Uganda’s national park fees are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and updated periodically to reflect conservation funding requirements and regional benchmarking. For self-drive visitors planning a Uganda circuit in 2027/2028, accurate fee budgeting is essential — the combination of park entry fees, gorilla or chimpanzee tracking permits, and vehicle fees across a 7-day Uganda circuit represents a significant budget line that should be calculated specifically rather than estimated loosely. This guide covers every relevant UWA fee category for non-resident visitors in 2027/2028.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
- Gorilla trekking permit (non-resident): USD 800 per person per trek
- Park entry fee (in addition to permit): USD 40 per person per day
- Vehicle entry fee: USD 40 per vehicle per day
- Gorilla Habituation Experience (Rushaga sector, full day): USD 1,500 per person
- UWA campsite: USD 30 per person per night
The gorilla trekking permit at USD 800 is the dominant cost at Bwindi and must be booked directly through UWA’s permit booking system (ugandawildlife.org) or through a registered Uganda tour operator. Permits are limited to 8 per gorilla family group per day. Peak season (June to September) availability tightens significantly — book 3 to 6 months ahead. The permit fee is non-refundable if you miss the trek due to late arrival, illness on the day, or any other reason.
Murchison Falls National Park
- Non-resident adult entry: USD 40 per person per 24 hours
- Non-resident child (5-15 years): USD 20 per person per 24 hours
- Vehicle entry: USD 40 per vehicle per 24 hours
- Nile boat trip (to the base of the falls): approximately USD 30 to 40 per adult
- UWA public campsite: USD 30 per person per night
- Paraa Ferry: included in park entry fee, no additional charge
Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Non-resident adult entry: USD 40 per person per 24 hours
- Non-resident child (5-15 years): USD 20 per person per 24 hours
- Vehicle entry: USD 40 per vehicle per 24 hours
- Kazinga Channel boat trip (2 hours): approximately USD 30 to 40 per adult
- Kyambura Gorge chimp tracking: USD 50 per person
- UWA campsite (Mweya): USD 30 per person per night
Kibale Forest National Park
- Non-resident adult entry: USD 40 per person per 24 hours
- Vehicle entry: USD 40 per vehicle per 24 hours
- Chimpanzee tracking permit: USD 200 per person per session
- Primate walk (non-habituated chimp tracking): USD 80 per person
- UWA campsite (Kanyanchu): USD 30 per person per night
Kidepo Valley National Park
- Non-resident adult entry: USD 40 per person per 24 hours
- Vehicle entry: USD 40 per vehicle per 24 hours
- Ranger escort (mandatory): approximately USD 20 to 30 per vehicle per day
- UWA campsite (Apoka): USD 30 per person per night
Lake Mburo National Park
- Non-resident adult entry: USD 40 per person per 24 hours
- Vehicle entry: USD 40 per vehicle per 24 hours
- Boat trip on Lake Mburo: approximately USD 20 to 30 per adult
- Horse riding safari: approximately USD 30 to 40 per person per hour
- UWA campsite (Rwonyo): USD 30 per person per night
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Non-resident adult entry: USD 40 per person per 24 hours
- Gorilla trekking permit: USD 800 per person (same rate as Bwindi, same UWA booking system)
- Golden monkey tracking: USD 100 per person per trek
- Vehicle entry: USD 40 per vehicle per 24 hours
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Non-resident adult entry: USD 40 per person per 24 hours
- Trekking fee (multi-day mountain circuit): USD 80 to 130 per person per day depending on circuit
- Porter and guide fees: additional, approximately USD 15 to 25 per porter per day
Sample Budget: 7-Day Uganda Circuit for Two Adults
Murchison Falls (2 days) + Kibale Forest (1 day) + Queen Elizabeth (2 days) + Bwindi gorilla trek (1 day):
- Murchison: 2 adults x USD 40 x 2 days + vehicle USD 40 x 2 + boat trip USD 35 x 2 = USD 390
- Kibale: 2 adults x USD 40 x 1 + vehicle USD 40 + chimp tracking USD 200 x 2 = USD 520
- Queen Elizabeth: 2 adults x USD 40 x 2 + vehicle USD 40 x 2 + boat USD 35 x 2 = USD 390
- Bwindi: 2 gorilla permits USD 800 x 2 + 2 adults entry USD 40 + vehicle USD 40 = USD 1,680
- Total UWA fees: USD 2,980 for two adults
This total does not include vehicle hire, fuel, accommodation, or international flights. The gorilla permits at USD 1,600 for two people represent 54% of the total park fee budget — plan accordingly. Book gorilla permits before booking flights to ensure availability aligns with your travel dates.
