Planning a trip to Bwindi? Below is a comprehensive guide to the current park entrance fees, gorilla trekking permits, activity charges, and important payment information for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Comprehensive Guide to Visitation Fees
| Activity (Per Person) | Non-Residents (USD) | East African Residents (USD) | East African Citizens (UGX) | Rest of Africa (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Tracking | $800 | $700 | UGX 300,000 | $500 |
| Gorilla Habituation Experience | $1,500 | $1,000 | UGX 750,000 | $1,000 |
| Nature Walk (Day Walk) | $30 | $15 | UGX 10,000 | $10 |
| Long Nature Walk (Rushaga to Nyabaremura) | $50 | $40 | UGX 50,000 | $40 |
| Guided Short Nature Walk (Children) | $5 | $5 | UGX 10,000 | $5 |
| Children Scouts – Adventure Activities | $10 | $10 | UGX 20,000 | $10 |
| Batwa Forest Experience | $40 | $40 | UGX 40,000 | $40 |
Park Entrance Fees
| Visitor Category | Non-Resident (USD) | Foreign Resident (USD) | East African Citizen (UGX) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (per day/night) | $40 | $30 | UGX 35,000 |
| Children (5-15 years) | $20 | $15 | UGX 25,000 |
| Children under 5 years | Free | Free | Free |
Special Notes:
Valid identification is required to determine visitor status.
Students with a valid international ID receive a 25% discount on entrance fees.
Entrance is valid for 24 hours from the time of entry.
Vehicle Entrance Fees
There are no vehicle entrance fees for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Guided Nature Walks Fees
| Nature Walk Type | Non-Resident (USD) | Foreign Resident (USD) | East African Citizen (UGX) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 4 hours | $10 | $10 | UGX 15,000 |
| Over 4 hours | $15 | $15 | UGX 15,000 |
Commercial Filming Fees
Commercial filming permits need to be applied for in Kampala at the UWA offices before proceeding to Bwindi. The cost for this per day is US$200- per person per day. You do not need a filming permit for non professional Analogue Video or Digital Video.
Gorilla Filming: Less than 3 days US$3,500; 3days US$5,000, above 3 days each additional day US$1,000 per day. (This excludes gorilla tracking permits).
PAYMENTS:
• ALL Gorilla watching permits can only be booked through the central reservations office in Kampala
• Other activity fees can be paid for both at the reservations office or the different park gates by either Credit Card or Mobile Money.
| Activity | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Commercial Filming | $200 per person per day |
| Gorilla Filming (up to 3 days) | $3,500 |
| Gorilla Filming (3 days) | $5,000 |
| Additional Gorilla Filming Day | $1,000 per day |
Note:
Commercial filming permits must be applied for through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) headquarters in Kampala before visiting Bwindi.
Non-professional handheld video recording (for personal use) does not require a filming permit.
Payment Methods for Park Fees
Visitors can pay park fees and activity charges through:
Mobile Money (MTN MoMoPay or Airtel Money Pay)
Point of Sale (POS) machines at park gates
The official UWA online payment portal
Important:
Gorilla permits must be reserved through the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Central Reservations Office or trusted licensed tour operators.
Bwindi Gorilla Permits: Everything You Need to Know
Costs of Gorilla Permits
| Category | Permit Fee (USD/UGX) |
|---|---|
| Non-Residents | $800 |
| Foreign Residents | $700 |
| African Nationals (Rest of Africa) | $500 |
| East African Citizens | UGX 300,000 |
Each permit includes:
Park entrance fee
Guide services
Gorilla tracking experience
Certificate of trekking completion
Community support levy
Important Information About Gorilla Permits
Age Limit: Only visitors aged 15 years and above are allowed to trek gorillas (exceptions are very rare).
Gorilla Trekking Start Time: 8:30 AM daily. Visitors must arrive at least 15 minutes before for registration and briefing.
Permit Availability: Bwindi has approximately 24 habituated gorilla groups, resulting in a limited number of permits per day (only 192 permits total daily).
Permit Booking: International travelers must book gorilla permits through licensed local operators, such as Marvel Gorilla Adventure
A small agency fee (US$50–$100) may apply.
When to Book Gorilla Permits
Peak Season (June–September & December–February):
Book 10–12 months in advance to secure your permit.Low/Shoulder Season (March–May & October–November):
Book 4–10 months in advance, even though discounts may apply during rainy months.Tip: Early booking also allows time for securing accommodations, transportation, and other permits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I See Gorillas During a Regular Nature Walk?
No. Gorilla trekking requires a special permit. Regular nature walks focus on birding, forest walks, waterfalls, and scenic trails but do not guarantee any gorilla sightings.
Do I Need a Reservation to Enter Bwindi?
You do not need a reservation to enter the park for general activities (like nature walks or park visits). However, for gorilla trekking or habituation experiences, an advance permit reservation is mandatory.
Final Tips for Visitors
✅ Carry a valid passport or ID for verification.
✅ Use cashless payment methods when possible.
✅ Book gorilla permits early to avoid disappointment.
✅ Respect park regulations to protect gorillas and the environment.
✅ Prepare for limited mobile connectivity—embrace the wilderness!