Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale: 2027 Permits & Guide
Updated 7 November 2026 · By the Mwema Safaris team
Kibale National Park is Uganda's best place to track wild chimpanzees. UWA estimates more than 1,500 chimps in at least 12 communities, and the Kanyanchu group has been habituated since 1993, with sightings over 90% of the time. Kibale also has 13 primate species, including red colobus and grey-cheeked mangabey, and about 370 bird species.
Chimpanzee permit prices (UWA, per person)
| Activity | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chimp tracking, Kibale (to 31 Dec 2026) | US$250 | US$200 | UGX 180,000 |
| Chimp tracking, Kibale (from 1 Jan 2027) | US$300 | US$200 | UGX 180,000 |
| Chimp tracking, low season (Apr, May, Nov) | US$200 | US$150 | not published |
| Chimp habituation, Kibale (to 31 Dec 2026) | US$300 | US$250 | UGX 250,000 |
| Chimp habituation, Kibale (from 1 Jan 2027) | US$400 | US$300 | UGX 250,000 |
| Chimp tracking, Kyambura Gorge, Queen Elizabeth (from 1 Jan 2027) | US$200 | US$150 | UGX 50,000 |
The Kibale tracking fee includes park entry for the day. Low-season permits cannot be rescheduled.
How a chimp trek works
- Treks leave the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 8:00 am, 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Arrive early for registration and the briefing.
- Groups are limited to six visitors.
- The walk takes two to five hours, with one hour in the chimps' company.
- Chimps move fast, often high in the trees, so wear long trousers and good shoes and bring rain gear.
Getting to Kibale
Kibale is about 326 km from Kampala on a tarmac road via Fort Portal, roughly six hours' drive; Fort Portal is about an hour from the park. Domestic flights go to Kasese, about two hours away by road. Most of our trips combine Kibale with Queen Elizabeth National Park and the gorillas of Bwindi.
Our chimpanzee safaris
- 3-Day Kibale Chimpanzees & Crater Lakes (from $1,294 pp)
- 6-Day Gorillas, Chimps & Queen Elizabeth (from $3,623 pp)
- 7-Day Primates & Wildlife Safari (from $3,969 pp)
- 10-Day Classic Uganda Safari (from $5,464 pp)
Prices are per person, 2 sharing, midrange lodges, 2027, with permits at cost. See all primate safaris.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority conservation tariff July 2024–Dec 2026 and circular TDO 93/04 of 26 Feb 2026, and UWA Kibale park page. Checked 7 November 2026. These are government fees, not Mwema package prices, and can change; we confirm the rate for your dates in writing before you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a chimpanzee permit in Kibale?
US$250 for foreign non-residents until 31 December 2026 and US$300 from 1 January 2027, including park entry for the day. In April, May and November the low-season rate is US$200.
What time does chimpanzee trekking start in Kibale?
UWA runs guided treks daily at 8:00 am, 11:00 am and 2:00 pm from the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre.
How long does chimp trekking take?
Usually two to five hours, including one hour with the chimpanzees once they are found.
What is the minimum age for chimp trekking?
UWA's Kibale page currently lists a minimum age of 16. If you are travelling with children, ask us and we will confirm the rule for your dates.
What is the chimpanzee habituation experience?
A longer day following a semi-habituated chimp community with researchers. It costs US$300 until the end of 2026 and US$400 from 1 January 2027.
Read next: Kibale National Park and gorilla permit cost.