Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is pleased to spotlight new scientific findings from the recently concluded chimpanzee census conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda. The census, undertaken by the Jane Goodall Institute in collaboration with Uganda Wildlife Authority, confirmed an estimated 426 chimpanzees in Bwindi. It is the first comprehensive population assessment ever conducted in the park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, globally renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to more than half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas, now gains additional global conservation significance with confirmation of a substantial and widely distributed chimpanzee population. The findings reinforce Uganda’s status as one of Africa’s most biodiverse and conservation-focused destinations.
The significance of this census to Uganda’s tourism sector is considerable. Bwindi has long been marketed internationally for gorilla trekking, attracting high-value travellers seeking exclusive and responsible wildlife encounters. The confirmation of 426 chimpanzees strengthens the park’s positioning as a multi-primate destination.
The results also strengthen Uganda’s claim as Africa’s primate capital. In addition to Bwindi, Uganda hosts thriving chimpanzee populations in Kibale National Park and other forest ecosystems. This diversity provides travellers with multiple primate tracking opportunities across different landscapes, increasing the country’s competitiveness in the global ecotourism market.
For international travellers and trade partners attending ITB Berlin, the census provides scientific assurance that Uganda’s wildlife resources are sustainably managed and carefully monitored. Today’s high-value ecotourism markets prioritize destinations that demonstrate measurable conservation outcomes. The verified chimpanzee numbers send a clear message that Uganda’s conservation investments are delivering results.
Chimpanzees are highly sensitive to habitat disturbance, and a stable, growing population signals healthy forest ecosystems. This has implications beyond tourism, including climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and long-term environmental sustainability. Tourism revenue generated from park entry fees and related services contributes directly to ranger patrols, ecological monitoring, research partnerships, and community engagement initiatives, demonstrating a strong link between conservation success and responsible tourism. The Uganda delegation at ITB Berlin invites international media, tour operators, investors, and conservation partners to engage with this important milestone and explore opportunities to promote Uganda’s evolving wildlife conservation story to global audiences.
