UWA REVISED & NEW TARIFFS PLUS UGANDA HIGH SEASON AND LOW SEASON DISCOUNTED GORILLA PERMIT PRICES (2026–2027 TRAVELER UPDATE)
Kenya Safari Tours with Great Migration Experience: The 2026 Ultimate Guide
February 18, 2026
The Uganda Wildlife Authority has officially released the UWA revised and new tariffs, plus Uganda’s high season and low season discounted permit prices, reshaping Uganda safari prices 2026 and beyond.
These updates affect gorilla trekking permits, chimpanzee tracking Uganda experiences, booking procedures, and conservation funding across major parks, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, among other Uganda safari parks.
If you are planning Uganda safaris for 2026–2027, here is what you must know about the permit pricing.
Previous Tariff Rates (2024–2026)
In the previous years from 2024, there have been existing Uganda Wildlife Authority rates for different activities that applied in the ten Uganda national parks, such as:
- Kibale National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park, etc
| SAFARI 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 in Queen Elizabeth Park | 200 | 150 | – | 200,000 |
| Guided Buhoma to Nkuringo Walk | 60 | 50 | – | 50,000 |
| Guided Rushaga to Nyabaremura | 60 | 50 | – | 50,000 |
It is worth noting that some of these rates have been revised in the newly released UWA tariff leaf in order to boost Uganda tourism.
Low Season Discounted Permit Prices (April, May & November 2026)
To stimulate travel during rainy months or the low season, UWA now offers discounted permits on two safari activities, i.e., the Uganda gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking safari experiences:
| SAFARI ACTIVITY | Foreign Non-Residents (USD) | Foreign Residents (USD) |
| Gorilla Trekking | 600 | 500 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking | 200 | 150 |
Important Note:
- No rescheduling allowed for these low-season permits
- Full payment required at booking
These low-season chimpanzee and gorilla trekking permits make Uganda one of Africa’s most affordable primate destinations, offering exciting and mind-blowing safaris.
UWA New and Revised Tariffs Effective January 1, 2027
Effective January 2027, the Uganda Wildlife Authority announced new rates that will take effect as soon as the new year starts on existing and new premium safari experiences, like golden cat tracking in Kibale National Park, rhino tracking in Ajai Reserve, etc.
| SAFARI 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 | 1,800 | 1,600 | 1,000 | 750,000 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking | 300 | 200 | 100 | 180,000 |
| Chimpanzee Habituation Experiences | 400 | 300 | 250 | 250,000 |
| Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking | 200 | 150 | 100 | 50,000 |
| Golden Cat Tracking in Kibale National Park (5 DAYS) | 350 | 350 | 350 | 350,000 |
| Lion Tracking in Queen Elizabeth Park | 500 | 300 | 300 | 250,000 |
| Guided Buhoma to Nkuringo Walk | 100 | 50 | 50 | 50,000 |
| Guided Rushaga to Nyabaremura | 80 | 50 | 50 | 50,000 |
| Rhino Tracking in Ajai Reserve (Adults) | 20 | 15 | 10 | 10,000 |
| Rhino Tracking in Ajai Reserve (Children) | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2,500 |
These revised tariffs were set with the sole purpose of boosting conservation and sustainable tourism practices in Uganda.
Suspension of 7-Day Permit Reservation Window
From March 1, 2026, UWA announced an immediate suspension of the 7 days permit reservation window that has been in existence and being used by the Uganda tour operators to book permits for their Uganda safari clients.
The newly introduced UWA booking system emphasizes that there should be
✔ No unpaid holds
✔ Instant payment confirmation
✔ Fairer allocation of Bwindi gorilla permits
This eliminates speculative bookings and increases transparency in the UWA booking system.
Uganda Safari Activities Maintaining Rates in 2026-2027
- Game drives
- Birdwatching
- Sport fishing
- Park entrance fees
- Campsite fees
NB: Always endeavour to check with licensed Uganda tour operators or the UWA website for the actual activity costs beforehand.
Why Revised UWA Rates Matter for Travelers
These changes by the Uganda Wildlife Authority matter to travelers because they are aimed at:
- Funding the protection of endangered mountain gorillas for future generations
- Improve conservation funding
- Offer real savings during the low season
- Make Uganda safari prices 2026 more structured
It is worth noting that if you want the best time to visit Uganda for savings, target April, May, or November, which have low discounted permits.
Frequently Asked Questions About UWA New Tariffs & Permit Prices
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What Are The UWA New Tariffs Plus Uganda High Season And Low Season Discounted Gorilla Permit Prices?
The Uganda Wildlife Authority introduced updated conservation tariffs in February 2026. High-season gorilla permits remain $800 for foreign non-residents, while low-season discounted gorilla permit prices are $600 in April, May, and November.
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Which Months Qualify for Low-Season Permit Discounts in Uganda?
Low-season discounted permit prices for chimpanzee and gorilla trekking apply in April, May, and November. These months typically receive more rainfall but offer lower demand and better availability in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Kibale National Park, etc.
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Can Low-Season Chimp and Gorilla Trekking Permits Be Rescheduled?
No. UWA confirms that discounted low-season permits cannot be rescheduled. Full payment is required at booking, and dates are final.
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When Do the Revised UWA Tariffs Take Effect?
New conservation tariffs for selected activities take effect on January 1, 2027, including increased prices for gorilla habituation and lion tracking, among others.
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Why Did UWA Remove The 7-Day Reservation Window?
The policy was removed to prevent speculative bookings. Now, permits are confirmed only after immediate payment to ensure fair access.
For all information regarding the new and revised UWA tariffs, Uganda safari planning, and other safari essentials, contact us now, your trusted Uganda tour operators. Call or email us now!
