Here we will guide you on how best to prepare for your chimpanzee and gorilla trekking experience in Uganda. We discuss how to obtain your trekking permits, the minimum age for gorilla trekking, and the best trekking locations.

In case any assistance is needed! Rest assured, Africa Safaris tours.com is happy to help you plan your Uganda itinerary and arrange your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.

Highlights

1. Where to go chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?
2. Gorilla trekking locations in Uganda.
3. What is the day like during a gorilla hike?
4. What is the minimum age for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking?
5. How fit am I to be for a chimpanzee and gorilla trek?
6. How to obtain a gorilla permit in Uganda?

What’s a day of gorilla trekking like?

The trek of the gorillas is carried out mostly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, so make sure you get there on time.  Depending on where you are staying, it could be as much as a 60-90-minute drive on dirt roads to get from your lodge to the starting point of the trek. Hence, you’ll probably wake up before dawn, take your packed breakfast and lunch, and drive to the starting point during the morning dusk. your UWA(Uganda Wildlife Association) guide will start the hike with an introduction. Every group consists of a maximum of 8 tourists and some UWA rangers. You can opt for a porter to take your bag. Don’t feel obliged to ask- these are local men and women who are happy to earn some income by carrying your belongings at a fee.

The trek usually starts at 8:00 AM. Depending on where the gorillas were spotted the previous day, the time to locate them can vary greatly, from approximately an hour to five hours. Once the rangers find a gorilla family, you get to spend one hour with them. The one-hour cap is there to prevent the gorillas from becoming habituated to human interaction. Once the time is up, the gorillas are left without any human presence for the remaining 23 hours of the day, It’s always important that you move at your own pace, as you are not to rush since you may miss out on exciting opportunities along the trek.

Gorilla trekking locations in Uganda

Bwindi National Park protects an estimated 459 mountain gorillas, including 11 habituated groups that can be tracked in different parts of the National Park. It has 2 sections, with both having 2 parts for gorilla trekking

• Buhoma and Ruhija – located in the northern section of Bwindi National Park
• Nkuringo and Rushaga – located in the Kisoro District in the southeast of Bwindi National Park
• Another trekking location is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park(where Gold meets silver), which borders Rwanda and protects the Ugandan parts of the Virunga mountains.

How to obtain gorilla permits?

If you are planning to go on a gorilla trek in Uganda, it’s recommended that you reserve your trekking permits well in advance. The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues the permits, but only to Tour Operators. As a tourist, there is no possibility of visiting their headquarters in Kampala and arranging it yourself.

Our team at Africa Safaris Tours.com is happy to help arrange your gorilla permits. We can only do this after you have confirmed your gorilla and trip booking with us in Uganda. The costs for a gorilla trekking permit will be told to you in your quotation.

To be able to arrange the trekking permits on your behalf, we’ll need the following information:

• Full passport name, Nationality, Date of birth, and passport number of all the people trekking.
• Preferred starting location and date.
• Second-best dates in case the preferred date is fully booked.

Once proof of payment has been sent, we will purchase the permits on your behalf. For this service, we charge a handling fee of US$ 25 per gorilla permit and US$ 50 per gorilla habituation experience.

Kindly note that once your permits are bought, it is not possible to change the start location or the trekking dates.

Where to go chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?

Kibale Forest, also known as the primate capital, is Uganda’s prime chimpanzee trekking location, with a 95% chance of spotting a chimp family. Trips start every morning and afternoon in Kibale Forest National Park. The costs for a chimp trekking permit are standard and usually set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues all primate trekking permits, but only to Tour Operators. As a tourist, there is no possibility of visiting their headquarters in Kampala and arranging it yourself.

For those traveling on a budget, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, or Kyambura Gorge are cheaper alternatives to spot chimpanzees. our team at Africa Safaris Tours.com will help you arrange chimpanzee trekking permits as we charge 15$ per permit as handling fees for our clients

• Kalinzu Forest is situated alongside the road from Mbarara town to Queen Elizabeth National Park. A hiking permit costs USD 40, and the chances of seeing chimps are estimated at 50%. Even if you miss out on the chimps, the hike itself is still a great experience. Permits can be arranged on-site or via your lodge.
• Bugoma Forest is located only 4,5 hours from Kampala and 30 minutes from the city of Hoima. There are two hikes every day: 8 AM and 2 PM. The trekking permit costs USD 80 and needs to be purchased in cash on-site in UGX or USD. The meeting point is at the Mwera Eco Tourism site
• Budongo Forest Reserve is located close to Murchison Falls National Park. The likelihood of spotting chimps is highest in the morning, with an estimated 80% chance of encountering the chimps. The trek is organized by Uganda Lodges – Budongo Eco Lodge. Permits can be obtained on-site or reserved in advance through Uganda Lodges. Prices for the Budongo Forest are USD 140.

Kyambura Gorge is located in the far eastern corner of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is a steep walk as you descend to the gorge and enter a different mini-ecosystem. Trekking here is a fun activity, yet hardly done by tourists. There is no guarantee that you will spot the chimps (about 50% chance), but there is plenty of other wildlife to spot, and the gorge is a wonderful destination in its own right. Permits cost USD 100. Permits can only be bought via Tour Operators. We can do this once you have confirmed your car rental details in Uganda. it’s always advisable to carry enough gear for the trek.

How fit do I have to be for a gorilla and chimpanzee trek?

Your fitness always depends on the weather conditions and the proximity of the gorillas and chimps. Although the trek could potentially last 6 hours, this is rare. A moderate level of fitness (walking) is enough for participating in a gorilla or chimpanzee trek. People of various ages go trekking, including those in their eighties. A porter can assist, and the use of a local walking stick is an excellent aid. The right clothing and boots with traction will make the experience easier as well.

Tips for a good trekking experience

• To have in your packed bag: a raincoat, sunscreen, enough water (2L), and snacks or a packed lunch.
• Picture close-ups are special and usually very appealing. Try a close-up of a hand, foot or face.
• Take some time to watch the gorillas and chimps without taking pictures. Put your camera away to better realise where you are, soak in the moment, and enjoy
• Wear good and comfortable walking/hiking shoes suitable for handling slippery slopes.
• Grab a walking stick at the start of your trek.
• Thin gloves can be a great addition, as you need to grab a lot of twigs and trees.
• Wear long-sleeved clothes to protect yourself from scratches and insect bites while walking through thick bushes.
• Pack a facemask as this is mandatory to wear once you are with the gorillas.
• Avoid flashlights from cameras and phones while taking pictures, since this scares away the chimps and gorillas