How and Where to Obtain Chimpanzee Permits in Uganda

How and Where to Obtain Chimpanzee Permits in Uganda : Are you planning to visit Uganda for chimpanzee tracking and are not sure of how or where you can obtain a chimpanzee permit? A chimpanzee trekking safari is one of the most interesting experiences thousands of nature lovers come to enjoy in Uganda each year. However, what often leaves many travelers confused is how and where to obtain chimpanzee permits in Uganda.

How and where can I buy chimpanzee permits in Uganda?

Uganda has a total of about 5,050 chimpanzees all reside in the different areas in Uganda and chimpanzee permit fees vary depending on the destination.

How and Where to Obtain Chimpanzee Permits in Uganda

The leading chimpanzee tracking location in Uganda is Kibale forest national park with over 1,500 individuals, followed by Budongo forest close to Murchison falls national park, Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu forest reserve in Queen Elizabeth national park and Semliki Wildlife Reserve.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is an organization authorized to issue not only gorilla trekking permits but also chimpanzee permits. This is a direct option for acquiring a chimpanzee permit in Uganda and especially if you are visiting Kibale Forest National Park or Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park for chimpanzee trekking. The offices of Uganda Wildlife Authority are located on Kampala. The easiest option to acquire your chimpanzee permit in Uganda is through a reputable tour operator or safari company. The beauty about it is that the tour operator does everything on your behalf without you visiting UWA offices.

What is a chimpanzee permit?

A chimpanzee trekking permit is a legal document that gives tourists permission to visit already habituated chimpanzee community and spend an hour with chimpanzees. The chimp permits are issued out by UWA after you have paid for it. The chimp permits prices in Uganda vary from one chimp destination to the other, but they are affordable.

Chimpanzee trekking permit prices

Kibale National Park chimpanzee permits cost USD200 for foreign non-residents, foreign residents US Dollars 150 and UGX150,000 for citizens in EAC member states. At Kyambura Gorge – Queen Elizabeth National Park, foreign non-residents pay US Dollars 50, foreign residents US Dollars 40 and Shs.30,000 for East African Citizen.

There are chimpanzee habituation permits for booking particularly for Kibale National Park, each costing US Dollars 250 for foreign non-residents, US Dollars 200 for foreign residents and citizens of EAC member states UGX200,000 per person.

In Budongo forest where over 800 chimpanzee reside, chimpanzee permits costs foreign non-residents USD130, foreign residents USD120 and EAC US Dollars 85. In Kalinzu Forest and Kyambura Gorge, permits for tracking chimpanzees cost US Dollars 50 for both the foreign non-residents and foreign residents then UGX30,000 for East African Citizen.

When to travel for a chimpanzee safari in Uganda?

Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda can be carried out at any time of the month or year although the dry season June to September or December to February is notably the best time to visit chimps. This is when most Uganda chimpanzee trekking safari destinations record the least rainfall amount in a year and trails remain drier.

Can I buy chimpanzees permits at the last minute?

Compared to gorilla permits, chimpanzee trekking permits are not very scarce. This means it is possible to acquire the last-minute chimpanzee permit through your tour operator or directly with UWA. But, it is vital to have it booked in advance to allow you to plan for other things to make your chimpanzee safari a successful trip in Uganda.

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