The regulatory governing body, Uganda wild life authority in charge of conservation and wild life antiquities revised the tariff plan and a few changes were made on the safari activities as well as penalties. The new conservation tariffs were released by Uganda Wildlife Authority. UWA was establish to conserve and and manage wild life resources and activities in protected areas,the organ is mandated by laws of Uganda. The safari activity fees that were revised include gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking and habituation, golden monkey tracking as well as penalty for tracking wrong sector and other safari experiences and activities.
Mountain gorilla tracking in Uganda is done in Bwindi forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park, Uganda wild life authority increased the gorilla tracking permit by 100 USD from 600- 700USD. These two parks have a total number of 17 habituated gorilla families open for tourism and research purpose. The new tariffs will be in effect from 1st July 2020. Therefore, it is advisable to note the changes to avoid inconveniences, remember to book early a gorilla permit as limited slot is available for gorilla tracking. Whereas Uganda has increased the rate, it will remain cost favorable compared to the neighbor Rwanda who increased from 750 to 1500 in 2017.
Beginning the new financial year 2020, all gorilla tracking permits will be based on the newly set tariff plan as follows,’
- Foreign nonresidents 700usd
- Foreign residents 600usd
- East African citizens 250000 ugx per person
- Gorilla filming fees 4200 usd for a team of 5 people.
- Gorilla habituation experience 1500 USD
In addition, there are other safari activities that have been affected which include golden monkey tracking from 50 to 60 dollars both foreign non-residents and foreign residents, East African citizens from 20,000 Ug.shs to 40,000 ugx
Chimpanzee tracking permits for Kibale National Park will cost $200 for foreign non-residents, 150 for foreign residents, while East African citizen will pay Ug.shs.150,000. Chimpanzee habituation experience permits still in Kibale National Park increased to $250 (foreign non-residents and foreign residents) and Ug.shs 150000 for East African citizens.
Other than that, some tariffs remained the same others with a slight increase, however gorilla tracking for a wrong sector will attract a fine of 50% of the total cost per person.The increase in the rates will help improve and maintain the conservation techniques as well support local communities near the national parks.20% of the revenue collection from Uganda gorilla permits goes back to local communities as a revenue-sharing scheme.
Booking a gorilla permit is easy after setting your travel dates, its possible to reserve a permit directly with Uganda wildlife reservations office or else through a registered trust worthy tour operator to avoid scum and fraudulent booking.
Gorilla tracking is an all year around activity from January to December. It is important to book permits in advance as seasons come in. During peak season June to September, December to February gorilla permits are on demand and there is limited availability. march ,April to May, October ,November are considered low season due to high rain fall thus permits could easily be available.