The cost of chimpanzee permit in Kibale National Park in Uganda starts from US$ 150.00 for chimpanzee trekking, but usually, a small surcharge is added for securing this permit for you. It is anticipated that the cost of a chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale will go higher in the coming years.
In addition, the cost of chimpanzee permit in Kibale for visitors seeking to do a full-day chimpanzee habituation starts from US $220.00 per person and it’s valid for the day allocated.
Cost of Chimpanzee Permit and Trekking in Different Places
Chimp trekking is the second-best primate activity in Uganda. It has also got the option of trekking the habituated chimpanzees by visiting one of the places below and each place has different prices.
Uganda has more than 1500 chimpanzees in total, spread over three National Parks, that is, Kibale National Park, Murchison Fall National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. There are others at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, so the cost of chimpanzee permits differs from one place to another.
Chimpanzee Trekking Permit in Kibale Forest National Park
The forest has three habituated communities of chimpanzees and two of them are used for chimpanzee trekking while the other one is for chimpanzee habituation. Trekking in Kibale National Park requires one to budget for a chimp permit of $250 per person, per trek, either in the morning or afternoon.
This charge allows visitors to stay with the chimps for only one hour, but the walk is interspersed with birdwatching, butterfly-watching, and plant identification. The trek is always guided by informed and very knowledgeable Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides. This $150 caters for the park entrance fees, viewing the chimps in the forest, and a guide who takes you around the forest.
Chimp Trekking in Budongo Forest, Murchison Falls National Park
Budongo forest is located in the northern part of Uganda and has got the highest number of wild chimpanzees. The habituated chimpanzees are found in Kaniyo-Pabidi, which is about 4 hours’ drive from Kampala, on your way to Murchison Falls National Park.
The cost for chimpanzee permits for Budongo forest starts from $90.00 per person, and one can trek either in the morning or the afternoon. We can help you in securing chimp permits for Budongo Forest as long as you provide us with the requirements.
Chimpanzee Trekking Permit in Kyambura Gorge, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kyambura Gorge is situated in Queen Elizabeth National Park on the floor of the western arm of the great East African Rift Valley. It was formed due to the secondary faulting that affected the floor of the primary Rift Valley and because of this, climatic and vegetation differences created a forest within the gorge. It is now the home for eight habituated chimps.
The cost for chimpanzee permits for Kyambura Gorge starts from $50 per person, per trek, so we can help you secure these permits from Uganda Wildlife Authority.
More on Chimpanzee Permits
As earlier mentioned, you need to budget for at least a night as you plan for your chimp trekking. There are many lodges and guest house options where you can retire after chimpanzee trekking. Many budget accommodation lodges are in Fort Portal town and the specialized lodges are close to Kibale National Park.
The most common lodges include; Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Primate Safari Lodge, Chimps’ Nest, Kibale Forest Cottages, Kibale Safari Lodge, and Kibale Forest Camp among others. There are not many lodge options for Budongo Forest and the only perfect lodge is the Budongo Eco Lodge which is located in Kaniyo-Pabidi.
You can also stay in Masindi or inside Murchison Falls National Park.