Guide to Chimpanzee Trekking with Murchison Falls Game Safari

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale with Murchison Falls Game Safari

Are you looking for the ultimate Big Five wildlife experience combined with an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure in Uganda? This incredible journey takes you through three amazing destinations that showcase Uganda’s best wildlife. First, you will visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track the only wild rhinos in Uganda. Next, you will explore Murchison Falls National Park for classic game drives and boat safaris. Finally, you will head to Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of the world, for close encounters with chimpanzees. This perfect combination offers you the chance to see Africa’s Big Five animals plus our closest living relatives in their natural habitat.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Experience

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary provides Uganda’s only opportunity to see southern white rhinos in the wild. Located in Nakasongola district, this 70-square-kilometer sanctuary protects over 30 rhinos behind a 2-meter electric fence. The fence keeps poachers and predators away from these endangered animals.

The sanctuary successfully reintroduced rhinos to Uganda from Kenya and South Africa. Moreover, the rhino population continues to grow thanks to conservation efforts by Rhino Fund Uganda and Uganda Wildlife Authority. Additionally, the sanctuary hosts over 300 bird species and 40 mammal species, including Uganda kobs and oribis.

During rhino tracking, experienced rangers guide you on foot through the rhinos’ territory. The rhinos roam freely throughout the large sanctuary, so you may drive to different locations before walking. Rangers provide thorough safety briefings to ensure your protection around these powerful 2-ton animals. Most tracking experiences last between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, and the activity runs daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Besides rhino tracking, the sanctuary offers bird watching, canoe rides, nature walks, and shoebill trekking. These additional activities make Ziwa a complete wildlife destination that perfectly complements your safari to Murchison Falls National Park.

Murchison Falls National Park Adventures

Game Drive Experiences

Murchison Falls National Park offers exceptional game drives primarily on the northern bank of the Nile River. Rangers take visitors along various tracks including Albert, Buligi, Victoria, Pakuba, Chobe, and Tebito tracks. Most game drives begin early at 6:30 AM or late afternoon around 4:00 PM, lasting 2 to 5 hours.

You can choose between self-drive options or guided experiences in comfortable 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roofs. An armed ranger accompanies all drives for safety and wildlife expertise. The park hosts incredible wildlife including buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, hyenas, and Uganda kobs.

Furthermore, night game drives reveal nocturnal species under spotlight. These evening adventures start around 6:30 PM and last 2 to 3 hours in the northern sector. The dry seasons provide the best game drive conditions because animals gather around water sources, making wildlife sightings much easier.

Boat Safari Adventures

Boat cruises on the Victoria Nile between Paraa and Murchison Falls base offer spectacular wildlife viewing from the water. These river safaris reveal large hippo pods, massive Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, various antelopes, and numerous water birds along the riverbanks.

The cruise culminates at the base of magnificent Murchison Falls waterfall. Here, the mighty Nile River forces through a narrow 7-meter gorge, creating a thunderous cascade. This dramatic scene provides incredible photography opportunities and unforgettable natural moments. Most boat cruises last several hours and perfectly complement land-based game drives for a complete safari experience.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

Kibale Forest National Park delivers Africa’s best chimpanzee experiences across its 795 square kilometers. The park protects approximately 1,500 chimpanzees, with about 120 individuals habituated to human presence. These habituated chimps allow close-range observation without disrupting their natural behaviors.

Standard Chimpanzee Trekking

Regular chimpanzee trekking involves 2 to 3-hour guided forest walks starting from Kanyanchu Visitor Centre. Trek sessions run twice daily during morning and afternoon hours. Before departing, rangers provide essential safety briefings and conduct guidelines.

Skilled rangers guide small groups of maximum six visitors through lush rainforest trails to locate chimpanzee families. Once found, you spend one magical hour watching their social interactions, grooming behaviors, playful activities, and feeding habits. The relatively easy terrain makes Kibale’s chimpanzee trekking less demanding than mountain gorilla trekking elsewhere.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

Habituation experiences extend beyond regular trekking by allowing up to 4 hours with chimpanzee communities. This immersive adventure begins early as you observe chimps leaving their night nests. Then, you follow them throughout their daily activities until evening when they build new sleeping nests.

The habituation process gradually accustoms wild chimpanzees to human presence without changing their natural behaviors. This longer experience provides deeper insights into chimpanzee social structures, communication, and daily routines. Additionally, Kibale’s rich biodiversity includes various primates, bird species, and other wildlife that enhance your forest experience.

Permit Costs and Booking Information

Chimpanzee trekking permits have different prices based on visitor categories and experience types. In Kibale Forest National Park, standard trekking permits cost $250 for foreign non-residents, $200 for foreign residents, and UGX 180,000 for East African nationals.

Habituation permits require higher fees at $300 for foreign non-residents, $250 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African nationals. These permits include park entrance fees, professional guide services, and armed ranger protection.

Booking Process

Book permits 2 to 3 months in advance because availability is limited and demand remains high year-round. You can book directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through trusted local tour operators like Iconic Africa Safaris. Most travelers prefer booking through experienced operators who handle permit checking, payments, and confirmation delivery.

All bookings require upfront deposits or full payments. Each permit allows one hour with habituated chimpanzees under ranger guidance and remains valid only for the specified date. The Uganda Wildlife Authority allows one free rescheduling, but additional changes incur 25% penalty fees. Children under 12 years cannot participate in chimpanzee trekking for safety reasons.

5-Day Chimpanzee Trekking with Murchison Falls Game Safari

Day 1: Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from Entebbe or Kampala by your guide. Drive northwards through the beautiful countryside of Uganda. En route, you will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided trek to see the only wild rhinos in Uganda. This offers a great chance to complete the Big Five experience.
After lunch, continue to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest national park. Upon arrival, visit the top of the falls, where the Nile River dramatically squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging 45 meters down. Later, check into your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise

Rise early for a thrilling game drive on the northern bank of the Nile. Look out for lions, elephants, giraffes, leopards, buffaloes, and many antelope species. The birdlife is also spectacular, with species like the Abyssinian ground hornbill.
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Nile River towards the base of Murchison Falls. Watch hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous waterbirds along the banks. Later, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Transfer from Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, leave Murchison Falls and journey southwards through rolling countryside, traditional villages, and tea plantations. Stop for lunch along the way. Arrive in Fort Portal town, a scenic area at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Continue to Kibale Forest National Park, famous for having the highest density of primates in Africa. Upon arrival, check into your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest & Bigodi Swamp Walk

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing. Start your chimpanzee trekking adventure with an experienced ranger guide. Walk through lush tropical forest in search of wild chimpanzees. Once found, spend one hour observing their behavior and taking photos.
Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based project rich in birdlife, primates, and unique swamp vegetation. Later, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Return to Entebbe or Kampala

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge before starting the journey back to Entebbe or Kampala. Drive through scenic landscapes and make brief stops for photos or shopping at roadside markets. Arrive in the afternoon or evening, marking the end of your safari.