This 2-Day Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Kibale Forest offers one of the best chimpanzee experiences in Africa. Your journey begins with a scenic drive through western Uganda, passing small villages, tea plantations, rolling hills, and beautiful crater lakes. On clear days, you may even see the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains in the distance.
When you arrive in Kibale Forest National Park, you enter one of Africa’s richest rainforests. Kibale is known as the Primate Capital of the World. It is home to 13 different primate species, including chimpanzees. The forest is alive with sound and movement. Monkeys swing through the trees, birds flash bright colors, and the jungle hums around you.
On your first day, you enjoy a gentle walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This peaceful area is perfect for spotting monkeys and birds. Community guides also share stories about local life and culture, making the walk both relaxing and meaningful. On the second day, it’s time for the highlight of the trip: chimpanzee trekking. With expert guides, you walk into the forest to search for chimpanzees in the wild. Seeing them play, groom, and move through the trees is a truly magical experience—one you will remember forever. With comfortable accommodation, tasty meals, and knowledgeable guides, this short safari is perfect for travelers who love nature, wildlife, and real adventure.
Your adventure begins in the morning with a warm welcome and a short briefing from your guide. You’ll then set off for the beautiful Kibale Forest National Park. Along the way, enjoy a scenic drive through charming villages, thick rainforests, green tea plantations, and sparkling crater lakes. If the skies are clear, you may even catch stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains, their snowy peaks rising in the distance like something out of a storybook.
By the time you arrive at Kibale, you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world—a vibrant forest filled with movement and sound. This is truly a “monkey world,” where the trees are alive with leaping primates and the air buzzes with the sounds of the wild.
After checking into your lodge and relaxing a bit, you’ll head out for the Bigodi Swamp Walk.
Bigodi Swamp Walk
Located just outside the park, the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community-run reserve full of wildlife. With a local guide, you’ll walk along wooden boardwalks and forest paths through the lush swamp. In the late afternoon, the area comes alive with monkeys like red colobus, red-tailed, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. You’ll also spot many colorful birds and learn about the plants and traditions of the local people. It’s a peaceful, eye-opening walk and a perfect way to begin your forest experience.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale is one of Africa’s best places to see primates. The forest is home to 13 different kinds of monkeys and apes, including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, red colobus, mangabeys, and the shy, night-loving galagos. The cool forest is surrounded by tea farms and papyrus swamps, creating a rich mix of landscapes and habitats. It’s also a dream for bird lovers, especially near Bigodi. This magical forest is full of surprises, making it a highlight of your journey in Uganda.
Accommodation Options:
Budget – Kibale Forest Camp
Mid-Range – Turaco Treetops
Semi-Luxury – Turaco Treetops
Luxury – Crater Safari Lodge
Included Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Today is the highlight of your safari—tracking wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest! After an early breakfast, you’ll set off into the jungle with expert trackers to search for our closest animal relatives.
Along the way, you might also spot other monkeys, colorful birds, and the lush beauty of this ancient rainforest.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
This is an unforgettable experience. As you walk through the cool, green forest, you’ll hear loud calls, hoots, and screams echoing through the trees—signs that a chimpanzee group is nearby.
Suddenly, the chimps appear, swinging from branches or walking through the forest floor right in front of you. Watching them groom, play, and interact is both exciting and emotional. Kibale is the best place in Africa to see wild chimpanzees, and sightings are very likely.
After the trek, you’ll return to the lodge for a delicious lunch and a short rest. Then it’s time to begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe.
The drive takes you through Uganda’s beautiful countryside—green hills, tea plantations, and friendly villages. You may stop for souvenirs or a snack along the way. By evening, you’ll arrive at your final destination, ending your amazing Kibale Forest adventure with memories to last a lifetime.
Accommodation: Not Included (End of tour)
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch