Park Fees in Uganda’s National Parks and Reserves
Uganda is a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts, offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the famous mountain gorillas. If you’re planning a safari, understanding park fees is essential. Uganda’s park entry fees vary based on residency status, season, and the specific park or reserve you wish to visit.
Below is a breakdown of park entry fees for non-residents, residents, and Ugandan citizens.
General Park Fees Structure
Park fees in Uganda are categorized based on the visitor’s residency status:
- Non-Residents: Tourists from outside East Africa.
- Residents: Foreigners residing in Uganda with valid work permits.
- Citizens: Ugandan nationals with valid identification (National ID or passport).
Additionally, fees are structured based on age groups:
- Adults: 16 years and above.
- Children: 5 to 15 years.
- Infants: Below 5 years (usually free of charge).
Park Fees for Major Parks and Reserves in Uganda (2024-2025)
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Home to Uganda’s famous mountain gorillas.
| Category | Entry Fee (All Seasons) |
|---|---|
| Non-Resident Adult | USD 40 per day |
| Non-Resident Child | USD 20 per day |
| Resident Adult | UGX 25,000 per day |
| Resident Child | UGX 15,000 per day |
| Citizen Adult | UGX 10,000 per day |
| Citizen Child | UGX 5,000 per day |
| Children under 5 years | Free |
Gorilla Trekking Permit (Separate from entry fee):
- Non-Residents: USD 700 per person
- Residents: USD 600 per person
- Citizens: UGX 250,000 per person
2. Queen Elizabeth National Park
One of Uganda’s most visited parks, famous for tree-climbing lions and diverse wildlife.
| Category | Entry Fee (All Seasons) |
|---|---|
| Non-Resident Adult | USD 40 per day |
| Non-Resident Child | USD 20 per day |
| Resident Adult | UGX 25,000 per day |
| Resident Child | UGX 15,000 per day |
| Citizen Adult | UGX 10,000 per day |
| Citizen Child | UGX 5,000 per day |
| Children under 5 years | Free |
3. Murchison Falls National Park
Famous for the powerful Murchison Falls and abundant wildlife.
| Category | Entry Fee (All Seasons) |
|---|---|
| Non-Resident Adult | USD 40 per day |
| Non-Resident Child | USD 20 per day |
| Resident Adult | UGX 25,000 per day |
| Resident Child | UGX 15,000 per day |
| Citizen Adult | UGX 10,000 per day |
| Citizen Child | UGX 5,000 per day |
| Children under 5 years | Free |
4. Kibale National Park
Best known for chimpanzee tracking.
| Category | Entry Fee (All Seasons) |
|---|---|
| Non-Resident Adult | USD 40 per day |
| Non-Resident Child | USD 20 per day |
| Resident Adult | UGX 25,000 per day |
| Resident Child | UGX 15,000 per day |
| Citizen Adult | UGX 10,000 per day |
| Citizen Child | UGX 5,000 per day |
| Children under 5 years | Free |
Chimpanzee Trekking Permit (Separate from entry fee):
- Non-Residents: USD 200 per person
- Residents: USD 150 per person
- Citizens: UGX 150,000 per person
5. Kidepo Valley National Park
Remote and less crowded, offering stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
| Category | Entry Fee (All Seasons) |
|---|---|
| Non-Resident Adult | USD 40 per day |
| Non-Resident Child | USD 20 per day |
| Resident Adult | UGX 25,000 per day |
| Resident Child | UGX 15,000 per day |
| Citizen Adult | UGX 10,000 per day |
| Citizen Child | UGX 5,000 per day |
| Children under 5 years | Free |
Additional Fees
Apart from park entry fees, visitors should be aware of additional charges such as:
- Camping Fees: Ranges from USD 30 to USD 50 per night for non-residents, and UGX 10,000 to UGX 30,000 for residents and citizens.
- Vehicle Entry Fees: Private vehicles are charged UGX 5,000 to UGX 20,000 depending on size and capacity.
- Guided Tours & Game Drives: Prices depend on the park and tour operator.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Uganda’s national parks depends on your safari goals:
- June to September: Peak season, best for wildlife viewing.
- March to May & October to November: Low season, fewer tourists, and lush green landscapes.
- December to February: Ideal for bird watching and primate trekking.
Conclusion
Uganda’s national parks and reserves offer incredible wildlife experiences. Understanding the seasonal pricing, additional costs, and best visiting times helps you plan better and budget effectively for an unforgettable adventure.
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FAQs
1. How much is the entrance fee for Uganda’s national parks?
Park entry fees vary by park. For example, Murchison Falls National Park charges $45 for foreign non-residents (FNR), $35 for foreign residents (FR), and UGX 25,000 for East African citizens (EAC). Other parks like Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth charge $40 (FNR), $30 (FR), and UGX 20,000 (EAC).
2. Are park fees charged per person or per vehicle?
Park entry fees are charged per person, but there are additional fees for vehicles, aircraft, and boats entering the park.
3. How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda?
A gorilla trekking permit costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks.
4. What is the cost of chimpanzee tracking in Uganda?
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park costs $200 (FNR), $150 (FR), and UGX 150,000 (EAC).
5. Do children pay the same park entry fees as adults?
No, children aged 5–15 years pay lower fees. For example, in Murchison Falls National Park, children’s entry fees are $25 (FNR), $15 (FR), and UGX 10,000 (EAC). Children under 5 enter for free.
6. How much do vehicle entry fees cost in Uganda’s national parks?
Vehicle entry fees depend on the type of vehicle:
- Saloon cars: UGX 20,000 (Ugandan), $40 (Foreign-registered).
- Tour company vehicles: UGX 30,000 (Ugandan), $150 (Foreign-registered).
7. Are park entry fees valid for multiple days?
No, park entry fees are valid for 24 hours from the time of entry. If you stay longer, you must pay again for each additional day.
8. Are there discounts for group visits or long stays?
No, Uganda Wildlife Authority does not offer group discounts, but some activities (like gorilla trekking) have occasional promotional offers.
9. What are the fees for boat cruises and game drives?
- Boat cruise: $30 (FNR & FR), UGX 30,000 (EAC) in parks like Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth.
- Game drives: $30 for a day drive and $40 for a night game drive.
10. Where can I check updated park fees before my visit?
Visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) website or consult registered tour operators for the latest park fees and regulations.