Updated on 29 January 2026: New chimpanzee permit prices for Budongo Forest
To see chimpanzees in Budongo Forest in 2026-2027, one needs, there are several key factors to consider while planning your tour, which include chimp permits, timing, what gear to wear, and other logistics such as transport, among others. The new chimpanzee trekking permits for Budongo Forest updated prices for 2026-2027. Budongo Forest is part of Murchison Falls National Park. Budongo Forest offers two main chimpanzee experience activities, which are standard trekking and the more immersive habituation experience.
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Uganda is the only place in Africa where one does both chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation experience, here at the new permit prices. Effective 1st July 2024 to 2027, a chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale Forest National Park will be USD 200 per person per trek while a chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest Nation Park costs $250. For those who to trek, a chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura Gorge costs $100 per trek, Kyambura Gorge is located within Queen Elizabeth National Park. you can also see chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest for $130, Kalinzu Forest is also found within Maramagambo Forest which is part of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Standard Chimpanzee Tracking Permits price for 1-hour experience
The Chimpanzee trekking permit in Budongo Forest for Foreign non-residents costs $130 while the foreign residents permit costs $120 and the permit for East African Community (EAC) local Ugandans UGX 85,000 Uganda shillings
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience permit prices for 4-hour experience
Uganda has introduced new chimpanzee activity called chimpanzee habituation experience which can be done in Kibale Forest National Park and Budongo Forest, permit costs $230 in Budongo Forest and $250 in Kibale Forest for Foreign non-residents, for foreign residents costs $160 Budongo and $200 in Kibale Forest while East African Citizens cost UGX 90,000 Uganda shillings.
The Chimpanzee habituation experience allows tourists and other visitors to spend more time with chimps observing and learning about the behaviour of semi-habituated chimpanzees. Chimpanzee habituation experience is limited to 8 people per day so it is advised to book your permits well in advance, especially for peak seasons in June, July, August, October, September, December, January and February well known as high/peak season which puts permits on very high demand
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These chimpanzee trekking permit prices apply from 2026 to 2027, permits can be booked directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in Kampala or through locally licensed tour operators such as Kisoro Tours Uganda it is advisable to book through private local tour operators to save you all the hustle because the company can also help you to organize and book accommodation, transportation and other travel logistics on your behalf.
What it takes to see chimpanzee Budongo Forest in 2026-2027, the best time to visit and how to book
Booking Process for chimp permits: Kisoro Tours Uganda advises all its clients to book their permits between 6 months to a year in advance most especially during the high season in June, July, August October September, December, January and February), chimp permits are limited to 12 people per chimp troop/group which increases the demand. Chimpanzee trekking and other tourisms related activities in Uganda can be done any time, any day of the year.
The required Preparation for both Chimp trekking and habituation:
Standard chimpanzee trekking schedules for Kibale Forest and Budongo Forest are seceded twice daily, the first one starts at 7: 30am with briefing and 3:00 PM. While chimpanzee habituation is done only once a day starting at 6; 00 am daily.
Are there physical requirements for the chimp trek, unlike gorilla trekking, chimp trek requires some level of fitness, chimp treks are guided by well-experienced park rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)
What to include on your packing list for chimpanzees in Budongo Forest
As you prepare for a chimp trekking or habituation experience in Budongo Forest, you need to have the right gear for your safety and enjoyment, which includes the flowing items
- Proper hiking boots, for your comfort during trekking, you need good waterproof boots that have a good grip to help you navigate through forest trails.
- Include a Long-Sleeved Shirt and Long Trousers on your packing list, it’s advisable because it helps you to protect yourself against insect bites and some hot plants.
- Pack a Rain Jacket/Poncho, Budongo is a rain forest which means that it can rain at any time so it’s recommended to carry a lightweight, waterproof jacket or poncho
- Gaiters are also recommended mostly during the rainy season to keep mud and insects out of your walking boots.
- Sunglasses and hats are, also worth adding to your packing list to protect you from Africa’s strong sun.
- Good camera, it is nice to have a good camera to capture all your moments with the amazing chimps.
- Good Binoculars, are also good to help you spot different bird species and other wildlife that are in the distance.
- A pair of Lightweight Gloves: it is recommended because it help to protect your hands from thorns and other hot plants.
Additional costs to the new chimpanzee permit prices for Budongo Forest
Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fees: Budongo Forest is found within Murchison Falls National Park so for tourist to access they are required to first pay a separate park entrance fee at the gate. The entrance fees for Murchison falls are categorized as follows:
- Entrance fees for foreign non-residents: $45 per person for 24 hours
- Entrance fees for foreign residents: $35 per person for 24 hours
- Entrance fees for East African Citizens: UGX 30,000 (Uganda shillings) per person for 24 hours
These park entrance fees are used to sustain the park facilities such as paying park rangers, anti-poaching activities and other infrastructure of the park to ensure safety and make it more enjoyable for all visitors.
Budongo Forest Guided Walk Fees: Apart from chimpanzee trekking, Budongo Forest offers other activities such as bird watching for those who love birds and guided nature walks with other eco-tourism activities. these activities come with extra charges on top of chimpanzee permit and park entrance fees.
Transportation fees and Accommodation: Among the key logistics when planning your trip to Budongo forest so its important for travelers to budget for transportation and accommodation costs.
Budongo Forest Accessibility: Budongo forest can be accessed by both road and air, Budongo is located within Murchison Falls National Park which can be easily accessible from Kampala or Entebbe and from all parts of the country.
Budongo Forest Sustainability and Community Benefits: Budongo chimpanzee permits fees don’t only support conservation but also benefit local communities living around Murchison falls national park, part of the revenue from chimp permits and park entrance fees is used to fund different community development projects such as creation of employment opportunities, building clean water plants, community schools and health care centers, this make travelers fell feel good because they are contributing directly impacts the well-being of local people living near these protected arears.
This is simply a summary of new chimpanzee permit prices for Budongo Forest for 2026-2027, we have all agreed that the first thing you need to secure is permits, and also it’s better to choose your visit during a suitable season which is the dry season however it is also on based on your preference.
