UWA Introduces Discounted Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits

UWA Introduces Discounted Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits and New 2026 Tourism Tariffs in Uganda

UWA Introduces Discounted Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits ,  Uganda’s wildlife tourism sector is entering a new phase following an important announcement from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The authority has introduced discounted low-season permits for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, along with new tourism tariffs that will take effect in July 2026.

These changes are designed to encourage travel during quieter months while strengthening conservation funding for Uganda’s protected areas. For travelers planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, understanding these new policies can help reduce costs and improve planning.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the new permit prices, the revised tariffs, and what they mean for tourists planning wildlife experiences in destinations such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, and Kyambura Gorge.

Discounted Low-Season Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits

To promote tourism during quieter travel months, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has introduced special low-season permit discounts for primate tracking activities.

These discounted permits apply during the following months:

• April
• May
• November

These months are traditionally considered the low tourism season in Uganda, mainly because they coincide with the rainy season. However, many experienced travelers prefer this period because forests are greener, wildlife is active, and trekking groups are smaller.

Discounted Permit Prices

Gorilla Trekking Permits

Available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• $600 – Foreign Non-Residents
• $500 – Foreign Residents

This represents significant savings compared to the standard price of $800 for foreign visitors.

Chimpanzee Tracking Permits

Available mainly in Kibale National Park

• $200 – Foreign Non-Residents
• $150 – Foreign Residents

Chimpanzee tracking is one of the most popular wildlife activities in Uganda after gorilla trekking.

Important Note for Travelers

The authority has clarified that low-season permits cannot be rescheduled once booked. Travelers are therefore advised to confirm their travel plans carefully before securing these discounted permits.

Despite this condition, the low-season offers excellent value for travelers seeking affordable gorilla trekking in Uganda.

New Uganda Wildlife Tariffs Effective 1st July 2026

In addition to seasonal discounts, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has introduced a revised tourism tariff structure that will come into effect on July 1st, 2026.

These new rates aim to support wildlife conservation efforts while ensuring Uganda remains competitive in Africa’s safari tourism industry.

Updated Gorilla Tourism Prices

Uganda remains one of the best destinations in the world for seeing mountain gorillas, especially in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices (From July 2026)

• $800 – Foreign Non-Residents
• $700 – Foreign Residents
• $500 – Rest of Africa

UGX 300,000 – East African Community citizens

A gorilla permit allows visitors to spend one hour observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

Visitors looking for a longer and more immersive experience can participate in the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows up to four hours with gorillas.

New rates include:

• $1,800 – Foreign Non-Residents
• $1,600 – Foreign Residents
• $1,000 – Rest of Africa

UGX 750,000 – East African Community

This experience is available in the southern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Updated Chimpanzee Tracking Prices

Uganda is also one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee tracking.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

Kibale National Park is widely considered the primate capital of the world.

New prices:

• $300 – Foreign Non-Residents
• $200 – Foreign Residents
• $100 – Rest of Africa

UGX 180,000 – East African Community

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

• $400 – Foreign Non-Residents
• $300 – Foreign Residents
• $250 – Rest of Africa

UGX 250,000 – EAC

This experience allows visitors to spend more time observing chimpanzees as researchers habituate them to human presence.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge

Another exciting location is Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Permit prices:

• $200 – Foreign Non-Residents
• $150 – Foreign Residents
• $100 – Rest of Africa

UGX 50,000 – East African Community

Other Unique Wildlife Experiences in Uganda

The updated tariff structure also includes several unique wildlife activities across the country.

Rhino Tracking

Available in Ajai Wildlife Reserve

• From $20 – Foreign Non-Resident adults
• Children from $5

UGX 10,000 – East African Community

Experiential Lion Tracking

This special conservation activity allows tourists to track lions with researchers.

Prices:

1. $500 – Foreign Non-Residents
2. $300 – Foreign Residents
3. UGX 250,000 – East African Community

This experience is typically conducted in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Golden Cat Tracking Experience

Available in Kibale National Park

• $350 – Foreign visitors
• UGX 350,000 – East African Community

The program usually runs over five days and focuses on research-based wildlife tracking.

Guided Nature Walk Experiences

UWA also offers guided forest walks between various sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Examples include:

Rushaga to Nyabaremura

Buhoma to Nkuringo

Prices include:

$80 – Foreign Non-Residents

$50 – Foreign Residents & Rest of Africa

UGX 50,000 – East African Community

These walks provide opportunities to see birds, primates, and forest wildlife while enjoying breathtaking scenery.

Suspension of the 7-Day Permit Reservation System

One of the most significant operational changes announced by the Uganda Wildlife Authority is the suspension of the previous seven-day reservation window.

Previously, tour operators could temporarily hold permits without immediate payment.

New Booking System

Effective March 1st, 2026:

Gorilla and chimpanzee permits can only be secured after full payment

No temporary reservations will be allowed

This change is intended to improve transparency, fairness, and availability within the tourism industry.

What These Changes Mean for Travelers

For anyone planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, these changes highlight the importance of early planning.

Travelers are strongly encouraged to:

Book gorilla permits several months in advance

Take advantage of low-season discounts

Ensure payment readiness before requesting permit reservations

Since only 8 visitors are allowed per gorilla family per day, permits often sell out quickly during peak months.

Why Uganda Remains a Top Gorilla Trekking Destination

Despite these changes, Uganda continues to offer one of the most authentic primate tracking experiences in Africa.

Highlights include:

Nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas

Dense rainforest ecosystems

Exceptional biodiversity

Opportunities for chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, and wildlife safaris

Destinations such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale National Park remain among the most sought-after safari locations on the continent.