Uganda’s Wildlife Authority (UWA) has revised gorilla tracking rates for 2024-2026, increasing the tariff by US$100. The increase is intended to meet conservation and operational demands, including infrastructure development, staff salaries, and equipment maintenance. However, private tour operators have raised concerns about the timing of the announcement, which was made without prior notice and may cause financial losses and legal implications.
The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) questioned the increase, citing the need for UWA to address basic infrastructure needs, such as improving tourism roads to national parks and protected areas, before raising tariffs.
Despite these concerns, UWA has offered concessions, reintroducing low-season tariffs for gorilla tracking in March, April, May, and November. The organization has also pledged to formalize the changes soon. UWA’s Head of Communications justified the increase, citing Section 65 of the Wildlife Act 2019, which provides for a Wildlife Fund to support conservation activities.
The revised tariff structure includes:
- Gorilla permits: US$800 for Foreign Non-Residents, US$700 for Foreign Residents, US$500 for Rest of Africa, and UGX 300,000 (US$76) for East Africans
- Chimpanzee and primate permits: US$250 for Foreign Non-Residents, US$200 for Foreign Residents, and UGX 180,000 (US$47) for East Africans
The new tariffs will apply only to permits purchased between March 31 and April 1, 2024. The increment is still lower than the cost of a gorilla tracking permit in neighboring Rwanda, which costs US$1,500 for Foreign Non-Residents.