Uganda is one of the top destinations for primate watching, and the chimpanzees at Kibale offers a real highlight.

Often heard before they are seen, over 1,500 of our closest relatives are believed to live within the forests of Uganda.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale began in 1991 when the first family of chimpanzees had been successfully habituated to the presence of humans.

Back then the chances of a sighting was less than 20% but it is now over 90%, due the conservation of their habitat and an increase in chimp communities, which is a direct result of tourism in Uganda.

Kibale Forest National Park has the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in Africa.

There are almost 1500 chimpanzees, and with a community of 120 habituated chimps, visitors can spend time shadowing a ranger and taking part in their adjustment process, monitoring the chimps' routine from dawn till dusk.

Chimpanzee in the wild are highly mobile and active as they move around in their social groups.

Their distinctive cries can be heard through Kibale Forest, heightening anticipation of the encounter and leading trackers to their whereabouts.

It is usual to encounter anything from a solitary individual to around 10 or 12 chimpanzees as they rest and forage.

There is also the power struggles between males competing for females, and the tender grooming of one another and embracing in an act of security and protection.

Uganda has 10 national parks including :

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The facts

• When to go
• Before you go
• How to get there
• What to speak
• What to spend (and tip)
• What to know

Useful links