Chimpanzee tracking is one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences you can enjoy on your Uganda safari. As many tourists think of Kibale National Park as the main chimpanzee destination, Kalinzu Forest Reserve is an equally rewarding and more budget-friendly alternative.
This reserve is located a few kilometers from Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda, and over 300 chimpanzees call Kalinzu forest home. In case you are planning to visit, one of the most crucial steps is booking a chimpanzee tracking permit. A legal document that allows you to visit the human close relatives in their natural habitat.
Kalinzu forest reserve lies in Bushenyi district, just 30 km from Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it close to the Ishasha sector, famous for the rare tree-climbing lions. The forest is a beautiful stretch of lush tropical greenery with over 414 tree species, 378 bird species, and 8 primate species, including the olive baboons, blue monkeys, and colobus monkeys.
Travelers choose Kalinzu over any other chimpanzee destination due to different reasons, such as affordable trekking permits, easier access if you are already in Queen Elizabeth National Park, high success rates of potting chimpanzees, authentic forest experience with less tourist congestion, and more.
As of 2025, chimpanzee tracking permit costs USD 130 per person for foreign non-residents. This forest reserve is under the management of the National Forestry Authority (NFA), and booking a permit can only be done through a registered and licensed tour operator in Uganda, like Standard Safaris.
We advise you to book through us to plan your safari by arranging accommodation, transport, and other activities like game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. We help you to avoid last-minute disappointments, especially in high season, where permits can sell out quickly. Booking is easy as you provide the name and number of travelers interested in visiting the chimps, tracking date, and nationality.
Tracking chimpanzees begins with a briefing at the forest reception immediately after breakfast, and during this exercise, you learn about the forest etiquette, rules and regulations, and grouping of tourists into small groups to minimize the impact of chimpanzees. Set off into the forest with guides following their calls, fresh nests, and footprints while spotting different attractions like birds and more.
Trekking can last for about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the location of these primates. Once the chimps are found, spend an hour observing their movements and behaviours while capturing photos of memories. After a magical encounter, return to the starting point. The experience is both physically challenging and emotionally moving as you get to watch our closest relatives in their natural setting.
Best time to book and visit Kalinzu Forest Reserve
The best time to book your chimpanzee permit is at least one month before the travel date. This is because the permits are fewer and cheaper compared to those of Kibale National Park. Kalinzu Forest Reserve can be visited year-round, but the best time is during the dry season, which occurs between June and December to February.
This offers easier trekking conditions, like trails that are less muddy and more. It’s very difficult to trek during the rainy seasons, which occur in the periods of March to May and October to November, as the trails are more slippery, and the forest is wet, making it difficult to trek.
As you plan your safari to Uganda, don’t miss a chance to trek the chimpanzees in Kalinzu forest and have a chance of spending an hour with these beautiful creatures. Be left with a deeper appreciation of nature and conservation.
