How Much Does a Chimpanzee Permit Cost?
A chimpanzee trekking permit is a legal document that gives you access to chimpanzee trekking. Permits are processed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and remain the property of the Republic of Uganda even after being issued. Just like the trekking permit for gorillas, limited permits for chimpanzees are printed per day and are only valid for the date that you’ll be trekking. A few permits are issued per month and the reason why few permits are issued is, to try as much as possible to reduce the interaction of chimpanzees and humans to conserve them. Chimpanzees are prone to diseases hence the limited interaction.
The best way for a client to get a chimpanzee trekking permit is by booking through a trusted tourism operating company. Local tourism operating companies know more about booking permits and other related costs, so it will be better to let them take up the booking and reservation process. Tourism operating company will book the permit at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and once the payment is done, a scanned copy of the permit will be sent to you via email with details of your trekking date, time, name, passport details, and a serial number that is unique from the other issued permits.
Note that if you want to change the trekking date on your permit, you are required to communicate with the tour operating company you booked to help you change the date on your permit. Date changing will only be done once.
If you fail to communicate with the company about the changes you’ve made to your trip, you’ll not be compensated or get a refund.
Cost of The Chimpanzee Trekking Permit in Uganda.
The cost of a Chimpanzee trekking permit in Uganda varies with the season. There are 2 seasons, the peak season, the dry season, and the low season, or the wet season, both seasons see a selection of tourists that come for chimpanzee trekking. During the peak season, a chimpanzee trekking permit costs $350 per day per person, whereas, during the low season, the permit costs $250 per person per day.
Note: the park entrance fee is included in the permit price.
Trekking Rules and Regulations for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
There are rules and guidelines that you need to follow during the chimpanzee trekking experience. These regulations were set up by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to protect both the primates and the visitors. Below are some of the regulations that you must follow during chimpanzee trekking include the following:
You’re not allowed to trek if you’re sick, especially with flu and cough.
You’re to always keep a distance of 8 meters between you and the chimpanzees.
You should always follow all the guidelines that are given by the park ranger.
You’re not allowed to feed the chimpanzees
Visitors are not allowed to eat or drink near the chimpanzees.
Do not urinate and poop in the park as this might cause the animals to fall sick. In case you want to poop, you must dig a hole of about 30cm deep and after that bury everything including the toilet paper.
The minimum age for chimp trekking in Uganda is 15 years.
The only people who can help you gain access to the Park for trekking are the tour guides
Make sure that the camera you are using does not have a flashlight
Do not make noise while trekking because this irritates the chimps and they end up migrating to another place.
What Should I Pack For Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda?
No one would like to carry excess luggage while on a safari since you’re on holiday, vacation or honeymoon. To enjoy your safari, you’ll need to carry what is essential when it comes to chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and these include the following:
- Insect repellent.
- Waterproof hiking boots.
- Bottled drinking water.
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers to avoid scratches on your body.
- walking stick to ease trekking. (will be provided at the park)
- Camera and binoculars.
- Small backpack to carry a few essentials like cameras and extra batteries while trekking.
- Sun hat and sunscreen.
