Complete Guide for Travelers to Uganda
Uganda is one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations, home to stunning national parks, rare mountain gorillas, and unforgettable safaris. To support conservation and improve visitor experiences, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has updated its conservation tariffs for July 2024 to June 2026.
This blog post breaks down the most important updates, entry fees, permits, and common questions — so you can plan your adventure stress-free!
UWA Park Entry Fees (Per Day)
These are the entrance charges per person, valid for 24 hours from the time of entry.
| National Park | Foreign Non-Residents (USD) | Foreign Residents (USD) | Rest of Africa (USD) | East African Citizens (UGX) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murchison Falls NP | 45 | 35 | 40 | 25,000 |
| Bwindi Impenetrable NP | 40 | 30 | 35 | 20,000 |
| Queen Elizabeth NP | 40 | 30 | 35 | 20,000 |
| Kibale Forest NP | 40 | 30 | 35 | 20,000 |
| Kidepo Valley NP | 40 | 30 | 35 | 20,000 |
| Lake Mburo NP | 40 | 30 | 35 | 20,000 |
| Mgahinga Gorilla NP | 40 | 30 | 35 | 20,000 |
| Semuliki NP | 40 | 30 | 35 | 20,000 |
| Rwenzori Mountains NP | 40 | 30 | 35 | 20,000 |
Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permits
These special activities require advance permits:
| Activity | FNR | FR | ROA | EAC (UGX) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Tracking | $800 | $700 | $500 | 300,000 UGX |
| Gorilla Habituation Experience | $1,500 | $1,000 | $1,000 | 750,000 UGX |
| Chimpanzee Tracking (Kibale NP) | $250 | $200 | $150 | 180,000 UGX |
| Chimpanzee Habituation | $300 | $250 | $200 | 250,000 UGX |
Other Activities & Fees
| Experience | FNR | FR | ROA | EAC (UGX) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nature Walks | $30 | $15 | $25 | 10,000 UGX |
| Bird Watching | $20 | $15 | $15 | 10,000 UGX |
| Night Game Drives (Guided only) | $40 | $30 | $35 | 50,000 UGX |
How to Pay for Permits & Entry
You can make payments via:
- MTN MomoPay / Airtel Money Pay
- UWA Online Payment Portal
- POS Machines at park gates
- Bank transfers (UWA-designated banks)
Tip: Keep your receipt or permit printed or on your phone — it will be verified at the gate!
Park Rules & Guidelines
To protect wildlife and visitor safety, UWA enforces the following:
- No off-track driving or campfires outside designated areas
- No feeding or disturbing animals
- No firearms or drones (unless specially approved)
- Speed limit: 40 km/h inside parks
- No littering or vegetation damage
- Park hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Gorilla Tracking Etiquette
Before tracking:
- Must be 15+ years old
- Avoid the visit if sick (gorillas are vulnerable to human illnesses)
- Small groups (max 8 people per gorilla family)
During tracking:
- Keep 10 meters distance
- No flash photography
- No eating, smoking, or loud noises
- Visit duration: 1 hour max
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When do these tariffs apply?
From July 1, 2024, until June 30, 2026.
2. Are Ugandans charged the same as tourists?
No. East African citizens pay reduced rates in Ugandan Shillings.
3. What if I leave the park and return later that day?
You’ll need to pay again, unless you’re staying in a lodge inside the park.
4. Can I use a drone in the park?
Drones are not allowed unless you have written clearance from UWA and the Civil Aviation Authority.
5. Can children go gorilla tracking?
Only those aged 15 and above are allowed to track gorillas.
6. Are the permit fees refundable?
Permits are non-refundable, except in rare cases like illness or cancellation by UWA.
Final Thoughts
Uganda continues to offer some of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Africa. These tariffs not only help maintain world-class conservation efforts, but they also ensure safe and structured park experiences for all.
Whether you’re after gorilla encounters or epic savannah safaris, now you can plan ahead with confidence.
Want help booking your Uganda safari or permits?
Feel free to contact us — we’re happy to help!
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +254 748 057 500
📧 Email: info@pleasantadventure.com
🌍 Website: www.pleasantadventure.com