Uganda Increases Gorilla permits fees for 2024/2026
Uganda increases its gorilla permit fees for the year 2024 to 2026. The Ugandan government has proposed a price hike for a number of tourist-related activities in the nation in an attempt to support conservation initiatives and guarantee sustainable tourism practices. The revised rates will be applicable to both domestic and foreign visitors beginning July 2024. Every one doing a Uganda safari should take note of this.
The “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda, is home to a wide variety of species and magnificent natural beauties. The nation provides a variety of tourism experiences, from the famous mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the beautiful landscape of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
In addition to protecting Uganda’s distinctive ecosystems, the move to increase pricing is a component of a bigger conservation strategy meant to support local people with long-term earnings. The government intends to discourage mass tourism and encourage responsible travel by raising the cost of tourism-related activities.
New Prices and gorilla tracking fees for Tourism Activities
Visitors to Uganda might anticipate new rates for a number of well-liked tourism activities as of July 1, 2024. The new rates will accurately represent the worth of these experiences, including for the expenses associated with community development, infrastructure upkeep, and conservation initiatives. Some of the major adjustments are as follows:
New Permit fees for Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is a popular adventure in Uganda. A gorilla trekking permit will now cost USD 800, a substantial increase due to the restricted number of permits available and the expensive expenses of gorilla conservation. Although some tourists may find it more costly, this increase will contribute to the long-term conservation of these amazing animals. Uganda has confirmed an increase in gorilla permit fees for this year onwards.
Gorilla Tracking
Foreign non Residents – USD 800
Foreign Residents USD 700
Rest of Africa USD 500
East African Community – UGshs – 300 000
Gorilla habituation Experience
Foreign non Residents – USD 1500
Foreign Residents USD 1000
Rest of Africa USD 1000
East African Community – UGshs -750,000
New Permit fees for tracking chimpanzees
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is a popular activity given the numbers of chimpanzees that can be found in Kibale national park and other wildlife reserves. Chimpanzee tracking licences will now cost more in order to fund continued research and conservation initiatives. These permits give guests a rare chance to see these smart primates in their native environment. Please find below the new rates for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and Kyambura wildlife reserve.
Kibale national park.
Chimpanzee tracking
Foreign non Residents – USD 250
Foreign Residents USD 200
Rest of Africa USD 200
East African Community – Ugshs -180000
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Foreign non Residents – USD 300
Foreign Residents USD 250
Rest of Africa USD 250
East African Community – Ugshs -180000
Kyambura wildlife Reserve. ( Queen Elizabeth national park)
Foreign non Residents – USD 100
Foreign Residents USD 80
East African Community – Ugshs -50.000
Lion Tracking.
Lion tracking is done in Queen Elizabeth national park and can be done on any day, no matter the weather. Uganda wildlife authority in this case has double the price. The new rates for lion tracking will be as follows.
Foreign non Residents – USD 200
Foreign Residents USD 150
East African Community – Ugshs -200000
Conservation and Community Development
The proceeds from the price increases will fund a variety of conservation and community development projects. The Ugandan government is aware of how critical it is to include local people in conservation initiatives and make sure that tourism benefits them.
A few of the projects that will receive support are:
- Community-based tourism initiatives that empower local communities and give them sustainable incomes;
- Investments in wildlife conservation, such as anti-poaching patrols and habitat restoration projects.
- Educational initiatives aimed at increasing public knowledge of the value of sustainable tourism and conservation.
- The construction of surrounding infrastructure in protected areas to enhance tourist experiences. This will include the roads that surround the gorilla parks s they are in dire need of construction.
Planning your Uganda trip.
Planning ahead and accounting for the updated costs of tourism activities is crucial if you’re thinking about visiting Uganda in July 2024 or 2025. To help you get ready for your Ugandan experience, consider the following advice:
Research and make a reservation beforehand.
Pre-planning and booking your visit far in advance is advised because permits for certain activities, such as tracking chimpanzees and going on gorilla treks, are few. You can avoid disappointment and make sure you obtain the required permits by doing this.
Travel during low Seasons
Consider visiting Uganda in the off-peak seasons if your travel schedule is flexible. This will not only help you avoid crowds, but since costs are typically lower during these times, you might also be able to save a little money.
Support Local Communities
Look for locally benefited community-based tourism initiatives while organising your travel plans. You may contribute positively and fully immerse yourself in Uganda’s rich cultural legacy by sponsoring these projects. There are some activities that are directly managed by the locals and thus worth taking on for a better insight into the culture of the people living around the forests and national parks in Uganda.
Respect nature and wildlife.
It’s imperative that you respect the local wildlife and ecosystem and practise responsible tourism during your visit. To protect the safety and wellbeing of the animals as well as yourself, adhere to park regulations and the advice of your guides. Avoid littering, wear a mask where necessary and do not feed to attempt to touch any of the wild animals.
In conclusion, travellers may be surprised by the increase in pricing for tourism activities in Uganda for the year 2024/2025. However, it is critical to understand the rationale for these changes and the benefits they will bring to Uganda’s conservation efforts and tourism infrastructure. Although the cost of gorilla safari will rise significantly, Uganda is still dedicated to offering accessible and inclusive tourism opportunities for visitors from all backgrounds. The opportunity to immerse oneself in Uganda’s exquisite scenery, encounter intriguing wildlife, and feel the compassion of its people is genuinely priceless, making the minor price increase certainly worth it for an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime.