Chimpanzee and gorilla national parks offer a wide range of activities that are not available anywhere else. These parks offer a variety of activities that are not found anywhere else, such as birdwatching and cultural experiences, as well as canopy walks and boat safaris. When you travel to Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), you will find that there is a great deal more to discover than just interactions with primates themselves.

This is a comprehensive list of the best activities that can be enjoyed in national parks in Africa that are dedicated to chimpanzees and gorillas.

1. Chimpanzee Trekking

You will have the opportunity to observe these clever and social monkeys in their natural environment if you go on chimpanzee trekking, which is one of the most popular activities located within these national parks.

📍 Best places:

• Kibale National Park (Uganda) – Home to over 1,500 chimps
• Nyungwe Forest National Park (Rwanda) – Great for small-group tracking
• Mahale Mountains National Park (Tanzania) – Remote and exclusive chimp trekking
• Gombe Stream National Park (Tanzania) – Jane Goodall’s famous research site

🕒 Best time to visit: June – September & December – February (dry seasons)

2. Gorilla Trekking

Observing these gentle giants up close and personal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can be had by going gorilla trekking, which involves hiking through impenetrable forests.

The best locations:

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda) is an excellent place to go trekking since it is quiet and off the beaten road. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) is home to the greatest number of gorilla families. Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) is the park with the easiest access from Kigali. Virunga National Park (DRC) gives visitors the opportunity to experience adventure while being less crowded.

July through September and December through February are the best months to visit.

💡 A helpful hint: Make sure you book permits in advance! In Rwanda, prices range from $1,500 to $400, whereas in Uganda they are $400.

3. Canopy Walk Adventures

Several national parks provide tourists with the opportunity to experience a new perspective by means of canopy walks. These walks allow visitors to stroll above the rainforest and observe primates, birds, and breathtaking scenery.

📍 The most ideal locations for strolling through the canopy:

The only suspended canopy walkway in Africa is located in Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda, which is located fifty meters above the ground. Kibale National Park in Uganda is located in Uganda. Walks over the canopy that are shorter and offer excellent primate and birdwatching opportunities

The best time to visit is throughout the year, but during dry seasons, the vistas are less hazy.

4. Nature Walks & Forest Hikes 

Several parks provide guided nature walks, which give visitors the opportunity to explore the rainforest at a more leisurely pace and watch animals such as monkeys, butterflies, and flora that are unique to the area.

Where to go for the best walks in nature:

Walking through breathtaking rainforest vistas is one of the highlights of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
There are beautiful hikes along Lake Tanganyika in Mahale Mountains National Park in Tanzania. In Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, you can combine nature excursions with a journey up Nyiragongo Volcano.

5. Golden Monkey Trekking

In some parks, in addition to chimpanzees and gorillas, visitors can also go golden monkey trekking, which is an experience that is both uncommon and thrilling.

The best locations for trekking with golden monkeys are:

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are both national parks.

The presence of these jovial monkeys, who move quickly and are entertaining to watch, makes for a thrilling journey.

6. Birdwatching

The national parks that are home to gorillas and chimpanzees are also excellent places to go birdwatching. The area is a bird lover’s paradise, as it is home to hundreds of different species of birds, some of which are indigenous and uncommon.

It is the best places to see birds.

Kibale National Park in Uganda is home to more than 375 different kinds of birds.
Located in Rwanda, the Nyungwe Forest is home to the Great Blue Turaco. In Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is where you may find the African Green Broadbill.

Birdwatching is most enjoyable during the mating seasons, which are from March to May and September to November.

7. Boat Safaris & Lake Activities

There are certain parks that are situated in close proximity to rivers and lakes, which give chances for fishing and boat safaris.

• The most ideal locations for boat safaris:

Lake Tanganyika (Mahale & Gombe, Tanzania) – Relaxing boat rides after chimp trekking Lake Kivu (Rwanda) – Scenic lake cruises near Volcanoes National Park Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda) – Hippos, crocodiles, and birdwatching Lake Tanganyika (Mahale & Gombe, Tanzania)

8. Cultural Encounters & Community Visits

Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking parks are frequently bordered by local villages, which provide tourists with the opportunity to participate in traditional activities including as music, dancing, and storytelling.

The most memorable cultural experiences:

Experience the Batwa culture in Bwindi, Uganda, and gain knowledge about the indigenous people that live in the jungle.
In the vicinity of Volcanoes National Park, you may experience Rwandan traditions at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village in Rwanda. Local fishing settlements on Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania, allow you to interact with the communities that are located along the lakeshore.

9. Hiking & Volcano Climbing

There are certain parks that provide hikes up volcanoes, which might add an exciting experience to your safari if you are looking for an adventure.

Best walks to the volcanoes:

The Nyiragongo Volcano in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to the largest lava lake in the world.
Mount Sabyinyo, located in Mgahinga, Uganda, is the place where Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo meet.
Located in Rwanda, Mount Bisoke is a volcano. — A day trek complete with a lake in the crater at the peak

Why Visit Chimps & Gorillas National Parks?

Go on a journey with chimpanzees and gorillas, but don’t forget to participate in other activities as well!
For a variety of experiences, you can try out a canopy walk, a boat safari, or a trip up a volcano.
Experience the rich heritage of these locations and immerse yourself in the customs and traditions of the local community.

The experience of going to national parks that are home to chimpanzees and gorillas is one that cannot be forgotten, regardless of the path that you take.

📅 Ready to Plan Your Safari?

Customized chimpanzee and gorilla trekking experiences are available in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). For bookings, contact your Chimps and Gorillas Specialist