Uganda Discounts Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Permits: Uganda holds a special place on the safari map. Home to mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and some of Africa’s most breathtaking forest landscapes, it draws travelers from every corner of the world. At Anthill Safaris, we want every one of our clients to experience this magic — and to do so without paying more than they need to. That is why we have put together this clear, practical guide to Uganda’s 2026 permit pricing, discounts, and everything you need to know before you book.
Why Uganda Stands Apart
When it comes to primate trekking, Uganda is in a league of its own. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park protect nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Kibale Forest National Park, meanwhile, offers one of the finest chimpanzee trekking experiences on the continent. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) manages permits for all these experiences, and in 2026, they have introduced a revised pricing structure designed to balance conservation funding with broader access for travelers.
The Low Season Discount: Your Biggest Saving
The most significant discount available right now is the Low Season Permit Discount. The UWA reduces permit prices during Uganda’s green season — the wetter, quieter months of April, May, and November — to encourage more visitors to come during these off-peak periods.
During these three months, the savings are real and meaningful:
- Gorilla trekking permits drop to $600 for foreign non-residents (down from the standard $800).
- Foreign residents pay just $500 for the same gorilla trekking permit. ( down from $700)
- Chimpanzee trekking permits in Kibale fall to $200 for foreign non-residents (down from $250).
- Foreign residents pay $150 for chimpanzee trekking during the low season. (down from $200)
These discounts are already active and apply to permits booked for the qualifying months. If you are traveling as a couple, you and your partner save $400 just on permits. Factor in our lodge and transport discounts, and your total savings climb even higher.
The green season also brings its own rewards. The forest is lush and intensely green. Birds are active and easy to spot. Crowds are thinner, meaning a more intimate, personal experience on the trail. And while some afternoon rain is likely, mornings are often clear and perfectly suited for trekking.
Important Rules for Low-Season Permits
Before you book a discounted permit, there are two key rules you must understand.
First, low-season permits cannot be rescheduled. Unlike standard permits, these discounted bookings are fixed once confirmed. You cannot move them to a different date after booking. This means you should be fully confident in your travel dates before committing. At Anthill Safaris, we always walk our clients through their itinerary carefully before any permit is secured, so there are no surprises.
Second, full payment is now required at the time of booking. As of March 1, 2026, the UWA suspended the previous seven-day reservation window that allowed travelers to hold a permit temporarily. Today, you must pay in full immediately to secure your spot. This change applies to all permits — discounted and standard alike — so planning has never been more important.
Third, international visitors must book permits through a licensed tour operator. You cannot walk up and purchase a gorilla permit on your own. We fully license Anthill Safaris and handle all permit procurement for you to ensure a seamless process.
New Standard Rates from July 2026
If you are planning to travel from July 1, 2026, onwards, the following standard tariffs will apply:
- Gorilla trekking — $800 for foreign non-residents
- Gorilla Habituation Experience — $1,800 (a full-day immersion with a gorilla family undergoing habituation)
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale — $300 for foreign non-residents
Additional experiences — including chimpanzee habituation, rhino tracking, lion tracking, and guided forest walks — will also follow revised pricing under the new tariff structure. Our team will provide you with a full cost breakdown based on your specific itinerary.
More Ways to Save with Anthill Safaris
Uganda Discounts Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Permits. Beyond the government permit discounts, Anthill Safaris works hard to stretch your budget further across every part of your trip.
Lodge Discounts: Many mid-range and luxury lodges around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park reduce their nightly rates by 15 to 25 percent during April, May, and November. We partner with some of the best properties in the region, and we pass those savings directly to you.
Group Rates: Traveling with friends or family? Anthill Safaris offers group discounts ranging from $50 to $200 per person for parties of four or more. The more people you bring, the more everyone saves — and gorilla trekking is always more fun with good company.
Early Bird Offers: Book your safari at least six months in advance, and you can lock in early bird savings of 8 to 12 percent on the non-permit portions of your package — covering accommodation, ground transport, and other services. The government regulates permit prices and prohibits discounts beyond the official structure, but we can negotiate everything else.
Combined Primate Packages: Many of our clients combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee trekking in a single trip. During the low season, both permits are discounted simultaneously, making this combination genuinely excellent value. We design seamless itineraries that connect Bwindi and Kibale efficiently, so you see more and waste less time traveling.
Let’s Plan Your Trek
Uganda Discounts Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Permits 2026 is a fantastic year to visit Uganda — especially if you can travel in April, May, or November. The savings are substantial, the forests are beautiful, and the gorillas do not care about the rain.
Reach out to the Anthill Safaris team today. At Anthill Safaris, we take care of everything — permits, accommodation, and park transfers — so you arrive ready to trek, not stressed about logistics.
