Chimpanzee Tracking Rules: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Chimpanzee tracking offers a close-up experience with one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Found in the forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, chimpanzees share up to 98.7% of our DNA. This similarity makes them incredibly vulnerable to human diseases and stress. For this reason, strict rules guide every tracking experience. These rules protect both the primates and visitors, ensuring sustainable tourism and effective conservation.
Age Limit and Group Size
Only visitors aged 15 years and above may track chimpanzees. This rule helps reduce potential health risks and ensures mature behavior in the forest. Tracking groups remain small—usually limited to 6 to 8 participants. Smaller groups create a quiet, less invasive environment for the chimps.
Health and Hygiene
Chimpanzees can catch diseases from humans. If you feel sick with a cold, flu, or any contagious illness, stay away from tracking activities. Rangers will deny access to anyone who shows signs of illness. Before entering the forest, guides may ask visitors to sanitize their hands or wear masks, especially during close encounters.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Trackers must keep at least 8 meters (26 feet) away from the chimpanzees. This buffer protects the animals from diseases and reduces stress caused by human presence. Even when chimps approach out of curiosity, guides may instruct you to step back or remain still.
Time with the Chimps
Visitors can spend a maximum of one hour with the chimpanzees once located. This limit prevents exhaustion and distress in the animals, especially in areas where chimps undergo regular visits. For researchers or those on the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX), longer encounters may be allowed, but only under special permits.
Photography Rules
Bring your camera, but leave the flash off. Flash photography is strictly prohibited. Sudden light bursts can startle or frighten chimpanzees. Set your camera to silent mode and use natural light for the best shots.
Keep Noise to a Minimum
Chimpanzees respond strongly to loud noises and sudden movements. Speak in low tones and avoid unnecessary chatter. When you spot chimps, remain calm and composed. This behavior creates a peaceful environment and reduces the risk of aggression.
Follow the Guide’s Instructions
Your guide knows the forest and understands chimp behavior. Always follow their directions. If a chimpanzee shows signs of stress—such as hooting loudly, slapping the ground, or charging—the guide will manage the situation. Stay close, remain calm, and do not run.
Don’t Feed the Chimpanzees
Never try to feed chimpanzees or leave behind food or wrappers. Feeding wild animals encourages dependency and disrupts their natural behavior. It also increases the risk of disease transmission.
Avoid Eye Contact and Mimicry
Chimpanzees interpret direct eye contact as a challenge. Look at them indirectly and avoid prolonged stares. Also, never imitate their vocalizations or gestures. These behaviors might confuse or provoke the animals.
Stick with the Group
Do not wander off on your own. The forest is dense, and getting lost is easy. Staying with the group also helps you observe more chimpanzees safely and supports the rangers’ monitoring efforts.
Destinations with Chimpanzee Tracking
Several East African destinations offer excellent chimpanzee tracking:
- Kibale National Park, Uganda – Known as the primate capital of the world.
- Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda – Home to over 500 chimps.
- Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream, Tanzania—famous for Jane Goodall’s research.
- Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda – Offers the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.
Plan Your Tour or Safari
Respecting chimpanzee tracking rules enhances the experience for everyone—visitors, guides, and the chimps themselves. By following these regulations, you help protect an endangered species and support responsible tourism.
Ready to see chimpanzees in the wild? Plan your tour or safari with certified experts who prioritize safety, ethics, and conservation.
