Comparing Chimpanzee Permits for Budongo Forest vs. Kalinzu Forest

Comparing Chimpanzee Permits for Budongo Forest vs. Kalinzu Forest

Comparing Chimpanzee Permits for Budongo Forest vs. Kalinzu Forest — Chimpanzee trekking is a major attraction in both Budongo Central Forest Reserve and Kalinzu Forest, drawing numerous tourists eager to experience these remarkable primates in their natural habitat. Managed by Uganda Lodges and the National Forestry Authority, Budongo offers various activities, while Kalinzu Forest is solely overseen by the National Forestry Authority. To participate in chimpanzee trekking, obtaining permits for both forests is essential. Excursia Adventures is here to assist you in securing these permits and providing comprehensive information about trekking, general travel tips for Uganda, and alternative activities in both forests.

Chimpanzee Permit Prices in Budongo Forest

In Budongo Central Forest Reserve, you have two options for chimpanzee permits:

1. Chimpanzee Trekking Permit: This permit allows you to spend one hour observing chimpanzees that are already accustomed to human presence. The prices are as follows:
   • Non-Foreign Residents: $230
   • Foreign Residents: $120
   • Uganda Citizens: $85
     Trekking sessions are available twice daily: one in the morning at 8:00 AM and another in the afternoon at midday.
2. Chimpanzee Habituation Permit: For those looking to immerse themselves in the chimpanzee experience, this permit allows you to stay with the chimpanzees for four hours, observing their behavior and interactions. The costs are:
   • Non-Foreign Residents: $230
   • Foreign Residents: $160
   • Uganda Citizens: $90
     This experience is guided by researchers and forest guides.

Chimpanzee Permit Prices in Kalinzu Forest

In contrast, the cost of a chimpanzee permit in Kalinzu Forest is significantly lower, priced at

• Foreign non-residents $130
• Foreign residents $65
• EAC citizens $65

Although these permits can be obtained on the day of trekking at the reserve’s reception center, we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.

Trekking Experience

Both Budongo Central Forest Reserve and Kalinzu Forest offer similar trekking experiences. Treks start early in the morning with a briefing on the dos and don’ts at the forest headquarters. Visitors are then grouped with park guides and rangers who lead them into the forest. The trek typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the movement of the chimpanzees. Once located, you can spend one hour watching these incredible creatures as they feed, rest, and play. Along the way, you may also encounter other primates, reptiles, and mammals, with a high chance (around 95%) of spotting chimpanzees in both locations.

Comparison of Chimpanzee Families

When it comes to the number of chimpanzee families open for trekking, Budongo Central Forest Reserve has a greater variety compared to Kalinzu Forest. However, both locations provide a comparable trekking experience, with equal opportunities for spotting chimpanzees.

Accommodation Options

If you’re planning to stay near Budongo Forest, consider options like Budongo Eco Lodge or Murchison River Lodge. Alternatively, you can find accommodations in Masindi town, such as Masindi Kolping Hotel. In Kalinzu Forest, options include Kyangabi Crater Resort, Enganzi Game Lodge, Katara Lodge, and Irungu Forest Safari Lodge. Both forests have budget accommodations and camping facilities, with mid-range and upscale lodges located nearby in Queen Elizabeth National Park for Kalinzu and Murchison Falls National Park for Budongo.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking is available year-round in both Budongo and Kalinzu. However, since these tropical rainforests can receive rain at any time, the ideal months for trekking are June to August and December to February, when rainfall is generally lower and the trails are less slippery. If you visit during March to May or November, expect more rain but also potential discounts on lodging.

Why Choose Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures is your trusted partner for organizing incredible chimpanzee trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and specialize in combining gorilla trekking safaris with eco-friendly, high-quality adventures that conserve wildlife, protect biodiversity, and uplift local communities. Our services include not only chimpanzee trekking but also Big Five safaris, game viewing, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters across top African safari destinations, including Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.

For more information about the prices of chimpanzee permits in Budongo Forest and Kalinzu Forest, don’t hesitate to contact us! Let us help you plan an unforgettable safari experience.