The Uganda Wildlife Authority has announced a reduction in gorilla trekking permit fees during the low season, in a move aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening collaboration with industry players.
The announcement was made during a meeting between UWA officials and tour guides at Skyz Hotel Kampala, where stakeholders gathered to discuss matters of shared interest related to tourism operations, conservation management, and partnerships within the sector.
Permit Fees Cut to Boost Low-Season Travel
Addressing the meeting, UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi revealed that gorilla permit prices will be reduced from 800 US dollars to 600 US dollars during the low season months of April, May, and November.
The reduction is expected to make gorilla trekking more accessible to a wider range of travelers, particularly during months that traditionally record lower visitor numbers due to heavier rains in some parts of the country.
Dr. Musinguzi noted that an official document outlining further details about the revised tariffs and implementation guidelines will be released in due course. He emphasized that the move is part of UWA’s broader strategy to maintain Uganda’s competitiveness in the regional tourism market while continuing to support conservation efforts.
Gorilla trekking remains one of Uganda’s flagship tourism products, attracting visitors to protected areas such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Revenue generated from permits plays a critical role in wildlife conservation, park management, and community support programs.
Dialogue on Tourism and Conservation
The meeting at Skyz Hotel created an opportunity for open dialogue between UWA leadership and tour guides, who serve as key intermediaries between conservation authorities and visitors.
Participants discussed emerging issues within the tourism sector, including operational challenges, visitor experiences, conservation compliance, and the importance of clear communication between regulators and private operators.
Officials described the engagement as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen collaborative partnerships and ensure that policies align with realities on the ground.
New Tourism Products Unveiled
During the session, Acting Commissioner for Tourism and Business Development Dorcus Rukundo introduced tour guides to several new tourism products that UWA is currently developing to diversify Uganda’s offerings.
Among the highlighted projects is a proposed glass bridge over the Nile, designed to provide visitors with panoramic views and a unique adventure experience. Other planned attractions include canopy walks within forested areas, houseboat experiences, golden cat tracking, zip lining activities, and hot air balloon rides in select conservation areas.
The introduction of these products signals a shift toward expanding adventure and experiential tourism beyond traditional wildlife viewing. By diversifying attractions, UWA aims to encourage longer stays and distribute tourism benefits across multiple destinations.
Strengthening Uganda’s Tourism Appeal
Industry stakeholders welcomed the reduction in permit fees and the unveiling of new products, noting that flexibility in pricing during low seasons can help stabilize business operations and maintain employment levels throughout the year.
Tour guides at the meeting expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with UWA leadership, seek clarification on policy matters, and contribute feedback from their day to day interactions with visitors.
As Uganda continues to position itself as a leading safari and primate destination in Africa, officials say balancing affordability, conservation sustainability, and product innovation remains central to the country’s tourism strategy.
With revised permit rates expected to take effect during the specified low season months, and new tourism experiences in development, the Uganda Wildlife Authority is signaling a proactive approach to sustaining growth while protecting the nation’s natural heritage.
