How and Where To Buy Chimp Trekking Permit in Uganda

Embarking on a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda is like attending an exclusive movie premiere, but the setting is far more extraordinary – the pristine rainforest jungles of Africa. To be part of this incredible experience, one essential requirement is a chimp trekking permit. Without one, you won’t be able to join the guided tour with a habituated group of chimpanzees in a protected forest reserve. Therefore, securing a permit should be the first step in planning your chimpanzee trekking adventure, as availability can be limited, especially during high seasons.

What is a chimp trekking permit?

A chimp trekking permit is a pass issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), allowing tourists to participate in a guided tour with a habituated chimpanzee group in a protected forest reserve. The permit includes essential information such as your real name as seen on your passport, the tracking date, the location of the activity, and a unique identification number. It is crucial to present your printed permit, along with your passport, to the park warden at the visitor center before embarking on the trek.

The revenue generated from chimp trekking permits plays a vital role in funding primate conservation programs, scientific research, and the protection of natural habitats. Additionally, the income supports sustainable tourism programs that benefit the communities living around the protected forest reserves.

What does the chimp permit in Uganda include?

A chimp trekking permit in Uganda grants you guided access to a habituated chimpanzee group and allows you to spend one hour in their company. During the trek, you’ll be part of a controlled group of not more than twelve other tourists, accompanied by two armed rangers for security and an expert tracker who leads the group. The tracker serves as your guide, providing valuable information about the rainforest, its inhabitants, and the chimpanzees. They will also ensure your safety in case of any unexpected changes in the environment, such as hostile behavior from the chimps.

The chimp permit includes the park entrance fees and is valid only for the specified date. Once used, the permit cannot be transferred or reused. However, it does not cover other expenses related to your chimpanzee trekking safari, such as accommodation, transport, and logistics, as the permit fees are solely for the trekking activity.

How much does a chimp permit cost in Uganda?

The cost of a chimpanzee trekking permit varies depending on the location. In Kibale Forest, a chimp permit costs $200 for foreign non-residents, $150 for foreign residents, and UGX 150,000 for East African Nationals. In Budongo Forest, the permit costs $90 per person, and in Kyambura Gorge, it is $50.

For those interested in the chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale, the permit price is slightly higher at $250. This permit allows tourists to spend the entire day following wild chimps along with researchers.

Is chimpanzee trekking worth it?

Undoubtedly, chimpanzee trekking is a highly rewarding adventure that offers a unique opportunity to observe our evolutionary cousins in their natural habitat deep within the African rainforest. Despite being extensively studied, witnessing chimpanzees in the wild is an exhilarating experience well worth the cost. Kibale Forest National Park, home to five habituated chimp groups within a comfortable walking distance from the visitor center, is one of the best places for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

Where to buy chimp trekking permits in Uganda?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is the sole authorized issuer of chimp permits in Uganda. Tourists can purchase permits directly from UWA offices in Kampala or opt to use a licensed local operator to acquire the permit on their behalf. In the latter case, the tour operator may charge logistical fees in addition to the permit price. If you need assistance in buying your chimp trekking permit, you can contact tour consultants at info@trekafricatours.com.

How to get a chimp permit in Uganda

Obtaining a chimp permit can be done by visiting the UWA head office in Kampala, located at Plot 7 Kira Road. Those above 18 years old can walk in and purchase a permit, but it is essential to carry a passport or national ID. Alternatively, reservations can be made by contacting the UWA office through a phone call at 0800100960 or by sending an email to info@wildlife.go.ug. Providing a scanned copy of your passport and specifying your preferred dates will be necessary.

An easier option is to purchase the chimp permit through a licensed tour operator, who will handle all ground logistics and can help with rescheduling the permit if travel dates change. Typically, a 30% deposit fee, along with a passport copy, will be required for booking through a tour operator. UWA mandates travelers to make a 30% non-refundable deposit to reserve the chimp permit and complete the total payment 90 days before the trekking date.

Once the permit fee is deposited through bank transfers or wire transfers, the booked permit details will be sent via email. It is essential to ensure all the information on the permit is accurate before considering the booking final, allowing you to plan your safari itinerary around the specified permit dates.

Can you buy last-minute chimpanzee permits?

Yes, last-minute chimp permits can be purchased from UWA or tour operators. Unlike gorilla permits, chimp permits are usually more available, especially during periods of lower demand. However, during the high season, availability may not be guaranteed. If you plan to go on a last-minute chimpanzee trekking safari, reaching out to tour consultants at info@trekafricatours.com might be a good idea, as they might have permits on standby.

Can you cancel a chimp permit?

Yes, you can cancel a fully paid chimp permit and receive a refund according to UWA’s cancellation policies. Unfortunately, no refund is provided for cancellation with a 30% deposit booking. For fully paid permits, the following cancellation policies apply:

91 days + before trekking – 75% refund
46 to 90 days before – 50% refund
9 to 45 days before – 25% refund
0 to eight days before – No refund

In the event that the park warden on-site determines that you cannot trek due to illness, a 50% refund on the chimp trekking permit will be provided. This measure is taken to protect the chimpanzees from human diseases.

If you unintentionally let the permit expire beyond the trekking date, it becomes unusable. However, permits can be rescheduled to another trekking date up to seven days before the tracking date. UWA allows two reschedules for up to two years ahead, with a third reschedule incurring a 25% fee. Partially paid permits with a 30% deposit can be pushed to another date once, but full payment is required for a second reschedule.

Additionally, if you fail to spot the chimps after an extended trek, UWA may authorize a rescheduling of the permit to the following day, depending on availability. In case there’s no availability, a 50% refund on the permit price will be approved on confirmation from the warden.

Book With Trek Africa Tours

For a hassle-free experience, consider purchasing your chimp trekking permit and organizing your primate safari itinerary with Trek Africa Tours. As a trusted operator with over a decade of experience, they have the expertise to handle the entire process, including processing the chimp permits, arranging accommodation, and providing transport services. If you need a permit on short notice, you can reach out to them at info@trekafricatours.com, as they often have permits readily available. Don’t wait, contact their tour consultants now for a seamless chimpanzee trekking adventure.