Chimpanzee trekking at Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve in 2025: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu Forest is one of the main safari activities to do in Kalinzu Forest beside Forest Walks, Research, Conservation Education, Birding, Butterfly Identification and small Mammal viewing. Exploring this stunning Forest Reserve while on a Chimpanzee trekking safari is one of the best remarkable adventure safari activities to do in Uganda. Chimpanzee trekking involves walking in the forester to search for these fascinating chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The chimpanzee trekking in this forest is conducted in the scheduled time- that is the morning and afternoon. The morning shift starts at 8:00 am while the afternoon shift begins at 3:00 pm. Each shift offers a unique experience. The trek here takes 2 to 3 hours, half day or full day depending on the movement of chimps in the forest.
Embarking on this activity begins at the park headquarters in Kalinzu forest depending on the time with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow while on a guided walk to see these incredible creatures. During the briefing, visitors are divided into 3 groups depending on their overall fitness and pace. After the briefing, you will head to the forest to locate the chimpanzee. During your chimpanzee trekking, you’ll also encounter other forest creatures, birds and primates like baboons, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. Besides the primates, you will also on a lucky trek to meet with other wildlife such as leopards, wild pigs, and antelopes cross to feed in the forest. Once these incredible primates are allocated, you will have one interaction with them, and learn about how they conduct themselves in the wild such as feeding, grooming one another, and resting among others.
Kalinzu Forest is situated adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park close to the Maramagambo forest in Bushenyi district Western Uganda. The Forest Reserve is rich with abundant species, hosting over 414 Species of trees, 378 Species of Birds, six different Species of Primates, Blue Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys and Chimpanzees, 262 Butterflies, 97 Moths, Reptiles and Flowers.
How much does it cost to get a permit for chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest?
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Kalinzu forest costs $ 50 per person for foreign non-residents, $ 50 per person for foreign residents and shs. 30,000 per person for East African citizens. These permits are restricted to persons over 12 years who are eligible to trek the chimpanzees in Kalinzu forest and other chimpanzee destinations in Uganda. This is far less than the $150 charged in Kibale National Park. Chimpanzee permits can be booked at the reception Centre of the reserve or more conveniently through a tour operator.
“How to Arrange Your Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure in Kalinzu Forest ”
Planning a chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kalinzu Forest? Here’s a simple guide to get you started. First, you need to secure your trekking permit well ahead of your trip. Once you’ve set your travel dates, just shoot us an email, and we’ll check the availability of permits for your chosen dates with the Kalinzu management.
If permits are available, we’ll let you know and send you an invoice for the payment. After you’ve made the payment and we’ve confirmed receipt, we’ll purchase your permits right away. We’ll then send you a scanned copy for your records, which will serve as proof of your booking for the trek. It is advised to book your permits in advance at least 2-3 months prior to your visit given the fact these sell out very quickly on a first come first serve basis.
When to go chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Central Forest
If you’re planning to go chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu, the ideal time to visit is between June and October, as well as from December to March. These months fall within Uganda’s dry season, which means less rain and a more comfortable trekking experience in the forest. During this time, the plants haven’t fully bloomed, making it easier to spot chimpanzees, and it’s a great opportunity for taking some stunning photographs.
On the other hand, if you choose to visit during the wet months of April, May, or November, you might face a bit of a challenge. These months which are normally a wet season make the vegetation grow high making the sightings unclear however during this time the treks tend to be shorter given the fact chimpanzees don’t move further distances looking for food, food is readily available in the forest compared to the dry season.
Best accommodation facilities
Visitors planning to embark on a chimpanzee trekking safaris at Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve, shouldn’t worry about where to stay. The Forest Reserve has many accommodation options in Kalinzu Forest where you can stay during your Chimpanzee trekking here these range from budget camping options to mid-range to luxury. Some of the accommodation options here include Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Pumba Safari Lodge, Elephant Hab Lodge, Tuza Hotel, Kyengabi Resort, Buffalo Safari Lodge, and Mazike Lodge among others.
How to get to Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve
Getting to Kalinzu Forest is quite straightforward and can be done in a couple of ways, depending on what you prefer.
By Road: If you choose to drive, it’s a journey of about 4 to 5 hours from either Kampala or Entebbe. The road takes you through the stunning landscapes of western Uganda, where you’ll see beautiful plantations and meet friendly locals along the way. It’s best to start your road trip early in the morning, around 8:00 AM, to avoid heavy traffic and ensure you arrive at your hotel, camp, or lodge by the afternoon.
By Air: Alternatively, you might consider taking a flight to Kasese Airstrip, which is just a short distance from Kalinzu Forest. This option is quicker, allowing you to reach your destination in about 2 hours, and is generally less tiring than a long drive. Aero Link Uganda offers daily flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese Airstrip, with options for morning and afternoon departures. Depending on your travel plans, you might also choose between chartered flights or scheduled ones, especially if you’re looking to catch a glimpse of the chimpanzees that live in Kalinzu Forest.
