Uganda Gorilla & Chimp Permit Prices 2026–2027

Uganda is one of the world’s premier safari destinations, renowned for gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, among other activities.

On 26th February 2026, the Uganda Wildlife Authority announced revised gorilla and chimpanzee permit rates, low-season discounts, and changes to booking rules.

These updates aim to balance wildlife conservation with tourism growth, ensure fair permit allocation, and enhance visitor experiences.

Whether you are a traveler seeking adventure, a conservation supporter, or a tour operator planning logistics, this guide provides the most comprehensive information on UWA tariffs, permit rules, and seasonal pricing including a comparison with Rwanda.

Key Takeaways

Low-season gorilla and chimpanzee permits are now available in April, May, and November.
Peak-season permit rates remain unchanged.
New specialized activities include Rhino tracking and golden cat tracking.
7-day reservation window eliminated: permits secured only with immediate payment.
Revenue supports anti-poaching, habitat protection, and local community programs.
Uganda gorilla permits are more affordable than Rwanda’s, particularly in low-season months.

Previous UWA Tariff Rates (Before February 2026)

The Uganda Wildlife Authority maintained consistent rates from 2024 to early 2026:

Activity	Foreign Non-Residents (USD)	Foreign Residents (USD)	Rest of Africa (USD)	East African Citizens (UGX)
Gorilla Trekking	800	700	500	300,000
Gorilla Habituation Experiences	1,500	1,000	1,000	750,000
Chimpanzee Tracking	250	200		180,000
Chimpanzee Habituation Experiences	300	250		250,000
Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking	100	80		50,000
Lion Tracking – QENP	200	150		200,000
Guided Buhoma–Nkuringo Walk	60	50		50,000
Guided Rushaga–Nyabaremura	60	50		50,000

New Low-Season Permit Rates

UWA now encourages visitation during low tourism periods by offering discounted rates:

Activity	Foreign Non-Residents (USD)	Foreign Residents (USD)
Gorilla Trekking	600	500
Chimpanzee Tracking	200	150

Traveler Insights:

Low-season visits allow closer interactions with gorillas and chimps due to fewer crowds.
Discounts do not allow rescheduling, so plan carefully.
Revenue directly supports anti-poaching patrols and habitat protection.

Revised Tariff Structure (Effective 1 January 2027)

New tariffs include specialized safari experiences, making Uganda a premium wildlife destination:

Activity	Foreign Non-Residents (USD)	Foreign Residents (USD)	Rest of Africa (USD)	East African Citizens (UGX)
Gorilla Trekking	800	700	500	300,000
Gorilla Habituation	1,800	1,600	1,000	750,000
Chimpanzee Tracking	300	200	100	180,000
Chimpanzee Habituation	400	300	250	250,000
Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking	200	150	100	50,000
Golden Cat Tracking (5 Days)	350	350	350	350,000
Lion Tracking – QENP	500	300	300	250,000
Guided Buhoma–Nkuringo Walk	100	50	50	50,000
Guided Rushaga–Nyabaremura	80	50	50	50,000
Rhino Tracking in Ajai – Adults	20	15	10	10,000
Rhino Tracking in Ajai – Children	5	5	3	2,500

Rwanda Gorilla Permit Comparison

Country	Peak Gorilla Permit	Low-Season Gorilla Permit
Uganda	800 USD	600 USD
Rwanda	1,500 USD	1,000 USD

Insight: Uganda offers more affordable and accessible gorilla permits, especially during the low season.

Suspension of the 7-Day Reservation Window

Old System: Permits could be reserved for 7 days without payment, often blocking access for other tourists.

New System (Effective 1 March 2026):

Immediate payment is required for confirmed bookings.
Promotes fair and transparent permit allocation.
Helps tour operators plan efficiently.
Reduces speculative bookings and ensures availability for paying clients.

Conservation-Focused Insights

Uganda’s tariff updates reflect a commitment to sustainability:

Low-season visits fund anti-poaching initiatives.
Conservation revenue supports primate habitat protection.
Local communities benefit from tourism-driven programs.
Introduced activities like Rhino Tracking and Golden Cat Tracking diversify conservation awareness.

Traveler-Focused Insights

For safari enthusiasts, these updates create more affordable, seamless, and memorable experiences:

Low-season permits save up to 25% compared to peak season.
Smaller visitor numbers mean better wildlife sightings.
Diverse safari options: gorilla, chimpanzee, golden cat, rhino, and lion tracking.
Uganda’s permits are more budget-friendly than Rwanda’s, allowing for extended safari itineraries.

Travel Tip: Book early in peak season to secure permits, and consider low-season trips for a quieter, immersive experience.

Other Safari Experiences Maintaining Rates

Activity	Foreign Non-Residents (USD)	Foreign Residents (USD)	East African Citizens (UGX)
Day Game Drives	25	20	25,000
Night Game Drives	30	20	30,000
Birdwatching	25-40	20-30	20,000-30,000
Sport Fishing (1 day)	15-50	15-50	20,000
Sport Fishing (4 days)	25-150	25-150	60,000
Park Entrance Fees—Adults	35-45	25-35	15,000-25,000
Park Entrance Fees—Children	5-15	5-15	2,500-10,000
Vehicle Entrance	40-200	40-200	20,000-50,000
UWA Campsite Fees	30-40	30-40	10,000-40,000

Book your Uganda safari today, and get a chance to enjoy gorilla trekking and chimp tracking at discounted rates and other activities including the newly introduced ones.