Comparing Chimpanzee Permit Prices in Kibale and Nyungwe National Parks

Comparing Chimpanzee Permit Prices in Kibale and Nyungwe National Parks

Comparing Chimpanzee Permit Prices in Kibale and Nyungwe National Parks —  Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda and Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda are two of East Africa’s premier destinations for chimpanzee trekking. Each park offers a unique experience, with differences in the cost of permits, wildlife diversity, and trekking conditions.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, boasting 13 species of primates, including over 1,500 chimpanzees, making it Uganda’s top chimpanzee trekking destination. Other primates in Kibale include nocturnal bushbabies, pottos, and various monkey species. For birding enthusiasts, the park is also a haven, with more than 335 bird species recorded.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is offered in two daily sessions—morning and afternoon. The cost of a chimpanzee permit in Kibale is:

• $250 for Foreign Non-Residents
• $200 for Foreign Residents
• UGX 180,000 Ugandan Shillings for East African Citizens

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the chimpanzees after you find them. The treks typically last between two to four hours, depending on the movement of the chimps.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in Rwanda, is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, rich in biodiversity. The park is home to 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees and the Albertine Rift-endemic L’Hoest’s monkey.

The cost of a chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe Forest is significantly lower than in Kibale:

• $100 for Foreign Non-Residents

Like Kibale, a chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe grants you one hour with the chimps after finding them.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale and Nyungwe

The best time for chimpanzee trekking in both Kibale and Nyungwe is during the dry months of June to October and December to March. During these periods, the forest is less dense, making it easier to spot and photograph the chimpanzees. Trekking in the wet season (April, May, and November) can be more challenging due to muddy trails and thick vegetation, but the treks may be shorter as food is more abundant for the chimpanzees.

How to get to Kibale Forest National Park

By Road:

Kibale Forest National Park is about a 4-5 hour drive from Kampala via Fort Portal. It can also be accessed through the Kampala-Mbarara-Kasese highway, followed by a 1-2 hour drive from Kasese.

By Air:

You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kasese Airstrip, which is close to Kibale Forest. Domestic flights are available through operators like Aerolink and Fly Uganda.

How to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park

By Road:

Nyungwe can be reached from Kigali in about 5-6 hours by road, either via Kivu Gisenyi or the Kigali-Gisenyi highway. From Kivu, it’s another 1-2 hour drive to Nyungwe Forest.

By Air:

You can fly from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe Airport, which is about 55 km from Nyungwe. From there, you will need a transfer to the park.

Where to Stay During Chimpanzee Trekking

In Kibale Forest National Park:

• Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, Isunga Lodge, Mountains of the Moon, Rwenzori View Guest House, Kibale Homestay ($90-$100 per night)
• Mid-Range: Kibale Forest Camp, Turaco Treetops Lodge, Prime Lodge Kibale ($150-$200 per night)
• Luxury: Ndali Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge ($250-$700 per night)

In Nyungwe Forest National Park:

• Budget: Nyungwe Guest House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gasakura Guest House ($90-$100 per night)
• Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel ($150-$200 per night)
• Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House ($500-$1000 per night)

Why Book Your Chimpanzee Trek with Trek Africa Expeditions

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in organizing unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. With high ratings on TripAdvisor, we offer eco-friendly, adventure-packed safaris that promote conservation and benefit local communities. Whether you’re combining chimpanzee trekking with gorilla safaris or exploring the Big Five, mountain hikes, or cultural encounters, we ensure a high-quality African safari experience. Our tours also extend to popular destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.

Let us help you plan your chimpanzee trek in Kibale or Nyungwe. Feel free to reach out for more details on permit prices and to book your adventure!