Chimpanzees are among the most intelligent and emotionally complex animals on the planet. Sharing about 98.7% of their DNA with humans, they are our closest living relatives. Known for their tool use, vocalizations, and intricate social behavior, chimpanzees are a highlight of any forest trekking safari in East and Central Africa.
Scientific name: Pan troglodytes
Habitat: Tropical rainforests, woodlands, and savannah-forest mosaics
Weight: Males: 40–60 kg; Females: 30–50 kg
Lifespan: 33–40 years in the wild (up to 60+ in captivity)
IUCN status: Endangered – primary threats include habitat loss, poaching, and disease
Chimpanzees live in fission-fusion societies, meaning group sizes change based on food availability and social dynamics.They are deeply expressive, and known for their emotional bonds, problem-solving, and even cultural behaviors passed from one generation to another.
Quick Facts About the Chimpanzee
Social Structure
Chimpanzees live in communities of up to 150 individuals, led by an alpha male. Their social lives include alliances, grooming partnerships, conflict, and reconciliation.
Communication
They use a combination of calls, screams, gestures, facial expressions, and drumming on tree trunks to communicate across the forest.
Tool Use
Chimpanzees are one of the few non-human animals known to make and use tools—using sticks to extract termites, stones to crack nuts, and leaves as sponges for drinking water.
Diet
They are omnivorous, feeding mainly on fruit, leaves, bark, and insects, and occasionally hunting small animals like monkeys or bushbabies.
Locomotion
Though primarily quadrupedal knuckle-walkers, chimps climb with ease and often build night nests in trees out of branches and leaves.
Reproduction
Females give birth to a single infant every 5–6 years after an 8-month gestation. Young chimpanzees cling to their mother’s belly and back for several years before becoming more independent.
Where to See Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees are native to the equatorial belt of Africa. In East Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda are top destinations for trekking and habituation experiences, offering close-up encounters in pristine rainforest settings.
Top Chimpanzee Trekking Destinations
Uganda
1-Kibale National Park – Uganda’s top chimpanzee destination, with one of the highest densities of chimpanzees in Africa. Trekking and full-day habituation experiences are available.
2-Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls NP) – A prime site for chimp tracking near Murchison Falls, offering fewer crowds and unique birdlife.
3-Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth NP) – Known as the “Valley of Apes,” this dramatic forested gorge offers scenic treks, though sightings are less guaranteed.
4-Kalinzu Forest- known for its dense forest and being a natural zone amidst the coffee plantations. Kalinzu Forest is one of the most recommended primate zones in Uganda for all kinds of travelers.
Semuliki National Park – Home to a smaller population of chimpanzees in a unique lowland rainforest ecosystem.
Tanzania
Mahale Mountains National Park – Located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, this is one of the most remote and rewarding places to track chimps, accessible only by boat.
Gombe Stream National Park – Made famous by Dr. Jane Goodall’s research, this park offers close encounters with habituated chimpanzees in a stunning lakeside setting.
Rwanda
Nyungwe Forest National Park – Rwanda’s premier chimpanzee destination, with treks through high-altitude montane rainforest and scenic canopy walks.
South Sudan & DRC (limited tourism infrastructure)
Chimps exist in parts of southern South Sudan and the DRC, though security and access challenges make them less viable for mainstream tourism.
Top Tips for Viewing Chimpanzees
- Choose the Right Trek
Kibale and Nyungwe offer short treks and high success rates. For a wilder, immersive experience, try Mahale or Budongo.
- Book Early
Chimpanzee permits are limited daily. Book months in advance, especially in peak seasons.
- Prepare for the Forest
Wear long sleeves, and trekking boots, and bring a waterproof jacket and insect repellent. The rainforest is humid and often muddy.
- Stay Quiet & Patient
Chimps are fast-moving and vocal—you may hear them before you see them. Listening to your guide and being patient increases your chance of great sightings.
- Respect Distance
You’ll typically get 1 hour with the chimps. Stay at least 8 meters away to reduce disease risk. Do not trek if you're unwell.
Safari Holiday Ideas to See Chimpanzees
Chimpanzee trekking is a perfect addition to gorilla safaris, big game drives, or cultural journeys. Wild Compass Africa crafts itineraries that connect you to these intelligent primates in the heart of the forest.
Suggested Safari Routes
Uganda Primate & Big Game Safari (11-15 days)
Combines chimpanzees in Kibale, gorillas in Bwindi, and game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.
Rwanda Primate & Culture Safari
Trek chimps in Nyungwe, then continue to Volcanoes NP for gorillas and cultural visits in Kigali.
Tanzania’s Western Escape
Visit Mahale and Gombe, accessible via boat and plane, for an off-grid, slow-travel primate immersion.
Twin Primate Trek – Uganda & Rwanda
Combine Nyungwe’s chimps and Kibale’s dense forests with gorilla trekking in both countries for the ultimate East African primate expedition.
Wild Compass Africa offers custom chimpanzee trekking safaris that blend wildlife, nature, and authentic forest immersion. Whether you're passionate about conservation, photography, or simply adventure, a chimp trek will leave you transformed.
