How do I get a Gorilla or Chimpanzee Permit? Are you looking for an unforgettable Primate Tracking Safari in Uganda? You may be thrilled to know that Uganda is one of the best destinations in Africa to see chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. These incredible creatures can be found in various parts of the country, offering a truly magical and life-changing wildlife experience.

For chimpanzee tracking, Kibale Forest National Park is the top destination. It is home to the world’s largest population of chimpanzees, with over 1,500 individuals. The park provides high chances of seeing these intelligent primates up close, swinging through the trees or grooming each other in social groups. Besides Kibale, chimpanzees can also be tracked in Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Semuliki National Park, each offering a unique forest trekking experience.

When it comes to gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the main hotspots. Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and offers several habituated gorilla families for tracking. Mgahinga, located in the Virunga Mountains, also offers thrilling treks and the chance to see golden monkeys along with gorillas.

Both gorilla and chimpanzee tracking offer lifetime memories and a deep appreciation of Uganda’s rich biodiversity. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or an adventure seeker, primate tracking in Uganda is a bucket-list experience you won’t want to miss.

Do i Need a permit to see Gorillas and Chimpanzees in Uganda?

Yes, you definitely need a permit to see both gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda. These permits are essential as they help regulate the number of visitors allowed to visit these endangered primates each day, ensuring their protection and conservation.

For gorilla trekking, a permit is required to visit either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Similarly, a chimpanzee tracking permit is needed for places like Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, and Kyambura Gorge.

You can obtain these permits directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through licensed tour operators like Kenlink Tours. However, it is highly advisable to book through a trusted tour company. This is because tour operators often handle the entire process for you—checking availability, purchasing permits in advance, and organizing the entire tracking experience including transport, accommodation, and guides. This makes the whole experience smooth and stress-free, especially during peak travel seasons when permits can sell out quickly.

Kenlink Tours offers personalized assistance in securing both gorilla and chimpanzee permits, ensuring you don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Uganda’s lush tropical rainforests.

Major Activities Done in Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda, is one of Africa’s premier destinations for primate lovers and nature enthusiasts. Spanning about 795 square kilometers, the park is home to a rich biodiversity, including the highest population of chimpanzees in Uganda. Here are the major activities visitors can enjoy while at Kibale:

1. Chimpanzee Tracking:
   This is the most popular activity in Kibale. The park offers one of the best opportunities in East Africa to see chimpanzees in the wild. Visitors join guided walks through the forest to track these intelligent primates, observe their behavior, and take unforgettable photos. Tracking usually takes 2-4 hours and offers a 90% success rate of sightings.

2. Chimpanzee Habituation Experience:
   For those who want a deeper and longer encounter, the chimpanzee habituation experience allows you to spend a full day with a chimpanzee group undergoing habituation. This unique activity gives you the chance to observe chimps from the time they wake up, follow them throughout the day, and learn more about their daily lives.

3. Nature Walks and Forest Hikes:
   Kibale offers well-developed trails for nature walks and guided forest hikes. These walks provide chances to see other primates like red colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and various bird species, as well as beautiful forest flora and butterflies. The walks range from short treks to more extended hikes for experienced adventurers.

4. Bird Watching:
   With over 375 bird species, Kibale is a paradise for bird watchers. The park is especially famous for the elusive green-breasted pitta. Other species include the African pitta, crowned eagle, yellow-spotted nicator, and blue-headed sunbird. Birding can be done in the forest, around Bigodi Wetland, and in nearby habitats.

5. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Visit:
   Located just outside the park, Bigodi is a community-run project that supports conservation and ecotourism. A guided walk through Bigodi wetland sanctuary allows you to see a variety of monkeys, birds, butterflies, and plants. It also offers a cultural touch, as you may visit local homes and interact with the community.

6. Cultural Experiences:
   Visitors can engage in community visits to nearby villages where they can learn about traditional lifestyles, music, dance, and crafts. These cultural experiences enhance the safari by adding a human connection to the natural beauty of the park.

Common Activities done in Bwindi  National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Uganda, is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth and home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. While gorilla trekking is the highlight, the park offers a variety of activities that make it a truly unique safari destination. Here are the most common activities done in Bwindi:

1. Gorilla Trekking:
   The most popular and unforgettable experience in Bwindi. Visitors hike through the dense forest to spend one magical hour observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat. The trek can range from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the gorillas’ location.

2. Gorilla Habituation Experience:
   This allows visitors to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group alongside researchers. It’s a more immersive and in-depth experience compared to standard trekking.

3. Bird Watching:
   With over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics, Bwindi is a top birding spot. Notable species include the African green broadbill, Shelley’s crimsonwing, and the handsome francolin.

4. Nature and Forest Walks:
   Guided walks offer the chance to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, observe monkeys, butterflies, and exotic plants, and enjoy the serenity of the forest.

5. Batwa Cultural Experience:
   Learn about the indigenous Batwa people, the original forest dwellers. The experience includes traditional songs, dances, hunting demonstrations, and storytelling about their life in the forest.

6. Community Visits:
   Engage with local communities to learn about rural Ugandan life, visit local schools, women’s groups, or banana breweries, and support community development initiatives.

7. Waterfall Hikes:
   Scenic forest trails lead to beautiful waterfalls such as Munyaga Falls, offering stunning views and a refreshing break from trekking.

Common Activities done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwestern corner of Uganda, is the smallest of Uganda’s national parks but incredibly rich in experiences. Nestled in the Virunga Mountains, the park is famous for its scenic volcanic landscapes, unique wildlife, and deep cultural heritage. Here are the most common activities you can enjoy in Mgahinga:

1. Gorilla Trekking:
   Mgahinga is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, which is habituated and open for trekking. Though only one group is available, sightings are often more reliable and less crowded compared to other parks. The experience of tracking these gentle giants through the misty forests is unforgettable.

2. Golden Monkey Tracking:
   This park is the only place in Uganda where you can track the rare and endangered golden monkeys. These playful and striking primates are found in the bamboo zones of the Virunga slopes, offering a fast-paced and exciting trek.

3. Volcano Hiking:
   Adventurous visitors can hike one or more of the three volcanoes within the park—Mount Muhabura (4,127m), Mount Gahinga (3,474m), and Mount Sabinyo (3,669m). The hikes vary in difficulty and reward climbers with stunning views of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

4. Batwa Cultural Experience:
   The Batwa Trail offers a guided cultural walk led by Batwa elders who demonstrate their ancient forest survival skills, such as hunting, gathering, and traditional medicine. It’s an eye-opening journey into the lives of the forest’s first people.

5. Bird Watching:
   With over 180 bird species, Mgahinga is a great spot for bird enthusiasts. You can spot species like the Rwenzori turaco, white-necked raven, and the crowned hornbill, especially along the gorge and bamboo trails.

6. Nature Walks and Scenic Viewing:
   The park offers several guided nature walks through bamboo forests, crater lakes, and gorges. These walks provide opportunities to see unique plant life, primates, and spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes.

Can i combine Gorilla Trekking with Chimpanzee Tracking?

Yes, you can definitely combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking in Uganda, and it’s a popular choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive primate safari experience. Uganda is one of the few countries where both activities are easily accessible within a single itinerary.

Gorilla trekking is best done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while chimpanzee tracking is most rewarding in Kibale Forest National Park, which boasts the highest chimpanzee population in East Africa.

Many tour operators, including Kenlink Tours, offer custom itineraries that combine both experiences over 5 to 7 days. These tours often include transport, accommodation, park fees, and all necessary permits. You’ll also have opportunities to explore other attractions such as Queen Elizabeth National Park or Lake Bunyonyi.

Combining both treks offers a richer safari experience, allowing you to see two of our closest relatives in their natural habitats while exploring Uganda’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

Booking a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Safari with Kenlink Tours.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure by booking your gorilla and chimpanzee tracking safari with Kenlink Tours, your trusted local expert in Uganda. We offer the best-guided primate safaris, ensuring you experience the thrill of meeting mountain gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga and tracking playful chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. Our packages are tailor-made to suit your budget and travel preferences, with seamless arrangements for permits, transport, accommodation, and guided treks. Choose Kenlink Tours for a professional, reliable, and personalized safari experience that brings you closer to nature and creates lasting memories.