New Year’s gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Trekking with gorillas and chimpanzees in Rwanda and Uganda is a chance to expand your horizons this year. The peace and quiet of the Virunga region allows you to relax and forget about the hectic events of the previous year.
You may escape the bustle of the cities by spending some time in the peace and quiet of the chimpanzee habitats in Rwanda and Uganda. As you establish strategies, you can organize your hopes for the coming year and schedule time for yourself.
Because this is a holiday season and there is a cap on the number of permits sold per activity, make sure to reserve your gorilla and chimpanzee permits from Uganda and Rwanda well in advance. In Rwanda and Uganda, a gorilla family may only purchase a maximum of eight gorilla licenses per day. Each troop may only purchase a maximum of six chimpanzee hiking licenses per day.
All members of the gorilla trekking party must be qualified for the activity and receive a gorilla and chimpanzee permit. In Rwanda and Uganda, gorilla trekking is restricted to those who are at least 15 years old. Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is restricted to those who are at least 15 years old.You must be aware of the locations for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.
Where in Rwanda and Uganda can I go gorilla trekking?
In Rwanda
The only gorilla trekking habitat in Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park, which is situated in the northwest of the nation. There are perhaps fifteen gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park that are available for reservations.
Other primates found in this park include olive baboons, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, golden and blue monkeys, and others.
Volcanoes National Park, which is home to more than 300 bird species, including Albertine endemics, is the only place in Rwanda to go birding. Archer’s Robin-Chat, Rwenzori Turaco, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Dusky Crimsonwing, and other birds are among the ones you might be able to recognize.
The park is beautifully framed by the stunning landscape that the five Virunga Volcanoes have produced. Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Karisimbi, and Mountain Sabyinyo are among these highlands.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda
The foggy Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna that have gathered throughout time. Approximately 18 gorilla families, including nearly half of all mountain gorillas worldwide, reside in this virgin woodland.
Over 310 butterfly species, 51 reptiles, 88 months, 300 trees, 10 primates, and 350 bird species—seven of which are on the IUCN Red List—are among the species that have been documented in this park thus far.
The diverse range of vegetation in Bwindi Forest, which includes lowland forest at elevations of roughly 1160 meters and Afromontane vegetation over 2700 meters, is astounding to the expanding list of wildlife and flora.
Park in Mgahinga National
One of the most striking parks is Mgahinga National Park, which is situated on the flanks of three volcanoes: Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Gahinga, and Mountain Sabyinyo. The Nyakagezi gorilla family is the only gorilla family now available for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park.
Since the Nyakagezi gorilla trekking family used to stray into Rwanda, gorilla trekking in this park has only ever been verified on the ground. Permits for Mgahinga National Park can be reserved in advance, and this gorilla family is now residing in Uganda.
In addition to golden and blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, black and white colobus, olive baboons, and others, Mgahinga National Park is a primate’s paradise.
Gorilla trekking in this park offers you two chances to spot a variety of birds, including endemic Albertine species. There are now 115 bird species known to exist in Mgahinga National Park, but more are anticipated to be added, according to ornithologists.
It is worthwhile to attempt the 8-hour climb back to the summits of Gahinga, Muhavura, and Sabyinyo. You may take in the breathtaking views of Mgahinga National Park’s recently added forest cover.
Chimpanzee trekking locations in Rwanda and Uganda
In Rwanda
National Park Nyungwe
The sole chimpanzee trekking habitat in Rwanda is Nyungwe National Park. Cyamudongo is another chimpanzee trekking habitat on the park’s edge. Expect some wild behavior from the semi-habituated chimpanzees at Nyungwe National Park.
Uwinka is home to Nyungwe National Park’s headquarters. Nyungwe National Park is roughly 230 kilometers from Kigali Airport, and it takes five hours to get there.
The Angola Colobus, Mona monkeys, blue monkeys, Dent’s Mona monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, silver monkeys, olive baboons, and other primates can be found in Nyungwe National Park.
With over 283 bird species—27 of which are endemic—and a large population of Albertine Rift endemics, Nyugwe Forest is a popular destination for avid birdwatchers on Rwanda Safari. The Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, Red Collared Mountain Babbler, Kivu Ground Thrush, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Red Throated Alethe, and other species may be seen at Nyugwe National Park.
Kibale National Park in Uganda
Uganda’s primate sanctuary is Kabale National Park, where the chimpanzees are the main attraction. It is estimated that Kibale National Park is home to more than 1500 chimpanzees. This park offers two chimpanzee trekking sessions: one in the morning at 08:00 and one in the afternoon at 1500.
Other primates that call this park home include potatoes, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, L’Hoests, black and white colobus, and bush babies.
There are currently 325 bird species and over six Albertine Rift endemics included on this park’s constantly growing bird list. When visiting Kabale National Park, birdwatchers choose to visit the Bigodi wetland in Magombe swamp. The Yellow Spotted Nicator, Yellow-Rumped Tinkerbird, Little Greenbul, Blue Breasted Kingfisher, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Crowned Eagle, and other species may be found at Kibale National Park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kyambura Gorge
Chimpanzee trekking in the 100-meter-deep Kyambura Gorge is an exciting experience. Kyambura Gorge was created by the erosion of the River Kyambura, which empties into the Kazinga channel. During the rainy season, you must prepare to hike on slick terrain and wet your chimpanzee trekking equipment.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge takes place every day between 0800 and 1400 hours.
In Murchison Falls National Park, the Kaniyo Pabidi Forest
Kaniyo Pabidi Forest is roughly 8 kilometers from Kichumbanyombo Gate when traveling via Masindi Road. Giant ironwood and mahogany trees make up this chimpanzee habitat. Keep an eye out for other primates, such as olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Periphery: Kalinzu Forest Reserve
On the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park is this forest. Despite its reputation for chimpanzee research, demand may permit tourists to engage in chimpanzee trekking here during the busiest times of the year.
The Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngamba Island
Chimpanzees that have been rescheduled from snares, abandoned, orphaned, and unable to return to their communities reside on Ngamba Island. This sanctuary was established to raise awareness of amazing species and the importance of their delicate habitat among tourists, the local population, and the general public.
There are two visiting sessions every day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. You can use the feeding platform to participate if feeding time is available. Observe how the chimpanzees illustrate the concept of survival of the fittest through their feeding drama.
How to Reserve Permits for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda
Decide on the dates you want to hike with chimpanzees and gorillas. You can get advice from our tours expert on the best days and how to carry out these activities. Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking cannot be done on the same day since gorilla trekking takes a full day.
Our safari adviser looks through the permit lists of both Rwanda and Uganda when you ask about the availability of gorilla and chimpanzee permits in those countries.
We recommend that you get your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits in advance, if there are any available. This is due to the fact that they sell out quickly, particularly during the busiest times of the year when demand for primate safaris in Rwanda and Uganda is highest.
What is the cost of purchasing a gorilla permit for Rwanda and Uganda?
For foreign non-residents, Uganda gorilla licenses cost $800 per person per trip; for foreign residents, they cost $700 per person each trek; and for East African citizens, they cost 300,000 shs.
For foreign non-residents, Rwanda gorilla licenses cost $1500 per person per trek; for foreign residents, they cost $500; and for East African residents, they cost $300.
What does the price of a gorilla permit include?
In Rwanda and Uganda, the cost of a gorilla permit covers park admission fees, ranger guide costs, security for gorilla trekking, assistance with gorilla conservation, support for the local people, and an hour with the mountain gorillas.
Tips, transportation to gorilla locations, porter fees, lunch, and any other personal belongings are not included in the cost of a gorilla permit.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Chimpanzee Trekking Permit in Rwanda or Uganda?
Permits for Ugandan chimpanzees vary in price depending on the location. Currently, chimpanzee permits in Kibale National Park cost $300 per person per hike for non-resident foreigners, $250 for natives, and 150,000 shillings for East African residents.
Take note Park entrance fees are included in the price of Kibale National Park.
The current cost of a Rwanda Chimpanzee trekking permit is $90 per person per trek.
Chimpanzee trekking permit inclusions in Rwanda or Uganda
Chimpanzee conservation, ranger guide costs, security during chimpanzee trekking, community support, and an hour spent with the primates
Transportation to the location, gratuities, porter fees, food, and any other personal belongings are not included in the Chimpanzee Trekking Permit for Rwanda or Uganda.
When is the best time to reserve a trekking permit for chimpanzees and gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda?
Gorilla permits must be obtained six months in advance, and chimpanzee permits must be obtained three months in advance, particularly during the busiest times of the year, which are June through September and December through January.
Which of Rwanda and Uganda Offers the Greatest Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris?
In Rwanda or Uganda, you can get closer to the giant African primates by combining gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. You learn the distinction between chimpanzees and mountain gorillas throughout this tour. The experience of hiking with gorillas and chimpanzees in Rwanda or Uganda is enchanting no matter where you go.
The following are some distinctions between chimpanzee and gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda or Uganda:
The quantity of gorilla permits
While Rwanda has 15 gorilla trekking families with 96 gorilla permits, Uganda has roughly 19 gorilla trekking families with 152 gorilla permits available to the public every day.
Numerous activities that can be combined with trekking for chimpanzees and gorillas
You can combine your primate safari with a variety of other activities in Uganda, such as sport fishing, wildlife drives, white water rafting, and viewing the Nile River’s source. There aren’t many options in Rwanda to go along with this primate safari, such as game drives in Akagera National Park or city tours of Kigali.
How much a gorilla permit costs
Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 per person per hike, whereas those in Uganda cost $800 per person.
While Rwandan chimpanzee permits currently cost $90 per person each trip, Ugandan permits vary in price depending on the region.
Travel time from the airport to the gorilla trekking locations
It takes roughly nine hours to drive from Entebbe Airport to either Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and three hours to drive from Kigali Airport to Volcanoes National Park.
How to Act When Going on a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trek in Rwanda and Uganda
When you see the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees, keep around 8 meters away from them because they can contract human illnesses such the flu, cough, COVID-19, and others.
Before going on chimpanzee or gorilla trekking, offer to stay behind if you have a contagious illness.
Chimpanzee trekking requires participants to be at least 15 years old, whereas gorilla trekking requires participants to be at least 15 years old.
If you must defecate, dig a hole that is at least 30 centimeters deep and completely cover it.
When you find chimpanzees or mountain gorillas, don’t use flash photography.
You are only permitted to spend an hour with the chimpanzees or mountain gorillas, so try not to upset them.
