Price for Chimpanzee Permits in Budongo Forest vs. Kibale Forest

Price for Chimpanzee Permits in Budongo Forest vs. Kibale Forest

Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most popular activities in Budongo Central Forest Reserve and Kibale Forest National Park. Both offer incredible opportunities to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. However, the price of chimpanzee permits differs between the two locations, as does the management. Budongo Forest is managed by Uganda Lodges and the National Forestry Authority, while Kibale Forest is under the care of the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Kibale Forest Chimpanzee Trekking

Kibale Forest National Park is renowned for its impressive primate population, boasting the largest number of chimpanzees in Uganda—over 1,500 individuals. Visitors can also spot other primates like the nocturnal bushbaby, potto, monkeys, and baboons. For bird enthusiasts, Kibale offers a great birdwatching experience, with over 335 bird species recorded in the park.

Kibale Forest offers two chimpanzee trekking sessions each day: a morning session and an afternoon session. The permit you purchase will determine the timing of your trek.

Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Trekking

Budongo Forest, part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area, is another fantastic chimp trekking destination, though it has fewer habituated chimpanzee families compared to Kibale. The trekking experience here is equally enriching, with a high success rate of viewing chimpanzees, and the permit fees are generally lower.

Chimpanzee Permit Prices: Budongo vs. Kibale

Both Kibale and Budongo offer two types of permits: chimpanzee trekking permits and chimpanzee habituation permits.

• Chimpanzee Habituation Permit:
  • Budongo Forest:
    • USD 230 for Non-Residents
    • USD 160 for Foreign Residents
    • USD 90 for Ugandan Citizens
  • Kibale Forest:
    • USD 300 for Non-Residents
    • USD 250 for Foreign Residents
    • UGX 250,000 for Ugandan Citizens

The habituation permit allows you to spend four hours with the chimpanzees as they go about their daily activities. It offers a more immersive experience, allowing you to observe their feeding habits, communication, and social interactions.

• Chimpanzee Trekking Permit:
  • Budongo Forest:
    • USD 130 for Non-Residents
    • USD 120 for Foreign Residents
    • USD 85 for Ugandan Citizens
  • Kibale Forest:
    • USD 250 for Non-Residents
    • USD 200 for Foreign Residents
    • UGX 180,000 for Ugandan Citizens

The trekking permit allows you to spend one hour with a habituated chimpanzee group. Both Kibale and Budongo offer two trekking sessions daily, one starting at 8:00 AM and the other at midday.

Trekking Experience in Budongo and Kibale

The trekking experience in both Budongo and Kibale starts with a briefing at the forest headquarters, where guides explain the dos and don’ts before you head into the forest. The trek itself takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on how far the chimpanzees have moved. Once the chimps are located, you’ll spend time watching them interact, feed, and play.

Both forests offer a high chance of seeing chimpanzees, with 95% success rates in both Budongo and Kibale. In addition to chimpanzees, you may also encounter other wildlife, including primates, reptiles, and various mammals.

Key Differences:

• Price: Budongo chimp permits are generally cheaper than Kibale, making it a more budget-friendly option for travelers.
• Trekking Opportunities: Kibale has more habituated chimpanzee families and a larger overall chimpanzee population, which makes it easier to secure permits during peak seasons.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo and Kibale National Parks

The ideal time for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo and Kibale National Parks is during Uganda’s dry seasons, which fall between June to October and December to March. These months are characterized by mild rainfall, making forest trails more accessible and trekking more enjoyable. The drier conditions also mean that the vegetation is less dense, providing better opportunities for spotting chimpanzees and capturing stunning photographs.

In contrast, the wet seasons, typically in April, May, and November, bring heavier rains. During this time, the vegetation grows thick, sometimes making chimp sightings more challenging. However, chimpanzees tend to stay closer to their food sources in the wet season, which can result in shorter treks. Despite the weather, trekking in both parks is possible year-round, with a 99% chance of spotting chimpanzees thanks to the well-organized nature of the activity.

How to Access Budongo Forest for Chimpanzee Trekking

By Road:
Budongo Forest can be reached via a scenic drive from Kampala or Entebbe. The main route takes you through Masindi via the Kafu bridge, which is about a 5 to 6-hour drive. Alternatively, you can take the Kampala-Gulu highway and connect to Budongo with a 2 to 3-hour drive from Gulu.

By Air:
For a quicker option, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Chobe or Pakuba airstrips. From here, it’s a short transfer to Budongo Forest. Domestic airlines such as Aerolink and Fly Uganda offer scheduled and chartered flights. Make sure to coordinate with your tour operator for transportation from the airstrip to the forest for chimp trekking.

How to Access Kibale National Park for Chimpanzee Trekking

By Road:
You can access Kibale National Park from Kampala via two main routes: either through Fort Portal or Bushenyi. The drive takes approximately 6 to 7 hours. A popular route is the Kampala-Mityana-Mubende-Fort Portal highway. Once in Fort Portal or Kasese, it’s a 1 to 2-hour drive to Kibale.

By Air:
Alternatively, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kasese airstrip. From Kasese, your tour operator will arrange a transfer to Kibale National Park. Domestic airlines like Aerolink and Fly Uganda offer scheduled and chartered flights for this route as well.

Where to Stay During Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest

There are several accommodation options in Budongo Forest catering to different budgets, from budget to luxury. Popular budget choices include Budongo Eco-Lodge and Red Chilli, with rates ranging between USD 90-100 per night. You can also stay at nearby lodges like Murchison River Lodge and Twiga Safari Lodge.

Where to Stay During Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park also offers a variety of accommodations across different price points. For budget travelers, options include Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, Isunga Lodge, and Kibale Homestay, with prices around USD 90-100 per night. Mid-range lodges like Primate Lodge and Turaco Treetops Lodge are priced between USD 150-200 per night. For a luxury experience, consider Papaya Lake Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, or Ndali Lodge, with rates ranging from USD 250-700 per night.

Why Book Your Chimpanzee Trek in Budongo with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we have years of experience in organizing unforgettable chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. We’re highly rated on TripAdvisor for our excellent service, eco-friendly approach, and personalized itineraries. Our safaris combine chimp trekking with a wide range of activities, including gorilla trekking, Big 5 game safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters.

Whether you’re looking to explore the best of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, or Namibia, we ensure that your safari not only offers incredible wildlife experiences but also contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and supports local communities. Get in touch with us to plan your perfect chimpanzee trekking adventure, and let us help you create lasting memories!