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Chimpanzee Tracking Safaris
WILDLIFE
The chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) is one of our closest living relatives, sharing around 98% of human DNA. Watching them interact in the wild is an extraordinary experience — from playful juveniles tumbling through the canopy to dominant males asserting their authority with dramatic displays. Chimpanzees live in large, flexible communities known as “fission-fusion societies,” where groups split and reunite depending on food availability and social dynamics.
These great apes are larger and stronger than many expect, with males weighing up to 70 kg and standing 1.7 metres tall when upright. They use both knuckle-walking and occasional bipedal movement, while their long arms and opposable thumbs allow for impressive climbing and tool use. Sadly, chimpanzees are classified as Endangered, threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and disease. Tracking them in their natural habitat not only offers an unforgettable encounter but also contributes to the conservation of these remarkable primates and their forest ecosystems.
When is the Best Time to See Chimpanzees?
Chimpanzee tracking is possible year-round, but the best times are during the dry seasons:
- December to February
- June to September
During these months, forest trails are easier to navigate, and chimpanzees are less dispersed, making sightings more reliable. In the wetter months, treks can be longer and more strenuous, but encounters are equally rewarding as the forest is lush and vibrant.
Where Do Chimpanzees Live?
Chimpanzees are found across 21 African countries, from West Africa to Central and East Africa, with four recognised subspecies (Western, Central, Eastern, and Nigerian-Cameroon). The best destinations for chimpanzee tracking safaris are:
- Uganda – Kibale Forest National Park: Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale offers some of the highest densities of chimpanzees, with regular sightings during treks.
- Tanzania – Mahale Mountains National Park: A remote and stunning park on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, where chimpanzees roam rainforest-clad mountains. Treks are combined with time on pristine beaches.
- Uganda – Budongo Forest & Kyambura Gorge: Excellent add-ons to gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda.
- Rwanda – Nyungwe Forest: Offers rewarding tracking experiences in a vast montane rainforest.
These forests also teem with other wildlife, from colobus monkeys to colourful birdlife, making chimpanzee tracking a full-spectrum rainforest adventure.
