Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda vs Rwanda

Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda vs Rwanda, Getting closer to another   group of endangered primate species (Chimpanzees) is another amazing experience. Imagine looking direct into the eyes of an animal’s face, another group of human cousins sharing a DNA of 98%.  Many travelers to Uganda and Rwanda always enjoy the chimpanzee tracking excursion after their gorilla tracking.

Before chimpanzee groups are open for trekking, they are first habituated, a process that goes on for   1 -2 years. Habituation is carried out by researchers and park rangers as they follow and monitor the chimpanzees as they carry out their daily activities. this helps them to get used to human presence.

Both chimpanzees and gorillas are found in these countries, have similar trekking rules and regulations and always dwell in the tropical rain forests. However, in this writing, we discuss the differences in tracking chimpanzees in Uganda and tracking chimpanzees in Rwanda.

Chimpanzee tracking locations: Uganda Vs Rwanda

Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda is done in different places. The main and largest chimpanzee tracking are is Kibale National park in the Western  part of the country. Other places include Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park, Karinzu forest also in western Uganda close to Queen Elizabeth national park, adjacent to Maramagambo forest, Budongo forest which is part of Murchison Falls National Park and Bugoma forest which is just close to Lake Albert.

Rwanda has only two chimpanzee tracking destinations, that is Nyungwe Forest National Park and the newly established Gishwati Mukura National Park, both located in the southern province of the country.

The cost of Chimpanzee permits: Uganda Vs Rwanda.

For one to participate in the chimpanzee tracking experience in either country, they should have a chimpanzee trekking permit. Booking these permits is done through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Chimpanzee permits in Uganda vary per destination as below.

In Kibale National Park, chimpanzee permit costs $250 per person for non foreign residents, $200 for foreign residents and UGX 180,000 for EastAfricans.

In Kyambura gorge, a chimpanzee permit costs $ 100 for foreign non-residents, $50 for foreign residents, and 50,000 UGX for East African residents. This fee excludes a park entrance fee for Queen Elizabeth National Park in which the tracking area is found. If you are to track chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, expect to pay a park entrance fee of $40 per person.

A chimpanzee permit in Kalinzu forest costs $130 for foreign non-residents,65 USD for foreign residents, and 30000UGX for the East African residents.

In Budongo forest, a chimpanzee tracking permit goes for $130 for foreign non-residents, $120 for foreign residents, and UGX 85, 000 for East African residents.

Chimpanzee tracking permits in Rwanda can be obtained by contacting the park officials responsible for the activity.

Chimpanzee tracking permits to either Nyungwe or Gishwati Mukura National Parks cost $150 for foreign non-residents, $75 for foreign residents, and $25 for East African residents. This price is exclusive of park entrance fees.

Distance from the city center to the chimpanzee tracking destinations.

There is a notable difference regarding accessibility to the chimpanzee parks between Uganda and Rwanda. Reaching Nyungwe National Park from Kigali is a bit straight forward compared to Uganda’s Kibale National Park   when you use either road or air transport.

 When you opt for road transport, Rwanda has well paved, clean and well-maintained roads that it takes 5-6 hours to travel from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park. However, Uganda’s roads have mixed surfaces and travelling from Kampala to Kibale National Park takes 8-10 hours.

When you consider air transport, tourists can take helicopter flights from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe Airstrip via Kagera Aviation taking 0nly 45 minutes to reach the park. While Uganda has no direct flights to Kibale national park, travellers can only take a helicopter transfer from Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip in Queen Elizabeth National Park and later transfer to Kibale by road.

Chimpanzee population; Uganda Vs Rwanda

Uganda has more chimpanzees than Rwanda.  Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to over 500 chimps that can be trekked from three different starting points including Uwinka, Gisovu and Cyamudongo.

On the other hand, Uganda is often referred to as the primate capitol due to the presence of more primate species. Uganda has over $1500 chimpanzees that can be trekked from Kibale National Park, Kyambura gorge, Karinzu forest, Bugoma forest and Budongo forest. These high chimpanzee populations offer high chances of encounter and tourists have opportunity to choose which tracking destination suits their budget.

Where is chimpanzee trekking easier? Uganda Vs Rwanda. 

Kibale National Park has gentle pathways; you can frequently spot chimpanzees playing on the forest floor. While in Nyungwe National Park chimpanzees, can be spotted in the dense canopy. This calls for scanning and patience for best sightings yet the forest’s biodiversity is truly remarkable.

The chimpanzee habituation experience.

Apart from the chimpanzee trekking experience that offers tourist one hour of interacting with the chimps, Uganda offers the chimpanzee habituation experience where only 4 visitors are accompanied by researchers and ranger guides.  The habituation experience allows trekkers to stay following the chimps for 4 hours, half day or full day as they observe how they build nests, feed, play, groom and other daily activities. This experience is only offered in Kibale Forest National Park, and a habituation permit costs $300 per person for a full day with the chimpanzees. However, with Rwanda, the chimpanzee habituation experience has not yet been implemented.

Combining a chimpanzee trekking tour with other wildlife experiences.

From Kibale Forest National Park, many travellers tailor their safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi National Park, Lake Mburo National Park or Semliki National Park for other activities like game drives, birding, and cultural encounters.

After your chimpanzee tracking experience in Nyungwe National Park, you can easily connect to Lake Kivu shores   for relaxation activities, Volcanoes national park for Gorilla tracking, volcano hiking or even connect to Bwindi National park in Uganda.