Kyambura Gorge, The Underground Forest of Queen Elizabeth Park
Most travelers driving across the savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park miss it completely. The ground simply opens up. One minute, you see flat grasslands and distant mountains. The next moment, you stand at the edge of a massive rift in the earth. This is Kyambura Gorge. It stretches 11
kilometers long and drops 100 meters. Locals call it the Valley of Apes. It looks like a slash in the planet, filled with a thick tropical rainforest. A river flows through the bottom and connects to the Kazinga Channel. This isolated strip of jungle is home to a community of chimpanzees that has been cut off from the rest of the forest for centuries.
Tracking these primates here is different from anywhere else in East Africa. It is not just about ticking an animal off a list. It is about hiking down into a lost world. The air gets cooler as you descend. The sounds of the savannah fade away and are replaced by the noise of rushing water and screeching monkeys. This page breaks down exactly what happens on a trek here. We explain the honest chances of seeing chimpanzees and why the lower price compared to Kibale Forest might make this the right choice for your budget.
The “Valley of Apes” Experience
You start your morning at the fig tree camp on the edge of the gorge. The briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers is simple. They tell you about the family of chimpanzees living below. This community is habituated. That means they tolerate humans, but they are still wild animals. The
descent is steep. You walk down wooden steps and dirt paths. You leave the hot sun behind and enter the canopy. The temperature drops noticeably. Trees tower over you. Sunlight filters through in beams. It feels prehistoric. You are walking in the same rift valley system that shaped the entire continent. The walk itself is the main event. You cross the Kyambura River on logs or small bridges. You might see hippos in the water. It is rare to see hippos this deep in a forest, but they swim up from the Kazinga Channel to cool off. You will also see red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys jumping between the trees. Finding the chimpanzees here requires patience. They move fast. They swing through the high branches or travel on the ground in search of fruit. When you find them, the rangers will clear a viewing spot. You get one hour with them. You might see them grooming, eating wild figs, or playing on the forest floor. The sound of their pant-hoots echoing off the gorge walls is loud and intense.
Kyambura vs. Kibale Forest
Many travelers struggle to choose between Kyambura Gorge and Kibale Forest. You need the right information to make a decision. Kibale is the primate capital of the world. It has over 1500 chimpanzees. The chances of seeing them there are over 90 percent. The terrain is mostly flat, and the forest is dense. However, a permit there costs significantly more. As of 2026, a standard permit in Kibale is $250 for foreign non-residents. Kyambura is different. The chimpanzee population is smaller. There are fewer than 30 individuals in the habituated community. The chances of seeing them are around 60 to 70 percent. You might hike for three hours and only hear them in the distance. That is the risk you take.
But Kyambura offers something Kibale cannot. The landscape is dramatic. In Kibale, you walk through a forest. In Kyambura, you hike into a canyon. The scenery is unmatched. You also pay much less. The permit for Kyambura is typically $50 to $80, depending on the current UWA tariff. This makes it a smart add-on if you are already visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives. It allows you to see primates without breaking the bank. Choose Kibale if seeing chimpanzees is your main priority and you have the budget. Choose Kyambura if you enjoy hiking, want to save money, and appreciate the scenery as much as the wildlife.
Understanding the 2026 Permit Logistics
Booking a permit for Kyambura is easier than Kibale. There is often availability even on short notice. However, in the peak months of July, August, and December, spaces fill up. We advise booking at
least three months in advance to secure your morning slot. There are two shifts per day. The morning shift starts at 8:00 AM. The afternoon shift starts at 2:00 PM. The morning shift is generally better. The day is cooler, and the chimps are more active. In the afternoon heat, they often climb high into the trees to sleep, making them harder to spot and photograph. Children under the age of 15 are not allowed to trek with chimps. This is a strict rule to protect the animals from human diseases. Children also might struggle with the steep climb back out of the gorge. If you are traveling with kids, they can stay at the lodge or do a game drive on the plains while the adults trek.
The Physical Reality of the Trek
We need to be clear about the difficulty. This is not a walk in the park. You must hike down 100 meters and hike back up. The way down is easy on the lungs but hard on the knees. The way up is a cardiovascular workout. The terrain inside the gorge is uneven. Vines and roots cover the paths. It can be slippery after rain. You need a moderate level of fitness. If you can walk up three flights of stairs without stopping, you can handle this trek. The rangers move at the pace of the slowest person. They will stop for breaks. You can hire a porter if you have a heavy camera bag or need assistance. Porters are locals from the surrounding communities. Hiring them supports the local economy directly.
What to Wear and Carry
You need the right gear to enjoy this. Do not wear shorts. The undergrowth has stinging nettles and 
sharp thorns. Wear long trousers in neutral colors like khaki or green. Bright colors can distract the animals. Tsetse flies are present in some areas of the park, and they are attracted to blue and black, so avoid those colors. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip. The mud is slippery. Tuck your trousers into your socks. This stops safari ants from crawling up your legs. These ants are aggressive, and their bite is painful. Carry a small backpack. Put a rain jacket inside, even if the sky looks blue. Weather changes fast in the gorge. Bring at least one liter of water. You will get thirsty on the climb out. Bring insect repellent with DEET. Apply it before you start walking.
Beyond the Chimps
The gorge is not just about chimpanzees. It is a birdwatcher‘s spot. You can see the Blue-headed Bee-eater here. You might spot the Black Bee-eater or the African Finfoot. The river attracts many species that you will not see on the open plains. Keep an eye on the river banks. Giant Forest Hogs sometimes hide in the thickets. Bushbucks are common. You might see elephants drinking at the edge of the river, though they usually stay on the plains above. The contrast between the savannah animals above and the forest animals below is sharp
Accommodation Tiers
The area surrounding the gorge has seen significant investment in recent seasons. Lodges are generally grouped along the Kichwamba Escarpment, providing views of the park below. Choosing the right tier depends on whether you prioritize proximity to the trekking point or a specific price point.
Luxury Options
These properties offer all-inclusive rates, private butler services, and direct access to conservation projects. Expect to pay between $800 and $2,200 per night, depending on the season.
Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Volcanoes Safaris): This is the flagship property for the area. It is a converted coffee storehouse with eight luxury bandas. Four are standard, and four are
Kyambura Gorge Lodge deluxe suites. It features a private footpath leading directly from the lodge down into the gorge. Guests receive a complimentary massage and have access to an infinity pool overlooking the savannah.
Katara Lodge: Located on the Great Rift Valley escarpment, this lodge is famous for its “star beds.” You can wheel your four-poster bed onto the private veranda to sleep under the African sky. The cottages are built from local materials and feature romantic roll-top baths and sweeping views of Lake Edward and the Virunga ranges.
Elephant Plains Lodge: Situated on one of the highest points in the park, this lodge offers massive stone and thatch cottages. It provides a highly exclusive feel with a large infinity pool that looks like it spills directly into the park plains.
Mid-Range Options
These lodges provide self-contained cottages with hot water, electricity, and good restaurants. They are perfect for travelers who want comfort without the four-figure price tag. Rates typically range from $150 to $300.
Elephant Hab Lodge Elephant Hab Lodge: Located just 10 minutes from the chimpanzee tracking point, this lodge often has elephants wandering through the grounds. It features an infinity pool and spacious wooden cottages with private balconies. It is a top choice for those who want to stay as close as possible to the “Valley of Apes.”
Enganzi Game Lodge: Perched on the rift valley hill, this lodge is built using local stone and timber. The cottages are staggered up the hillside, offering some of the most consistent sunset views in the region. The rooms are spacious and use solar power and hydro-power for charging devices.
Park View Safari Lodge: This award-winning lodge sits on the park’s outskirts. It offers a mix of modern amenities and traditional design. The facility includes a large swimming pool and a gift shop, making it a reliable choice for families and larger groups.
Budget Options
Budget stays in this area focus on a “bush experience.” You will find a mix of self-contained rooms and fixed tents. Prices generally fall between $50 and $130.
The-Bush-Lodge The Bush Lodge: This is a favorite for the “authentic” safari feel. It offers three types of stay:
Self-contained Bandas: Raised wooden platforms with canvas walls and private outside showers.
Self-contained Tents: Private tents set away from the main camp for a quieter experience.
Non-self-contained Tents: The most affordable option. These are pre-erected tents under thatched roofs with comfortable beds and shared bathroom facilities.
Twin Lakes Safari Lodge: Located in the Bunyaruguru crater field, this lodge offers cottages with views of the surrounding crater lakes. It is slightly further from the park gate but offers a peaceful atmosphere at a low price point.
Tembo Safari Lodge: This lodge is situated very close to the Kazinga Channel bridge. It is a simple, no-frills accommodation that is highly popular with backpackers and self-drive travelers who need a functional base for early morning park activities.
Getting There
The drive from Kampala or Entebbe takes about six to seven hours. You go through Fort Portal or Mbarara. The roads are tarmac most of the way. The final stretch into the park is dirt but well-maintained. You can also fly. Scheduled flights land at Kasese or Mweya airstrips. From the airstrip, a driver can pick you up and transfer you to your lodge. Flying saves you the long drive and gives you more time in the park. We handle all these logistics for you. We book the permits, the lodges, and the transport. You just need to show up ready to hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Kyambura Gorge?
The dry seasons are best. These are from June to August and December to February. The trails are drier and easier to hike. However, the gorge is a rainforest, so rain can happen anytime. The wet season offers lush scenery and fewer crowds.
How difficult is the hike in Kyambura Gorge?
It is moderately difficult. You must hike down a steep slope and climb back up. The terrain is uneven and can be muddy. A reasonable level of fitness is required. If you have bad knees or heart problems, you should reconsider or hire a porter for assistance.
Can I see chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge?
No, sightings are not guaranteed. The success rate is roughly 60 to 70 percent. These are wild animals in a large area. They move constantly. However, the rangers are experts at tracking them. Even without seeing them, the hike and scenery are rewarding.
How much is a chimpanzee permit in Kyambura Gorge?
For 2026, the permit typically costs $50 to $80 for foreign non-residents. This is much cheaper than Kibale Forest. The price includes the park ranger and entrance to the gorge, but excludes park entrance fees to Queen Elizabeth National Park itself.
Is it safe to trek in Kyambura Gorge?
Yes, it is safe. You are escorted by armed rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. They are trained to handle wildlife encounters. You must follow their instructions at all times. Stay with the group and do not approach animals too closely.
What is the difference between Kyambura and Kalinzu Forest?
Kalinzu is another nearby forest with chimpanzees. Kalinzu has higher sighting chances than Kyambura, similar to Kibale. However, Kyambura is inside the national park and offers the unique sunken gorge landscape. Kyambura is more scenic, while Kalinzu is a denser forest trek.
How long does the chimpanzee trekking take?
The activity usually lasts between two and four hours. This includes the briefing, the hike down, the time searching for chimps, the one hour spent viewing them, and the hike back out. The duration depends on where the chimpanzees are that day.
Can children go chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura?
The minimum age is 15 years old. This is a strict rule enforced by the wildlife authority. Children cannot trek due to safety reasons and the risk of transmitting childhood diseases to the primates. Children can do game drives or boat cruises instead.
