Different forests, different days
Kibale is Uganda's best-known chimpanzee base; Nyungwe adds canopy and highland forest; Mahale combines primates with Lake Tanganyika remoteness. Sail selects for the wider route.
The living forest
Chimpanzee trekking
Sail perspective
An energetic, intelligent encounter paired with birdlife, forest walks and the distinct atmosphere of East Africa's equatorial landscapes.
- Countries
- Uganda · Rwanda · Tanzania
- Best for
- Primate enthusiasts, active travellers, repeat visitors
- Preferred rhythm
- Two or three nights near the forest
The essentials
- Chimpanzee permit, Kibale
- US $250 per person; US $200 low season, rising to US $300 from 1 January 2027 (UWA tariff)
- Minimum age, Kibale
- 12 years
- Time with the chimpanzees
- One regulated hour on a standard trek
- Drier windows
- June to August and December to February; forests operate year-round
Permit prices follow the UWA tariff, last reviewed by Sail in August 2026, and are always confirmed at booking. Nyungwe and Mahale operate under their own permit systems, which Sail confirms for your dates.
Trek or habituation
Where available and appropriate, longer habituation experiences offer more time with researchers and the forest process. Standard tracking can fit a broader journey more easily.
Prepare for movement
Chimpanzees can travel quickly and terrain can be uneven. We discuss fitness, footwear and expectations before committing to the experience.
Design it around you
This is a starting point, not a package.
Sail will test season, access, permits, stay character and pace against your actual dates before recommending the route.
Plan this experience