Cost of Chimpanzee Permits in Uganda and Rwanda: Chimpanzee tracking is an activity where tourists are taken a guided hikes through the forests to observe and interact with chimpanzees in their natural habitats. The hikes are usually led by experienced guides who are familiar with the chimpanzee groups in the area. this activity can provide a unique and unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to see these fascinating creatures up close and more about their behavior and conservation efforts. Chimpanzee Tracking is one of the most blowing tourist activities in Uganda and Rwanda. Chimpanzee tracking is one of the main highlights of any trip in Uganda and Rwanda after mountain gorilla tracking. Chimpanzee tracking in both Uganda and Rwanda is done in a few designated areas. These include Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest Reserve in Murchison Falls National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda and Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda.
What is a Chimpanzee Permit?
A chimpanzee permit is a legal document issued by a government or wildlife authority that allows individuals or organizations to legally interact with or study chimpanzees in the wild or captivity. these permits are usually required to ensure the protection and conservation of chimpanzees as well as to manage and regulate human interactions with these endangered creatures. Regardless of where one ends up seeing the primates, the cost of the permit covers the park entrance, spending 1 hour with the chimpanzees upon locating them, a Park Guide, and an armed Ranger for security. It is important to note that there are permits for normal chimpanzee trekking and also the chimpanzee habituation experiences a special permit that allows tourists to spend an extended amount of time with a specific group of chimpanzees in their natural habitat in order to habituate them to human presence. this process is important for research, conservation, and ecotourism purposes, as it helps chimpanzees become more comfortable around humans and allows researchers to observe their behavior more closely. The permits are typically issued by national parks or wildlife authorities. The chimpanzee habituation permit is more expensive but the experience is highly rewarding. In both Uganda and Rwanda, chimpanzee permits are only issued to Travelers who are aged 15 years and above.
Cost of Chimpanzee Permits in Uganda
The cost of a chimpanzee tracking varies depending on the type of the permit and the chimpanzee tracking destinations. Uganda is amazed to have many chimpanzee trekking sites hence offering Travelers variety. Uganda is also special because it is the only country currently offering tourists the opportunity to take part in the Chimpanzee habituation experience. here are the cost of the chimpanzee permits for the different tracking destinations.
Kibale Forest National Park: The national park is situated in the western part of the country, covering an area of about 795 kilometers, It is a pristine and diverse destination known for its large population of chimpanzees. chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park offers the unique opportunity to observe these intelligent and social primates in their natural habitat, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Kibale Forest National Park is home to an estimated 1000 chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in East Africa to see these fascinating creatures up close. A chimpanzee permit in Kibale National Park will cost $250 per person for foreign non-residents, $ 200 per person for foreign residents, and UGX180,000 per person for East African citizens. The chimpanzee Habituation Experience permit will cost $300. Foreign non-residents, $200 per person for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 per person for East African citizens
Budongo Forest: Budongo Central Forest Reserve, located in the northwestern part of Uganda, near the city of Masindi, the forest reserve is a lush tropical rainfall that is home to a large population of chimpanzees. The reserve covers approximately 800 square kilometers and is part of the large Murchison Falls National Park. The reserve is home to over 600 chimpanzees residing in four habituated chimps’ communities that have become accustomed to human presence, making it easier for visitors to observe them in their natural habitat. One community exits in the Kaniyo Pabidi area and 3 close to the Budongo conservation field station. This field station is the body responsible for studying and monitoring the chimpanzee communities in the forest. Tourists can choose to visit any of the four communities of chimpanzees in Budongo at a cost of $130 for foreign non-residents, $120 for foreign residents, and $85 for East African citizens. The management of chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Central Forest Reserve has been contracted to an individual.
Kyambura Gorge: Kyambura Gorge, situated in Queen Elizabeth National Park, is an exhilarating experience that offers visitors the chance to observe these fascinating primates in a unique and stunning setting. Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of Apes”, is a hidden gem nestled within the vast savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it a must-visit for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path wildlife encounter. Chimpanzee permits in Kyambura Gorge cost $100 per person for foreign non-residents, $80 per person for foreign residents and UGX 50,000 per person for East African citizens. It is important to note that Chimpanzee permits in Uganda are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
The price of Chimpanzee Permit in Rwanda
A chimpanzee tracking permit in Nyungwe National Park costs $250 for foreign non-residents, $75 for foreign residents, and $25 for East Africans. Nyungwe National Park lies in the northeastern part of Rwanda and is the only home to chimpanzee trekking. The headquarters of Nyungwe National Park is in Uwinka, where all administrative work of this forest happens. Nyungwe is a vast rainforest measuring about 200 square kilometers. It is home to over 500 chimpanzee individuals living in four chimpanzee communities A chimpanzee permit costs $150 for International Visitors and $75 for foreign residents in the country. East African Citizens pay $25 for the permit. travellers should note that these permits are exclusive of the entrance fees that’s to say foreign non-residents have to pay $100 for park entrance. Foreign residents pay $60 for Park entrance while East African Citizens part with $10 to enter the park.
How to Book a Chimpanzee Permit
Chimpanzee permits are booked in a similar way in both Uganda and Rwanda. Tourists can opt to book directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or the Rwanda Development Board. These are government bodies responsible for wildlife affairs in the respective countries. Tourists can also book their permits through trusted and recognized tour operators in Uganda and Rwanda like us at Achieve Global Safaris who offer the best tracking experience in both Uganda and Rwanda. It is very important that tourists make their bookings in advance preferably 3 months ahead to secure their permits. Chimpanzee permits may be impossible to acquire during the peak season in Rwanda.
The best time to see chimpanzees in Uganda and Rwanda
The best time to see chimpanzees in Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. During this time, the forest is less dense, making it easier to spot the chimpanzees as they move around. It is also less muddy, making tracking through the forest more manageable. additionally, the dry season offers cooler temperatures, which can make the overall experience, more enjoyable. It is important to note that chimpanzee tracking permits are required in both countries and should be booked well in advance. The chances of seeing chimps are very high because of modern technology, advanced teams of trackers, and the radio systems used by the park wardens.
