How to Book Chimpanzee Permits for Kibale National Park?

Knowing how to book chimpanzee permits for Kibale National Park is essential for anyone with plans to embark on a chimpanzee trekking adventure or chimpanzee habituation in this protected area. Booking a chimpanzee permit is a great step a visitor takes when planning for a chimpanzee tracking tour to Kibale National Park. Valid chimpanzee permits are essential for anyone who intends to visit chimpanzees in Kibale. Obtaining a chimp permit guarantees you a chance to explore one of the habituated chimpanzee communities in Kibale. Besides, it is one way to support chimpanzee conservation for future generations. Aside from the multiple benefits that come with it, how to book a chimpanzee permit for Kibale remains an area of concern for most visitors on Uganda safaris.

There are important steps visitors can follow to book Kibale National Park’s chimpanzee permit.

How to book chimpanzee permits for Kibale?

You can secure a chimpanzee trekking permit for Kibale through a local expert on the ground. Contacting an expert like Native Africa Tours is the wisest step a visitor can take to have their permits secured. Native Africa Tours is a recognized local tour company and not only can you secure the permit alone but also you can have the entire trip planned successfully while you sit back home. You only wait till the day you need to engage on an actual trek with chimpanzees. Contact Native Africa Tours

Booking chimpanzee permits isn’t an easy process. It requires time to follow up which you may not have yet the demand for the permits is high. Not to be left out, the best option is dealing with the local tour operator (Native Africa Tours). The local tour operator/company can take all the steps to secure a chimp permit. We can follow up on your behalf as you sit back home.

What you will need to have is to share your details to be filled in the permit. Besides the personal profile details, you also need to share the exact date you intend to visit chimpanzees in Kibale. The local tour operator/expert can visit the offices of UWA to cross-check the availability of chimpanzee permits. Once availability is confirmed within your expected chimpanzee trekking dates, we can communicate back to you. The local expert can go further to reserve the chimp permit on your behalf. Receipt of the transactions and soft copy of your permits can be sent to you via email.

The Chimpanzee permit is what you present at the Kibale National Park reservation desk to be cleared and you join others for briefing. Please note, all chimpanzee permits for Kibale are issued based on a first come first served.

How early should you book chimpanzee permits for Kibale National Park

The fact that there is high demand for Kibale chimp permits and they are issued on a first come first served, booking your permit in advance should be a must-do. The best you can do is to ensure that you book the chimpanzee permit at least 2-6 months before you visit Uganda to engage in a trek with chimpanzees.

Cost of Kibale chimpanzee permits 2024-2026

Chimpanzee permits for Kibale currently cost USD 250 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 200 for foreign residents, and UGX 180,000 for East African citizens (Ugandans inclusive). These rates apply to visitors on normal chimpanzee trekking tours to Kibale National Park Uganda. Primate adventure seekers can also book permits at USD 300 per person for foreign nonresidents, USD 250 for foreign residents, and lastly, UGX 250,000 for all Ugandans (East African citizens).

The chimpanzee permit cost covers the park entrance fees, park ranger fees, an hour with chimpanzees (for visitors on chimp trekking) then 4 hours with chimpanzees (for those who engage in chimpanzee habituation experience), and chimpanzee conservation fees. The cost of chimp permits also includes an hour with a chimpanzee community and relevant government tax. The price for a chimpanzee permit excludes car hire (transportation), accommodation, beverages, travel insurance, extra activities, and costs for shopping, etc.

Can I go to trek chimpanzees with no permit?

A valid chimpanzee permit is required from all eligible chimp trekkers. Take note, Kibale National Park is the leading destination with the highest chimp population, about 1500 of them. Two chimp trekking sessions are all available for visitors to choose to go explore one of the four habituated chimp communities. Alternatively, trekkers who desire to spend more time with chimps can also opt for a chimpanzee habituation experience. (CHEX). This is a distinct chimp encounter option whereby visitors spend a longer part of their day following a semi-habituated chimp community or a completely not-habituated community. Generally, chimpanzee safaris in Kibale take you through ultimate exploration where you have a deep understanding of how chimpanzees behave and take photos.

Are chimpanzee encounters in Kibale guaranteed?

There are higher chances of viewing chimpanzees in Kibale compared to most destinations thanks to the abundant chimp population. Besides, the highest chimp communities have been habituated in Kibale compared to most tourist sites. Other factors also come into play that may hinder chimpanzee encounters including the general weather conditions.

Is Kibale safe for chimpanzee tours?

Kibale National Park Uganda is very safe and secure for chimp tours. During the chimpanzee trek or habituation experience, visitors are accompanied by an experienced and trained Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) team. Visitor interactions with chimpanzees are done concerning the set chimpanzee guidelines or rules and regulations. The rules and regulations for chimpanzee treks/chimp habituation are briefed to visitors early in the morning at Kanyanchu Visitor Center by the park official.

Chimpanzee Trekking Regulations

Do not go to visit chimps when sick. The park official has the right to deny you a chance to visit chimpanzees if found ill/sick.
Only visitors above 12 years old are allowed to trek chimpanzees in Kibale National Park.
When taking photos, it is advisable not to use a flashlight. You can turn it off before you begin taking pictures of chimpanzees.
Always avoid eating, smoking, or drinking in the presence of chimpanzees.
Observe a distance of 7-8 meters away from the chimp community.
When in need of help, ensure that you dig a hole as directed by the park ranger guide. It is recommended to dig 30 meters deep in case you want to defecate and after, cover it to a point not noticeable.
When you come across chimpanzees, you will enjoy a maximum of one hour (for normal treks) and 4 hours on CHEX.

When to travel to see chimpanzees in Kibale

Kibale National Park chimp adventures are enjoyable all year round. But the dry season is the best period that guarantees you incredible encounters with a chimp community in the wild. The dry months in Kibale often fall in June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. These months are characterized by low or no rainfall with vegetation slightly clear making the entire trek easier.

Conclusively, booking a chimpanzee permit for Kibale guarantees you active participation in either chimpanzee tracking or chimpanzee habituation experience. Contact your expert –Native Africa Tours to plan and book not just a permit but the entire chimpanzee trip.