gorillas and golden monkeys respectively. The current conservation efforts include a 10-year action plan (2010 to 2020) developed by the IUCN and other stakeholders including Jane Goodall Institute.
Best places to see the eastern chimpanzees in Africa
Many chimpanzee communities have been habituated for primate Eco-tourism in several protected areas in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. Chimpanzee trekking safaris are available for booking through a tour operator who will also organize other tours such as gorillas safaris.
Uganda
Kibale national park
Uganda is home to over 5,000 chimpanzees which live in over 20 different forest reserves across the country. Kibale forest national park alone is famous for harboring 14 primate species including over 1,450 chimpanzees, grey cheeked mangabeys, red colobus monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons. Kibale is known as the ‘Primate Capital of the World’ and offers both chimpanzee trekking and habituation experiences. Chimp trekking is conducted in two sessions per day which include the morning session starting at 7 am and the afternoon session at 2pm. The afternoon trek can increase your chances of encountering chimps at ground level.
After completing the morning primate walk, those intending to do more can take part in a later afternoon cultural community walk. Visit a traditional healer for his stunning metaphysics. Visit a local brewery to witness how the banana beer and gin is made. Interact with the women and see how they have preserved the ancient craft of weaving baskets. In addition to the cultural tour, there’s also a swamp walk in the nearby Bigodi wetland in the early morning or afternoon.
Budongo central forest reserve
Budongo is a moist semi-deciduous tropical forest that overlaps with combretum savanna woodland vegetation. The reserve is located on the south bank of the River along the rift valley escarpment north east of Lake Albert in Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA). The forest covers 435 sq. km with one of the largest tracts of Mahogany and iron wood trees in East Africa which protects rich biodiversity including over 700 chimpanzees and 4 primate species including the blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys; over 360 species of birds which are associated with the Guinea-Congo forest biome; 280 butterfly species, and 24 mammal species. Budongo forest is one of the best places for chimpanzee trekking, forest bird and butterfly watching in East Africa. When it comes to chimpanzee trekking, there are 6 communities of 3 have been habituated for tourism including Sonso with over 85 individuals, Kaniyo Pabidi which was habituated by Jane Goodall and now managed by Budongo Eco-lodge, and Wabira community which has 120 members. Professor Reynolds was the one who initially studied the chimpanzees in Budongo in 1962 and founded the Budongo Conservation Field Station (BCFS) in 1990. With experienced guides, there is a 99% possibility of seeing the habituated primates. Chimp trekking is done at Busingiro Eco-tourism site and is available for both morning and afternoon sessions. Trekking the Kaniyo Pabidi community is done through the Budongo Eco-Lodge. In addition to chimp trekking, BCFS offers special scientific expeditions where visitors are accompanied by conservation biologists to follow primates, record their feeding behaviors, vegetation, and monitor bird populations. Another wonderful activity is the Royal Mile walk for primates, birding, and butterfly watching. You can also visit the historical Our Lady of Queen of Poland Catholic Church at Nyabyeya, which still stands as a reminder of the Polish people’s historical resettlements during World War II.
Bugoma forest reserve
Chimpanzee trekking in Bugoma central forest reserve was opened in September 2024 following the successful habituation of two chimp communities which include Mwera south and Mwera North each with over 60 individuals. There are over 580 and chimpanzee tourism in Bugoma Forest is introduced to enhance both conservation and local community benefits and also offers an exciting and educational experience for visitors. The semi-deciduous tropical forest of Bugoma is located in Kikuube district on the shores of Lake Albert. The diverse forest contains 224 tree species including African greenheart (P. africanum), ficus natelensis, and Sapele mahogany. The reserve spans for 411 sq. km (41,144 hectares) one of the key wildlife migratory corridors between MFCA, Toro-Semliki wildlife reserve and Lake Albert. You might see a variety of wildlife in addition to chimpanzees including 4 primate species such as the blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and the Ugandan mangabeys. Tracking mangabeys is an exhilarating and unique activity only available in Bugoma forest. There are also bush elephants and smaller cat species such as side stripped jackals and golden cats. Ovfer 221 species of birds are recorded including Nahan’s francolin, western nicator, black billed turaco, olive sunbird, buff-throated apalis. Budongo is now one of the best places to visit in Uganda for birds, primates, and research.
Kyambura gorge
Kyambura gorge is a deep valley of 100 meters that stretches for 16 km from the Kyambura escarpment to the Kazinga channel. The gorge is part of Kyambura wildlife reserve in the larger Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area. Kyambura River flows through the gorge where a mix of tropical and riverine forest provides habitat for various wildlife species, including over 50 chimpanzees and other primates which include black and white colobus monkeys, velvet monkeys, red tailed monkeys and olive baboons. Hippos and elephants from the surrounding savanna descend down into the gorge and are occasionally seen. The gorge offers excellent opportunities for a keen photography. The raised platform at the top to the gorge offers panoramic views of the valley and open to visit at no cost. Those intending to track chimpanzees will descend into the gorge with a local guide and armed ranger. Kyambura gorge chimp permit cost is $100 per person. The guides will locate chimps from their calls and observing the primates in their natural habitat lasts for 1 hour. While in the gorge, you may encounter other primates, birds, and keep an eye out for bushbucks, elephants, and hippos.
Kalinzu central forest reserve
Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve in Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area is a fantastic destination for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. With an area of 414 sq. km and elevation range of 1,200-1,600 meters above sea level.
Tanzania
Tanzania offers two unique locations for chimpanzee trekking which include Gombe stream and Mahale mountains national parks. The protected areas are located in the remote western circuit along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the deepest freshwater lake in Africa. According to the IUCN Eastern chimpanzee Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan 2010-2020, western Tanzania is home to an estimated population of over 2,600 chimpanzees. The primates also live in the forests outside of the protected areas including Rubondo Island, Tongwe and Loazi forest reserves. Chimpanzee research started in this region in the 1960s. Dr. Jane Goodall established a research station in Gombe stream and Toshisada Nishida, a Japanese primatologist put another in Mahale Mountains. Tanzania has the longest history of chimpanzee research ever conducted in Africa. As such, the chimps are well habituated for tourism.
Gombe stream national park
The protected area is found along the northern tip of the lake near the border with Burundi. Gombe stream covers 52 sq. km with an altitude range of 767m-1,606 meters above sea level. The terrain is characterized by deep valleys and steep escarpments containing dense tropical rainforests and miombo (Brachystegia) woodland vegetation, making for a diverse habitat. Gome is home to over 150 chimpanzees among other primates such as the Ugandan red colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and red tailed monkeys. In addition to primates, there are also hippos and bush pigs and leopards. There are over 200 bird species including blue breasted kingfishers, giant kingfishers, African fish eagles, African broadbill. Gombe has 13 rivers that originate from the steep escarpments and flow through the park creating waterfalls such as Mkenke and Kakombe waterfalls. Chimpanzees, the main attraction of Gombe stream national park were studied by Dr. Jane Goodall in the 1960s, making for the longest history of chimpanzee research. In addition to primate viewing, Gombe offers fantastic activities including boat trips on the lake, kayaking, sport fishing, snorkeling and diving, nature walks, mountain hiking, butterfly watching, and filming. The white sand beaches along the shores make for pleasant places to unwind. Those interested in knowing the local people can visit the Mwamgongo community outside the park.
Mahale mountains national park
The protected area lies on the shores of Lake Tanganyika south of Gombe stream and covers 1,613 sq. km. Mahale mountain range, the main physical features of the park is perpendicular to the lake. The western slopes lie on the windward side typically receiving more rainfall with verdant tropical forests. The eastern slopes are on the leeward side sheltered from the prevailing rains which makes them relatively drier with miombo woodland vegetation. The elevation ranges between 767m-2,388 meters above sea level with the highest point at Mount Nkungwe (2,462 m). Mahale is famous for harboring Tanzania’s highest population of chimpanzees with over 1,000 individuals. Chimpanzee research in Mahale Mountains was pioneered by Toshisada Nishida, a Japanese primatologist in the 1960s. as such, the primates are well habituated for tourism. Trekking chimpanzees is a thrilling experience due to higher numbers of chimps, however. Hiking can be challenging due to the nature of terrain. In addition to chimps, Mahale offers a wide range of activities. For instance, visitors can hike to the top of the peaks of Mount Mahale and Nkungwe. Water sport activities such as canoeing, boat cruise, and fishing are also available on the lake. You can also explore the historical town of Ujiji, where Arabs settled and created a slave trade route linking the coast.
Rwanda
Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is done in Nyungwe forest and Gishwati Mukura national parks, which are part of the Albertine rift valley. Nyungwe is the main destination due to rich biodiversity including 200 tree species and a high concentration of 13 primate species which include over 306 chimpanzee, large troops of Angolan colobus monkeys, Hamlyn’s monkeys, blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and velvet monkeys. There are over 300 of which 16 are Albertine rift endemics such as Kungwe Apalis. The diverse and beautiful ecosystem also includes waterfalls like Kamiranzovu and Mount Bigugu, the park’s highest point. All that makes chimpanzee trekking particularly exciting as you might encounter other primate species, a variety of birds, and plants. Nyungwe was established in 2004 and is managed by African Parks Network under a long-term renewable partnership with Rwandan government. Tourism is well organized with chimpanzees being part of a long-term habituation project which means they are relatively accustomed to human presence. However, they remain wild and unpredictable, making for an authentic and adventurous trekking. In addition to chimps, observing the colobus monkey troops is also a great activity for visitors to Nyungwe. The canopy walk is a distinctive feature of Nyungwe forest and offers breathtaking views of the forest from a height of about 50 meters (164 feet) above the ground.
Gishwati Mukura national park
Gishwati Mukura was opened in 2020 and has over 20 chimpanzees as well as golden monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, and blue monkeys. Efforts to monitor and habituate both chimps and golden monkeys for tourism purposes are still ongoing. This means the primates are gradually getting used to human presence and there’s a moderate chance to see them.
Burundi
Burundi is home to an estimate 500 chimpanzees of which 400 are found in the protected area of Kabira forest national park which is contigeous with Nyungwe in Rwanda. The rest of the chimps live in relatively smaller forest reserves of less 20 sq. km which include Vyanda, Bururi, and Rumonge in the southern part of the country. These protected areas are managed by the National Institute for the Environment and Nature Conservation, which focuses mostly on Kabira national park. Visit the park and you might see chimpanzees.