The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has reduced the cost of gorilla trekking permits to $600 during the country’s low tourism season, down from the standard $800, in a move aimed at boosting visitor numbers and sustaining conservation revenues.
The discounted rate will apply in April, May, and November 2026, months traditionally characterized by heavier rains and lower tourist arrivals.
Gorilla trekking — Uganda’s flagship tourism product — takes place in the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The experience attracts thousands of high-spending visitors annually and remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s wildlife-based economy.
UWA said the seasonal price adjustment is designed to stimulate travel during off-peak months while maintaining steady revenue flows for conservation, park management, and community benefit-sharing programs around protected areas.
Tourism is one of Uganda’s leading foreign exchange earners, and wildlife experiences — particularly gorilla trekking — account for a significant share of receipts. By lowering permit costs in the green season, authorities hope to smooth visitor numbers throughout the year, reduce pressure during peak months, and make the experience more accessible to a broader segment of international travelers.
The revised rate applies to foreign non-resident visitors, while existing tariffs for foreign residents and East African citizens remain unchanged under the current conservation fee structure running through mid-2026.
Industry operators welcomed the move, saying the lower price could improve competitiveness against regional destinations and help tour companies market Uganda as a year-round destination.
Uganda’s mountain gorilla population has steadily recovered over the past two decades due to sustained anti-poaching efforts, veterinary monitoring, and community engagement programs funded largely through tourism revenues.
