Kyambura Gorge is a forested gorge cut into the savannah on the eastern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to a small, habituated chimpanzee community. Tracking walks start in the morning, descend steeply into the gorge and take two to four hours. Permits cost US$100 in 2026 (US$200 from 2027). Sightings are less reliable than in Kibale, but the gorge itself is spectacular.
Key takeaways
- A forested gorge in the middle of the savannah.
- Small habituated chimp community.
- US$100 in 2026; US$200 from 2027.
- Less reliable than Kibale, but spectacular scenery.
Driving across the open plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, you would never guess that a deep, forested gorge lies just ahead. Kyambura Gorge, nicknamed the ‘Valley of Apes’, drops steeply to the Kyambura River and shelters a small community of chimpanzees.
The walk
After a briefing at the gorge rim, you descend a steep path into the forest with a ranger. The walk follows the river, listening for calls and looking for signs. If the chimps are found, you spend time watching them; if not, the forest still offers black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, baboons, birds and a sense of a hidden world.
Sighting chances
Kyambura’s community is small and isolated, and sightings are less predictable than in Kibale. Think of it as a forest adventure with a good chance of chimps, rather than a guaranteed sighting.
Kyambura or Kibale?
- Choose Kibale if chimps are a top priority.
- Choose Kyambura if you are already in Queen Elizabeth and want a forest walk with a chance of chimps.
The climb out of the gorge is steep. Take it slowly, carry water and wear boots with good grip.
About the gorge
Kyambura Gorge is a forested valley cut into the savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park, about 100 metres deep and around 16 km long. Known as the “Valley of Apes”, it is an island of rainforest surrounded by grassland, and its small chimp community lives in isolation from other chimp populations.
The walk
Walks start in the morning with a briefing at the gorge rim. You descend steep paths into the forest and follow the river, with guides listening for chimps. Walks usually last two to four hours, and the climb out is steep.
Costs
Kyambura chimp tracking costs US$100 per person in 2026, excluding park entry (US$40 per day), and rises to US$200 from 1 January 2027.
Chimp sightings
Because the community is small and ranges along the whole gorge, chimp sightings are not guaranteed. For a near-certain sighting, combine with Kibale.
Other wildlife
Besides chimps, you may see black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, hippos in the river and many forest birds, such as the blue-breasted kingfisher and black-and-white-casqued hornbill.
Getting there
Kyambura Gorge lies in the east of Queen Elizabeth National Park, about 30–45 minutes from the Mweya Peninsula and the Kasenyi plains. It fits easily into a morning before an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Who it suits
The walk suits fit, adventurous travellers who enjoy forest walks and do not mind if chimps are not seen.
Plan it
Kyambura can be added to any itinerary that spends two nights in Queen Elizabeth, such as our 3-day Queen Elizabeth safari or the 9-day gorillas, chimps and Murchison safari.
When to go
Walks run year-round in the morning. Dry months make the steep path into and out of the gorge easier; the rains bring a lusher forest and fewer visitors.
Good to know
- Book in advance; group sizes are small.
- Bring water and wear boots with good grip.
- Combine with an afternoon Kazinga Channel cruise.
- Expect a steep climb out of the gorge.
Combine it with
Kyambura pairs naturally with the Kasenyi game drive and the Kazinga Channel cruise in Queen Elizabeth, and with the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha on the way south to Bwindi.
Who it suits
The gorge is about 100 metres deep, and its small chimp community is not always found, so it suits travellers who enjoy the walk itself as much as the sighting. For a guaranteed chimp encounter, add Kibale as well.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kyambura worth it?
Yes, for the scenery and the chance of chimps, especially if you will not visit Kibale.
What else lives in the gorge?
Black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, baboons, forest birds and hippos in the river.
Is it difficult?
The descent and climb are steep; moderate fitness is needed.
Will the price change?
Yes, from US$100 to US$200 on 1 January 2027.
Can I see other wildlife on the walk?
Yes. Colobus, red-tailed monkeys, baboons, forest birds and hippos in the river are often seen.
How much is Kyambura chimp tracking?
US$100 in 2026, plus park entry; US$200 from 2027.
How difficult is the walk?
Moderate to challenging, with steep paths into and out of the gorge.
Can I combine Kyambura with the Kazinga Channel?
Yes. Walk the gorge in the morning and take the boat cruise in the afternoon.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
