Chimpanzee trekking Safari Uganda
Chimpanzees are very social animals that live in groups ranging from 20 to over 100 members. They communicate through sounds, gestures, and facial expressions. They eat fruits, leaves, nuts, and sometimes insects or small animals. Chimpanzees are also known to make tools, such as sticks for catching termites or leaves for drinking water—an example of their intelligence and problem-solving skills.
Despite being protected by law, chimpanzees in Uganda face several threats. The biggest danger is habitat loss due to deforestation, logging, and agricultural expansion. As people cut down forests, chimpanzees lose their homes and are forced to move closer to human settlements, which often leads to conflict. Some chimpanzees raid crops, and in return, people may harm or trap them. In addition, poaching, disease, and snare injuries continue to affect their survival.
The Ugandan government, together with organizations like the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and conservation groups such as the Jane Goodall Institute, is working to protect chimpanzees. National parks and forest reserves have been established to safeguard their habitats. The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, located on Lake Victoria, was created to care for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees that cannot return to the wild.
Where to find Chimpanzee in Uganda ?
Kibale national park
Kibale National Park is one of Uganda’s most beautiful and important national parks. It is located in the western part of the country, near Fort Portal, and covers an area of about 795 square kilometers. The park was established in 1993 to protect its rich forest and wildlife. It is often called the “Primate Capital of the World” because it has one of the highest numbers of primates in Africa.
Kibale is a tropical rainforest with tall trees, green vegetation, and many rivers. It is home to 13 species of primates, including the famous chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and baboons. The park also shelters over 70 species of mammals and more than 375 species of birds, making it a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. The forest provides food and shelter for these animals and helps maintain Uganda’s environment
One of the main attractions of Kibale National Park is chimpanzee tracking. Tourists can go into the forest with guides to see chimpanzees in their natural home. The park has about 1,500 chimpanzees, which is the largest population in Uganda. Some groups have been habituated, meaning they are used to humans and allow visitors to observe them closely. Scientists also study the chimpanzees’ behavior and social life in Kibale, making it an important center for research.
Queen Elizabeth national park
Chimpanzees in Queen Elizabeth National Park, especially those in Kyambura Gorge, are an important part of Uganda’s wildlife. They attract tourists from all over the world and help promote conservation and environmental awareness. Protecting these intelligent and social animals ensures that they continue to live safely in their natural forest home for generations to come.
Chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge live in family groups called communities. They are very social animals that communicate using sounds, gestures, and facial expressions. They eat fruits, leaves, and sometimes insects or small animals. Because they share about 98% of their DNA with humans, chimpanzees are very intelligent and are often used in scientific studies about human evolution and behavior.
Ngamba Island
Today, Ngamba Island is home to more than 50 chimpanzees. The island is divided into two parts — a large forest area where the chimpanzees roam freely during the day, and a smaller area where caregivers provide food and medical care. The chimps eat fruits, vegetables, and other foods provided by the staff, but they also spend time exploring and playing in the forest.
The sanctuary’s caretakers work hard to keep the chimpanzees healthy and happy. They feed them several times a day, monitor their health, and make sure they live in peace. Some chimps were rescued from terrible conditions, so they are given special attention to help them recover and trust humans again.
Ngamba Island is also a popular tourist destination. Visitors can travel by boat from Entebbe to see the chimpanzees being fed, learn about their stories, and understand the importance of protecting wildlife. Tourists can stay overnight at the island’s eco-lodge, enjoy nature walks, or participate in educational programs.
The money earned from tourism helps pay for food, medical care, and the running of the sanctuary. It also supports conservation education programs in Uganda that teach people about protecting chimpanzees and their natural habitats.
Ngamba Island plays a big role in chimpanzee conservation. It provides a second chance for orphaned chimpanzees that cannot survive in the wild. The sanctuary also raises awareness about the dangers chimpanzees face, such as habitat destruction and illegal hunting. By showing people how intelligent and social chimpanzees are, the sanctuary encourages everyone to care more about nature and wildlife protection.
The best Uganda Tour operator will not only provide you with chimpanzee safari but also short safaris as described below;
3 days Lake Mburo National Park
2 days Queen Elizabeth National park
3 days Murchison Falls National park