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Celebrate Eid al-Adha with a Gorilla Trekking Adventure
June 9, 2025Cost of a 5 Day Gorilla & Chimpanzee Habituation in Uganda
Are you planning an unforgettable 5-day adventure to see Uganda’s incredible primates up close? A gorilla and chimpanzee habituation safari is one of the most immersive wildlife experiences you can have in Africa. This unique journey takes you deep into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the gorilla habituation experience, and to Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee habituation, offering rare opportunities to spend extended time with these great apes in their natural habitat.
But how much should you expect to pay for this once-in-a-lifetime trip? Below, we break down the fair price of a 5-day gorilla and chimpanzee habituation safari in Uganda, including permit fees, transportation, accommodations, and more.
Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi: Experience the Wild Like Never Before
The gorilla habituation experience is a special activity offered only in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, specifically in the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. Unlike the standard one-hour gorilla trekking experience, habituation allows you to spend up to four hours with a group of wild gorillas that are gradually being accustomed to human presence.
This process, led by researchers, rangers, and trackers, can take years and provides a more in-depth understanding of gorilla behavior, social interactions, and daily life. Only four visitors per day are allowed to join the team, making it a truly exclusive encounter.
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Permit Cost for Gorilla Habituation (per person):
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$1,500 for Foreign Non-Residents
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$1,000 for Foreign Residents
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UGX 750,000 for East African Citizens
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Trek Africa Expeditions can help secure your gorilla habituation permit and handle all logistics, including transport and accommodations, based on your travel dates and preferences.
Chimpanzee Habituation in Kibale: Spend Quality Time with Our Closest Relatives
Home to one of the highest concentrations of chimpanzees in Africa, Kibale Forest National Park is the best place for the chimpanzee habituation experience. During this activity, you’ll join researchers and rangers for a full or half-day in the forest, observing chimps as they go about their day—feeding, grooming, and interacting with each other.
Just like the gorilla habituation, this experience allows for four hours of close contact with chimpanzees under habituation, providing deeper insight than the regular chimp tracking.
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Permit Cost for Chimpanzee Habituation (per person):
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$300 for Foreign Non-Residents
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$250 for Foreign Residents
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UGX 250,000 for East African Citizens
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Trek Africa Expeditions will assist you in booking your permits and ensuring your experience is seamless and rewarding.
Transportation Costs: Getting to Bwindi and Kibale
Getting to the parks is part of the adventure, and you can choose between flying and driving:
By Air:
There are daily domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro, Kihihi, or Kasese Airstrips, which are close to Bwindi and Kibale.
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Flight Cost: Starting at $273 per person (one way)
By Road:
A scenic road trip offers a chance to enjoy Uganda’s landscapes, crater lakes, and local culture:
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Drive Time: ~5 hours from Entebbe/Kampala to Kibale, and ~8–9 hours to Bwindi
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Vehicle Options:
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Safari Van: $70 per day
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Land Cruiser: $150–$250 per day
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Fuel (round trip): Around $300 depending on route and vehicle type
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All transport with Trek Africa Expeditions is done in comfortable 4×4 vehicles, ensuring you travel in safety and style.
Accommodation Prices for the 5-Day Trip
Your choice of lodge will impact your overall budget. Uganda offers everything from charming budget lodges to luxurious forest retreats.
In Bwindi:
We recommend staying near the sector of your gorilla permit (Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, or Ruhija).
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Budget: $70–$100 per night (e.g., Trekkers Tavern Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens)
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Mid-Range: $150–$250 per night (e.g., Four Gorillas Lodge, Mahogany Springs)
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Luxury: $400–$1000+ per night (e.g., Clouds Mountain Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp)
In Kibale:
Most lodges are located near the park’s edge or overlook crater lakes.
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Budget: $60–$120 per night (e.g., Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, Isunga Lodge)
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Mid-Range: $150–$250 per night (e.g., Turaco Treetops, Primate Lodge)
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Luxury: $300–$800 per night (e.g., Ndali Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge)
Accommodation should be booked early, especially during the high season from June to September and December to February.
Estimated Total Price for a 5-Day Gorilla & Chimpanzee Habituation Safari
Here’s a ballpark figure to help you budget:
Item | Estimated Cost (USD) |
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Gorilla Habituation Permit | $1,500 (non-resident) |
Chimpanzee Habituation Permit | $250 (non-resident) |
Accommodation (4 nights) | $300 – $2,000 (budget–luxury) |
Transportation (road) | $500 – $900 (car + fuel + guide) |
Meals, Park Fees & Service Charges | Included in most packages |
Total Estimated Range | $2,550 – $4,650+ per person |
Note: Costs vary by season, group size, and accommodation choice. Trek Africa Expeditions provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Trek Africa Expeditions offers both tailor-made and all-inclusive packages depending on your group size, lodge preferences, and travel dates.
Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions?
With over a decade of experience in primate safaris across Uganda, Rwanda, and beyond, Trek Africa Expeditions is your trusted partner for meaningful, ethical wildlife encounters. Our passionate local team ensures every detail of your trip—from permits to lodges to experienced guides—is handled with care and professionalism.
We’re highly rated on TripAdvisor for our prompt communication, personalized service, and authentic safari experiences. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group, we’ll help you design the perfect itinerary for your gorilla and chimpanzee habituation adventure.
Contact Trek Africa Expeditions today to plan your 5-day primate safari and experience the wild side of Uganda like never before.