Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris from Canada

Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris from Canada

Embarking on a gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda is an unforgettable experience, especially for travelers from Canada eager to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitats. Your adventure will take you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to trek mountain gorillas, and then to Kibale Forest National Park, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Kalinzu, or Budongo Forests for chimpanzee encounters.

Planning Your Safari from Canada

If you’re in cities like Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, or Quebec, planning a trip to Uganda for a gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari is more straightforward than you might think. With just a few clicks on your laptop or phone, you can organize your dream safari. Here’s a helpful guide covering everything from whether to use a tour operator, options for gorilla and chimpanzee safaris, the best times to book, and the key destinations to visit in Uganda.

Popular Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Options

Here are some of the most popular safari packages you can book from Canada:

• 2-Day Chimpanzee Trekking Tour
• 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari
• 4-Day Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari
• 5-Day Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari
• 6-Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari
• 8-Day Uganda Primate Safari
• 14-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari

Essential Considerations for Your Safari

If you’re planning your first trip to Africa and Uganda, here are some crucial points to keep in mind when organizing your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari:

1. Permits: Securing a gorilla and chimpanzee permit is essential for your safari. Once you have your travel dates, contact us to check the availability of permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Once confirmed, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. After receiving your payment, we will purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records. It’s advisable to book your permits 2-3 months in advance, as they sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. Gorilla Trekking: This activity involves hiking through the forest in search of habituated mountain gorillas. You’ll be part of a small group (up to eight people) trekking to visit a specific gorilla family that is accustomed to human presence. Once you find them, you’ll spend one hour observing, photographing, and learning about these incredible animals from your ranger guide.
3. Chimpanzee Trekking: Similar to gorilla trekking, this experience involves hiking to find habituated chimpanzees in their natural environment. You will have a chance to spend one hour with them, gaining insights into their behavior and habitat, while capturing memorable photos.

Where to See Gorillas in Uganda

Uganda is a sanctuary for mountain gorillas, boasting 50% of the world’s remaining population in their natural habitats. You can find these magnificent creatures primarily in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in the southwestern region of Uganda, not far from each other. Many visitors opt for Bwindi due to its larger number of mountain gorilla groups, while Mgahinga has just one family, the Nyakagezi. This abundance in Bwindi makes it easier to secure a gorilla permit compared to Mgahinga.

However, it’s important to note that both parks offer an incredible experience. The primary distinction is the environment: Mgahinga is characterized by its bamboo forests in the Virunga hills, while Bwindi features a lush tropical rainforest with a diverse range of trees and plants. Regardless of which park you choose, you have a 98% chance of encountering these great apes in their natural habitat.

Where to See Chimpanzees in Uganda

Uganda is home to over 5,000 chimpanzees, found in various locations across the country, including Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kalinzu Forest. This makes Uganda one of the best destinations worldwide for chimpanzee sightings.

Kibale Forest National Park is particularly famous for its diverse primate population, housing 13 species, including the largest community of chimpanzees in Uganda—over 1,500 individuals. Other primates you can spot in Kibale include bushbabies, potto, monkeys, and baboons. Additionally, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 335 recorded bird species. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is available in two sessions each day—morning and afternoon—depending on the chimpanzee permit you choose and your itinerary.

How Long and Tough is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking conditions vary significantly depending on the movements of the gorillas through the rainforest. The weather can change quickly, and the terrain can be steep, often with unmarked paths. While treks can last just a couple of hours, they may also extend up to 8 hours or more, especially in hot, high-altitude conditions. It’s essential to be physically prepared for this adventure, as it can be quite strenuous.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for residents, and $75 for citizens of East African countries (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan). This permit allows you to spend one hour with mountain gorillas in either Bwindi or Mgahinga. Uganda is home to 18 habituated gorilla families—16 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga—meaning there are 136 permits available each day for trekking.

For those looking to spend more time with the mountain gorillas, the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi allows you to spend 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas under the guidance of trackers and researchers for a permit fee of $1,500. You can obtain gorilla permits directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a reputable tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

How Long and Tough is Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda?

Chimpanzee trekking is generally less strenuous than gorilla trekking, though it’s still important to be prepared. The weather can shift suddenly, so bringing a rain jacket is a good idea. The terrain is typically gentler, with well-marked paths and trails for easier navigation.

How Much is a Chimpanzee Trekking Permit in Uganda?

Chimpanzee trekking permits vary in price based on the location. In Kibale Forest, the permit costs $250 for non-foreign residents, while permits in Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu cost $130 each. Budongo permits are priced at $230. Trekking is offered in two daily sessions: the morning session starts at 8:00 AM, and the afternoon session begins at midday throughout the year.

How Much Does a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Cost in Uganda?

A 5-day gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda starts from approximately $1,970 per person, sharing, which includes everything except international flights and visas. Alongside your gorilla and chimpanzee permits, you’ll also need to budget for transport, accommodation, and guiding services to ensure a successful and memorable trekking experience.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, the best months to visit are from June to October and December to March. During these dry seasons, the weather is typically mild with minimal rainfall, making trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park much more manageable. The vegetation is less dense during this time, allowing for clearer views and fantastic photographic opportunities when you encounter these magnificent creatures.

In contrast, the wet seasons of April, May, and November bring lush, high vegetation, which can sometimes obstruct views of the gorillas. However, one advantage of trekking during these months is that the gorillas tend to stay closer to their feeding grounds, resulting in shorter treks. Regardless of when you choose to trek, the chances of spotting mountain gorillas in Uganda remain incredibly high—at about 99%.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

For chimpanzee trekking, the best months mirror those for gorilla trekking: June to October and December to March. Similar to gorilla trekking, these dry months offer easier navigation through the forests, and the vegetation is manageable for optimal sightings and photography.

In the wet months of April, May, and November, while the vegetation grows thicker and visibility may decrease, chimpanzees also stay in closer proximity to their food sources, leading to shorter treks. Just like gorilla trekking, you can enjoy chimpanzee trekking year-round, with a consistent chance of observing these playful primates.

Accommodation Options for Your Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

When it comes to where to stay during your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari, you’ll find a variety of options across both Bwindi Forest National Park and Kibale National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers accommodations in various sectors:

• Southern Sector (Rushaga and Nkuringo):
  • Rushaga Gorilla Camp
  • Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
  • Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
  • Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
• Northern Sector (Buhoma and Ruhija):
  • Buhoma Lodge
  • Bwindi Lodge
  • Trekkers Tavern Cottages
  • Agandi Eco Lodge

In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, consider staying at:

• Gahinga Lodge
• Lake Chahafi Resort
• Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge

For Kibale National Park, you can choose from various accommodation styles:

• Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, Isunga Lodge ($90-100 per night)
• Mid-range: Primate Lodge, Turaco Treetops Lodge ($150-200 per night)
• Luxury: Papaya Lake Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge ($250-700 per night)

Best Routes for Your Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks are situated in southwestern Uganda, close to each other. The most common route from Entebbe or Kampala is via the Mbarara-Kabale highway, which leads directly to the parks.

For the northern sectors of Bwindi, turn off along the Kabale-Kisoro highway and follow signs to Ruhija or Buhoma. For the southern sectors of Nkuringo and Rushaga, branch off at Muko town along the same highway. If you’re heading to Mgahinga, continue past Kisoro town.

For a quicker journey, consider taking a scheduled flight from Entebbe International Airport to either Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips. The flight will save you time, and the drive to the park takes about 1-2 hours.

Depending on your travel itinerary, you may begin your adventure with gorilla trekking and conclude with chimpanzee trekking, or vice versa.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Uganda Trekking Experience

If you’re booking your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari from Canada, Trek Africa Expeditions is here to assist you. We offer a range of packages that cater to different budgets, including all necessary arrangements for gorilla permits.

Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor to see the experiences of our satisfied clients. Our dedicated team of tour consultants is eager to answer your questions and help ensure your safari is unforgettable. With Trek Africa Expeditions, you can look forward to a remarkable gorilla and chimp trekking experience in Uganda!