UWA Introduces Discounted Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits and New 2026 Tourism Tariffs in Uganda
UWA Introduces Discounted Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits in Uganda, Uganda’s wildlife tourism industry is set for a significant update following a new policy announcement from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The authority has introduced discounted low-season permits for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking while also revising several tourism tariffs that will take effect in July 2026.
These new changes aim to encourage travel during quieter months while increasing revenue for conservation and wildlife protection across Uganda’s national parks. For travelers planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, understanding the new permit prices and booking policies is essential for better planning and cost savings.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the discounted primate permits, updated tourism tariffs, and booking regulations affecting popular destinations such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, and Kyambura Gorge.
Discounted Low-Season Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits in Uganda
To stimulate tourism during the quieter travel months, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has introduced special discounted permits for primate tracking experiences.
These discounted rates apply during the following months:
- April
- May
- November
These months typically fall within Uganda’s rainy season and are traditionally considered the low tourism season. However, many experienced safari travelers prefer this period because forests are greener, trekking routes are less crowded, and wildlife encounters can be more intimate.
Discounted Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices
Gorilla trekking permits for low season are available in the world-famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the last remaining habitats of endangered mountain gorillas.
Low-season prices include:
- $600 – Foreign Non-Residents (FNR)
- $500 – Foreign Residents (FR)
This provides a $200 discount compared to the regular $800 permit price for international travelers.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi allows visitors to spend one unforgettable hour observing a habituated gorilla family in its natural rainforest environment.
Discounted Chimpanzee Tracking Permits
Chimpanzee tracking permits are also discounted during the same low-season months, mainly in Kibale National Park, widely recognized as the primate capital of the world.
Low-season chimpanzee permit prices:
- $200 – Foreign Non-Residents
- $150 – Foreign Residents
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale offers travelers the opportunity to track energetic chimpanzee communities while also spotting other primates such as red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
Important Conditions for Discounted Permits
Travelers should note an important booking rule regarding the discounted permits.
Once a low-season permit is booked, it cannot be rescheduled or modified. This means travelers must confirm their travel dates carefully before making payments.
Despite this restriction, the discounted permits provide an excellent opportunity for travelers looking for affordable gorilla trekking in Uganda.
New Uganda Wildlife Tourism Tariffs Effective July 2026
In addition to seasonal discounts, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has also announced updated tourism tariffs that will take effect on 1st July 2026.
These revised rates are intended to strengthen conservation funding while maintaining Uganda’s competitive position in Africa’s safari tourism industry.
Updated Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices (From July 2026)
Uganda remains one of the best destinations in the world for seeing endangered mountain gorillas, particularly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
New gorilla trekking permit prices:
- $800 – Foreign Non-Residents
- $700 – Foreign Residents
- $500 – Rest of Africa
- UGX 300,000 – East African Community citizens
Each permit allows one hour with a habituated gorilla family in the forest under the supervision of experienced rangers and trackers.
Gorilla Habituation Experience
For travelers seeking a deeper and longer interaction with gorillas, the Gorilla Habituation Experience is also available.
This special program allows visitors to spend up to four hours with gorillas as researchers gradually habituate them to human presence.
Updated prices include:
- $1,800 – Foreign Non-Residents
- $1,600 – Foreign Residents
- $1,000 – Rest of Africa
- UGX 750,000 – East African Community
This unique experience is mainly offered in the southern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Updated Chimpanzee Tracking Prices in Uganda
Uganda is also one of Africa’s leading destinations for chimpanzee tracking.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is widely regarded as the best place in East Africa to track chimpanzees.
New permit prices:
- $300 – Foreign Non-Residents
- $200 – Foreign Residents
- $100 – Rest of Africa
- UGX 180,000 – East African Community
Visitors typically spend one hour observing chimpanzee families as they forage, groom, and communicate in the forest canopy.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
For a more immersive primate encounter, visitors can participate in the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.
Prices include:
- $400 – Foreign Non-Residents
- $300 – Foreign Residents
- $250 – Rest of Africa
- UGX 250,000 – East African Community
This program allows visitors to accompany researchers for extended observation of chimpanzees throughout the day.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
Another exciting chimpanzee tracking location is Kyambura Gorge within Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Permit prices are:
$200 – Foreign Non-Residents
$150 – Foreign Residents
$100 – Rest of Africa
UGX 50,000 – East African Community
The gorge is often referred to as the “Valley of Apes”, offering a dramatic forest canyon landscape within the savannah park.
Other Unique Wildlife Experiences in Uganda
The revised tariffs also include several unique wildlife encounters across Uganda’s protected areas.
Rhino Tracking Experience
Rhino tracking is available in Ajai Wildlife Reserve.
Prices include:
- From $20 – Foreign Non-Resident adults
- Children from $5
- UGX 10,000 – East African Community
Experiential Lion Tracking
This conservation activity allows tourists to track lions with wildlife researchers.
Prices include:
- $500 – Foreign Non-Residents
- $300 – Foreign Residents
- UGX 250,000 – East African Community
The experience is typically conducted in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Golden Cat Tracking Experience
Another unique research activity is Golden Cat tracking, offered in Kibale National Park.
Prices:
- $350 – Foreign visitors
- UGX 350,000 – East African Community
This program normally runs for five days and involves tracking one of Africa’s most elusive wild cats.
Guided Nature Walks in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Visitors can also participate in scenic guided forest walks between sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Popular routes 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 forest walks offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching, primate sightings, and photography.
End of the 7-Day Gorilla Permit Reservation System
Another important policy change announced by the Uganda Wildlife Authority is the suspension of the previous 7-day reservation window.
Previously, tour operators could temporarily hold permits before making payment.
New Permit Booking Rule
Effective 1st March 2026:
Gorilla and chimpanzee permits can only be secured after full payment
Temporary reservations are no longer allowed
This policy aims to increase transparency, fairness, and permit availability within Uganda’s tourism industry.
What These Changes Mean for Travelers
For travelers planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, these updates make early planning more important than ever.
Travelers are strongly advised to:
Book gorilla permits months in advance
Take advantage of discounted low-season permits
Ensure payment readiness before requesting permits
Since only 8 visitors are allowed per gorilla family per day, permits often sell out quickly during peak tourism months.
Why Uganda Remains One of the Best Gorilla Trekking Destinations
Despite these updates, Uganda continues to be one of the top wildlife destinations in Africa for primate tourism.
Highlights include:
Nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas
Dense tropical rainforest ecosystems
Incredible biodiversity
Opportunities for chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching, and wildlife safaris
Destinations such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale National Park remain among the most sought-after safari locations in Africa.
For travelers looking to experience gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and unforgettable African wildlife encounters, Uganda continues to offer one of the most authentic safari experiences on the continent.