National Parks of Uganda: costs & permits
Visiting the National Parks of Uganda and going on game drives is not expensive when compared to its neighbouring countries Tanzania and Kenya. In this article, you find a overview of the entrance costs of the National Parks of Uganda. We explain how to get your entrance permits and we give tips to make the most out of your (self- drive) safari.
Inspiration about what to see and do in the Top 10 National Parks of Uganda can be found in our Uganda Travel Guide.
How much are the park fees in Uganda?
Park entrance fees are valid for 24 hours. You buy your entrance permit on arrival at the park entrance gate. Payments are by credit card only, but do bring some cash money ( US Dollars or Ugandan shillings) in case the UWA reservation system is down. When you go gorilla or chimp trekking in Bwindi or Kibale Forest national parks, the park entrance fee is included in your trekking permit.
The tariffs from June 2022 – June 2024 are listed below:
Murchison Falls National Park
- USD 45 for non-residents
- USD 35 for foreign residents
- UGX 25,000 for East African Citizens (in case you go with a driver, that is the rate you’ll pay for him)
- Children aged 0-5 can enter free of charge. 5-15 years is USD 25 for non residents.
Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale Forest, Lake Mburo
- USD 40 for non-residents
- USD 30 for foreign residents
- UGX 20,000 for East African Citizens
- Children aged 0-5 can enter free of charge. 5-15 years is USD 20 for non residents.
Mount Rwenzori, Mount Elgon, Semuliki
- USD 35 for non-residents
- USD 25 for foreign residents
- UGX 15,000 for East African Citizens
- Children aged 0-5 can enter free of charge. 5-15 years is USD 5 for non residents.
Vehicle entrance fee: UGX 30,000 (per entry, not per 24 hours). Our cars are Ugandan registered.
National Park optional activities and fees
- Camping fees: the Ugandan Wildlife Authority manages the public campgrounds inside the park. Staying overnight at a UWA public campsite with pit latrine, water, firewood and night warden costs only UGX 20,000 / person, per night. Wilderness camping in Murchison Falls costs USD 40 / person per night and includes a night warden and firewood.
- UWA guided nature walks: USD 15 per person
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, park entrance fees are included in the activity price
- USD 700 Gorilla Tracking
- USD 1500 Gorilla Habituation Experience
- USD 40 Batwa Forest Experience, non residents
Mgahinga Gorilla National National Park, park entrance fees are included in the activity price
- USD 700 Gorilla Tracking
- USD 60 Golden Monkey Tracking
- USD 100 Golden Monkey Habituation Experience
- USD 80 Volcano Climbing
Kibale National Park
- USD 200 Chimp Tracking
- USD 250 Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Tips for a better safari experience
Some tips to make the most out of your self-drive safari in Uganda:
- Get yourself a ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Although you can easily do a game drive on your own, these rangers know every stone, tree and track in the park and might know where the predators hide or where a kill have taken place. So it can be fun to arrange a ranger once in a while. The costs for a ranger are $20 for a morning or afternoon and can usually be organised on the spot when you arrive at the park entrance gate. A tip of around $10 is highly appreciated though.
- The early bird bird catches the worm – wake up early. You will increase your chances of spotting hyenas, lions, leopards and other wildlife if you’re among the first in the park (7 AM).
- Pole, Pole – take it easy! Drive max 25 km / hour. It’s easier to spot wildlife when you drive slowly. Also, not forget to turn off your engine at times, put your camera aside and enjoy the moment. Take your time for a proper bush picnic. Find yourself an open space next to the track under that iconic acacia tree, unfold your chair and spread your blanket, and enjoy your cup of coffee.
- Build in some variation in your itinerary. If you drive from one safari park to the next, you are spending a lot of time in your car, either traveling to your next destination or game driving. Settle in at your lodge and simply enjoy the surroundings and the facilities. Allow for activities to stretch your legs, such as walking, hiking, cycling our strolling around in villages. Check our Guide on best hikes in Uganda for inspiration.
- Respect the animals, especially the buffalo and elephant. Lone buffaloes are aggressive and easily annoyed. Elephants are extremely protective of their young. Always be alert and drive as if you would expect animals around the corner. Never try to drive towards elephants intentionally. Heavy ear flapping, trumping and bluff charging are signs that the elephant is a bit pissed off by your company. When you encounter an elephant on the road, do the following: make sure you have an escape route in mind (reverse), always leave your engine running, stay calm and most of all – enjoy the experience!
