UGANDA SAFARI UPDATE: NEW GORILLA FAMILIES & GOLDEN CAT TRACKING

10 Essential Tips for Surviving Your First Safari in Kenya Africa

March 22, 2026

Published by Samuel Makanga on May 12, 2026

Tags

6 days gorilla tracking and wildlife safari in Uganda

If you’re thinking of a wildlife or gorilla safari in Uganda, some recent developments could even make your vacation better.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has just released improvements to make your trip planning easier and to include some exclusive wildlife encounters in your schedule.

From more gorilla trekking options in Bwindi to golden cat tracking in Kibale, plus an improved way to pay for permits, these changes are all about making things smoother and more adventurous.

UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi shared the updates on April 14, 2026.

What’s New for Uganda Safari Travelers?

Here is the news:

A smoother, more effective way to pay for permits
Two new habituated gorilla families available for trekking
Kibale National Park: A rare golden cat tracking adventure

All this makes organizing your safari that much easier and provides you with more reasons to explore the parks of Uganda.

Easier and More Reliable Permit Payments

UWA has upgraded its payment process with a new in-plant machine at the reservations office in Kampala. All cash payments for park services, including permits, now go through this system.

What that means for your planning:

Payments take about 24 hours to show up in the system
Once confirmed, your booking is processed right away
Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The new setup cuts down on delays and makes things more transparent. Just remember to build in that processing time when you’re putting your itinerary together.

Expanded Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — one of Uganda’s biggest safari highlights — now has two more habituated gorilla groups available for trekking:

Happy Group in the Buhoma sector
Nshanjare Group in the Rushaga sector

Both are now part of UWA’s official booking system, which gives travelers a bit more flexibility when trying to secure permits.

Daily permit numbers are still limited to protect the gorillas, but adding these groups helps ease the pressure — especially in peak travel months.

For safari lovers, that means better odds of getting to experience one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife encounters.

New Wildlife Experience: Golden Cat Tracking

Uganda safaris are famous for primates, but here’s something different to add to your adventure — golden cat tracking in Kibale National Park.

It takes place in the Kanyanchu area along Ngogo Road and gives you a rare chance to track the African golden cat, a species hardly ever seen in the wild.

Important details:

Booking is done on arrival, not online
Reserve 24–48 hours in advance
The cost is $350 per person for a five-day tracking window
You’ll need to bring your own guide; UWA provides ranger support

It’s a perfect add-on if you want to go beyond the usual safari activities and try something truly exclusive.

Why These Updates Matter for Your Safari

These changes are really about improving your whole safari — from planning to the actual experience. With:

A clearer, more reliable booking system

More access to gorilla trekking

New, unique wildlife experiences

Uganda keeps proving it’s a destination that blends adventure with well-managed tourism.

Whether you’re hiking through the foggy woods of Bwindi or venturing into the lush environments of Kibale, these updates will help make your adventure more seamless and satisfying.

Tips to Help You Plan Your Uganda Safari.

Get your gorilla permits early, especially if you’re traveling in peak months
When you confirm your reservations, allow time for payment to be processed
Choose an experienced tour operator to keep things hassle-free
Think about including chimpanzee tracking or other activities in your gorilla journey.

Plan Your Trip to Uganda Today on Safari

Uganda’s safari experience is truly unbeatable – mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, unique forest species, and beautiful scenery.

With UWA’s latest upgrades, it’s easier than ever to bring your vacation together and pack in even more unforgettable moments.

If you’re eager to discover Uganda, we can help you create a safari around what you enjoy, from gorilla trekking to those off-the-beaten-path excursions.