Changes in UWA Conservation Tariffs on Gorilla Permits – Uganda Travel News
The office of the executive director, Uganda Wildlife Authority published a revised conservation tariff review to all clients and tourism stakeholders on the 17th of January, 2024.
Following capacious cautionary measures, rigorous market research and subsequent panels with a number of stakeholders, the board released this assessment that comprehends an increment on the prices of a few park activities.
The notable highlight of this review is the increase in cost of gorilla trekking permits, price change effective from 1st July 2024. This spiral pricing is expected to add more effort towards preservation of Uganda’s wildlife in and around these parks.
What is UWA?
UWA is the short form standing for the Uganda Wildlife Authority, an organization responsible for conserving and sustaining all wildlife conservation areas in Uganda.
The ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities supervise and manages every activity implemented by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The Uganda wildlife Authority, UWA, plays a crucial part in conserving the rich biodiversity of Uganda’s wildlife.
Notably all national parks and game reserves in Uganda are under the leadership of the Uganda Wildlife Authority. UWA has sovereignty on all wildlife sanctuaries and community wildlife management areas in Uganda.
Significant highlights of this conservation Tariff review from UWA
This reform on tariff structures on game park activities in Uganda sees an increment in the prices for engaging in these wildlife adventures by tourists.
Among the many price changes, the cost review on Gorilla trekking permits and habituation prices is notably the most highlighted. UWA remarkably inflamed the charges on these enthralling activities in its reformed conservation review.
Gorilla trekking and Habituation
Gorilla trekking is an exciting wildlife experience for tourists as they encounter these gentle giant mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.
Gorilla Habituation is the process where the trekked mountain gorillas are approached closely by tourists, acquainted and interacted with guidance by expert guides. Habituation makes these hospitable primates accustomed to the presence of these humans allowing tourists to understand more about the way of life of these gorillas.
Experiencing these activities is truly an exhilarating encounter for both tourists and guides, and exclusive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
Engaging in Gorilla trekking before the conservation tariff review issued in mid-January would cost 700 USD for foreign nonresidents, 600 USD for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents.
The recent reforms by UWA sees the cost for Gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park inflame to 800 USD for foreign nonresidents, 700 USD for foreign residents and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.
This conclusion on hiking these prices was deducted after extensive preservation measures, careful consideration and consultation with various stakeholders including tour operators, conservationists, tourist groupings and local communities.
NOTE! These new price changes are effective from the 1st of July, 2024 to tourists who are to book for gorilla trekking permits on dates beyond 1st July, 2024.Booking Gorilla permits within months earlier than July 1st 2024 deducts that tourists shall pay the initial charges subjected before the conservation review.
Tourists with half booked permits, but trekking before 1st July 2024 are to finish their balance fees amounting to 700 USD for foreign nonresidents, 600 USD for foreign residents and Ugx 250,000 for East African citizens.
Travelers with half booked permits and trekking after 1st July 2024 are to finish their balance fees amounting to 800 USD for foreign nonresidents, 700 USD for foreign residents and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.
Below is the link to the letter from the Executive Director, UWA, to all clients and stakeholders with the new tariff structure on park activities.