The Uganda Wildlife Authority which is in charge of Uganda’s national parks, wildlife reserves established UWA Tariff Rates 2026-2027 for activities such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and other wildlife experiences across the destinations.
The authority announced changes to selected conservation tariffs on 26th February, 2026 through its Executive Director.
The tariff changes affect activities in destinations including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kibale National Park, Ajai Wildlife Reserve and Queen Elizabeth National Park. They also introduce low-season permit discounts and changes to gorilla and chimpanzee permit booking arrangements.
Understanding UWA Tariff Rates 2026-2027 & Visitor categories
The tariff tables use abbreviations and categories that can be confusing to international travelers.
- FNR — Foreign non-resident: An international visitor who does not qualify for the applicable foreign-resident category.
- Foreign resident: A visitor who meets UWA’s requirements for the relevant foreign-resident category.
- ROA — Rest of Africa: A visitor qualifying for the applicable category for African countries outside the East African Community.
- EAC — East African Community: A visitor qualifying for the applicable EAC citizen category.
Eligibility is determined by the relevant rules and supporting documents, not simply by where someone is currently living. Confirm your visitor category with UWA or your tour operator before making payment.
Previous UWA Tariffs for July 2024-June 2026
| Activity | FNR (US$) | FR (US$) | ROA(US$) | EAC (UGX) |
| Gorilla Trekking | 800 | 700 | 500 | 300,000 |
| Gorilla Habituation | 1,500 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 750,000 |
| Chimp Tracking in Kibale | 250 | 200 | Not listed | 180,000 |
| Chimp Habituation | 300 | 250 | Not listed | 250,000 |
| Chimp Tracking in Kyambura Gorge | 100 | 80 | Not listed | 50,000 |
| Lion Tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) | 200 | 150 | Not listed | 200,000 |
| Guided walk from Rushaga to Nyabaremura | 60 | 50 | Not listed | 50,000 |
| Guided Walk from Buhoma to Nkuringo | 60 | 50 | Not listed | 50,000 |
Updated UWA Tariff Rates for 2026–2027: Gorilla, Chimpanzee & other Wildlife.
Journeying deep into Uganda’s ancient forests to meet endangered apes ranks among the country’s most wanted wildlife encounters.
Travelers trek into the misty rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla national parks to meet rare mountain gorillas face-to-face in the wild.
Uganda is a leading destination for chimpanzee tracking. Kibale National Park is particularly well known for its chimpanzee population, while visitors can also explore chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Beyond primate tourism, the revised tariffs cover selected specialist wildlife experiences, including golden cat tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, rhino tracking in Ajai Wildlife Reserve, guided walks across Bwindi Impenetrable National Park sectors and experiential lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
| Activity | FNR (US$) | FR (US$) | ROA (US$) | EAC (UGX) |
| Gorilla Trekking | 800 | 700 | 500 | 300,000 |
| Gorilla Habituation | 1,800 | 1,600 | 1,000 | 750,000 |
| Chimp Tracking (Kibale) | 300 | 200 | 100 | 180,000 |
| Chimp Habituation | 400 | 300 | 250 | 250,000 |
| Chimp Tracking (Kyambura) | 200 | 150 | 100 | 50,000 |
| Rhino Tracking in Ajai (Adults) | 20 | 15 | 10 | 10,000 |
| Rhino Tracking in Ajai (Children) | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2,500 |
| Golden Cats Tracking in Kibale (5 Days) | 350 | 350 | 350 | 350,000 |
| Experiential Lion Tracking in QENP | 500 | 300 | 300 | 250,000 |
| Guided Walk from Rushaga to Nyabaremura | 80 | 50 | 50 | 50,000 |
| Guided Walk from Buhoma to Nkuringo | 100 | 50 | 50 | 50,000 |
UWA Tariff Changes: Previous Vs Revised Rates
The revised Uganda Wildlife Authority tariffs introduce price changes for selected wildlife activities, while some permit fees remain unchanged. The comparison below highlights the difference between the previous tariffs for July 2024–June 2026 and the revised UWA Tariff Rates 2026-2027 scheduled to take effect in January 2027.
Use this table to identify the activities with increased fees and understand how the changes may affect your Uganda safari budget.
| Activity | Visitor Category | Previous | Revised | Difference |
| Gorilla Trekking | FNR (US$) | 800 | 800 | Unchanged |
| FR (US$) | 700 | 700 | Unchanged | |
| ROA (US$) | 500 | 500 | Unchanged | |
| EAC (UGX) | 300,000 | 300,000 | Unchanged | |
| Gorilla Habituation | FNR | 1500 | 1800 | 300 |
| FR | 1000 | 1600 | 600 | |
| ROA | 1000 | 1000 | Unchanged | |
| EAC | 750,000 | 750,000 | Unchanged | |
| Chimp Tracking in Kibale | FNR | 250 | 300 | 50 |
| FR | 200 | 200 | Unchanged | |
| ROA | Not listed | 100 | Not listed previously | |
| EAC | 180,000 | 180,000 | Unchanged | |
| Chimp Habituation | FNR | 300 | 400 | 100 |
| FR | 250 | 300 | 50 | |
| ROA | Not listed | 250 | Not listed previously | |
| EAC | 250,000 | 250,000 | Unchanged | |
| Chimp Tracking Kyambura | FNR | 100 | 200 | 100 |
| FR | 80 | 150 | 70 | |
| ROA | Not listed | 100 | Not listed previously | |
| EAC | 50,000 | 50,000 | Unchanged | |
| Lion Tracking | FNR | 200 | 500 | 300 |
| FR | 150 | 300 | 150 | |
| ROA | Not listed | 300 | Not listed previously | |
| EAC | 200,000 | 250,000 | 50,000 | |
| Rushaga to Nyabaremura Guided Walk | FNR | 60 | 80 | 20 |
| FR | 50 | 50 | Unchanged | |
| ROA | Not listed | 50 | Not listed previously | |
| EAC | 50,000 | 50,000 | Unchanged | |
| Buhoma Guided Walk | FNR | 60 | 100 | 40 |
| FR | 50 | 50 | Unchanged | |
| ROA | Not listed | 50 | Not listed previously | |
| EAC | 50,000 | 50,000 | Unchanged |
UWA Low-Season Wildlife Permit Rates for 2026
UWA announced discounted permits for specified gorilla and chimpanzee tracking activities during April, May and November 2026. The discounts are intended to encourage travel during quieter periods and enhance safari experiences.
| Activity | FNR (US$) | FR (US$) |
| Gorilla trekking | 600 | 500 |
| Chimpanzee tracking | 200 | 150 |
As of October 2026, November is the remaining announced low-season month.
The discounts above were announced for April, May and November 2026. Travelers planning safaris in 2027 should confirm with UWA Tariff Rates 2026-2027 whether any low-season discounts will remain available.
Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices in Uganda, Rwanda & DRC
Gorilla trekking permit prices vary across Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Comparing the rates helps travelers choose a destination that suits their budget, travel plans and preferred gorilla trekking experience.
| Country | Activity | Prices in Peak Season | Prices in Low Season | Visitor Status |
| Uganda | Gorilla Trekking | US$800 | US$600 | FNR |
| Congo | Gorilla Trekking | US$400 | US$200 | FNR |
| Rwanda | Gorilla Trekking | US$1,500 | US$1,000 | FNR |
What travelers should consider besides permit prices
The cheapest permit does not automatically mean the cheapest overall safari. Travelers should also compare:
- International and domestic transport arrangements.
- Road travel time and transfer costs.
- Accommodation availability and prices.
- Border-crossing requirements and travel documentation.
- The location of the trekking activity and the overall itinerary.
- Security details and official travel advisory.
The best destination depends on the traveler’s budget, preferred experience, travel dates and logistical requirements.
UWA Permit Booking Rules and Important Information
Travelers planning gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking or other wildlife encounters in Uganda should understand the applicable permit conditions before making a reservation.
- Payment and Reservation Rules: The previous 7-day provisional reservation hold was suspended under the revised UWA Tariff Rates 2026-2027.
- Low-Season Permit Restrictions: The discounted permits announced for April, May and November 2026 are subject to specific conditions cannot be rescheduled.
- Minimum Age Requirements: The age limits stated for gorilla trekking is 15 years and 12 years for chimpanzee tracking.
- Permit Availability: Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are limited and subject to availability. Confirm your preferred activity date, national park and trekking sector before finalizing accommodation and transport arrangements.
- Visitor Categories and Identification: UWA rates vary according to visitor category. Confirm whether you qualify as a foreign non-resident, foreign resident, Rest of Africa visitor or East African Community citizen, and check the documents required.
- Cancellation, Refunds and Rescheduling: Do not assume that a permit is refundable or transferable without confirming the relevant terms.
- Permit Confirmation: After booking, check that your confirmation contains the correct activity, date and visitor details. Keep your booking confirmation and required identification documents available for verification.
- Verify the Latest Official Tariffs: Confirm the applicable rates, payment procedure and booking conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About UWA Tariff Rates 2026-2027
1. When do the new UWA tariff rates take effect?
The revised fees for selected activities are scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027. Separate low-season discounts apply to specified activities in April, May and November 2026.
2. How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in 2026?
A gorilla permit stands at US$800 for the high season and US$600 for low season for foreign non-residents.
3. How much is gorilla habituation experience in 2027?
From 1st January 2027, the gorilla habituation permit for foreign non-residents is listed at US$1,800
4. Which new activities were added to the UWA Tariff Rates 2026/2027?
Rhino Tracking in Ajai Wildlife Reserve and the golden cat tracking in Kibale Forest National Park were introduced.
5. How do I book a gorilla or chimp tracking permit in Uganda?
Travelers can book through UWA or a registered tour operator like Silverback Gorilla Safaris subject to the applicable booking procedures.
6. Are there low-season gorilla trekking discounts?
Yes. The reported discounted rates are US$600 for foreign non-residents and US$500 for foreign residents during April, May and November.
7. Which National Parks offer gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda?
Gorilla Trekking permits are legal entry documents used in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
8. Can low-season gorilla permits be rescheduled?
The discounted permits described in this article cannot be rescheduled. Confirm the terms before paying.
Plan Your Uganda Safari
Planning to go gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, or explore Uganda’s national parks in 2026 or 2027? Silverback Gorilla Safaris can help you plan your safari, understand the applicable permit fees, and organize an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Contact our team for safari planning assistance, itinerary recommendations, and permit booking guidance at info@silverbackgorillasafaris.com