Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Descend from Queen Elizabeth's open savannah into a forested gorge. Follow the river with a ranger and listen for the calls of wild chimpanzees.
Plan My TrekFrom the savannah into a river forest
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge takes you beneath the open plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park into a narrow forest along the Kyambura River. From the rim, you look down into the green valley before following your ranger towards the trees.
The gorge drops about 100 metres below the surrounding savannah. The path is steep in places, with exposed roots, damp soil and crossings near the river. After searching the forest, you climb back to the rim.
Kyambura fits well into a Queen Elizabeth safari. Spend a morning searching for chimpanzees, then make time on another part of your trip for the park's open plains and the Kazinga Channel.
Chimpanzees move through the gorge and sightings are not guaranteed. If seeing chimpanzees is the main purpose of your trip, compare Kyambura with Kibale and other forests in our chimpanzee trekking in Uganda page.
What to expect during chimpanzee trekking
Your driver will take you to the Kyambura briefing point before your confirmed session. Morning tracking usually starts at 8 am and afternoon tracking at 2 pm. Your ranger checks the booking, explains the rules and leads the group down into the gorge.
The first part is a steep descent from the savannah rim. Follow the ranger along narrow paths beneath fig trees and other forest vegetation, watching your footing on roots and damp ground.
The ranger listens for calls and looks for fresh nests, footprints and feeding remains. The route changes as the chimpanzees move through the valley. You may hear them before seeing them, or find them high in the canopy.
If the chimpanzees are located, you can spend up to one hour watching them. Look for adults grooming, young chimpanzees playing and family members moving between feeding trees. Keep close to your ranger and leave room for the animals to move.
The climb back to the rim can be the hardest part, especially after rain. Allow 1 to 5 hours for the full outing, depending on the search and the route.
Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee trekking permits
The following permit rates apply from 1 January 2027. The permit covers the ranger-led chimpanzee trek and up to 1 hour with the chimpanzees after they are found.
| Experience | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyambura chimpanzee tracking | USD 200 | USD 150 | USD 100 | UGX 50,000 |
Arranging your permit
Share your preferred trekking date, full names, passport details and visitor category with BLS Safaris. We will check availability and confirm the session and payment arrangements.
Secure the permit before finalising your lodge and the day's other activities. Carry the same identification with you for the briefing.
Allow time around the trek
A morning trek can sometimes be followed by an afternoon boat cruise or game drive. The forest search and climb may take longer than expected, so your driver should coordinate the timing.
For a broader look at forest destinations, read about chimpanzee trekking in Uganda , including Kibale and Budongo.
Things to do around Kyambura Gorge
The forest, savannah and nearby channel each offer a different way to spend time in Queen Elizabeth. Your driver can arrange these activities around your trekking session.
Watch other primates
Look into fruiting trees for red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus. Vervet monkeys and olive baboons also use the gorge and nearby savannah.
Take a forest walk
Ask about a ranger-led walk if you would like more time for trees, butterflies, animal tracks and the river. Routes depend on access and trail conditions.
Look for forest birds
Carry binoculars and listen for birds in the canopy and along the river. Kingfishers and other forest birds are easier to find when the group pauses quietly.
Drive through Kasenyi
Search the open plains for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob and lions. A game drive adds savannah animal viewing to your forest walk.
Cruise the Kazinga Channel
Watch hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds from the boat. Elephants and buffaloes may also come down to the shoreline.
Visit Ishasha
Continue south to Ishasha to search the fig trees and grasslands for lions, alongside topis, elephants and buffaloes.
How to get to Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge lies on the eastern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Most visitors arrive as part of a private safari and travel to the briefing point from their lodge.
Getting there by road
From Kampala, the route through Masaka, Mbarara and Bushenyi covers approximately 410 km. Allow around 7 to 8 hours, with more time for traffic, stops and your lodge location.
If you are coming from Kibale National Park , the road through Fort Portal and Kasese connects with the Queen Elizabeth area.
From Mweya, allow about 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the Kyambura briefing area. Confirm the departure time with your driver, especially after rain.
Getting there by air
Flights may be available from Entebbe to Kasese Airstrip. Flight schedules and routing can change, so confirm the service before making plans.
Continue by road to your lodge and the gorge. Allow roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for the onward drive, depending on the route and destination.
Arrange the vehicle in advance and match the ground transfer to your permit session.
Best time for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Trekking is available throughout the year. The main difference between seasons is often the condition of the path underfoot.
Dry season
June to September and December to FebruaryTrails are often firmer during the drier months. The descent and climb remain steep, and rain can still make roots slippery. These months also work well for game drives and boat trips.
Wet season
March to May and October to NovemberExpect greener forest, wetter paths and more mud on the slopes. Take your time on crossings, carry rain protection and leave a wider gap before the next activity.
What to carry and how to behave
What to wear and carry
- Hiking boots with firm grip for roots, mud and steep slopes.
- Long trousers and a light long-sleeved shirt.
- A light rain jacket, even during the drier months.
- Drinking water for a walk that may last several hours.
- Insect repellent and any personal medication.
- A walking stick for balance on steep or wet sections.
- A small daypack to protect your permit, identification and camera from rain.
Chimpanzee trekking rules
Do not enter the forest if you have flu, a cough, fever, diarrhoea or another infectious illness. Chimpanzees can catch diseases from people.
Keep at least 10 metres from chimpanzees and follow your ranger's instructions if an animal comes closer. Stay with your group, keep your voice low and avoid sudden movements.
Do not eat, drink or smoke near the chimpanzees. Keep camera flash switched off, never feed or touch the animals and carry all litter out of the forest.
Confirm the minimum age and group arrangements for your session before arranging permits for children or teenagers.
Where to stay for Kyambura chimpanzee trekking
A lodge near the gorge shortens the drive to an early briefing. A base near the Kazinga Channel can work well when the trek is part of a longer Queen Elizabeth safari.
| Lodge | Area | Why stay here |
|---|---|---|
| Kyambura Gorge Lodge | Kyambura area | A high-end stay close to the gorge, suited to an early tracking session. |
| Elephant Hab Lodge | Kyambura area | A nearby base for the gorge and the eastern side of Queen Elizabeth. |
| The Bush Lodge | Kazinga Channel area | A base for combining Kyambura with the channel and central park game drives. |
Confirm lodge availability and the road transfer to your briefing point before finalising your stay.
Safaris that include Queen Elizabeth
Visit Kyambura on a chimpanzee and safari trip, or compare it with other journeys through Queen Elizabeth and nearby forests.
5 Days
5 Day Queen Elizabeth and Kyambura Chimpanzee Safari
Search for chimpanzees in Kyambura, drive through Kasenyi and cruise the Kazinga Channel.
View This Safari
6 Days
6 Day Queen Elizabeth and Kalinzu Chimpanzee Safari
Trek chimpanzees in Kalinzu, enjoy the Kazinga Channel and spend 2 nights in Ishasha.
View This Safari![Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park](https://bls-safaris.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/African-fish-eagle-perched-above-the-Kazinga-Channel-in-Queen-Elizabeth-National-Park-optimized.png")
4 Days
4 Day Queen Elizabeth Safari
Spend 3 nights near the park with game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
View This SafariPlan your chimpanzee trek in Kyambura Gorge
Tell us your travel dates, number of travellers and preferred lodge. BLS Safaris will help arrange your Kyambura permit, transport and other activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park.