Uganda Primate Tracking Safaris. Uganda is a premier destination for primate tracking safaris, offering travelers unforgettable encounters with some of the world’s most fascinating primates. Among its many attractions, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park stands out as the crown jewel for mountain gorilla trekking. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to observe these gentle giants up close in their natural habitat.

In addition to gorillas, Uganda also offers remarkable chimpanzee experiences. Kibale National Park, often referred to as the “primate capital of the world,” boasts the highest concentration of chimpanzees in East Africa. Here, visitors can take part in chimpanzee habituation experiences, spending extended hours with chimpanzee troops as they go about their daily lives. This immersive adventure offers a deeper understanding of chimpanzee behavior and social dynamics.

Moreover, Uganda’s primate safaris are not limited to gorillas and chimpanzees. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park provides the unique opportunity to track the elusive golden monkeys, a rare and vibrant species found only in the Virunga Mountains. This experience allows travelers to explore the scenic bamboo forests while observing the playful antics of these endangered primates.

Where to see Primates in Uganda.

Uganda is one of the best countries in the world for primate viewing, offering a wide range of unique experiences across its national parks and forests. From the iconic mountain gorillas to playful chimpanzees and colorful golden monkeys, Uganda’s primate safaris are truly remarkable. Here are the best places to see primates in Uganda:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is world-famous for its mountain gorilla trekking experiences. This ancient rainforest is home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Visitors can embark on guided treks to encounter gorilla families, spending an unforgettable hour observing these majestic creatures in their natural environment. Bwindi also hosts other primates like L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and baboons.

Kibale National Park
Known as the “primate capital of the world,” Kibale National Park has the highest density of primates in Africa. It is the best place in Uganda for chimpanzee tracking and habituation experiences. Visitors can trek through the forest to observe wild chimpanzees, as well as see other species such as red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and bush babies.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
While smaller than Bwindi, Mgahinga offers a dual experience: trekking mountain gorillas and tracking golden monkeys. Golden monkey tracking is a highlight here, providing a chance to see these vibrant and rare primates in the bamboo forests at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Budongo Forest Reserve
Located within Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest is another excellent spot for chimpanzee tracking. The forest is rich in biodiversity and is home to several primate species including black-and-white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and red-tailed monkeys. Chimpanzee tracking here tends to be less crowded than in Kibale.

Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park)
Often called the “Valley of Apes,” Kyambura Gorge is a dramatic forested canyon known for its small population of habituated chimpanzees. Tracking chimps in Kyambura is unique due to the gorge’s breathtaking landscape and the chance to see a variety of other wildlife and birds.

Semuliki National Park
This park’s tropical rainforest, which resembles the Congo basin, is home to some of Uganda’s rarest primates, including De Brazza’s monkeys, Dent’s mona monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Though sightings here are less predictable, the park offers a more off-the-beaten-path primate experience.

Do i need a permit to see Gorillas i Uganda?

​Yes, you need a permit to see mountain gorillas in Uganda. This permit is essential for participating in gorilla trekking activities in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.​

Permit Costs (as of 2025):

• International visitors: $800 per person per trek

• Foreign residents: $700

• East African citizens: UGX 300,000

• Other African nationals: $500

These permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are mandatory for all gorilla trekking participants. Each permit grants you one hour of observation with a habituated gorilla family, with treks limited to eight visitors per group to minimize environmental impact and stress on the animals.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, Uganda offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi. This allows you to spend up to four hours with a gorilla group undergoing habituation, at a cost of $1,500 per person.​

Booking Tips:

• Permits are in high demand, especially during peak seasons (June–September and December–February). It’s advisable to book at least 6 months in advance to secure your preferred dates.

• You can obtain permits directly through UWA or via licensed tour operators like Kenlink Tours, who often include them in comprehensive safari packages.

• Tour operators may charge an additional fee (typically $50–$100) to cover administrative costs associated with securing the permit.

Remember, the permit fee contributes significantly to gorilla conservation efforts, park maintenance, and supports local communities. By obtaining a permit, you’re playing a vital role in the preservation of these endangered primates.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is Uganda’s top destination for chimpanzee tracking. The park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and boasts the highest density of primates in East Africa. Guided by expert rangers, visitors trek through the lush tropical forest, listening carefully for the calls of the chimps. Once a group is located, trekkers are allowed an hour to observe them as they feed, groom, and interact with one another. Besides chimpanzees, Kibale is also famous for its 12 other primate species, such as the red colobus monkey and L’Hoest’s monkey, making it a must-visit for primate lovers.

Chimpanzee Tracking in the Rest of Uganda

Beyond Kibale, Uganda offers other excellent chimpanzee tracking locations. Budongo Forest Reserve, located near Murchison Falls National Park, offers superb tracking opportunities, often with smaller group sizes and fewer tourists. Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park presents a dramatic setting, with its deep forested canyon known as the “Valley of Apes.” Though the chimpanzee population here is smaller, the experience is unique due to the breathtaking landscape. Kalinzu Forest Reserve, close to Bushenyi, provides an affordable option for chimp tracking, with a high chance of encountering habituated chimpanzee groups.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a more intimate and quieter gorilla trekking experience compared to other parks. It is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area and is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, which is famous for its playful and mobile members. Trekking in Mgahinga involves hiking through beautiful bamboo forests, with the stunning backdrop of the Virunga Volcanoes. The treks are typically less strenuous compared to Bwindi, and besides gorillas, visitors have the rare chance to track the endangered golden monkeys, making the experience even more rewarding.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Uganda’s most renowned site for gorilla trekking. It holds nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, spread across four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Treks here vary in difficulty depending on the gorilla family’s location, often involving challenging hikes through dense and rugged terrain. The reward is an unforgettable hour spent observing these magnificent creatures in their natural rainforest home. For those seeking a longer experience, Bwindi also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where visitors can spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group.

Comparing Mgahinga Gorillas with Bwindi National Park

While both Mgahinga and Bwindi offer incredible gorilla trekking adventures, they present slightly different experiences. Mgahinga is smaller, with only one habituated gorilla family, meaning fewer visitors and a more private trek. The terrain is often easier to navigate, and the views of volcanic peaks are spectacular. Bwindi, by contrast, offers more trekking options, more gorilla families, and a greater range of forest habitats. Treks in Bwindi are often more physically demanding but offer a wider variety of experiences. Additionally, Mgahinga gives the added bonus of golden monkey tracking, while Bwindi’s Gorilla Habituation Experience provides a more extended encounter with the gorillas.

Whether you choose Mgahinga or Bwindi, or both, you are guaranteed a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with these gentle giants in Uganda’s stunning wilderness.

How much does a combined Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari Cost

The cost of a combined gorilla and chimpanzee safari in Uganda varies based on factors such as group size, accommodation level, and included services. For a 5-day itinerary encompassing gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, prices typically range from $1,600 to $2,500 per person.​

Budget Options:
Budget-friendly safaris start at approximately $1,600 per person for groups of six or more. These packages often include accommodations, meals, transportation, and park fees but may exclude permits. For instance, Kenlink Tours offers a 7-Day Wildlife, Gorillas and Chimpanzee tracking Safari starting from $1,700 per person, which includes both gorilla and chimpanzee permits, accommodations, meals, park fees, and ground transportation.

Mid-Range Options:
Mid-range safaris typically cost between $1,900 and $2,500 per person, depending on group size and specific inclusions. We for example, provides a 5-day safari priced at $2,098 per person for a group of four, covering accommodations, meals, transportation, park fees, and permits .

Luxury Options:
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, prices can range from $3,000 to $8,760 per person. Volcanoes Safaris offers a 7-day all-inclusive safari featuring upscale lodges, gourmet meals, conservation activities, and both gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, starting at $8,760 per person

See more about How much does a combined Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari Cost in Uganda?

.​