Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) announces long list of exciting discounts across the country!
If you’ve ever wanted to track the mountain gorillas, go on safari in Uganda’s National Parks and Wildlife Reserves, track chimpanzees or go birdwatching in Uganda’s Protected Areas, now is the time! Make the most of reduced fees until 30th June 2021. (In March 2021, UWA extended the discounts to the new June date).
It’s with great excitement that we can share a long list of discounts and incentives for visiting Uganda’s key wildlife attractions. Whether you are a Ugandan, an expat or planning to fly into Entebbe International Airport, travel between now and the end of June 2021. These substantial discounts make this gorgeous country even more attractive! (Pair these with discounts announced in July 2020 and you will be spoiled for choice!)
Reduction on mountain gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permit fees in Uganda for all visitors
Essentially, everyone is entitled to discounts, whether Ugandans, international tourists, expatriates living in Uganda or East African residents. Check out the tables I’ve created below.
NOTE: Uganda Wildlife Authority announced some discounts in July 2020 as well. I have tried to list them all in this blog as well (but the combinations and options do get a little confusing!)
Discounted prices for gorilla tracking and chimp tracking in Uganda from 1st December 2020 to end of June 2021
| GORILLA tracking permits – Uganda | *Now* | Was… | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| East African Community citizen (Ugandan, Rwandan, Kenyan, Tanzanian, South Sudanese) | UGX 150,000 | UGX 250,000 | UGX 100,000 |
| Foreign resident (expat) | USD 300 | USD 600 | USD 300 |
| Foreign non-resident (international tourist) | USD 400 | USD 700 | USD 300 |
Has this got you excited about tracking the mountain gorillas? Read Diary of a Muzungu’s Ultimate Guide to Tracking Mountain Gorillas.
| CHIMPANZEE tracking permits – Uganda | *Now* | Was… | Saving you |
|---|---|---|---|
| East African Community citizen | UGX 100,000 | UGX 150,000 | UGX 50,000 |
| Foreign resident (expat) | USD 100 | USD 150 | USD 50 |
| Foreign non-resident (international tourist) | USD 150 | USD 200 | USD 50 |
Chimpanzee tracking is a rather different experience – livelier, more energetic – and frequently very noisy! Read a wonderful account of chimp tracking here. I love on the edge of Kibale Forest so I have tons of stories and tips to share as well 😉
50% discount off park entrance fees 1st December 2020 to end of June 2021
UWA’s discounts apply to most National Parks and some Wildlife Reserves. The ones in the 50% promotion are: Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls and Semliki National Parks; Toro-Semuliki, Katonga, Pian Upe and Kabwoya Wildlife Reserves.
There are three pricing categories: A, B and C. A is the most expensive (with the best facilities and most visited).
Here is the full – and pre-discounted – Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff of July 2020 to June 2022.
Pay for two days park entry and get one day free! Until June 2021
Note that UWA has another offer running currently too: pay for two days park entry and get one day free. This applies to all National Parks and Wildlife Reserves. The ‘3 for 2’ offer lasts until the end of June 2021.
It’s interesting to note that Uganda Wildlife Authority is promoting Wildlife Reserves. Plans are underway to upgrade Toro-Semliki, Katonga and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserves to National Park status in the very near future.
Visiting a National Park? Check out Diary of a Muzungu’ guide to Uganda’s National Parks.
50% discount off birding fees 1st December 2020 to end of June 2021
Yes! Did you know Uganda has over 1,000 bird species? (Contrast that with the U.K.’s 600 or so species and you get an idea of how special Uganda is. The countries are a similar size). Birding (or birdwatching) is one of the muzungu’s favourite activities.
50% discount off nature walk fees 1st December 2020 to end of March 2021
This applies to nature walks in Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo National Parks and Kapkwai Exploration Centre in Mount Elgon National Park.
East Africans now pay 10,000 ugx.
Expats (foreign residents) and international tourists (foreign non-residents) now pay $15 (normally $30).
Do you want to climb Mount Elgon?
This is a really fantastic hike! Between now and the end of June 2022, groups of twenty people can get a 20% discount on the usual fees.
Read all about my four-day trip to Wagagai Peak in a “A girl called Kevin – climbing Mount Elgon, Uganda.”
How to track the gorillas and chimps – safely – during COVID
My plea: travel safely, wear a mask, wash your hands and sanitise frequently. If you’re planning to see the primates, follow the instructions to the letter. Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are at high risk of catching COVID-19 from us and extra precautions have been put in place to ensure the safety of our closest relatives. Remember we are approximately 98% the same DNA and a chimp or gorilla can catch a human cold. Do not do anything that might compromise their health.
Uganda Wildlife Authority’s list of incentives will come as a big blow to neighbouring Rwanda who had dropped their gorilla tracking permits from a high $1500 down to $500, undercutting the stated prices in Uganda. However, everyone in Uganda is delighted that we can start marketing again! This is a great boost for the Ugandan tourism industry.
Visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority website for confirmation of the tourism incentive promotions.
Do you have any questions? If you’re ready to plan a trip, visit my Travel Directory. I work with a number of tour operators who can book gorilla and chimp permits, arrange your accommodation and guide you on safari.
Want a tried and tested recommendation? Feel free to drop a comment below or contact me directly.
Now let’s go enjoy Uganda’s wild areas!
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Very nice to know, thanks for sharing! Should Burundians not be added to the EAC list as well?
Hi Klaudia – thanks for the correction, you’re absolutely right. Have updated relevant section to simply read “East African Citizens” 🙂
Have you ever been to Burundi? Fascinating country.
GREAT POST!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING…..