New 2020-20222 Uganda Wildlife Authority Tariffs–Activity Fees
Uganda Wildlife Authority Park-Permit Tariff Effective July 1, 2022, through June 2024
Effective from July 1, 2022, until the end of June 2024 the revised Uganda Wildlife Authority Tariffs–Activity Fees come into effect. These fees, known as Conservation Fees, are crucial for the preservation of wildlife, primates, and parks, ensuring their existence for future generations.
The majority of Uganda Wildlife Authority Tariffs-Activity Fees will remain unchanged. However, there has been a modest and carefully measured increase in fees for Gorilla Trekking Permits and certain Chimpanzee Trekking Permits. This adjustment aims to maintain Uganda as an affordable destination for the majority of visitors to the captivating Pearl of Africa.
The affordability of Uganda has allowed the country to remain competitive with other renowned East African Safari Destinations such as Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Thanks to the contributions made through these fees, Uganda continues to provide a safe, secure, and guerrilla-free environment. It is through the utilization of these funds that the country ensures the well-being and protection of its natural treasures.
The UWA Conservation Tariffs and Fees represent an investment not only in the conservation of wildlife but also in the communities surrounding the parks and their future. By directing these resources towards conservation, Uganda is safeguarding its natural heritage and supporting the sustainable development of the local communities for years to come.
Uganda Wildlife Authority Tariffs–Activity Fees July-2022- June -2024
Gorilla Tracking Permits-Gorilla Habituation Experience Permits:
Uganda Wildlife Authority Tariffs–Activity Fees July 2022 – June 2024
Gorilla Tracking Permits and Gorilla Habituation Experience Permits: Starting from July 1, 2022, the cost of Gorilla Permits for Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park will be set at $700 until the end of the specified period.
The price for Gorilla Habituation Experience Permits will remain unchanged at $1,500. This unique experience allows primate enthusiasts to spend an entire day with a Gorilla Family, offering an immersive encounter. Foreign Nationals and expats with work permits in East Africa will be required to pay $1,000 for the Permit, while East African Citizens can obtain it for 750,000 UGX.
It has come to our attention that certain tour operators employ a marketing strategy of offering Gorilla Safaris at exceptionally low prices. However, it is important to carefully review the fine print, as these prices often do not include the cost of the Gorilla Permit. We find this practice perplexing, as it is akin to purchasing a pepperoni pizza separately from the actual pepperoni. In our opinion, a Gorilla Safari should inherently include the necessary Gorilla Permit for a seamless experience.
Chimpanzee Tracking Permits – Chimpanzee Habituation Permits:
Chimpanzee Permits increase to $200 in Kibale Forest National Park effective July 1, 2022. This is an increase of $50. Kibale Forest is the best location in all of East Africa for Chimpanzee Trekking and sightings are a relatively sure thing
The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Permit increases $50 to $250. There is now a 6-hour time limit on this permit. It is no longer a full-day as it in the past. The Quality of this experience has been iffy, unlike Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge remains at $50. Here the daily park entrance is not included and is an additional $40 per day.
Chimpanzee Trekking in the Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve remains at $30 and does not include the Daily Reserve Entrance Fee.
The best Chimpanzee Trekking Experience is found in Kibale Forest National Park. None of our Clients have ever missed seeing the Chimpanzees there.
Please Note: Kalinzu Forest, the second-best Chimpanzee Trekking destination in Uganda, is not administered by the Uganda Wildlife Authority but Forest Ministry. It is best visited while staying on a Safari with us in Queen Elizabeth Park.
Japanese researchers have habituated chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest for over 20 years.
Kalinzu Forest is a viable alternative to hit and miss Chimpanzee Trekking in the famed Kyambura Gorge.
Budongo Forest is another location where excellent Chimpanzee Trekking can be done. It is located near Murchison Falls Park. It is the third-best Chimpanzee Trekking Location in Uganda.
The chimpanzees that are tracked in Budongo Forest are part of a research project by the Jane Goodall Organization and tracking here is a quality experience.
Golden Monkey Tracking Permits – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
Golden Monkey Tracking Permits – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Starting from July 1, 2022, until June 30, 2024, there will be a $10 increase in the Golden Monkey Trekking permit fee, making it $60. Please note that this fee does not include the daily park entrance fee of $40.
For those interested in the Golden Monkey Habituation Experience, the permit cost will be $100, in addition to the $40 park entrance fee.
Golden Monkey Trekking is a sought-after activity, especially among those who are already trekking Gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla Park and exploring the southern region of Bwindi Forest.
These delightful primates, classified as an endangered species, face challenges due to the loss of their natural habitat and an unknown decline in their reproductive rates. It is vital to protect and conserve these unique creatures to ensure their long-term survival.
By participating in Golden Monkey Tracking, you contribute to the preservation of this species and the conservation efforts in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Uganda National Park Entrance Fees:
Uganda National Park Entrance Fees: Uganda’s National Parks attract visitors from both domestic and international destinations, offering remarkable wildlife and natural beauty. Remarkably, the daily park fees in Uganda remain the most affordable in East Africa, ensuring accessibility for all.
For non-resident visitors, the daily park entrance fee is $40 except for Murchison Fallas Park where it is $45. It is worth noting that this fee is often included in the overall cost of most safaris, providing a seamless experience for travelers.
In 2022, Murchison Falls National Park in northwest Uganda emerged as the most visited park, followed closely by Queen Elizabeth National Park. Both these parks offer incredible wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest holds the prestigious title of being declared the “Most Beautiful Place” in the World by CNN Travel, while Mgahinga Gorilla Park received recognition as the “Third Must-Photograph Place” globally.
The remote and lesser-visited Kidepo Valley Park has garnered acclaim as the “Third-Best Park in Africa” by CNN Travel, highlighting its unique appeal.
Despite the accolades received for its parks, Uganda has chosen to maintain the current park entrance fees. Tourists from around the world will continue to pay $40 per day, while children between the ages of five and fifteen will be charged $20.
Entering Uganda’s National Parks remains a value-added experience for both Ugandans and visitors from afar, allowing everyone to enjoy the country’s natural wonders and wildlife encounters.
We hope this answered your questions about Park Fees.
Guided Nature Walks and Hiking Fees in Uganda’s National Parks:
One of the things that distinguish Uganda from other East African Destinations is that if offers more out-of-the-vehicle activities than other countries.
Most are familiar with Gorilla Trekking and chimpanzee Trekking, both in certain hiking activities, but there is more in Uganda.
CNN Travel placed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as one of the best hiking trails in the world list.
Uganda Wildlife Authority Rangers guide all Hikes in Uganda’s National Park. They are knowledgeable, will inform you, security-minded, friendly, and hospitable. They know the parks inside and out. They speak excellent English. Uganda is the Best English Speaking country in Africa.
On the fees for hiking that are posted here, one needs to add the daily park entrance as applicable.
Hopefully, the long-awaited Samuel & Florence Baker Trail will be completed through Northern Uganda. A r=trail following Winston Churchill’s 1907 hike along the Nile would be something that someone might consider.
Game Drives with Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger:
Game Drives are undoubtedly one of the most captivating experiences during a wildlife safari in Uganda. While it is possible to embark on a game drive without a Ranger, there is a recommended option for an enhanced experience. The cost for a game drive without a Ranger is $20 per vehicle.
However, we highly suggest including a knowledgeable and extensively trained Ranger to accompany you. Having a Ranger adds tremendous value to the game drive. Firstly, Rangers possess a wealth of information about the wildlife, enriching your understanding of the ecosystem and its inhabitants. Additionally, they provide an extra layer of security, equipped to handle potential risks, such as charging elephants, while ensuring the safety of the group.
At our agency, we prioritize the involvement of a Ranger on all game drives for our clients. The combined expertise of the driver-guide and the UWA Ranger ensures that no details go unnoticed. Together, they create an immersive and insightful wildlife encounter, leaving no stone unturned in your exploration of Uganda’s magnificent wilderness.
Boat Safaris with Uganda Wildlife Authority:
Uganda Wildlife Authority provides a range of captivating boating activities, including the popular Boat Launch Safaris. These safaris offer a unique perspective and can be enjoyed at a cost of $30 for a two-hour boat ride.
One of the remarkable options is the Murchison Falls National Park Boat Safari, where you traverse the Nile River, leading you to the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls, known as the world’s most powerful waterfall. Along the journey, you can witness elephants, antelopes, buffaloes, massive Nile crocodiles, lively pods of hippos, and a diverse array of bird species.
In Queen Elizabeth Park, the Kazinga Channel Boat Launch Safari takes you along a natural channel that connects Lake Edward to Lake George. This boat safari allows you to cruise close to the shoreline, ensuring excellent sightings of abundant hippos, crocodiles, hundreds of water birds, herds of elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species.
The third Wildlife Boat Launch Safari takes place in Lake Mburo National Park, where you can explore the edges of Lake Mburo. Here, you can observe wildlife coming to the water, spot hippos, crocodiles, and encounter different species of otters.
For a truly unique experience, consider the specialized boating safaris offered in the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, particularly on Lake Albert. An ideal recommendation would be a boat safari from the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve to Paraa on the Nile, especially if it could be enjoyed as an overnight boat cruise, allowing for an immersive and unforgettable adventure.
Indulge in the beauty of Uganda’s waterways and wildlife by partaking in these incredible boating safaris offered by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Nature Walks in Uganda’s National Parks:
Nature Walks in Uganda’s National Parks: You can do a nature walk or hike in every national park.
Mountain and Volcano Activities
Mountain Activities in Uganda’s National Parks: The Uganda Wildlife Authority Tariffs–Activity Fees encompass a range of thrilling mountain activities, as indicated in the provided chart.
Experiential activities have gained immense popularity among visitors to Uganda. Our esteemed clients often opt to embark on the exhilarating climb of one of the three volcanoes situated within Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
These three volcanic peaks, namely Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhavura, and Mount Sabinyo with its impressive three peaks, offer unforgettable adventures.
This year, we have introduced new activities to enhance your mountain experience. For instance, the Kidepo Lonyiti Summit Hike in Kidepo Valley Park and the Kinyampanika Chimp Trail in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains are now available.
The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon continue to captivate those seeking an unparalleled alpine experience in Africa. Towering above the European Alps, this majestic mountain range stands as the tallest in the entire continent.
In the eastern part of Uganda lies Mount Elgon, featuring a massive intact lake caldera, adding to the allure of this remarkable destination.
In the words of John Muir, “The Mountains are calling, and I must go.” Allow yourself to heed this call as you embark on unforgettable mountain adventures in Uganda’s national parks.
Batwa Cultural Experiences inside of Uganda’s National Park:
Batwa Cultural Experiences within Uganda’s National Parks: The Batwa People, the original inhabitants of the forest, have a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in Southwest Uganda. They have resided in the region for thousands of years, predating other settlers.
Presently, you have the extraordinary opportunity to explore the forest from the perspective of these indigenous people.
Within the National Parks, the Batwa Experience is available through the “Batwa Cultural Trail” within Mgahinga Gorilla Park, with a fee of $80.
Additionally, you can partake in the Batwa Bwindi Experience in South Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. In Semuliki, there is another remarkable chance to witness the forest through the eyes of its original inhabitants. The fee for both parks is $40.
Beyond the Parks, the Batwa Experience extends to the Buhoma area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Buniga Forest Walk.
Immerse yourself in the captivating Batwa Cultural Experiences, gaining insights into their ancient traditions and deep connection with the natural world.
Hands-On Experiential Tourism Activities in Queen Elizabeth Park:
The Lion Tracking Research project jointly run by UWA and the Uganda Carnivore Project is the most popular experiential activity. It increases $100 from $50. This is effective July 1 2023. This involves tracking collared lions and Leopards on the Kasenyi Plains in the northern area of Queen Elizabeth Park.
The Banded Mongoose Research Project takes place on the Mweya Peninsula. This is a half-day on foot activity.
You are literally with a Band of Brothers and Sisters. This research project is often quoted in journals by researches. It is one of those under-the-radar activities, most often missed. ?The cost is $30.
The Hippo Census happens infrequently and is announced beforehand.
Uganda Wildlife Authority Tariffs–Activity Fees-Our Take:
Our Perspective on Uganda Wildlife Authority Tariffs–Activity Fees:
We believe that the Uganda Wildlife Authority Tariffs–Activity Fees, effective from July 1, 2022, are reasonable and equitable. There have been no significant price hikes, and most fees have remained unchanged. This ensures that Uganda continues to be an excellent value-for-money safari destination.
The fee structure and permits will remain in effect until June 30, 2024, providing stability and consistency. Uganda has maintained the existing fee structure without alterations.
When you book a safari with us, rest assured that all fees and permits for activities are included in the overall price. We aim to provide transparent pricing and eliminate any surprises.
To streamline the process, permits and activities are conveniently stored on scan cards, which are part of an efficient electronic system benefiting all parties involved.
If you have any inquiries or require further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to assist you.
