How and Where to Obtain Chimpanzee Permits in Uganda

How and Where to Obtain Chimpanzee Permits in Uganda. Planning to visit Uganda for chimpanzee tracking and you aren’t sure of how or where you can obtain a chimpanzee permit? A chimpanzee-tracking safari is one of the interesting experiences thousands of nature lovers come to enjoy in Uganda each year. But, what often leaves many travelers puzzled is how and where to obtain chimpanzee permits in Uganda.

How and where can I buy chimpanzee permits in Uganda? A total of about 5050 chimpanzees all reside in the different areas in Uganda and chimpanzee permit fees vary depending on the destination. The leading chimpanzee tracking locations in Uganda include Kibale National Park with over 1500 chimpanzees, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, and Semliki Wildlife Reserve.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is an organ 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 UWA are located on Kira road and visit the reservation team with a valid passport or ID. Alternatively, send an email via info@adventureugandasafaris.com.

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 USD250 for foreign non-residents, foreign residents US Dollars 200 and UGX180,000 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 EAC.

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 chimpanzees 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 EAC.

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 aren’t very scarce. This means it is possible to acquire the last-minute chimpanzee permit through your tour operator (Maranatha Tours and Travel) 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.

Other items to carry for Uganda chimpanzee safari 2025

1. Long-sleeved shirts
2. Insect repellent
3. Pair of binoculars
4. Camera with additional batteries
5. Comfortable hiking boots
6. Backpack/daypack
7. Safari hat
8. Rain jacket
9. Long trousers
10. Sunscreen