Chimpanzee Tracking Permit Uganda 2026
The chimpanzee tracking permit Uganda 2026 costs $200 per person for foreign non-residents. Uganda Wildlife Authority issues all permits for Kibale Forest, Budongo Forest and Kyambura Gorge. Booking early secures your preferred date and location.
Permit Costs and Categories
Foreign Non-Resident Permit Fees
Foreign non-residents pay $200 per person for a standard chimpanzee tracking permit. This covers the morning or afternoon trek session with a park ranger guide. The fee goes directly to Uganda Wildlife Authority and contributes to chimpanzee conservation programs.
East African Resident and Citizen Rates
East African residents pay reduced rates set by UWA. Ugandan citizens pay the lowest rate. African Wild Trekkers confirms current resident pricing on request. Present a valid national ID or work permit to access resident rates at the park.
Where to Use Your Chimpanzee Permit
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest holds over 1,000 chimpanzees and is Uganda’s premier chimp trekking destination. Encounters typically last 60 to 90 minutes in the forest. Habituation groups at Kibale allow full-day sessions for a higher permit fee of $250.
Budongo Forest and Kyambura Gorge
Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls offers chimp tracking as a convenient add-on to a northern Uganda safari. Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park provides a dramatic setting for chimp encounters in a steep forested valley. Permit availability at both sites is more flexible than Kibale.
How to Book Your Chimpanzee Permit
Booking Through African Wild Trekkers
African Wild Trekkers submits your permit application to UWA on your behalf. We confirm availability for your dates before you commit to any payment. Your permit is secured with your safari deposit and confirmed in writing before departure.
How Far Ahead to Book
Kibale permits for June to September sell out two to three months in advance. Book at least two months ahead for dry season dates. Off-season availability is better — one to four weeks’ notice is usually sufficient from November to May.
What to Expect on the Trek
Trek Duration and Conditions
Chimpanzee treks begin at 8am or 2pm depending on your session. Treks last two to four hours depending on chimp movements. The forest terrain is relatively flat compared to gorilla trekking. Light hiking shoes, long trousers and insect repellent are recommended.
Rules During the Encounter
Keep a minimum distance of 8 metres from chimpanzees at all times. Do not eat or drink near the chimps. Groups are limited to six visitors per habituated chimp community. Photography is permitted without flash.
Plan Your Uganda Safari
How to Start Your Booking
Contact Us With Your Travel Dates
Reach out to African Wild Trekkers with your preferred travel window and group size. We check gorilla permit availability first, then build the full itinerary around your confirmed permit date. Contact us as early as possible for peak season dates.
Tell Us Your Budget and Style
We build Uganda safaris at every budget level — from $150 to $2,000+ per person per day. Share your accommodation preferences, activity interests and any special requirements. We tailor every element to match exactly what you want.
What Every Package Includes
Permits, Fees and Activities
Your quoted price covers all activity permits, park entry fees and ranger guide charges throughout Uganda. There are no hidden costs at park gates or trailheads. What we quote is exactly what you pay.
Transport, Accommodation and Meals
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with driver-guide, all lodge accommodation, full-board meals, Entebbe airport transfers and 24/7 in-country support are included in every African Wild Trekkers package from arrival to departure.
Why Travel With African Wild Trekkers
Local Expertise That Makes a Difference
We are a Uganda-based team with direct knowledge of every national park, lodge and guide in our network. We trek these forests and drive these plains ourselves. Our recommendations come from personal experience, not online research.
Request Your Custom Safari Quote
Visit africanwildtrekkers.com/contact to send us your enquiry. We respond within 24 hours every day of the week and deliver your personalised itinerary within three working days.
