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Ngogo Chimpanzees

Visiting the Ngogo Chimpanzees from Netflix’s Chimp Empire: The Ultimate Travel Guide

If you’ve been captivated by the Netflix docuseries Chimp Empire, you’re not alone. This powerful series, directed by James Reed (co-director of My Octopus Teacher), brings the Ngogo chimpanzee community in Uganda’s Kibale National Park to the global stage. After watching, it’s only natural to feel inspired to experience this extraordinary world firsthand.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about visiting the Ngogo chimpanzees featured in Chimp Empire, including background information, travel tips, best times to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and why this experience is one of the best in African wildlife tourism.

What is Chimp Empire?

Chimp Empire is a critically acclaimed Netflix nature documentary that dives deep into the dramatic and complex lives of chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park. Filmed over 18 months, the series documents the lives of the Ngogo chimpanzee community—the largest known group of chimpanzees in the world.

At the time of filming, the Ngogo community had split into two factions, the Central and Western groups, battling for dominance in a story filled with emotion, tension, and fascinating social dynamics. The documentary blends elements of science, survival, and power struggles to tell a story that feels closer to Game of Thrones than a traditional wildlife documentary.

Who Are the Ngogo Chimpanzees?

The Ngogo chimpanzee community resides in the heart of Kibale National Park, one of Uganda’s most biodiverse areas. As of the last major population study in 2012, this community had 188 members—including 32 adult males and 58 adult females—making it the largest known chimpanzee group in the wild.

This population has been a focus of scientific research for decades. Long-term research was launched in 1995 by John Mitani of the University of Michigan and David Watts of Yale University. Later, Kevin Langergraber joined the team and helped expand the project’s scope.

Researchers have studied everything from chimpanzee behavior and social structures to mating habits, territorial battles, and even genetic lineage. Their work has helped us better understand primate intelligence and social dynamics, many of which are strikingly similar to humans.

The Ngogo Chimpanzee Research Project

The Ngogo Chimpanzee Research Project is part of a broader conservation and ecological study supported by Makerere University Biological Field Station (MUBFS) in Uganda. Originally established in 1972 by Thomas Struhsaker of the New York Zoological Society, the project was created to protect the forest and its inhabitants from commercial logging.

Unlike other areas in Uganda, Kibale Forest has been relatively untouched by logging, making it a pristine site for long-term primate research. The Ngogo research project continues to host Ugandan and international students, providing mentorship and field experience in primate behavior and forest ecology.

The project also collaborates with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to combat poaching, collect biological samples, and protect unhabituated chimpanzee communities within the 800 km² national park.

Best Time to Visit the Ngogo Chimpanzees

The best time to go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park is during the dry seasons, which run from June to October and December to March. During these months, the trails are more manageable, the vegetation is thinner (making chimpanzees easier to spot), and the weather is generally pleasant.

In the wet months—April, May, and November—trekking can be more challenging due to slippery trails and dense vegetation. However, these seasons have their perks. Because food is abundant, chimpanzees don’t travel far, making treks shorter and sightings more predictable, even if visibility is lower.

Trekking is offered year-round, and the chances of seeing chimpanzees in Kibale Forest are over 99%, making it one of the most reliable places in Africa for primate viewing.

How to Get to Ngogo, Kibale National Park

By Road

Kibale National Park is accessible via the main safari circuit in Uganda. From Kampala or Entebbe, it takes about 4 to 5 hours to drive to Fort Portal, and from there, it’s a short drive to the park.

An alternative route is via the Kampala–Mbarara–Kasese highway, which allows for an extended scenic drive and takes you to the park via a 1 to 2-hour final leg from Kasese.

By Air

For those looking to save time, domestic flights are available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kasese airstrip. From Kasese, it’s a short road transfer to Kibale Forest National Park. Airlines such as Aerolink and Fly Uganda operate scheduled and chartered flights.

We recommend booking your air transfer and ground transport through a reputable tour operator to ensure seamless coordination.

Where to Stay During Your Visit

There are a range of accommodation options near Kibale National Park, catering to all budgets and preferences:

Budget Options ($90–$100 per night)

  • Chimpanzee Forest Guest House
  • Isunga Lodge
  • Rwenzori View Guest House
  • Mountains of the Moon Hotel
  • Kibale Home Stay

Mid-Range Options ($150–$200 per night)

  • Kibale Forest Camp
  • Turaco Treetops Lodge
  • Prime Lodge Kibale

Luxury Options ($250–$700 per night)

  • Ndali Lodge
  • Crater Safari Lodge
  • Papaya Lake Lodge
  • Kyaninga Lodge

Each of these lodges offers a unique forest experience, often with views of crater lakes, excellent birdwatching, and proximity to chimpanzee trekking start points.

Booking Your Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is a regulated and well-organized activity. Treks are led by expert guides who will take you deep into the rainforest in search of the Ngogo chimpanzees.

Each trekking group is limited in size to minimize environmental impact and ensure a personal, engaging experience. The treks usually begin in the morning and can last from 2 to 6 hours, depending on chimpanzee movement.

To secure your trekking permit, it’s advisable to book at least 3–6 months in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Why Book with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris?

When planning a trip to see the Ngogo chimpanzees featured in Chimp Empire, choosing the right tour operator can make all the difference.

Monumental Expeditions and Safaris is a leading safari company with extensive experience in organizing chimpanzee trekking tours in Kibale Forest. Their knowledgeable guides, custom packages, and attention to detail ensure a smooth, enriching experience from start to finish.

Whether it’s your first trip to Uganda or you’re a returning traveler, Monumental Expeditions will help you build a personalized itinerary that includes chimpanzee tracking, gorilla trekking, nature walks, birding tours, and cultural experiences.

Final Thoughts

The Ngogo chimpanzees are more than just the stars of a Netflix documentary—they are part of one of the most fascinating and complex primate societies on Earth. Visiting them offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness wildlife behavior that rivals any human drama in intensity and depth.

From exploring the lush, unspoiled forests of Kibale National Park to walking in the footsteps of pioneering researchers, this trip is a powerful reminder of the connection between humans and our closest living relatives.

If you’ve been moved by Chimp Empire, it’s time to go beyond the screen. Start planning your visit to the Ngogo chimpanzees in Uganda today.

 

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