Chimpanzees are one of the most popular primates for tourists visiting Uganda, second only to mountain gorillas. In Uganda, chimpanzees can be found in several main places, including Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest Reserve in Murchison Falls National Park, and Kalinzu Forest and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
All these areas have similar weather, which makes Uganda a good place for chimpanzee trekking.
Uganda has two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The short wet season happens in October and November. The long wet season runs from March to May.
The long dry season lasts from June to September, and the short dry season is from December to February.
Chimpanzee Trekking in the Dry Season
The dry season (June to September and December to February) is the best time to go chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. The forest is not too thick, and the trails are easier to walk on because they are not muddy or slippery.
This makes it easier to find and see chimpanzees. The dry season is also a good time to visit other national parks like Kidepo Valley, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls for wildlife viewing.
Chimpanzee Trekking in the Wet Season
The wet season (March to May and October to November) is not the best time for trekking because of heavy rains. The trails can be muddy and hard to walk on, and some roads to the parks may be difficult to pass. Still, chimpanzee trekking is possible during this time.
One benefit of trekking in the wet season is that food is plenty, and many fruits are ripe, so chimpanzees stay close and are easier to find. Also, during the wet or low season, budget travelers may get discounted rates at many lodges.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary can be visited at any time of the year without major problems. If you want to do both chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation, it’s best to go in April, May, or October, when the chimpanzee habituation experience is available at Kibale Forest National Park.
Chimpanzee Trekking Permits
The cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda depends on the location:
- $250 in Kibale Forest National Park
- $130 in Kalinzu Forest
- $100 in Kyambura Gorge
- $130 in Budongo Forest
You can buy permits through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a trusted tour operator. It is important to book early—at least three months in advance—especially in the busy season when chimpanzee permits may run out.
