Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale vs. Kyambura Gorge: Which is Better for Your Uganda Safari in 2025?

Chimpanzee trekking is one of Uganda’s premier wildlife experiences, offering a chance to observe our closest relatives (sharing 98% human DNA) in their natural forest habitats.
Uganda, often called the “Pearl of Africa,” hosts over 5,000 chimpanzees, with Kibale National Park and Kyambura Gorge being two of the top destinations for chimpanzee tracking.
While Kibale National Park is renowned as the “Primate Capital of the World” due to its high chimpanzee population and success rates, Kyambura Gorge offers a unique, adventurous experience in a dramatic, underground forest within Queen Elizabeth National Park. Below, we break down the key differences to help you choose the best option for your Uganda safari.

• Trekking Details: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale starts at Kanyanchu Visitor Center with a briefing at 8:00 AM or 3:00 PM. Treks last 2–3 hours, including a 1-hour observation period with the chimpanzees. Groups are limited to 6 people (minimum age 15) for an intimate experience.
• Terrain: The forest’s relatively flat terrain makes it accessible for most fitness levels, though trails can be muddy during rainy seasons (April–May, October–November).
• Habituation Experience: For a deeper encounter, Kibale offers a chimpanzee habituation experience ($300 USD per person), allowing a full day with researchers to observe chimpanzees during habituation, ideal for photography and behavioral studies.
• Wildlife and Scenery: Beyond chimpanzees, trekkers may spot 324 bird species (e.g., African pitta, crowned eagle) and mammals like forest elephants and buffaloes.
• Success Rate: With over 1,500 chimpanzees, sightings are virtually guaranteed, especially during the dry seasons (June–October, December–February).

• Foreign non-residents: $250 USD (€225) per person per trek.
• Foreign residents: $250 USD (€225).
• East African Community (EAC) citizens (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DR Congo): $150 USD (€135).
• Ugandan nationals: 100,000 UGX (~$27 USD, €24).
• Habituation permit: $300 USD (€270) per person.
• Note: Permits include park entry and ranger fees. Book 2–4 months in advance via Hail Tours Uganda or the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to secure availability.

Accommodation Options

• Budget: Chimp’s Nest, CVK ($90–$100 USD per night).
• Mid-range: Kibale Safari Lodge, Primate Lodge ($150–$200 USD).
• Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge ($250–$700 USD).

Pros of Kibale

• High chimpanzee sighting probability (99%).
• Diverse primate and birdlife.
• Accessible terrain for most travelers.
• Option for chimpanzee habituation for extended time with chimpanzees.
• Proximity to other attractions like Bigodi Wetlands and Semuliki National Park.

Cons of Kibale

• Higher permit costs ($250 USD vs. $100 USD in Kyambura).
• Can be crowded during peak seasons (June–August, December–February).
• Longer drive from Kampala (5–6 hours).

• Trekking Details: Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura begins at Fig Tree Camp with a morning or afternoon briefing. Treks take 2–3 hours, including a 1-hour observation period with a maximum of 8 people per group (minimum age 12).
• Terrain: The steep, muddy trails require moderate fitness, as trekkers descend into the gorge and navigate dense vegetation. Sturdy hiking boots and rain gear are essential.
• Wildlife and Scenery: The gorge is a biodiversity hotspot, home to red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, hippos, and over 100 bird species (e.g., African fish eagle, great blue turaco). The Kyambura River enhances the scenic beauty.
• Success Rate: With only 28 chimpanzees, sightings are less guaranteed (60–70% chance) compared to Kibale, as the small population can be elusive in dense vegetation.
• Conservation Efforts: The Jane Goodall Institute and UWA are replanting a forest corridor to reconnect Kyambura’s chimpanzees to nearby forests, addressing inbreeding risks due to isolation.

• Foreign non-residents: $100 USD (€90) per person per trek.
• Foreign residents: $100 USD (€90).
• EAC citizens and Ugandan nationals: 30,000 UGX (~$8 USD, €7).
• Note: Permits include the nature walk but exclude park entry fees ($40 USD for non-residents). Book in advance via Hail Tours Uganda or UWA.

Accommodation Options

• Budget: Pumba Safari Lodge, Elephant Hab Lodge ($90–$100 USD).
• Mid-range: Buffalo Safari Lodge ($150–$200 USD).
• Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Katara Lodge ($250–$700 USD)

Pros of Kyambura

• Lower chimpanzee permit costs ($100 USD vs. $250 USD in Kibale).
• Unique, dramatic gorge setting with diverse wildlife.
• Combines easily with Queen Elizabeth National Park activities like game drives and Kazinga Channel boat safaris.
• Less crowded than Kibale.
• Closer to Kampala (6–7 hours) and Bwindi for gorilla trekking.

Cons of Kyambura

• Lower chimpanzee sighting probability (60–70%).
• Physically demanding terrain due to steep slopes.
• Smaller chimpanzee population limits group interactions.

Which is Better: Kibale or Kyambura Gorge?

Choose Kibale National Park if:

• You prioritize a near-guaranteed chimpanzee sighting (99% success).

• You want a less physically demanding chimpanzee trekking experience.

• You’re interested in the chimpanzee habituation experience or seeing diverse primates.

• You’re pairing with nearby attractions like Bigodi Wetlands.

Choose Kyambura Gorge if:

• You’re on a budget (lower chimpanzee permit cost: $100 vs. $250).

• You seek a unique, adventurous chimpanzee trekking experience in a dramatic gorge.

• You’re combining with Queen Elizabeth National Park activities (game drives, boat safaris).

• You’re en route to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking.

For most travelers, Kibale National Park is the better choice due to its higher chimpanzee sighting probability and diverse wildlife. However, Kyambura Gorge is ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly, adventurous experience with additional safari activities.

Planning Your Chimpanzee Trekking Safari with Hail Tours Uganda

Why Book with Hail Tours Uganda Safaris?

As a leading Uganda safari operator, Hail Tours Uganda offers tailored chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking experiences. Here’s why you should choose us:

Expert Planning:
We secure chimpanzee permits ($250 USD for Kibale, $100 USD for Kyambura) and gorilla permits ($800 USD in Uganda, $1,500 USD in Rwanda) well in advance.
Cross-border Uganda-Rwanda safaris with the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100 USD, €90) for seamless travel.

Affordable Packages:

• 3-Day Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking: $1,290 USD (€1,161), including permits, 4×4 transport, and lodging. BOOK THIS TOUR

• 5-Day Uganda Primate Safari: Combines chimpanzee trekking in Kibale or Kyambura with gorilla trekking in Bwindi. BOOK THIS TOUR

Conservation Impact:
Your trip supports chimpanzee and gorilla conservation and local communities through UWA and Jane Goodall Institute initiatives.

Customized Itineraries:
Combine chimpanzee trekking with game drives, boat safaris, or gold market visits in Kampala or Kigali.

How to Book a Chimpanzee Trekking Safari with Hail Tours Uganda

1. Contact Us Directly
Reach out via email at info@hailtoursuganda.com or call +256 774 711 658. Our team is available to answer all your questions about chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, including packages, permits, and accommodations.

2. Choose Your Trekking Package
We offer tailored chimpanzee trekking packages to suit all preferences:

• 1-Day Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale – perfect for short visits.

• 3-Day Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda – combines forest treks, wildlife spotting, and cultural experiences.

• Uganda Primate Safaris – combines chimpanzee trekking in Kibale or Kyambura Gorge with optional gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

3. Secure Your Chimpanzee Permit
Chimpanzee permits are required and limited:

• Kibale National Park: $250 USD per person

• Kyambura Gorge: $100 USD per person

We assist in booking your permits in advance to guarantee your spot.

4. Customize Your Itinerary
Combine chimpanzee trekking with game drives, boat safaris, or visits to local gold markets in Kampala or Entebbe. We create itineraries based on your interests and schedule.

5. Confirm Payment and Logistics
We accept secure payments via bank transfer, and handle 4×4 transfers, accommodation bookings, and airport pick-ups.

6. Prepare for Your Trek
Receive a detailed pre-trip guide: what to pack (hiking boots, rain jacket, insect repellent), best travel seasons, and health requirements (yellow fever vaccination).

7. Enjoy Your Safari
Travel with our experienced guides, explore Uganda’s forests, and enjoy close encounters with wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Travel Tips

Best Time: Dry seasons (June–October, December–February) for easier trekking and clearer chimpanzee sightings.
What to Bring: Sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeve clothing, rain gear, insect repellent, camera (no flash in Kibale), water, and snacks.

Health: Yellow fever vaccination required for Uganda and Rwanda entry.
Gold Export: Carry assay certificates and declare purchases at customs.