A new scientific census has confirmed that 426 chimpanzees live inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This discovery makes Bwindi the only forest on Earth where mountain gorillas and chimpanzees live together in the same protected habitat. For travelers planning a Uganda safari, this strengthens Bwindi’s position as one of the most important wildlife destinations in Africa.
This blog explains what the Bwindi chimpanzee census found, why it matters, and what it means for your safari experience.
What the Bwindi Chimpanzee Census Found
The 2025 census confirmed that Bwindi is home to an estimated 426 chimpanzees. The study was led by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) Uganda, and the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC).
Researchers surveyed more than 320 square kilometers across the park. They worked in all four main sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Using proven scientific methods, they counted chimpanzee nests and signs to calculate population size and density.
The results showed that chimpanzees live throughout the forest. They are not limited to one small area. Their average density is about 1.33 chimpanzees per square kilometer. This confirms that Bwindi is an important and healthy habitat for great apes.
The census also found very little human disturbance. This shows that conservation efforts in Bwindi are working.
Why Bwindi Is Now Unique in Africa
Bwindi was already famous for mountain gorilla trekking. Nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas live here. Now, with chimpanzees confirmed across the forest, Bwindi has become even more special.
It is the only place where both of these endangered great apes live together in the wild.
This matters for conservation, but it also changes how travelers experience the forest. When you walk through Bwindi, you are not just visiting a gorilla habitat. You are entering one of the last complete great ape ecosystems on Earth.
This makes Bwindi different from other safari destinations in Africa.
Why This Matters for Your Journey
For travelers, Bwindi offers something rare. It offers authenticity.
Gorilla trekking is already one of the most exclusive wildlife experiences in the world. Only a small number of permits are available each day. This keeps the experience private and protects the animals.
Now, knowing that chimpanzees also live in the same forest adds deeper meaning to your visit. It shows that the forest is healthy and fully alive.
Your safari also supports conservation. Gorilla permits and tourism revenue help protect wildlife and support local communities. This creates a sustainable model where conservation and tourism work together.
For many guests, this becomes the most powerful part of their Uganda safari.
Can You See Chimpanzees in Bwindi?
Chimpanzee trekking in Bwindi is not currently a standard tourist activity. The chimpanzees here are not habituated like those in Kibale Forest. This means visitors usually do not track them.
However, their presence is still important. It confirms that Bwindi remains one of Africa’s most intact forests.
Travelers who want to see chimpanzees often combine Bwindi with Kibale National Park, or Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls National Park which offers the best chimpanzee trekking experience in Uganda.
This combination creates one of the most complete primate safaris in Africa.
Why Bwindi Should Be Part of Your Uganda Safari
Bwindi offers more than wildlife sightings. It offers emotional connection.
The forest is ancient. Some parts are over 25,000 years old. When you walk here, you feel the depth of time. You slow down. You notice more.
Seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is often described as life changing. Knowing that chimpanzees share the same forest makes the experience even more meaningful.
Your Invitation to the Forest
As we look toward the 2026 and 2027 seasons, the “story” of Bwindi has changed. It is no longer just the home of the gorilla; it is a sanctuary of the Great Apes.
Whether you are a photographer looking for that rare cross-species landscape or a nature lover seeking the ultimate immersion in biodiversity, Bwindi is calling. The mist is thick, the forest is deep, and its secrets are finally being told.
Perhaps the most encouraging news from the report is the state of the forest itself. The census recorded minimal signs of human disturbance, proving that the conservation efforts by UWA and local communities are working. Will you be part of this amazing effort on the next primates safari?
Plan Your Bwindi Safari
At Nandi Adventures, we design private Uganda safaris that focus on comfort, authenticity, and conservation.
Your Bwindi experience includes expert guides, carefully selected lodges, and seamless planning from arrival to departure. We help you experience the forest in a way that feels natural and unhurried.
This is not mass tourism. This is private, thoughtful travel designed around you.
Bwindi remains one of the most powerful wildlife experiences on Earth. The confirmation of 426 chimpanzees makes it even more important.
Bwindi Chimpanzee Census 2026: Key Facts
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee population: 426 individuals
Survey year: 2025
Survey area: 320.9 square kilometers
Partners: Uganda Wildlife Authority, Jane Goodall Institute
Significance: Only forest where mountain gorillas and chimpanzees coexist
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chimpanzees live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
The 2025 census confirmed 426 chimpanzees live in Bwindi.
Is Bwindi the only place with gorillas and chimpanzees together?
Yes. Bwindi is the only protected forest where both species live together.
Can tourists see chimpanzees in Bwindi?
Chimpanzee trekking is not currently offered in Bwindi. Travelers will still track chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park; and Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls National Park among other places in Uganda.
Why is Bwindi famous?
Bwindi is best known for mountain gorilla trekking, birdwatching with over 350 bird species, and its ancient rainforest ecosystem.
This blog is based on official census results released on 24 February 2026 by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Jane Goodall Institute, which conducted the first dedicated chimpanzee population survey in Bwindi.
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