Chimpanzee Tracking Locations in Uganda and Their Rates

Chimpanzee tracking is one of the leading primate safari activities in Uganda. Besides gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park, chimpanzee tracking is the second leading primate activity in Uganda. Unlike gorilla trekking that is fully controlled by Uganda Wildlife Authority, chimpanzee tracking has several service providers making the pricing none uniform.

There are currently five major chimpanzee tracking locations in the whole country. Two of these locations are under the full control of Uganda wildlife Authority. The others are managed by private organizations. Here is what you need to know about the different chimpanzee tracking locations in Uganda and their corresponding rates.

Kibale Forest National Park

The Kibale forest is the most popular chimpanzee tracking location in Uganda. Located on the way to Fort Portal, Kibale forest is often referred to as the primate capital of the world because of its high concentration of primates in the same national park. It is also currently the most expensive chimpanzee tracking location in the whole country. Each chimpanzee permit goes for $250 for foreign none resident, $200 for foreign residents and Ugx 180,000.

The park also offers chimpanzee habituation experience. Each chimpanzee habituation permit goes for $300 for foreign none residents, $250 for foreign residents and Ugx 250,000. Kibale forest national park is one of the two chimpanzee locations that are managed by Uganda wildlife Authority. All these permits are sold at the Uganda wildlife offices in Kampala.

Kibale forest has well developed accommodation options. Whether you are a budget traveler or seeking a luxury stay with in the forest, the park has all the options. This is credited to the fact that it was the first chimpanzee tracking location in Uganda and for that reason, it has greatly developed in the area of accommodation way about most of the other locations.

Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kyambura gorge is the second Chimpanzee tracking location under the control of Uganda wildlife Authority. Previously it was not a popular chimpanzee tracking destination because many travelers used to fail to see the chimpanzees during their trek. But this has improved over time. Its location with in Queen Elizabeth national park makes it stand out. It is like going down into the basement to see Chimpanzees. It is the only chimpanzee tracking destination found in a gorge.

In regard to accommodation, it also matches Kibale forest national park. Queen Elizabeth national park has well developed accommodation that can as well double as Chimpanzee tracking accommodation. However if you are considering a luxury experience coupled with a boat cruise on Kazinga channel, then Kyambura gorge is exceptionally rewarding.

The rates are far lower compared to Kibale forest. Each chimpanzee permit for Kyambura gorge goes for $100 for foreign none residents, $80 for foreign residents and Ugx 50,000 for East Africans. However unlike Kibale, the Kyambura permit does not cover park entrances. Therefore you ought to budget for both park entrances and the chimpanzee tracking permit.

Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park

Budongo forest is the second chimpanzee tracking destination found with in a Uganda savannah park. The forest is found in Murchison falls national park right after the park main gate. The tracking here is coordinated by Great Lake Safaris/ Uganda lodges.

In regard to accommodation, the options are very limited. You will have to spend a night at Budongo lodge if you intend to track in the morning. You are better off sleeping outside the national park if you do not consider Budongo lodge a good option.

The Budongo rates are slightly higher than those of Kyambura gorge. However they have one thing in common, the trekking permit does not cover park entrances. They charge $120 per foreign none resident, $110 for foreign residents and $80 for East African. However this does not include the Murchison falls national park entrance fees. In short, Budongo forest is more expensive than Kyambura gorge but slightly cheaper than Kibale Forest national park.

Bugoma Forest

Bugoma forest is the newest chimpanzee tracking destination in Uganda. The permits can be secured through Bugoma Lodge and Kikonko lodge or any other local tour operators. Accommodation is quite limited in this area but the above two lodges can serve almost all budget given the fact that Kikonko lodge has some camping options.

Each permit goes for $80. It is currently the cheapest chimpanzee tracking destination in Uganda.

Kalinzu Forest

Kalinzu forest used to be the cheapest chimpanzee tracking destination in Uganda. Its permit used to go for $50 per person. However the rates were revised. Each permit goes for $130 per foreign none resident and $65 for foreign residents. The permits can be secured at the forest offices. This is the only chimpanzee tracking destination under the National Forest Authority (NFA)

The accommodation options are limited compared to Kibale forest and Kyambura. However you can camp at the forest offices so that you do not have to rise up early to get to the office.

In conclusion, Uganda currently has five major chimpanzee tracking destinations. That is Kibale forest national park, Kalinzu forest, Kyambura gorge, Bugoma forest and Budongo forest.