Safari Permits and Fees in Uganda and Rwanda
A Complete 2026-2027 Guide by Berengei Africa Safaris
Sample Uganda Gorilla Permit - Issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority
Why this matters: Safari permits are the primary funding source for conservation that protects mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. This guide covers gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, park entry fees, and habituation experiences with official 2026-2027 pricing for travelers booking with Berengei Africa Safaris.
1. Gorilla Trekking Permits: Uganda vs. Rwanda
Important: Only 8 visitors per day per gorilla family. Booking 6-12 months in advance is essential.
Uganda Gorilla Permits (Uganda Wildlife Authority)
| Permit Type | Foreign Non-Resident | Foreign Resident (EAC) | Rest of Africa | EAC Citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Trekking (1 hour) | $800 | $700 | $500 | UGX 300,000 |
| Gorilla Habituation Experience (4 hours, Bwindi only, 4 people per day) | $1,500 (all nationalities) | |||
Rwanda Gorilla Permits (Rwanda Development Board)
| Permit Type | International Visitors | African Residents | Discount Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Gorilla Trekking (Volcanoes National Park) | $1,500 | $500 (approx) | Combo: 2+ nights in Akagera reduces permit to $1,050 |
2. Chimpanzee Trekking and Habituation
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale - one of the most exciting wildlife experiences in Uganda
Chimpanzee Fees in Uganda
| Destination / Experience | Price (Foreign Non-Resident) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibale National Park - Standard Trekking | $200 | 1 hour with chimpanzees | Permit includes park entry |
| Kibale National Park - Habituation Experience | $250 | Full day | Follow researchers |
| Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls National Park) | $90 - $120 | 1 hour | Less crowded |
| Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park) | $50 - $80 | 1 hour | Scenic gorge |
Chimpanzee Fees in Rwanda (Nyungwe Forest)
| Permit Type | Foreign Non-Resident | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Chimpanzee Trekking (Nyungwe National Park) | $100 - $250 | Park entry ($100) is separate |
3. Complete National Park Entry Fees (Do Not Overlook)
Critical: Trekking permits do NOT always include daily park entry. You must pay this fee separately unless noted.
Uganda Park Entry Fees (Per 24 hours, 2026)
| National Park | Foreign Non-Resident | Foreign Resident | EAC Citizen (UGX) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murchison Falls | $45 | $35 | 25,000 |
| Queen Elizabeth | $40 | $30 | 20,000 |
| Kibale Forest | $40 | $30 | 20,000 |
| Lake Mburo | $40 | $30 | 20,000 |
| Kidepo Valley | $40 | $30 | 20,000 |
| Rwenzori Mountains | $35 | $25 | 15,000 |
| Bwindi / Mgahinga | Included in gorilla permit | ||
Rwanda Park Entry Fees (Per day)
| National Park | International Visitors | EAC Citizens | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akagera National Park (Game Drives) | $100 | $15 | Plus vehicle fees |
| Nyungwe Forest | $100 | $20 | Required even with chimp permit |
| Volcanoes National Park | Included in $1,500 gorilla permit | ||
4. Best Time to Trek (Seasonal Comparison)
Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park
| Season | Months | Trekking Conditions | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Season (Peak) | June-September, December-February | Best trails, easier hiking | High - book 6-12 months |
| Rainy Season (Green Season) | March-May, October-November | Muddy, lush scenery, fewer crowds | Low - discounted lodges |
5. Other Safari Permits (Golden Monkeys, Birding, Filming)
Gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi - Berengei Africa Safaris
| Activity | Location | Price (Foreign Non-Resident) |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Monkey Tracking | Mgahinga (Uganda) / Volcanoes (Rwanda) | $100 |
| Birding Permits | Uganda swamps and trails | $30 - $50 |
| Filming / Commercial Photography | Any national park | 40 percent of standard permit fee per day |
6. Critical Booking Rules, Cancellation and Refunds
Read carefully - Ignoring these rules can cost you thousands.
100 percent Payment Rule: You must pay 100 percent of the permit cost at booking. Permits cannot be held with a deposit.
Uganda Cancellation and Refund Policy (UWA)
| Cancellation Notice | Refund Amount |
|---|---|
| 91+ days before trek | 75 percent |
| 46 - 90 days before trek | 50 percent |
| 4 - 45 days before trek | 25 percent |
| 0 - 8 days before trek | 0 percent |
| Illness on trek day (verified by warden) | 50 percent |
| No gorillas found (rare) | 75 percent |
Rwanda Note: Permits are generally non-refundable or strictly date-specific. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory.
Health and Safety Protocols
- Minimum age: 15 years or older for gorilla trekking.
- Masks required when near primates.
- Maintain 7 meters distance (though gorillas may approach).
7. Uganda vs. Rwanda: Which to Choose?
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest - Berengei Africa Safaris
| Feature | Uganda | Rwanda |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Permit Cost | $800 | $1,500 |
| Habituation Option | Yes ($1,500 for 4 hours) | No |
| Terrain Difficulty | Steep, deep forest | Volcanic slopes, easier |
| Drive from International Airport | 8-9 hours (Entebbe) or short flight | 2.5 hours from Kigali |
| Accommodation Range | Budget to Luxury (wide range) | Primarily Luxury and High-End |
| Best For | Budget travelers and safari diversification | Luxury short breaks |
8. Final Checklist Before Booking Your Permit
- Confirm Residency: Proof (passport/visa) for resident rates.
- Travel Insurance: Must cover cancellation or curtailment for permits.
- Budget for Porters: $15-20 per person - supports local communities.
- Budget for Tips: $20 per trekker for the ranger guide.
- Physical Preparation: 2-6 hours of mountain hiking.
- Gear: Waterproof boots, gloves, rain jacket, long trousers.
9. Book With Berengei Africa Safaris - Your Trusted Partner
Berengei Africa Safaris guarantees permit allocation, seamless transfers, professional guides, and tailor-made primate safaris in Uganda and Rwanda.
Contact Berengei Africa Safaris today to secure your gorilla or chimpanzee permit for 2026-2027.
