Uganda National Parks Fees & Permits
Planning a visit to Uganda’s national parks?
Good news — exploring the country’s wilderness is more affordable than in neighboring Tanzania and Kenya. This guide explains everything you need to know about park entrance fees, trekking permits, and how to arrange them, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
Please Note: This article focuses on park fees and permits. For more details about activities and experiences inside the parks, visit our Destinations page.
How to get your permits for Uganda's national parks?
You can purchase your park entrance permits directly at the park gate upon arrival. Payments are processed by credit card, but it is strongly recommended to carry some cash in either US dollars or Ugandan shillings as a backup in case the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) payment system is temporarily unavailable.
If you are going gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, there is no need to pay an additional entrance fee — it is already included in the cost of your trekking permit.
How much are national park entry fees in Uganda?
National Park entry fees in Uganda are regulated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are standardized across the country. Each ticket is valid for 24 hours from the time of entry, allowing visitors to plan their activities with ease and transparency. These fees are designed to support conservation efforts while keeping Uganda’s parks accessible and affordable for travelers.
Murchison Falls National Park Fees
- USD 45 for non-residents
- USD 35 for foreign residents
- UGX 25,000 for East African citizens (this is also the rate charged for your driver if you travel with one)
- Children aged 0–5 enter free of charge; children aged 5–15 pay USD 25 for non-residents
Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, Lake Mburo
- USD 40 for non-residents
- USD 30 for foreign residents
- UGX 20,000 for East African citizens
- Children aged 0–5 enter free of charge; children aged 5–15 pay USD 20 for non-resident
Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Elgon, Semuliki
- USD 35 for non-residents
- USD 25 for foreign residents
- UGX 15,000 for East African citizens
- Children aged 0–5 enter free of charge; children aged 5–15 pay USD 5 for non-resident
Vehicle entrance fee & game drive
Vehicle Entry: UGX 40,000 per entry (this applies to our Ugandan-registered cars and is not charged per 24 hours)
Self-Guided Game Drive: USD 10 per vehicle, per day
UWA Ranger Guided Game Drive: USD 25 per vehicle for a half-day, providing expert guidance and enhanced wildlife spotting.
Uganda’s National Parks Camping fees
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) manages public campgrounds within the national parks, offering affordable and well-equipped options for overnight stays.
At a UWA public campsite, you will have access to essential facilities such as a pit latrine, water, firewood, and a night warden, all for just UGX 40,000 per person, per night.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, wilderness camping in Murchison Falls National Park is available at USD 40 per person, per night, and includes a night warden and firewood, allowing you to enjoy the park’s stunning landscapes under the stars.
Costs of gorilla trekking and other park activities
Uganda is widely regarded as one of the world’s top destinations for primate trekking. Visitors have the opportunity to go on unforgettable gorilla and chimpanzee treks or even participate in specialized experiences alongside expert teams studying habituated gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys.
These activities offer a rare chance to observe primates up close in their natural habitats, creating memories that last a lifetime while supporting vital conservation efforts.
Getting Your Permits
Permits for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda are issued exclusively by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are available only through licensed tour operators. As a visitor, it is not possible to obtain these permits directly from the UWA headquarters in Kampala.
Tour companies such as Choose Uganda Safaris can arrange your gorilla or chimpanzee trekking permits, as well as habituation experiences, when you confirm your tour booking with us in Uganda. A handling fee applies for this service: USD 30 per gorilla permit and USD 25 per chimpanzee permit. This streamlined process ensures that your trekking experience is fully secured in advance, allowing you to focus on the adventure and wildlife encounter.
Nature Walks
Guided nature walks offer a unique way to experience Uganda’s national parks on foot. While sightings of large predators are rare — and for some, a welcome relief — these walks provide an intimate perspective of the park’s flora and smaller wildlife.
Accompanied by knowledgeable UWA rangers, visitors gain valuable insights into animal behavior, plant life, and conservation efforts, making it an enriching complement to traditional vehicle-based safaris.
For a complete overview of all experiences available in Uganda’s National Parks, refer to the UWA tariff sheet.
Uganda National Park Activities and Average Fees
In addition to traditional safaris, Uganda’s national parks offer a variety of exciting activities, with park entrance fees typically included in the price of the experience.
UWA Guided Nature Walks are available at USD 15 per person, providing a close-up view of the park’s flora and smaller wildlife while accompanied by knowledgeable UWA rangers.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Park entrance fees are included in the activity price.
Experiences include gorilla trekking at USD 800 per person, the gorilla habituation experience at USD 1,500, and the Batwa forest experience for non-residents at USD 40.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Park entrance fees are included in the activity price.
Visitors can enjoy gorilla trekking at USD 800, golden monkey trekking at USD 60, the golden monkey habituation experience at USD 100, and volcano climbing at USD 80.
Kibale National Park
Park entrance fees are included in the activity price. Chimpanzee trekking is available at USD 250 per person, while the chimpanzee habituation experience costs USD 300.
These activities provide unique opportunities to experience Uganda’s incredible wildlife and landscapes up close, from primate encounters to guided nature walks and volcanic adventures.
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