UWA Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit Price 2026/2027 | Complete Guide To New Tariffs And Low Season Discount.
UWA Gorilla & Chimp Permit prices 2026–2027: Two major amendments to the primate trekking permits system in Uganda were announced by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in February 2026, applicable in all parks such as the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park. The first change introduced discounted low-season permit rates immediately. The second change announced a comprehensive revised tariff structure taking effect on 1 January 2027. The third one, which involved suspending the 7-day booking window from 1 March 2026, marked a major shift in how the permits would be booked. Any traveller who wishes to have the primate trekking experience of either gorillas or chimps within any Ugandan safari must take into consideration the above changes.
What Changed and Why: UWA Gorilla & Chimp Permit Prices 2026–2027
In a circular dated 26 February 2026 and signed by Executive Director Dr James Musinguzi, UWA announced the introduction of low-season discounted rates to stimulate travel during Uganda’s quieter tourism months. Simultaneously, UWA announced revised standard tariffs effective 1 January 2027, covering gorilla tracking, the Gorilla Habituation Experience, chimpanzee tracking at Kibale, the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee tracking, rhino tracking at Ziwa, experiential lion tracking, golden cat tracking, and guided forest walks.
From 1 March 2026, the 7-day reservation window under which operators could hold permits without payment has been suspended. All permits now require full payment at the time of booking. This means travellers must confirm travel dates with certainty before proceeding; there is no provisional holding period available.
Low-Season Permit Prices (April, May, November 2026)
| Activity | Foreign Non-Resident (USD) | Foreign Resident (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Tracking | $600 | $500 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking | $200 | $150 |
Important: Low-season permits cannot be rescheduled under any circumstances.
Complete Revised UWA Tariff Structure — Effective 1 January 2027
Gorilla Tracking
| Visitor Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Foreign Non-Resident | $800 USD |
| Foreign Resident | $700 USD |
| Rest of Africa | $500 USD |
| East African Citizens | UGX 300,000 |
Gorilla Habituation Experience (Rushaga Sector, Bwindi)
| Visitor Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Foreign Non-Resident | $1,800 USD |
| Foreign Resident | $1,600 USD |
| Rest of Africa | $1,000 USD |
| East African Citizens | UGX 750,000 |
Chimpanzee Tracking — Kibale National Park
| Visitor Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Foreign Non-Resident | $300 USD |
| Foreign Resident | $200 USD |
| Rest of Africa | $100 USD |
| East African Citizens | UGX 180,000 |
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience — Kibale
| Visitor Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Foreign Non-Resident | $400 USD |
| Foreign Resident | $300 USD |
| Rest of Africa | $250 USD |
| East African Citizens | UGX 250,000 |
Chimpanzee Tracking — Kyambura Gorge
| Visitor Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Foreign Non-Resident | $200 USD |
| Foreign Resident | $150 USD |
| Rest of Africa | $100 USD |
| East African Citizens | UGX 50,000 |
Additional Activities
| Activity | FNR (USD) | FR (USD) | ROA (USD) | EAC (UGX) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhino Tracking, Ajai — Adults | $20 | $15 | $10 | 10,000 |
| Rhino Tracking, Ajai — Children | $5 | $5 | $3 | 2,500 |
| Experiential Lion Tracking | $500 | $300 | $300 | 250,000 |
| Golden Cat Tracking — KNP (5 days) | $350 | $350 | $350 | 350,000 |
| Rushaga to Nyabaremura Walk | $80 | $50 | $50 | 50,000 |
| Buhoma to Nkuringo Walk | $100 | $50 | $50 | 50,000 |
Why Travel During Low Season?
April, May, and November represent Uganda’s best value months for primate tracking. Gorilla families in Bwindi are located reliably year-round regardless of weather, and Kibale’s chimpanzee sighting rate remains above 90% through the wet months. The forest is at its most lush; bird activity peaks as migratory species arrive and depart; visitor numbers are low enough to create genuinely intimate encounters; and lodge accommodation rates across both parks are typically lower. The $200 per-person saving on a gorilla permit and $50 per-person saving on a chimpanzee permit during low season, for a couple combining both activities, represents $500 in permit savings alone that can be redirected toward upgraded accommodation or the gorilla habituation experience.
Booking Advice: UWA Gorilla & Chimp Permit Prices 2026–2027
With the suspension of the 7-day reservation window, planning timelines and payment structures have changed permanently. Full payment is now required at booking; there is no holding period. For Bwindi gorilla trekking during the high season, 6 to 12 months’ booking is recommended. For Kibale chimpanzee tracking, 3 to 6 months’ booking is sufficient for most months. Low-season permits for April, May, and November require the same full-payment-at-booking approach but are non-reschedulable, making date certainty essential before committing.
Book Your Uganda Primate Safari
Chopper Tour and Travel handles all UWA permit reservations for gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga, chimpanzee tracking at Kibale and Kyambura Gorge, the Gorilla and Chimpanzee Habituation Experiences, and complete Uganda safari packages combining both park destinations with accommodation, transport, and domestic flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the low-season gorilla and chimpanzee permit prices in Uganda?
During low-season months (April, May, and November), gorilla tracking costs $600 USD for foreign non-residents and $500 USD for foreign residents. Chimpanzee tracking costs $200 USD for foreign non-residents and $150 USD for foreign residents. These discounts are effective immediately as of February 2026.
When do the new 2027 UWA tariffs take effect?
The new UWA tariffs become operational from 1 January 2027 and include gorilla tracking at $800 USD, gorilla habituation at $1,800 USD, Kibale chimpanzee tracking at $300 USD, chimpanzee habituation at $400 USD, Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee tracking at $200 USD, and any other listed activity such as rhino tracking, lion tracking, golden cat tracking, and guided walks.
Can low-season permits be rescheduled?
No. UWA has confirmed that low-season permits issued for April, May, and November cannot be rescheduled. Travel dates must be fully confirmed before payment is made, as the booking is non-transferable once confirmed.
What is the 7-day reservation window suspension?
UWA ceased on 1 March 2026 the former scheme whereby operators could hold permits for 7 days without paying. Under the new policy, all permits must be paid for at the time of booking. The aim was to enhance permit availability and distribution among licensed operators.
Which month is the best to travel to Uganda for cheaper primate tracking?
April, May, and November offer the best value for combined gorilla and chimpanzee safaris, the lowest permit prices of the year, lower accommodation rates at lodges in both Bwindi and Kibale, fewer visitors on tracking trails, excellent forest conditions, and peak birding season. Gorilla and chimpanzee sighting rates remain high throughout these months.
