UWA Introduces Low Season Permits – Affordable Car rental Uganda for gorilla safaris
Did you know that you can now go gorilla trekking in Uganda soon during the low season and get a permit at less than $200 permit fees? That’s true. Uganda Wildlife Authority has revised their rates for clients visiting Uganda during the wet season.
Low season means the wet season and this happens between March to May and November. With immediate effect if you visiting Uganda this November or next year and want to go gorilla or chimpanzee tracking, you will get your permits at $600 per person and $200 per person respectively.
Low season permits cannot be rescheduled. This means if you change your mind and want to reschedule your permit to a later date, you will not be able to do so.
Like it has been before, the permit fees cover a guide, a ranger and park entrance fees into the National parks of Bwindi, Mgahinga and Kibale Forest National park for chimpanzee.
Gorilla habituation permits will now cost $1,800 per person. For those not well versed with this term, this simply means that you are paying to stay with the gorillas for upto or more than 4hrs once you spot them.
This amazing activity is done in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi and a go to option if you are a conservationist, photographer or even a nature expert.
Other activities affected and were increased (to take effect after 1st July 2026) include:
Chimpanzee tracking In Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kyambura Gorge $200
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park – $300
Chimpanzee habituation – $400
Experiential lion tracking – $500
Golden cat tracking in KNP for 5 days – $350
Guided walks: Rushaga to Nyaberemura – $80
Buhoma to Nkuringo – $100
In its statement, UWA shared that the changes are part of the agency’s continued commitment to sustainable conservation financing, improved visitor experience, and strengthened collaboration with stake holders.
Book Your Car To Bwindi Now
UWA also suspended the 7-Day Reservation Window
Effective 1st March 2026, UWA suspended the previous seven-day reservation window. Previously, tour operators could temporarily hold permits without payment. Under the new system, permits can only be secured upon full payment at the time of booking. This means if a permit is reserved, it only lasts for about 24hrs in the system and failure to pay for it, its released back.
Key take ways:
Book your gorilla trekking permits in advance
Utilize the opportunity if you are visiting Uganda during the low season and go primate tracking in any of the listed national parks.
Make sure you have paid 100% of the fees required by the authority so that you are sure your permit has been reserved.
As Best Car Rental Uganda Ltd, we will assist with booking your gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits and other activities at no extra fee should you reserve the car with us. Go and ahead book your car with us.