Notice: Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permit Price Changes 2026-2027
What changed at the Uganda Wildlife Authority in 2026, and what it means for your gorilla and chimpanzee trip.
On 26 February 2026 the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) wrote to stakeholders about three changes: discounted low season rates for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, a revised tariff from 1 January 2027, and the suspension of the 7-day reservation window. This page summarises each in plain language.
This is a notice for travellers and the trade. It does not replace UWA's own communication. See the full UWA tariff guide.
At a glance
- Low season rates: April, May and November; effect immediate; cannot be rescheduled
- Revised tariff: Takes effect 1 January 2027
- Reservations: The 7-day window was suspended from 1 March 2026
- Impact: Book early; permits are paid in full on booking
1. Low Season Permits (April, May, November)
UWA introduced discounted rates for these months, with immediate effect from the date of its letter:
| Activity | FNR (USD) | FR (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Gorilla tracking, low season | $600 | UGX 500 |
| Chimpanzee tracking, low season | $200 | UGX 150 |
UWA states that low season permits cannot be rescheduled. Read more in our low season permits guide. The letter does not state an end date for these rates.
2. Revised Tariff From 1 January 2027
UWA announced the following adjustments from 1 January 2027. The standard gorilla tracking permit does not change.
| Activity | FNR | FR | ROA | EAC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla tracking | $800 | $700 | $500 | UGX 300,000 |
| Gorilla habituation | $1,800 | $1,600 | $1,000 | UGX 750,000 |
| Chimpanzee tracking (Kibale) | $300 | $200 | $100 | UGX 180,000 |
| Chimpanzee habituation | $400 | $300 | $250 | UGX 250,000 |
| Chimpanzee tracking (Kyambura) | $200 | $150 | $100 | UGX 50,000 |
| Rhino tracking, Ajai (adult) | $20 | $15 | $10 | UGX 10,000 |
| Rhino tracking, Ajai (child) | $5 | $5 | $3 | UGX 2,500 |
| Experiential lion tracking | $500 | $300 | $300 | UGX 250,000 |
| Golden cat tracking, Kibale (5 days) | $350 | $350 | $350 | UGX 350,000 |
| Guided walk Rushaga to Nyabaremura | $80 | $50 | $50 | UGX 50,000 |
| Guided walk Buhoma to Nkuringo | $100 | $50 | $50 | UGX 50,000 |
Compared with the printed 2024 to 2026 tariff, the largest changes are the gorilla habituation experience (foreign non-resident from $1,500 to $1,800; foreign resident from $1,000 to $1,600), chimpanzee tracking in Kibale (foreign non-resident from $250 to $300), Kyambura chimpanzee tracking (foreign non-resident from $100 to $200), and chimpanzee habituation (foreign non-resident from $300 to $400).
About these rates. UWA states that tariff fees are subject to change without prior notice. FNR = foreign non-resident, FR = foreign resident, ROA = rest of Africa, EAC = citizen of an East African Community member state (paid in UGX). Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Conservation Tariff July 2024 to June 2026 and UWA letter ref. TDO 93/04 dated 26 February 2026.
3. The 7-Day Reservation Window Has Been Suspended
Until 1 March 2026 operators could reserve permits for up to seven days without paying, after which unpaid reservations were cancelled automatically. That window has been suspended. Permits are now secured only by full payment at the time of booking, completed instantly. UWA says this is to improve availability and fairness and to keep permits for operators with confirmed clients.
For travellers this means: confirm your dates before paying, because permits are fixed to date and park. See how to book a Uganda safari and gorilla permits explained.
How This Affects Your Trip
- Travelling in April, May or November can reduce the permit cost, but low season permits cannot be moved to another date.
- Bookings made now for travel from January 2027 should be priced at the revised rates for habituation, Kibale and Kyambura chimpanzee tracking and guided walks.
- Pay deposits only against a written itinerary that states which permit rate applies.
- Standard gorilla tracking at $800 (foreign non-residents) is unchanged in the revised table.
Ready to plan? Contact us with your dates, or see gorilla safari packages.
Using This Page When Planning Your Uganda Safari
If you are travelling around the change dates, ask for the quote to state clearly which rate applies on each trekking day. Pair it with what affects the cost of a Uganda safari, gorilla permits explained and how to book a Uganda safari.
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- Low Season Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits in Uganda: April, May and November
- Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Rules in Uganda: Age, Distance and Health
- Uganda National Park Entrance Fees 2026: By Park and Category
- Uganda National Park Fees and UWA Tariff 2026-2027: Permits, Entrance and Activities
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