🐒 Chimpanzee Trekking Permit Prices (2026)

Chimpanzee Trekking & Primate Safaris in Uganda offers across several excellent forests —and the prices vary by location:

🏆 Kibale Forest National Park (Primate Capital)

• USD 250 per person (foreign non-residents)
• USD 200 per person (foreign residents)
• UGX ~200,000 per person (East African citizens)
  📍 This is the most popular and reliable place for chimp sightings, with a high success rate. Permits include park access, ranger guide, and one hour with habituated chimpanzees.

🌄 Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth NP)

• USD ~100 per person (foreign non-residents)
• USD ~80 per person (foreign residents)
• UGX ~50,000 per person (East Africans)
  📍 A scenic gorge trek with chimps in a dramatic sunken forest — sightings are good, but slightly less guaranteed than in Kibale.

🌳 Kalinzu Forest

• Around USD 130 per person (foreign non-residents)
• Lower rates for residents and locals
  📍 A quieter alternative near Kibale with quality chimp trekking and fewer crowds.

🌿 Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls)

• Around USD 120–130 per person
  📍 Another option — less visited and great for combining with wildlife safaris.

🐾 Chimpanzee Trekking & Primate Safaris in Uganda Explained

🐒 Standard Trek

• Usually 1 hour with chimps once they’re located in the forest.
• Ranger-led and designed to minimize disturbance to wildlife.
• Best for travelers wanting a classic, ethical experience.

🧠 Habituation Experience (Kibale Only)

• A special extended four-hour immersive trek with chimps.
• Allows deeper observation of behavior like feeding, grooming, and social interactions.
• Costs slightly more (~USD 300 for non-residents).

💡 Tip: These habituation experiences are limited and book out quickly — they offer a richer educational and conservation-focused insight into chimp lives.

🐘 Why These Prices Matter to Travelers

👉 Budget vs Prime Experience:

While Kibale is more expensive than Kyambura or Kalinzu, it’s also where you find the highest density of chimps and most consistent sightings — important for first-time visitors and couples.

👉 Booking Through Tour Operators:

Permits are increasingly booked via licensed operators rather than walk-ins — especially during peak travel seasons (June–September, December–February).

5 FAQs

1: Is chimpanzee trekking in Uganda safe?

Yes. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is safe and well regulated. Treks are led by trained rangers, group sizes are limited, and strict rules protect both visitors and chimpanzees.

2: Where is the best place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?

Kibale Forest National Park is considered the best place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda due to its high chimp population and consistent sighting success. Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu Forest are excellent alternatives.

3: How much does chimpanzee trekking cost in Uganda in 2026?

Chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda cost around USD 250 in Kibale Forest, about USD 100 in Kyambura Gorge, and approximately USD 130 in Kalinzu Forest for foreign non-residents.

4: Can I do chimpanzee trekking in Uganda from Kigali?

Yes. Many travelers choose chimpanzee trekking from Kigali, especially when combining Rwanda and Uganda. Kibale Forest can be reached via southwestern Uganda after crossing the border.

5: Is chimpanzee trekking suitable for first-time visitors and couples?

Absolutely. Chimpanzee trekking is ideal for first-time visitors and couples who enjoy active, immersive wildlife experiences. It pairs well with gorilla trekking and relaxed safari destinations.