Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking: The Valley of Apes

Kyambura Gorge is a deep, green gorge in the east of Queen Elizabeth National Park, often called the Valley of Apes. Its forest holds a small community of chimpanzees along with monkeys and many birds. The contrast between open savannah above and dense forest below is striking.

Because the group is small, sightings are less predictable than in Kibale, but the setting and the chance to combine tracking with game drives and a boat cruise make it a favourite on Queen Elizabeth itineraries.

What the Walk Is Like

You descend steeply into the gorge on forest trails, often muddy and root-covered, then search for the chimpanzees with rangers. The climb back up is the tiring part. Wear boots, long trousers and bring water.

Kyambura or Kibale?

Kibale has a larger, well-habituated population and a higher chance of sightings; see Kibale and the habituation experience. Kyambura suits travellers already in Queen Elizabeth who want primates without a separate journey. Many visitors do both.

Sample Plan

A sensible plan is to track chimpanzees in the morning, rest at midday and take the Kazinga Channel boat cruise in the afternoon. The following morning could be a game drive on the Kasenyi plains. This spreads the effort and uses the park's strengths.

Practical Tips

Wear sturdy boots because the gorge floor is damp. Carry a small day pack and water. Expect the climb out to be the toughest part; take it slowly. The chimpanzee group is small, so patience matters, and you may spend more time looking than watching. Keep distance, avoid flash and follow ranger instructions. See Kibale for a bigger chimp population.

Best Time and Conditions

Tracking runs all year. Dry months make the gorge floor less muddy and the climb safer. Going early lets you finish before heat builds, and afternoon sessions can be pleasant when cloud cover helps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating the climb out of the gorge.
• Wearing unsuitable shoes.
• Assuming it equals Kibale in chimp numbers.
• Skipping insect repellent.

Kyambura Tracking Fee

UWA lists Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee tracking at $100 for foreign non-residents, $80 for foreign residents and UGX 50,000 for East Africans; entrance is separate. From 1 January 2027 the foreign non-resident rate is listed at $200 and foreign resident at $150.

See also the permit price notice for low season rates and the revised tariff from 1 January 2027.

About these rates. UWA states that tariff fees are subject to change without prior notice. FNR = foreign non-resident, FR = foreign resident, ROA = rest of Africa, EAC = citizen of an East African Community member state (paid in UGX). Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Conservation Tariff July 2024 to June 2026 and UWA letter ref. TDO 93/04 dated 26 February 2026.

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