Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

In this article you find important practical information to prepare for your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, including how to get your trekking permits, the costs, minimum age, and best trekking locations. 

Mountain gorillas are one of the world’s most endangered apes. It is estimated that there are only 800 mountain gorillas left in the wild. Almost half of the worlds’ population of mountain gorillas can be found in Bwindi National Park in Uganda. The spine-tingling feeling that you get being so near to one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom is hard to describe.

Wondering how a day of gorilla trekking will look like and whether this is something for you? Check out the Gorilla Trekking Experience.

Covered in this section:

How to obtain your gorilla trekking permit 

If you are planning to visit the gorillas or chimpanzees in Uganda, it’s recommended that you reserve the trekking permits well in advance. Permits cost USD 700 per person. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) headquarters in Kampala issues the permits but only to Tour Operators. As an individual, you can’t visit their office and arrange it yourself.  

Roadtrip Africa can arrange the gorilla and chimp permits for you, after you have booked your rental car with us.

In order to do so, we need:

  1. Full names corresponding with your passport, nationality, date of birth and passport number of all the people tracking.
  2. Preferred starting location and date.
  3. Second best dates in case the preferred date is fully booked.

Once proof of payment has been sent, we will purchase the permits on your behalf. For this service, we charge a handling fee of USD 25 per gorilla permit and USD 15 per chimp permit.

Kindly note that once your permits are bought, it is not possible to change the start location and / or trekking date.

What is the minimum age for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking?

The minimum age for gorilla tracking is 15 years and for the chimps it is 13 years. 

Gorilla trekking locations in Uganda

Bwindi National Park protects an estimated 350 mountain gorillas, including 11 habituated groups which can be tracked.

There are four gorilla trekking locations:

  • Buhoma and Ruhija which are in the northern section of Bwindi National Park
  • Nkuringo and Rushaga, which are in Kisoro District in the southeast of Bwindi

Roadtrip Africa partners with Mutanda Lake Resort, from where you can visit the Nkuringo or Rushaga family.

Another trekking location is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which borders Rwanda and protects the Ugandan parts of the Virunga mountains.

Where to go chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

Kibale Forest is the prime chimpanzee trekking location, organized by the UWA with a 95% chance that you will spot a chimp family. Trips start every morning and afternoon in Kibale Forest National Park.

Chimp tracking permits cost USD 200 per person. You can also opt for the half day chimp habituation experience, which costs USD 250.

It is recommended to reserve the permits in advance. We can help you to arrange chimp trekking permits for Kibale Forest.

Budget tips for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

There are ways on how you can save money on your chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. For those on a budget, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest or Kyambura Gorge are cheaper alternatives to see the chimpanzees. It’s also easier to arrange these trekking permits yourself.

  • Budongo Forest Reserve is near Murchison Falls National Park. The likelihood of spotting chimps is highest in the morning, with an estimated 80% chance of encountering the chimps. The tracking is organised by Uganda Lodges – Budongo Eco Lodge. Permits can be obtained at the site, or reserved in advance through Uganda Lodges. Prices for the Budongo Forest are USD 75 during low season (March-May, Oct-Nov) and USD 85 during the rest of the year.
  • Kalinzu Forest is situated along the road from Mbarara town to Queen Elizabeth National Park. It costs $40 for a hiking permit and the chance of seeing chimps is estimated at 50%. Even if you miss out on the chimps, the walk is still a good experience.
  • Kyambura Gorge is located in the far eastern corner of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is a steep walk as you descend to the gorge and enter a totally different mini-ecosystem. Tracking here is recommended, yet remarkably little visited by tourists. There is no guarantee that you will spot the chimps (about 50% chance), but there is plenty of other wildlife and we think the gorge is a destination in its own right. Permits cost $ 50 and can be bought at the Katongo Park Headquarters, or arranged in advance by visiting the UWA office in Kampala.  

Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda: what’s a day like ?

Wondering how a day of gorilla trekking will look like and whether this is something for you? Consult our Uganda Travel Guide, Gorilla Trekking Experience.

Find out more information about travelling to and in Uganda in our Practical info guide. Can’t find the answers you’re looking for? Feel free to contact us!

Similar Posts