Uganda has long held the prestigious title of the “Primate Capital of the World,” but until recently, most travellers split their time between Bwindi for gorillas and Kibale for chimpanzees.
As of March 2026, the game has officially changed. With a thriving population of 426 chimpanzees confirmed in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the official introduction of Buhoma chimpanzee tracking, Bwindi has evolved into a true dual-primate destination.
But if you want to do it in the smartest, smoothest way (and without wasting half your trip bouncing around on rough roads), the best experience starts in Nkuringo.
Here’s the simple “Nkuringo Advantage” route we love: stay at Orugano Bwindi Lodge (a 10-minute walk to the gorilla briefing), trek gorillas in Nkuringo, then take a transition day (our favourite is the scenic ~3-hour forest hike to Buhoma with a community visit or a well-earned rest).
Then you do Buhoma chimpanzee tracking the following day—because gorillas + chimps on the same day is technically tempting, but it’s not the relaxed, high-quality experience most travellers come to Bwindi for. From Buhoma, you can then continue onward to Ishasha (Queen Elizabeth National Park)—hello, tree-climbing lions.
For those of us living and working on the edge of the forest at Orugano Bwindi Lodge, this isn’t just news; it’s a full-on upgrade to the classic Uganda safari flow.
Imagine waking up to the mist rolling over the Virunga Mountains, walking to your briefing like you’re headed to a (very wild) meeting, meeting gorillas in the morning, and then literally hiking through the forest into the Buhoma side where Buhoma chimpanzee tracking adds a whole new layer to your Bwindi story.
The Evolution of Bwindi: More Than Just Gorillas
For decades, Bwindi was synonymous with one thing: the majestic mountain gorilla. While hosting nearly half of the world’s remaining gorilla population is quite the flex, the park’s biodiversity has always hinted at something deeper. The recent 2026 census confirmed what local trackers have whispered for years: Bwindi is a massive, interconnected primate sanctuary.
The introduction of Buhoma chimpanzee tracking means that Bwindi is no longer just a “stop” on a Uganda safari; it is the destination.
By integrating Buhoma chimpanzee tracking into the Buhoma sector, visitors can now witness the two most sought-after primates in Africa within the same national park boundaries.
At the same time, it’s worth saying plainly: the chimps are in Buhoma, but the best experience starts in Nkuringo.
Why? Nkuringo sets you up for a clean, high-quality gorilla trek day (less driving, better views, calmer mornings). Then you earn your way to Buhoma via the forest—turning “transfer day” into an actual highlight.
That’s the real Bwindi primate capital move: gorillas first, a transition day, then Buhoma chimpanzee tracking—without breaking the rhythm.
The Nkuringo Advantage: The Smartest Way to Do Gorillas, Chimps & Ishasha
If you are planning to tackle this new primate circuit, the Nkuringo gorilla trekking experience is the strongest starting point—especially for travellers who want gorillas and the Ishasha lions without messy backtracking. Nkuringo is famous for its big views, proper “edge of the world” forest vibes, and its habituated gorilla families like the Christmas and Nkuringo groups.
Here’s the “Nkuringo Advantage” in one clean sequence:
- Base yourself at Orugano Bwindi Lodge — we’re a 10-minute walk to the Nkuringo gorilla briefing point.
- Gorilla trekking in Nkuringo — start the day calm and close, not after a long, bone-rattling drive.
- Transition day: scenic forest hike to Buhoma (Ivy River Trail) — usually around 3 hours on foot, and you can pair it with community activities or simply use it as a slower, recovery-style day.
- Buhoma chimpanzee tracking (next day) — this keeps the experience relaxed and gives you the best chance to enjoy both primates properly.
- Continue to Ishasha (Queen Elizabeth NP) for the night — perfectly timed for that iconic tree-climbing lion game drive the next day.
One of the biggest perks of staying with us at Orugano is that you’re not “commuting” to your gorilla trek. You can enjoy your local Ugandan coffee, soak in the Natural Simplicity of our lodge aesthetic, and stroll to the briefing point as the sun starts to cut through the forest.
After your trek, you return to a sanctuary designed to reflect the raw beauty of Bwindi. Our luxury safari lodge room services help you recover properly, whether you’re staying in a single cottage or a family suite.
The Scenic Shortcut: The Nkuringo to Buhoma Forest Walk
Traditionally, getting from the Nkuringo sector in the south to the Buhoma sector in the north required a three-to-four-hour drive around the edge of the park. The views are lovely, but the “road” can be a bit of a workout itself.
Enter the Ivy River Trail. Instead of driving, we highly recommend the scenic forest hike as your transition day between gorillas and Buhoma chimpanzee tracking.
You leave Nkuringo, descend through the Ivy River Trail Bwindi, and emerge in Buhoma a few hours later.
This walk isn’t just a transit route; it’s an adventure. You’ll cross rivers, spot rare butterflies, and sometimes even hear the distant calls of the very chimpanzees you’ll look for during Buhoma chimpanzee tracking the next day.
Caption: A lush view of the Bwindi forest canopy where chimpanzees roam, newly accessible for tracking in the Buhoma sector.
Buhoma Chimpanzee Tracking: What to Expect
So, what makes Buhoma chimpanzee tracking unique? Unlike the relatively flat terrain of some other parks, chimp tracking in Bwindi is a true “Impenetrable” experience.
These chimps are agile, vocal, and often high up in the canopy. It’s exciting, a bit chaotic (in a good way), and very different from the grounded calm of gorillas.
Buhoma chimpanzee tracking also feels raw and authentic because it’s managed as a careful conservation activity. Groups are small, and the encounters feel intimate.
Following the census of 426 individuals, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has identified specific groups in Buhoma that are suitable for tourism.
Watching a chimpanzee community interact—grooming, playing, and occasionally hunting—hits differently than a gorilla hour. Gorillas feel like the quiet, wise elders of the forest, while chimps are the energetic, clever teenagers.
Seeing both in one trip (done properly, with a transition day) gives you a fuller picture of our closest biological relatives—and makes Buhoma chimpanzee tracking feel like a headline experience, not a rushed add-on.
Perfect Logistics: The Nkuringo-to-Ishasha “Primate-to-Predator” Loop
One of the best reasons to lean into Bwindi’s new dual-primate status is the itinerary flow—and this is exactly where Nkuringo becomes the strategic choice. The goal isn’t just seeing gorillas and chimps; it’s seeing them in a way that sets you up perfectly for the next headline act: Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions.
The drive from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park (specifically the Ishasha sector) is relatively short and incredibly rewarding. Ishasha is world-famous for its tree-climbing lions.
So the winning sequence looks like this:
- Start in Nkuringo (base at Orugano, walk to briefing, trek gorillas).
- Transition day: hike through the forest to Buhoma (Ivy River Trail) and add a community activity (or keep it as a pure rest/recovery day).
- Buhoma chimpanzee tracking the following day (we strongly recommend not stacking gorillas + chimps on the same day).
- Proceed to Ishasha/QENP—setting you up for early game drives when the lions are most active.
Yes, the chimps are in Buhoma. But the best overall experience—logistics, scenery, and “this makes sense” safari momentum—starts in Nkuringo, then flows north like a story that actually has a plot.
And when you arrive in Buhoma properly (not exhausted and racing the clock), Buhoma chimpanzee tracking becomes the highlight it’s meant to be.
Staying in “Natural Simplicity”
At Orugano Bwindi Lodge, we believe that luxury doesn’t mean disconnecting from nature. Our aesthetic of Natural Simplicity is all about using local materials: stone, wood, and thatch: to create a space that feels like an extension of the forest itself.
Whether you are here for the gorilla trekking or exploring the nearby Virunga Volcanoes, we provide the perfect basecamp. After a day of tracking chimps or gorillas, there is nothing quite like a meal in our restaurant, where the ingredients are fresh and the stories are plenty.
Essential Tips for the New Bwindi Circuit
To make the most of Bwindi becoming the new primate capital, keep these tips in mind:
- Book Permits Early: Even with the new chimpanzee tracking available, permits for both gorillas and chimps are limited to protect the animals. Visit Uganda Gorilla Permits to secure yours.
- Pack for Two Worlds: You’ll need sturdy boots for the steep Nkuringo slopes and lightweight, breathable clothing for the more humid Buhoma forest.
- The Porter Rule: Even if you think you’re in peak fitness, hire a porter. Not only does it provide a vital income for the local community, but they are also absolute legends at helping you navigate slippery roots during a trek.
- Extend Your Stay: Don’t rush. Take a day for a Nkuringo village walk to meet the people who live alongside these great apes.
A New Era for Conservation
The presence of chimpanzees in Buhoma and the continued health of the gorilla population in Nkuringo are signs that conservation efforts are working. By visiting, you are directly contributing to the protection of these habitats. Every permit fee goes toward park rangers, anti-poaching patrols, and community projects that ensure the “Impenetrable Forest” remains a sanctuary for generations to come.
FAQs
Can I trek gorillas in Nkuringo, then do Buhoma chimps and still reach Ishasha?
Yes—this is the heart of the Nkuringo Advantage, but the best version is unhurried. Trek gorillas in Nkuringo, then use the Ivy River Trail as a transition day into Buhoma (add a community visit or take a proper rest). Do Buhoma chimpanzee tracking the following day, then continue to Ishasha/Queen Elizabeth NP. We’ll help you plan timings around permits and transfer logistics.
Can I track both gorillas and chimpanzees in one day?
We don’t recommend it. Gorilla trekking is a full, physical day (early briefing, hiking, and an emotional “wow” factor that deserves time to land).
For a relaxed, high-quality trip, do gorillas in Nkuringo, then take a transition day (like the ~3-hour Ivy River Trail walk plus community activities or a rest day), and do Buhoma chimpanzee tracking the following day.
How difficult is the hike from Nkuringo to Buhoma?
The Ivy River Trail is a moderate hike. It takes about 4 to 5 hours depending on your pace. It’s mostly downhill or flat, making it much easier than a drive on the winding mountain roads!
Is Orugano Bwindi Lodge suitable for families?
Absolutely. We have a family room specifically designed for those travelling with children. While the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15, there are plenty of nature walks and cultural experiences for younger explorers.
What is the best time of year to visit the Bwindi primate capital?
The dry seasons (June to August and December to February) are best for trekking. However, the “green seasons” offer lush photography opportunities and fewer crowds.
Ready to explore the new primate capital? Whether you’re dreaming of the powerful presence of a silverback or the playful antics of a chimpanzee troop, Orugano Bwindi Lodge is your gateway. Contact us today to book your stay or learn more about our luxury Bwindi accommodation rates. Let’s make your African dream a reality!
