Important UWA Update: Gorilla Chimpanzee Permit Price Changes 2026-2027
Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee permit prices are changing. See UWA’s new 2026 low season rates, 2027 pricing, and what to book now.
If you’re planning a gorilla or chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda, there’s important news straight from the source. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has just issued an official notice (Ref: TDO 93/04, dated 26th February 2026) announcing three changes that directly affect how — and when — you should book your permits. Here’s exactly what’s changed, in plain English, and what it means for your trip.
1. Revised Tariff Structure — Taking Effect 1st January 2027
Looking further ahead, UWA has also announced a revised tariff structure that takes effect on 1st January 2027. This introduces clearer, tiered pricing across four visitor categories:
- FNR — Foreign Non-Resident
- FR — Foreign Resident
- ROA — Rest of Africa (non-East African Community citizens)
- EAC — East African Community citizens (priced in Ugandan Shillings)
Here’s the full breakdown of activities and pricing under the new 2027 structure:
| Activity | FNR ($) | FR ($) | ROA ($) | EAC (UGX) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Tracking | 800 | 700 | 500 | 300,000 |
| Gorilla Habituation | 1,800 | 1,600 | 1,000 | 750,000 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking (Kibale NP) | 300 | 200 | 100 | 180,000 |
| Chimpanzee Habituation | 400 | 300 | 250 | 250,000 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking (Kyambura Gorge) | 200 | 150 | 100 | 50,000 |
| 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 (Kibale NP, 5 days) | 350 | 350 | 350 | 350,000 |
| Guided Walk: Rushaga to Nyabaremura | 80 | 50 | 50 | 50,000 |
| Guided Walk: Buhoma to Nkuringo | 100 | 50 | 50 | 50,000 |
What this means for you: if you’re travelling before 1st January 2027, current standard pricing still applies (or the low season discount above, if your dates fall in April, May, or November).
If you’re planning further ahead — a 2027 trip, a group booking, or an extended stay involving activities like gorilla habituation, lion tracking, or golden cat tracking — it’s worth locking in your itinerary before the new structure takes effect, particularly for premium experiences like gorilla habituation ($1,800 FNR) and experiential lion tracking ($500 FNR), which see the largest jumps.
3. The 7-Day Reservation Window Has Been Suspended
This is the change with the most immediate practical impact, and it’s already in force as of 1st March 2026.
Previously, tour operators like us could reserve gorilla and chimpanzee permits for up to seven days without payment, giving travellers a short window to confirm their booking before the hold expired.
UWA has now suspended this entirely. Going forward, permits are secured only once full payment is made at the time of booking — the transaction completes instantly, with no interim hold period.
UWA describes this as a move to improve permit availability, fairness, and transparency across the industry — and in practice, it means permits for popular dates (especially during peak season and the new low season windows) can now be booked out faster, by whoever pays first, rather than held speculatively. For travellers, the takeaway is simple: the days of “let me think about it for a week” are over.
If you have specific trekking dates in mind, especially during June–September, December–February, or the newly discounted April/May/November window, the safest move is to confirm and pay as soon as you’ve decided, rather than requesting a hold.
What We Recommend
Given all three changes together, here’s our honest advice:
- Travelling in April, May, or November 2026? Book now to lock in the discounted low season rate — just be certain of your dates first, since these permits can’t be rescheduled once confirmed.
- Planning for 2027 or later? Consider whether locking in a 2026 booking makes sense before the revised tariff structure takes effect on 1st January 2027, particularly for gorilla habituation or other premium add-on experiences.
- Have dates in mind for any season? Be ready to pay in full when you inquire. With the 7-day hold gone, permits for sought-after dates will move quickly, and we can no longer offer a no-payment reservation window while you decide.
We work directly with UWA’s booking system every day, and we’re keeping a close eye on how permit availability responds to these changes over the coming months. If you’re weighing your options — low season savings now versus current pricing before the 2027 increase — get in touch and we’ll help you figure out which timing genuinely works out best for your trip and budget.
Ready to lock in your permit before the next change? Contact us or WhatsApp us directly and we’ll walk you through exactly what these changes mean for your dates.
This update is based on official correspondence from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Ref: TDO 93/04, dated 26th February 2026, signed by Dr. James Musinguzi, PhD, Executive Director. For further official information, visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
