Uganda National Parks activities and fees fund the country's ongoing conservation work, helping protect its forests, wildlife, and rare species like the mountain gorilla. Understanding these fees before you travel makes it easier to plan your budget with confidence. UWA reviews park fees periodically, with a new tariff cycle beginning 1st July 2026. For the current, official fee structure, check the UWA rates page, which the authority updates directly as tariffs change.
Here's a simple guide to Uganda National Parks fees, entrance permits, and how to pay them. The good news: park fees in Uganda remain more affordable than in neighboring Tanzania and Kenya, making it one of the best-value wildlife destinations in East Africa.
How Many National Parks Does Uganda Have?
Uganda protects 10 national parks, each offering something distinct. From misty gorilla forests to open savanna and snow-capped peaks, no two parks feel alike. Explore the detailed guide for each below:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Semuliki National Park
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
What Do Uganda National Parks Fees Cover?
Park entrance fees are separate from activity fees. Entering a park gets you access to the reserve itself, valid for 24 hours, while activities like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, boat cruises, and guided nature walks are each charged individually on top of entry. Vehicle entry, camping, and ranger-guide fees are also billed separately in most parks.
Fees are set differently for three visitor categories: Foreign Non-Residents, Foreign Residents (visitors working in Uganda on a valid permit), and East African Community citizens, who pay the lowest local rate in Ugandan shillings. Children aged 5 to 15 typically pay a reduced rate, and children under 5 usually enter free.
Recent Changes to Uganda National Parks Fees
UWA has made several notable updates to how permits and fees are managed heading into the 2026/2027 season. Full payment is now required immediately to confirm a gorilla or chimpanzee permit booking; the previous system, which allowed a 7-day unpaid hold, has been discontinued. This change is designed to ensure fairer, more transparent permit allocation for travelers with confirmed travel plans.
UWA has also introduced low-season discounted permits for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking during April, May, and November, giving budget-conscious travelers a way to enjoy the same experience at a reduced rate. These discounted permits are non-reschedulable, so travel dates should be firm before booking.
Two new specialized activities have also been added to the conservation tariff: Rhino Tracking at Ajai Wildlife Reserve and Golden Cat Tracking in Kibale National Park, both aimed at travelers looking for something beyond the standard primate-trekking experience.
How to Get Permits for Uganda National Parks
You can purchase Uganda National Parks entrance permits directly at the park gate on arrival. Payment is by credit card, though it's worth carrying some cash (Ugandan shillings or US dollars) as a backup, in case UWA's reservation system is temporarily down.
If you're heading out for mountain gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking in Bwindi or Kibale Forest, the park entry fee is already included in your trekking permit, so no separate payment is needed. Because gorilla and chimpanzee permits are limited and now require full upfront payment to secure, we recommend booking these well ahead of your travel dates, particularly for high-season months.
How Much Are the Park Fees in Uganda?
Uganda National Parks entrance fees are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are valid for 24 hours from the time of entry. These rates apply through 30 June 2026, when the next tariff cycle takes effect. Fees vary by park category, visitor type, and age group.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls sits in UWA's "A Plus" category, with slightly higher rates than other savanna parks.
| Visitor Category | Adult Fee | Child (5–15) |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Non-Resident | USD 45 | USD 25 |
| Foreign Resident | USD 35 | USD 15 |
| East African Citizen | UGX 25,000 | UGX 10,000 |
| Rest of Africa | USD 30 | USD 10 |
| Ugandan Pupils/Students (Groups) | UGX 3,000 | — |
| Tertiary/University Students | UGX 5,000 | — |
| Children 0–5 | Free | — |
Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, Lake Mburo, Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Kidepo National Parks
| Visitor Category | Adult Fee | Child (5–15) |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Non-Resident | USD 40 | USD 20 |
| Foreign Resident | USD 30 | USD 10 |
| East African Citizen | UGX 20,000 | UGX 5,000 |
| Rest of Africa | USD 25 | USD 5 |
| Ugandan Pupils/Students (Groups) | UGX 3,000 | — |
| Tertiary/University Students | UGX 5,000 | — |
| Uganda Wildlife Clubs | UGX 2,000 | — |
| Children 0–5 | Free | — |
Mount Elgon, Rwenzori Mountains, and Semuliki National Parks
| Visitor Category | Adult Fee | Child (5–15) |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Non-Resident | USD 35 | USD 5 |
| Foreign Resident | USD 25 | USD 5 |
| East African Citizen | UGX 15,000 | UGX 2,500 |
| Rest of Africa | USD 20 | USD 10 |
| Ugandan Pupils/Students (Groups) | UGX 1,500 | — |
| Children 0–5 | Free | — |
Note: these entrance fees are independent of activity fees such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, or boat cruises, which are charged separately. For the most current figures, always cross-check against the official UWA rates page.
Uganda National Parks Vehicle Entrance Fees
Uganda National Parks fees for vehicles are charged separately from individual entrance fees. The standard vehicle entrance fee is UGX 40,000, charged per entry rather than per 24 hours, so it applies once regardless of how long you stay inside the park on that visit.
Costs of Gorilla Trekking and Other Park Activities
Beyond entrance and vehicle charges, Uganda National Parks fees also cover a range of primate trekking and wildlife activities. Uganda is possibly the best destination in the world for primate trekking adventures, with options to track mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, or join a team of experts researching habituated mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees.
A gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 per person, while a chimpanzee trekking permit costs USD 250 per person. Both permits are issued directly by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and are limited in number each day, so early booking is strongly recommended, especially during high season.
UWA has also introduced low-season discounted permits for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking during April, May, and November, giving budget-conscious travelers a way to enjoy the same experience at a reduced rate. These discounted permits cannot be rescheduled, so your travel dates should be confirmed before booking. Note too that UWA now requires full payment upfront to secure any gorilla or chimpanzee permit; the previous 7-day unpaid reservation hold has been discontinued.
Tulambule Uganda Safaris can arrange your chimpanzee and gorilla trekking permits, or a habituation experience, when you confirm your tour booking with us. For this service, we charge a handling fee of USD 25 per chimpanzee permit and USD 30 per gorilla permit.
Another thrilling experience is a guided nature walk. Chances of encountering big predators are low (and perhaps that's even a relief), but it's a rewarding change from car-based game drives, and you'll learn plenty from your UWA ranger along the way.
For a complete overview of all safari experiences available in Uganda's national parks, refer to the official UWA tariff page.
Uganda National Parks Activities and Fees
Beyond entrance and vehicle charges, Uganda National Parks fees also cover a wide range of guided activities, from primate trekking to volcano hikes. Here's a breakdown by park.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Park entrance fee is included in the activity price.
| Activity | Foreign Non-Resident | Foreign Resident | East African Citizen | Rest of Africa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Trekking | USD 800 | USD 700 | UGX 300,000 | USD 500 |
| Gorilla Habituation Experience | USD 1,500 | USD 1,000 | UGX 750,000 | USD 1,000 |
| Batwa Forest Experience | USD 40 | USD 40 | UGX 40,000 | — |
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Park entrance fee is included in the activity price.
| Activity | Foreign Non-Resident | Foreign Resident | East African Citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Trekking | USD 800 | USD 700 | UGX 300,000 |
| Golden Monkey Tracking | USD 60 | USD 50 | UGX 40,000 |
| Batwa Forest Experience | USD 80 | USD 70 | UGX 50,000 |
| Volcano Climbing | USD 100 | USD 80 | UGX 50,000 |
Kibale National Park
| Activity | Foreign Non-Resident | Foreign Resident | East African Citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chimpanzee Tracking | USD 250 | USD 200 | UGX 180,000 |
| Chimpanzee Habituation Experience | USD 300 | USD 250 | UGX 250,000 |
These Uganda National Parks fees are set directly by UWA and can change between tariff cycles, so it's worth confirming current rates before finalizing your itinerary. Tulambule Uganda Safaris handles all permit bookings and payments on your behalf, so you don't need to navigate UWA's system directly.
Uganda National Parks Rules and Regulations
All national parks in Uganda have rules that both visitors and guides must follow. These rules protect the plants, animals, and natural resources that the entire ecosystem depends on. Some are also in place simply to keep tourists safe. Alongside Uganda National Parks fees, understanding these rules is an essential part of preparing for your visit.
Here's what to keep in mind during your visit:
- Camp or light fires only at designated sites
- Stay on marked tracks; do not drive off-road
- Avoid sounding motor horns, as this disturbs wildlife
- Leave dogs and other pets at home; they're not permitted in the park
- Carry your litter out with you
- Firearms and ammunition are not allowed inside the park
- Do not pick flowers or damage vegetation
- Keep to the 40km/h (25mph) speed limit
- Hold onto all official receipts in case they're needed for verification
- Park gates are open from 7am to 7pm
Following these rules helps protect Uganda's national parks for future visitors while keeping your own safari safe and enjoyable.
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