Gorilla tracking comes high on many people’s wish lists and the reality of seeing our close cousins in the wild, in Uganda or Rwanda, never disappoints. Chimp tracking is also an unforgettable experience as you watch their primate antics and family group dynamics.

Chimpanzee tracking in the Mahale Mountains, in Tanzania, Greystoke Mahale

For those of us who’ve tracked chimps, and I’ve done it in Kyambura Gorge in Uganda from Kyambura Gorge Lodge and the Mahale Mountains in Tanzania based at Greystoke Mahale, the experience can be equally rewarding.

Beautiful setting of Greystoke Mahale in the Mahale Mountains alongside Lake Tanganyika

Kyambura Gorge in Uganda

As well as Kyambura Gorge there are also chimps in Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park. From Ndali Lodge, treks head into the national park in the morning and afternoon, giving guests a better than average chance of finding the chimp families eating in the morning close to their nesting site or bedding down for the evening in the late afternoon.

Chimp tracking in Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park, Ndali Lodge

In Tanzania’s remote west, Greystoke Mahale is tucked on a beach at the foot of the Mahale Mountains alongside Lake Tanganyika. Chimp tracks head out in the morning following directions radioed in from the forest by park rangers. Depending on the chimps’ position on the hillside trackers might be back on the beach in time for lunch or only arriving back in time for a cooling swim and a sundowner cocktail. It’s a super destination to stay for a few days; as well as seeing chimps in the forest, guests get the chance to swim in hillside pools, kayak on Lake Tanganyika or relax on the beach with a drink in hand.

Enjoying drinks at Greystoke Mahale

I loved chimp tracking and for me a power struggle I saw between two males was just as compelling as any of gorilla experiences. That said, it’s not an either/or choice since both experiences are wonderful.

Chimpanzee at Kyambura Gorge, Uganda

Any questions?

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What next?

We would be delighted to help you plan a holiday, or answer any questions if you’re at an earlier stage. Our team of experts have travelled widely throughout Africa. They can offer expert advice on every type of safari from family and beach holidays to riding and primate safaris.  If you would like to talk to someone who has been there and done it, please just send us an email or give us a call.

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