Cost of chimpanzee permits in Uganda is information about the price of chimpanzee trekking and habituation during tours around the country.
Chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda are essential for anyone wishing to embark on a memorable adventure to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.
Uganda is home to several national parks and reserves that offer chimpanzee trekking experiences. Each park has its own unique charm and varying costs for the permits. Here is a broad discussion about the cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in different parks in Uganda.

Kibale National Park:
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park is a highly sought-after experience, allowing visitors to witness these incredible primates in their natural habitat. To participate in a chimpanzee trekking activity in Kibale National Park, you will need to obtain a permit. Here is information specifically about the chimpanzee trekking permit for Kibale National Park:
Cost of the Permit:
The permit fees for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park are as follows:
Foreign Non-Residents: $200 per person per trek.
East African Community Residents: UGX 150,000 per person per trek.
Availability and Booking:
Chimpanzee trekking permits are limited in number to ensure the well-being of the chimpanzees and the sustainability of the activity. It is advisable to book your permit well in advance, especially during the high tourist seasons, to secure your spot. Permits can be obtained through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or authorized tour operators.
Permit Inclusions:
The chimpanzee trekking permit allows you to join a guided trekking group led by experienced rangers. The rangers will lead you through the forest, tracking the chimpanzees and providing valuable insights into their behavior, habitat, and conservation efforts. The permit also includes the park entry fee for the day of your trek.
Trekking Experience:
On the day of your chimpanzee trek, you will meet at the designated meeting point within Kibale National Park. After a briefing by the rangers, you will embark on a trek through the forest, following the trails and listening for the sounds of chimpanzee calls.
Once the chimpanzees are located, you will spend a designated amount of time observing and photographing them from a safe distance, adhering to the park’s guidelines for responsible wildlife viewing.
Trekking Regulations:
To ensure the safety of both visitors and chimpanzees, there are certain regulations that must be followed during the trek. These regulations include maintaining a minimum distance from the chimpanzees, refraining from touching or feeding them, and following the instructions of the rangers at all times.
These regulations are in place to protect the well-being of the chimpanzees and to minimize any potential disturbance to their natural behavior.
Chimpanzee trekking permits in Kibale National Park provide a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and intelligence of these endangered primates. By obtaining a permit and participating in a guided trek, you not only have the chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with chimpanzees but also contribute to the conservation efforts and protection of their natural habitat.
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Budongo Forest Reserve
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest Reserve offers a fantastic opportunity to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. If you are interested in undertaking a chimpanzee trekking experience in Budongo Forest Reserve, here is some information about the permit:
Cost of the Permit:
The permit fees for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest Reserve are as follows:
Foreign Non-Residents: $90 per person per trek.
East African Community Residents: UGX 90,000 per person per trek.
Availability and Booking:
Similar to other chimpanzee trekking experiences in Uganda, permits for Budongo Forest Reserve are limited to ensure the well-being of the chimpanzees and the quality of the tourism activities. It is advisable to book your permit well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot. Permits can be obtained through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or authorized tour operators.
Trekking Experience:
On the day of your chimpanzee trek, you will gather at the designated meeting point within Budongo Forest Reserve. Trained rangers will provide a briefing, including safety guidelines and information about the chimpanzees and their habitat. Then, you will embark on a guided trek through the forest, led by experienced trackers who are skilled at locating the chimpanzee groups.
Trekking Regulations:
During the chimpanzee trek, it is essential to follow the regulations set forth by the authorities to ensure the safety of both visitors and the chimpanzees. These regulations include maintaining a safe distance from the chimpanzees, not feeding or touching them, and adhering to the instructions of the rangers.
These measures are in place to minimize disturbance and protect the natural behavior of the chimpanzees.
Trekking Duration:
The duration of the chimpanzee trek in Budongo Forest Reserve can vary depending on factors such as the location of the chimpanzee groups and their movements. The trek can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day. It is advisable to be prepared for an immersive forest experience and to carry essentials such as water, snacks, insect repellent, and appropriate clothing and footwear.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest Reserve offers a unique opportunity to witness these incredible primates in their natural habitat. By obtaining a permit and participating in a guided trek, you not only have the chance to observe chimpanzees up close but also contribute to their conservation and the protection of their forest home.
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Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kyambura Gorge:
Chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kyambura Gorge as know as the “Valley of Apes,” is a hidden gem within the park and offers the opportunity to encounter chimpanzees, is a thrilling adventure that allows visitors to observe these remarkable primates up close in their natural habitat.
Here is information specifically about the chimpanzee trekking permit for Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Cost of the Permit:
The permit fees for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge are as follows:
Foreign Non-Residents: $50 per person per trek.
East African Community Residents: UGX 50,000 per person per trek.
Availability and Booking:
Chimpanzee trekking permits for Kyambura Gorge are limited, and it is advisable to book your permit in advance to secure your spot. Permits can be obtained through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or authorized tour operators.
Permit Inclusions:
The chimpanzee trekking permit grants you access to Kyambura Gorge and the opportunity to join a guided trekking group led by experienced rangers. The rangers will guide you through the gorge, helping to locate the chimpanzees and providing information about their behavior, habitat, and conservation efforts.
Trekking Experience:
On the day of your chimpanzee trek, you will meet at the designated meeting point in Queen Elizabeth National Park. After a briefing by the rangers, you will set off on a trek through the picturesque Kyambura Gorge, known as the “Valley of Apes.” The rangers will track the chimpanzees and guide you to their location.
Once the chimpanzees are found, you will have a designated amount of time to observe and photograph them while adhering to the park’s guidelines for responsible wildlife viewing.
Trekking Regulations:
To ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and chimpanzees, there are regulations that must be followed during the trek. These regulations include maintaining a safe distance from the chimpanzees, avoiding any physical contact with them, and following the instructions of the rangers at all times. These regulations are in place to protect the chimpanzees and their habitat, as well as to ensure a positive and sustainable experience for visitors.
Chimpanzee trekking permits for Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park provide an incredible opportunity to observe and appreciate these intelligent primates in their natural environment. By obtaining a permit and participating in a guided trek, you not only have the chance to have a memorable encounter with chimpanzees but also contribute to their conservation and the preservation of their habitat in Uganda’s national parks.
In conclusion, the cost of chimpanzee permits in Uganda varies depending on the national park and the visitor’s residency status. The permits are essential for participating in chimpanzee trekking activities and experiencing the beauty of these incredible primates in their natural habitat.
The permit fees range from $50 to $200 for foreign non-residents and from UGX 50,000 to UGX 150,000 for East African Community residents per person per trek. These fees contribute to the conservation efforts and protection of chimpanzees and their habitats, supporting sustainable tourism practices and local communities.
It is advisable to book permits in advance and adhere to the regulations and guidelines during the trek to ensure the well-being of the chimpanzees and a memorable and responsible wildlife viewing experience.