Chimpanzee tracking
Guided walks led by rangers go down into the gorge to look for the chimpanzees. Sightings are never guaranteed, since the animals roam freely, but the forest itself, with its figs, birds and monkeys, is worth the walk.
From Hotel Premier
A sunken forest cut into the savannah, and the chimpanzee troop that lives inside it.
Kyambura Gorge is a deep, narrow valley cut by the Kyambura River into the open grassland at the eastern end of Queen Elizabeth National Park. From the rim you look down onto an unbroken canopy that seems to have no business being there.
That surprise is what makes it special. The gorge holds a forest that is separate from the savannah around it, and a small, habituated community of chimpanzees lives in it. Walking down into it is one of the better wildlife experiences in western Uganda.
What you will see
Inside Kyambura Gorge
The rim viewpoints
Short stops along the edge give wide views over the gorge and across the plains to the Rwenzori on a clear morning.
Birds and primates
Besides chimpanzees you may see red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus and a long list of forest birds.
When to go
The trails are easier in the dry months, roughly December to February and June to August. The gorge is steep and can be slippery after rain.
Before you go
- Wear closed shoes with grip and long trousers. Bring a walking stick if you have one.
- The walk down is gentle and the walk back up is not. Allow for the climb.
- Permits are limited. Book ahead rather than on the day.
Make a trip of it
Goes well with
60 km
About 1 hr 15
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Elephants, hippos, buffalo and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Close enough to leave after breakfast and be back for dinner.
50 km
About 1 hr
Bunyaruguru crater lakes
A field of volcanic lakes north of Bushenyi, and the best viewpoints in this part of the country.
Stay close
Make Premier your base for Kyambura Gorge
Our 24-hour front desk can help you plan the day, and ask a good local guide on your behalf.