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Getting Your Chimpanzee Permit Cards: A Guide to Working with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Tour Operators
Retrieving the chimpanzee permit cards from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) head office is an essential stage in the chimpanzee booking process in Uganda. As the second-best primate activity after gorilla trekking in Uganda, chimpanzee trekking is one of the most sought-after activities for visitors intending to explore the primate capital of Africa, Uganda.
To have a chance of trekking habituated chimpanzees in Uganda, one must possess a valid chimpanzee permit card for either Kibale Forest National Park or Kyambura Gorge. Additionally, visitors can also visit habituated chimpanzee communities in other areas such as Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls Conservation Areas, Karinzu Ecotourism Site, and Bugoma Forest.
The process of obtaining the permit card begins with booking a chimpanzee trekking tour with a reputable tour company in Uganda. The tour company will then provide guidance on how to pay for the permit and the required documents for the application process. Once the payment is made and the application is processed, the permit card is issued and can be picked up from the UWA head office.
It is important to note that the chimpanzee permit card must be picked up before the trekking date to avoid any inconvenience. Visitors must present a valid identification card, passport, or any other form of identification that was used during the application process to collect the permit card. Additionally, visitors must adhere to the rules and regulations of the park while trekking to ensure the safety of the chimpanzees and themselves.
The Evolution of Chimpanzee Permit Cards by Uganda Wildlife Authority
If you’re planning to visit Uganda and want to spend time with habituated chimpanzees, you will need a chimpanzee permit card issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority. These permits allow you to spend an hour in the company of chimpanzees at Kibale Forest National Park or Kyambura Gorge. With a chimpanzee permit card, you can choose to visit the primates in the morning, mid-morning or afternoon, depending on availability.
Your chimpanzee permit card comes with additional benefits, including park entry fees, services of an armed ranger guide and security while in the forest. As a result, it is an essential document that should be kept safely throughout your trip.
When chimpanzee trekking first started, chimp permits were printed on paper, which could easily get lost or damaged. However, to improve the process and reduce the risk of permit loss, Uganda Wildlife Authority introduced chimp permit cards, which replaced the paper permits. These cards have all the necessary details, including your passport information, as well as the actual trekking date, ensuring efficient tracking of visitors and enhancing accountability.
What is the best time to pick up your chimp permit cards from Uganda Wildlife Authority?
The first step to obtaining a chimp permit card is to book it with Uganda Wildlife Authority. When you contact Trek Africa Expeditions, we will check the availability of chimpanzee permits for trekking in Kibale Forest National Park or Kyambura Gorge. Based on the available dates that suit your preferences, we will then require you to make payment for your chimpanzee permit. Trek Africa Expeditions accepts various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, and cash.
It is important to note that we do not accept payment by Western Union. Once we have received the payment, we will proceed with booking and buying your chimp permit card from Uganda Wildlife Authority. It is recommended to pick up your chimpanzee trekking permit card a day or two before your trekking date. This allows for any last-minute changes or modifications to be made. Uganda Wildlife Authority offices are usually open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays, and from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturdays. It is best to avoid picking up your permit on a Sunday as the offices are closed.
Trek Africa Expeditions pays for your chimpanzee permit at Uganda Wildlife Authority and issues a receipt instead of a card. This receipt serves as proof of payment for your chimpanzee permit. We will scan and send copies of the receipts from UWA to you. As your trekking date approaches, we will gather all necessary details and present them to UWA to print your permit cards. Once your cards are printed, one of our staff will pick them up from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Afterward, we will keep all the details safely in our office until you arrive in Uganda to join us for chimpanzee trekking.
It is recommended to pick up your chimp permit cards from Uganda Wildlife Authority one week before your scheduled chimp trekking date due to logistical reasons. This ensures that your cards will be ready for collection at the UWA office. Trek Africa Expeditions keeps a database of all your information, so if your card gets lost or misplaced, we can retrieve the necessary details for you to trek with chimpanzees in Uganda.
When collecting or picking up your chimp permit cards from Uganda Wildlife Authority, it is important to note that you do not own them. These permit cards are the property of Uganda Wildlife Authority, and are issued to you for the sole purpose of allowing you to trek the habituated chimpanzees. Upon arrival at the park gates, you will be required to present your permit card for verification by the warden or clerk in charge. They will check all details on the card, allow you to trek, but will retain the card. This is because the card is later reused by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It is important to note that your chimpanzee permit card will expire on the day you trek chimpanzees in Kibale or Kyambura gorge.
Benefits of Involving a Tour Operator in Booking and Collecting Chimp Permit Cards
If you want to make the process of booking and collecting chimp permit cards easier, it’s best to involve the services of a registered and recognized tour operator. For example, if you choose Trek Africa Expeditions, they will take care of everything from checking permit availability to reserving permits, purchasing chimp permits, and collecting the chimp permit cards from Uganda Wildlife Authority. By doing all of this on your behalf, you can focus on other aspects of your travel arrangements. However, please note that Trek Africa Expeditions will only book and collect your chimp permit card if you have booked an all-inclusive tour with them.
On the Trek Africa Expeditions website, you can find a range of Uganda safaris that include chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park or Kyambura Gorge. These safaris combine gorilla trekking, wildlife watching, and cultural experiences with chimp trekking, providing you with an unforgettable adventure. By booking with a tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions, you can enjoy the benefits of their expertise and knowledge, ensuring that your trip is well-planned and stress-free.
Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions: Your Ultimate Resource for a Memorable Safari
Trek Africa Expeditions stands out from other tour operators in providing you with current and relevant information. We make it our business to stay updated on everything you need to know about planning a chimpanzee trek in Uganda. Our blog is an extensive resource that can guide you through the process. With 24/7 availability, we are always ready to answer any questions you may have. As a locally-owned and operated company, we are passionate about showing you the best of our beautiful country. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer affordable and value-packed safaris year-round. But don’t just take our word for it! Check out our Trip Advisor and Safari Bookings pages to read reviews from our satisfied customers. Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for a memorable and hassle-free safari experience.
