Chimpanzee safaris are a top wildlife activity in East Africa. Both Rwanda and Uganda are excellent choices, but they offer different experiences. This guide compares chimpanzee safaris in both countries to help you choose the best one for your trip.

Chimpanzee Safari Destinations

Rwanda has two chimpanzee trekking locations:

• Nyungwe Forest National Park
  
  
• Gishwati-Mukura National Park
  
  

Uganda has more options, including:

• Kibale Forest National Park
  
  
• Kyambura Gorge (in Queen Elizabeth National Park)
  
  
• Budongo Forest
  
  
• Kalinzu Forest
  
  

Uganda offers more safari locations, spread across different parts of the country.

Types of Chimpanzee Experiences

In Rwanda, you can only go for chimpanzee trekking.

In Uganda, you can choose between:

• Chimpanzee trekking
  
  
• Chimpanzee habituation experience (CHEX) — this allows more time with the chimpanzees and gives a deeper understanding of their behavior.
  
  

Cost of Chimpanzee Permits

• Rwanda: $150 per person
  
  
• Uganda: Prices vary by location
  
  
  • Kibale Forest: $250
    
    
  • Kyambura Gorge: $80
    
    
  • Budongo Forest: $130
    
    
  • Kalinzu Forest: Around $100
    
    

Uganda has more price options, which may fit different budgets.

Other Activities You Can Combine with a Chimpanzee Safari

Rwanda:

• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  
  
• Hiking to Isumo Waterfalls
  
  
• City tours in Kigali
  
  

Uganda:

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga
  
  
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls
  
  
• Boat cruises, birdwatching, and cultural visits
  
  

Uganda offers more variety for safari lovers.

Travel and Accessibility

• Rwanda: Easier to access chimpanzee parks from Kigali. Travel times are shorter.
  
  
• Uganda: Travel can take longer, but roads connect major parks well. Uganda has more domestic airports.
  
  

Rules for Chimpanzee Safaris

• Minimum age: 12 years
  
  
• Stay at least 8 meters away from chimpanzees
  
  
• No eating or smoking within 200 meters
  
  
• Wear a mask during the visit
  
  
• Speak quietly to avoid disturbing animals
  
  
• Do not provoke or touch chimpanzees
  
  
• Bury human waste deep, with help from your guide
  
  

These rules protect both you and the chimpanzees.

Final Verdict: Which Country Is Better?

• Choose Rwanda if you want quick access, simple logistics, and a short itinerary.
  
  
• Choose Uganda if you want more choices, richer safari options, and are okay with more travel time.
  
  

For a deeper and more flexible safari, Uganda is a better place to go on a chimpanzee safari.