Uganda is home to an incredible 20 primate species consisting of 13 diurnal and 7 nocturnal species making it a safari destination with the highest concentration of primates in Africa. The mountain gorilla and chimpanzees are two of the most sought-after primates in Uganda while these lush tropical forests are also home to some popular old-world monkey species like the Golden monkey, Black & white colobus, Potto, Bushbaby, L’hoest monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkey, vervet monkeys, blue money and baboons.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Permits
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is conducted in two national parks namely: Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Park with the former home to up to 459 mountain gorillas which is half the population of remaining mountain gorillas in the world. While Mgahinga is home to only one gorilla family that occasionally crosses over to Rwanda, Bwindi on the other hand is home to 50 gorilla families with 21 families habituated and 13 solitary individuals. Visitors can encounter the families in four tracking regions namely Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
Permits– Gorilla trekking in Uganda is subject to a permit which costs US$ 800 for foreign non-residents, US$ 80 for East African citizens and US$ 700 for foreign residents.
Chimpanzee tracking & permits
Another very popular primate in Uganda is the Chimpanzee- a great ape species native to Africa’s tropical forests and savannahs. Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda can be done in five destinations namely Kibale Forest, Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls Park), Kyambura Gorge ( Queen Elizabeth National Park), Kalinzu forest and Semuliki Wildlife Reserve.
Uganda is home to up to 5000 chimpanzees with Kibale forest having the highest population of about 1500 chimpanzees making it the best chimpanzee trekking destination in not only Uganda but East Africa at large. A 2-hour guided walk starting at 8 am or 3 pm from the Kanyanchu Visitors Center will expose you to numerous primates including the chimpanzees as well tree and flower species.
Below are prices for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda’s top destinations,
- Kibale chimpanzee permits– It will cost US$ 250 for foreign nonresidents, US$ 200 for foreign residents and UGX 200,000 for East African citizens.
- Budongo forest– It will cost US$ 130 for foreign nonresidents, US$ 120 for foreign residents and US$ 85 for East African citizens.
- Kyambura Gorge & Kalinzu forest– It will cost US$ 50 for foreign nonresidents, US$ 50 for foreign residents and UGX 30,000 for East African citizens.
- Semuliki reserve- It will cost US$ 30 for foreign nonresidents, US$ 30 for foreign residents and US$ 20 for East African citizens.
Are you planning a gorilla trekking tour or chimpanzee safari in Uganda and would love to book permits online and 4×4 car for the trip, we at 4×4 Car Hire Kampala will be more than delighted to offer you our services. We offer the best chimpanzee and gorilla permit bookings in Uganda for all travelers including solo tourists, couples, families and small groups.
You can get in touch with us to rent a car in Uganda and gorilla permit by sending an email to booking@4x4carhirekampala.com or call us now on +256779612466 to speak with our reservations team.
