Low Season Permits: Complete Guide to Discounted Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits

Uganda has introduced discounted low season permits for some of its most sought-after primate experiences. For travellers planning a gorilla trekking or chimpanzee safari in 2026, the new pricing creates an opportunity to reduce the permit portion of the trip by choosing specific low-season travel dates.

The important detail is that the discount is not available throughout every rainy or low-tourism month. The current discounted window covers April, May and November. For foreign non-residents, a gorilla trekking permit is reduced from the standard US$800 to US$600 while chimpanzee tracking is reduced from the standard US$250 to US$200. Foreign residents also receive reduced rates.

For travellers comparing safari costs, however, the permit is only one part of the equation. Accommodation, transport, weather conditions, trekking difficulty and the number of days spent in Uganda can all influence the final price. A well-planned low-season safari can therefore provide better overall value without simply being a cheaper version of a high-season trip.

What are low season permits in Uganda?

Low season permits are discounted Uganda Wildlife Authority permits available during selected quieter travel months. The current discount applies specifically to gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking.

For 2026 the discounted rates are:

Activity	Foreign non-resident	Foreign resident
Gorilla trekking	US$600	US$500
Chimpanzee tracking	US$200	US$150

These discounted rates apply in April, May and November. The US$600 gorilla permit represents a US$200 saving compared with the standard US$800 foreign non-resident rate.

One important booking condition is that discounted low-season permits cannot be rescheduled according to the current UWA-related tariff information. This makes date selection particularly important before payment.

Because tariffs can change, travellers planning a future safari should confirm the applicable rate directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority before making payment. UWA’s official tariff page currently provides the latest tariff information and booking contacts.

Which months qualify for Uganda’s low-season permit discount?

The current discounted months are:

• April
• May
• November

These months are generally associated with wetter conditions in many parts of Uganda. Nevertheless, Uganda’s climate varies considerably by region and elevation. Bwindi and Mgahinga are high-altitude rainforest environments where rainfall can occur at any time of year.

That distinction matters because “low season” does not mean that the parks close or that wildlife disappears. Bwindi can be visited throughout the year and gorillas remain in their habitat year-round.

For a traveller who values a lower permit price and does not mind wet forest trails, April, May and November can therefore be particularly attractive.

How much can you save with a low season gorilla permit?

For an international traveller, the standard gorilla trekking permit is currently US$800 while the discounted low-season permit is US$600.

That means:

US$800 − US$600 = US$200 saving per person

For two travellers:

US$200 × 2 = US$400 saving

For four travellers:

US$200 × 4 = US$800 saving

This is a meaningful reduction in the cost of a gorilla safari. The saving can potentially be redirected toward better accommodation, a private 4×4 vehicle, additional nights or another wildlife activity.

However, the permit discount should not be treated as a reason to choose a poor itinerary. If a traveller saves US$200 on a permit but adds unnecessary transfer costs because the lodge and trekking sector were poorly matched, much of that saving can disappear.

What does a Uganda gorilla trekking permit include?

A gorilla permit is more than an entrance ticket. Gorilla trekking is a regulated conservation activity conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

UWA states that gorilla trekking normally takes between approximately 2 and 7 hours, depending on the circumstances of the trek. The actual gorilla viewing period is limited to one hour for normal tracking.

The trekking experience is conducted with official UWA personnel and follows strict conservation rules. A maximum of eight visitors can visit a gorilla group and visitors must maintain the required distance from the animals. Flash photography is prohibited.

Gorilla trekking is also subject to an age requirement. UWA’s current published rules set the minimum tracking age at 15 years.

Where can you use a low season gorilla permit?

Low season gorilla permits apply to Uganda’s two mountain gorilla destinations:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is Uganda’s best-known gorilla trekking destination. It is divided into four main trekking sectors:

• Buhoma(Northwest)
• Ruhija(East)
• Rushaga(South)
• Nkuringo(Southwest)

The sector matters considerably when planning accommodation and transport because the forest is extensive and roads between the different trailheads can be slow.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga provides another opportunity to track mountain gorillas in Uganda. The park is part of the Virunga landscape and is reached through the Kisoro area.

For travellers who prefer combining gorilla trekking with Kisoro, Lake Mutanda or other attractions in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga can fit naturally into a longer itinerary.

Is low season a good time for gorilla trekking?

For many travellers, yes. However, it depends on what you value most.

The biggest advantage is obvious: the permit costs less.

There are also practical advantages to travelling outside the busiest periods. Some accommodation properties may have greater availability and travellers may find more flexibility when building a private itinerary. Seasonal lodge pricing varies by property so it should always be checked individually rather than assumed.

The main trade-off is weather.

Bwindi is a rainforest environment and rain can make trails wet, slippery and more physically demanding. A trek that would already require moderate fitness can feel more challenging when the ground is muddy.

For that reason, we normally recommend low-season gorilla trekking to travellers who are comfortable with changing weather and who place a high value on the permit saving.

Does rain mean you will not see gorillas?

No.

Mountain gorillas do not migrate away from Bwindi or Mgahinga because of the rainy season. They live in their forest habitats throughout the year.

The more realistic concern is trekking conditions, rather than the existence of gorillas. Rain can make paths slippery and visibility in the forest can sometimes be affected. At the same time, wet conditions can produce exceptionally lush forest scenery.

UWA’s 2026 wildlife report continues to recognise mountain gorillas as a major conservation success story. The report records 459 mountain gorillas in Bwindi from the 2018 census while noting that a new census has been completed and its updated data were still being analysed when the report was published.

Therefore, it is better to think of low season as different conditions rather than inferior wildlife.

What is the best low season month for gorilla trekking?

There is no universally best month among April, May and November.

Instead, the decision should be based on the traveller’s priorities.

April can suit travellers who want to take advantage of the discounted permit early in the low-season period.

May is attractive to travellers who are comfortable prioritising cost and rainforest conditions over the traditionally drier trekking periods.

November can be particularly useful for travellers who want to combine gorilla trekking with other parts of a Uganda safari before or after the trek.

Weather patterns can vary from year to year so we do not recommend promising a traveller a completely dry trek simply because they choose a particular week.

Low season gorilla trekking versus high season

Factor	Low season	Higher-demand season
Gorilla permit for foreign non-residents	US$600	US$800
Current discounted months	April, May, November	Outside discounted window
Rain	More likely	Generally less likely in the main dry periods
Forest trails	Can be muddy/slippery	Often easier
Landscape	Very lush	Often clearer
Accommodation availability	Can be more flexible	Higher demand
Best for	Value-conscious travellers	Travellers prioritising easier trekking conditions

The table should not be interpreted as a guarantee of weather. Southwestern Uganda can receive rain even during traditionally drier periods.

What about low season chimpanzee permits?

The same low-season promotion also applies to chimpanzee tracking.

The current discounted rate for a foreign non-resident is US$200 during April, May and November compared with the standard US$250 rate. Foreign residents pay US$150 during the discounted period.

Kibale National Park is Uganda’s best-known destination for chimpanzee tracking. UWA also manages chimpanzee experiences in other locations including Kyambura within the Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area. 

A traveller planning a primate-focused itinerary can therefore combine a discounted chimpanzee experience with discounted gorilla trekking.

Can you combine low season gorilla and chimpanzee permits?

Yes. This is one of the most interesting ways to use the low-season pricing.

A traveller could design a primate itinerary around:

1. Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking.
2. Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife viewing.
3. Bwindi or Mgahinga for gorilla trekking.

This route gives the safari more variety than a gorilla-only trip.

For example, Kibale can provide chimpanzee tracking and forest experiences while Queen Elizabeth adds classic savannah wildlife. The journey can then continue toward southwestern Uganda for gorilla trekking.

The exact route should depend on the traveller’s available time and chosen Bwindi sector. A rushed itinerary can turn an otherwise excellent safari into long days of road travel.

How difficult is gorilla trekking during low season?

Gorilla trekking requires moderate fitness even when conditions are dry. UWA notes that a trek can last approximately two to seven hours.

Wet conditions can increase the difficulty because forest trails may become slippery.

Travellers should therefore prepare for:

• Steep sections
• Muddy paths
• Uneven ground
• Humid conditions
• Rain
• Extended periods of walking
• Changes in elevation

Walking poles can be useful where permitted. Good waterproof hiking footwear is particularly valuable during the rainy season.

Travellers who have concerns about fitness should communicate this to their safari operator before the trek. That information can help with choosing accommodation, transfer timing and the most suitable trekking arrangement.

What should you pack for low season gorilla trekking?

A practical packing list includes:

• Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
• Lightweight waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Long trousers
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Warm layer for early mornings
• Gardening-style gloves for gripping vegetation
• Small waterproof daypack
• Reusable water bottle
• Camera with spare batteries
• Dry bags or waterproof protection for electronics
• Insect repellent
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Walking poles if preferred

Avoid bringing unnecessary luggage on the trek.

The most useful approach is to carry only what you need for several hours in the forest. Your lodge can normally keep the rest of your luggage securely.

Photography tips for low season gorilla trekking

Rainforest photography requires a slightly different approach.

First, protect your camera from rain without making it difficult to access. A simple waterproof camera cover or appropriate rain protection is useful.

Second, avoid using flash. UWA rules specifically prohibit flash photography around gorillas.

Third, use a camera setting that can cope with low light. Bwindi’s forest canopy can be dark even during daylight hours.

Most importantly, do not sacrifice the experience by spending the entire encounter looking through a screen. The viewing period is limited to one hour so it is worth balancing photography with simply observing the gorillas.

How to choose accommodation during the low season

Accommodation should be selected after confirming the gorilla trekking sector.

This is particularly important in Bwindi because the four sectors are separated by challenging terrain and winding roads.

For Rushaga, for example, travellers should look at accommodation around the Rushaga area rather than automatically booking a property in Buhoma or another sector.

UWA identifies accommodation options around Bwindi’s trailheads ranging from budget to upmarket properties.

For a budget safari, a simple lodge close to the trailhead can reduce unnecessary transfer time.(Gorilla Valley Lodge, Ride 4 a Woman)

For a mid-range or luxury safari(Four gorillas lodge, Icumbi Gorilla Lodge), choose a lodge based on:

• Distance from the trekking briefing point
• Road access
• Meal arrangements
• Views
• Room comfort
• Availability of porter services
• Transfer arrangements
• Whether the property operates during your travel dates

Low season can be a good period for comparing accommodation options because permit savings can create room in the overall budget for a better lodge.

How to reach Bwindi during low season

There are two main approaches: road travel and flying.

By road, travellers commonly approach southwestern Uganda through Kabale, Kisoro or other regional gateways, depending on their trekking sector.

UWA notes that the road from Kisoro toward the southern Bwindi sectors is a winding approximately 35-kilometre journey that can take at least one to one and a half hours. The authority recommends a 4WD vehicle for these routes.

Flying can substantially reduce the time spent travelling from the Kampala/Entebbe area. UWA states that scheduled flights from Entebbe serve Kisoro Airstrip for visitors travelling to the southern sectors including Rushaga and Nkuringo.

A key planning point is the road transfer after landing. A flight does not take you directly to your lodge or trekking gate. A suitable 4WD transfer still needs to be arranged.

Why a 4WD matters in low season

Rain changes road conditions as well as forest trails.

Murram and dirt roads around the southwestern highlands can become more difficult after rainfall. UWA specifically recommends 4WD vehicles for Bwindi access.

For a low-season safari, we therefore recommend avoiding a schedule that depends on extremely tight transfer times.

If you have a morning gorilla trek the following day, arriving at the lodge well before evening is preferable to reaching the area late after a long road journey.

Can low season make a Uganda safari cheaper overall?

It can, but there is no universal percentage saving.

The permit discount is fixed while accommodation and transport prices depend on the operator, lodge and itinerary.

For an international traveller, the confirmed permit saving is US$200 per gorilla trekker. Additional savings may sometimes be available through accommodation or other travel arrangements during quieter periods but these must be quoted individually.

A good low-season strategy is therefore to calculate the whole safari price, not simply compare gorilla permit prices.

Consider:

• Gorilla permit
• Chimpanzee permit
• Accommodation
• Safari vehicle
• Fuel
• Driver-guide
• Meals
• Domestic flights if applicable
• Airport transfers
• Park activities
• Porter services
• Travel insurance
• International flights

This gives a much more accurate picture of value.

Common mistakes travellers should avoid

Booking the lodge before the gorilla sector

This is one of the easiest ways to create an unnecessary logistical problem.

Confirm the permit sector first, then select accommodation nearby.

Assuming low season means guaranteed rain-free or rain-heavy conditions

Neither assumption is reliable. Weather varies.

Prepare for rain while remaining open to dry periods.

Treating the US$600 permit as the total cost of gorilla trekking

The permit is only one component of the safari.

Transport and accommodation can represent a substantial portion of the final package price.

Booking a non-flexible itinerary around a discounted permit

Because discounted low-season permits cannot be rescheduled under the current information, travellers should confirm their dates before committing.

Forgetting the minimum age

UWA’s current gorilla tracking rules specify a minimum age of 15.

Arriving without the necessary clothing

A cheap permit does not make wet forest trails any less slippery. Proper footwear and rain protection are essential.

Assuming gorilla sightings can be guaranteed

Gorilla tracking involves wild animals in a natural environment. Rangers and trackers work to locate the habituated groups but no responsible safari company should promise a particular behaviour or photographic encounter.

Who should choose Uganda’s low season permits?

Low season permits are particularly suitable for:

Budget-conscious travellers: The US$200 gorilla permit saving can make a significant difference to the overall safari budget.

Photographers: Lush rainforest conditions can create attractive backgrounds and atmospheric images although weather requires additional equipment protection.

Flexible travellers: People who can organise their trip around April, May or November have a greater opportunity to take advantage of the discounted rates.

Longer-stay visitors: Travellers staying several days can combine primate experiences with savannah wildlife and cultural activities.

Repeat safari travellers: Visitors who have already experienced Uganda’s main dry-season safari conditions may enjoy seeing the landscapes under greener conditions.

Low season may be less suitable for travellers whose highest priority is having the easiest possible forest walking conditions.

A practical low season itinerary

For a traveller with enough time, a 6- to 8-day western Uganda itinerary can combine primate and savannah experiences.

A practical structure could look like this:

Day 1: Kampala or Entebbe to Kibale area
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale
Day 3: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 4: Game drive and/or boat experience in Queen Elizabeth
Day 5: Transfer toward Bwindi
Day 6: Gorilla trekking
Day 7: Optional community or forest activity followed by departure or onward travel

The actual number of nights should be adjusted according to the traveller’s flight schedule and trekking sector.

For Rushaga or Nkuringo, the southern approach through the Kisoro area can be particularly relevant. UWA confirms Kisoro Airstrip as an air access point for the southern Bwindi sectors.

Are low season permits available in 2027?

This is an area where travellers should be careful with older articles and recycled safari information.

UWA’s tariff page currently provides a link for 2026–2027 tariff changes, while published industry summaries indicate that the standard gorilla trekking rate changes from January 2027. However, the specific continuation and conditions of the discounted April, May and November promotion should be confirmed against the latest UWA tariff before booking a 2027 safari.

We recommend treating US$600 as the confirmed 2026 low-season foreign non-resident rate rather than automatically applying it to every future year.

Frequently asked questions about low season permits in Uganda

How much is a low season gorilla permit in Uganda?

For 2026, the discounted gorilla trekking permit is US$600 for foreign non-residents and US$500 for foreign residents during April, May and November.

When are gorilla permits cheapest in Uganda?

The current UWA low-season discount applies during April, May and November 2026.

How much is a chimpanzee permit during Uganda’s low season?

The discounted chimpanzee tracking rate is currently US$200 for foreign non-residents and US$150 for foreign residents during April, May and November.

Is April a good month for gorilla trekking?

Yes for travellers who are comfortable with wetter conditions and want the discounted permit. Gorilla trekking continues during the month because gorillas remain in Bwindi and Mgahinga year-round.

Does Uganda have gorilla trekking in May?

Yes. May is one of the months included in the current low-season discounted permit period.

Is November a low season for gorilla trekking?

November is included in the current UWA low-season discounted permit window.

Can I reschedule a discounted gorilla permit?

Current information on the low-season promotion states that discounted permits cannot be rescheduled. Confirm the conditions with UWA or your licensed safari operator before payment because booking terms can change.

Which park is best for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

Bwindi and Mgahinga both offer mountain gorilla trekking. Bwindi has four recognised trekking sectors while Mgahinga offers an alternative Virunga setting.

Do gorillas migrate during the rainy season?

No. Mountain gorillas are resident in their forest habitats rather than undertaking a seasonal migration comparable to the Great Migration in East Africa.

What age is required for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

UWA’s current published rules state that visitors must be at least 15 years old to participate in gorilla tracking.

Is low season better than high season?

Neither is universally better. Low season is stronger for price-conscious travellers who accept wetter conditions while the traditionally drier periods may be preferable for travellers who prioritise easier trail conditions.

Final advice on low season permits in Uganda

Uganda’s discounted low-season permits have changed the way travellers can approach gorilla and chimpanzee safaris. For 2026, the opportunity is particularly clear: April, May and November offer a US$600 gorilla permit for foreign non-residents instead of the standard US$800 rate.

The best way to take advantage of that saving is not simply to book the cheapest available package. Instead, build the itinerary around the confirmed trekking sector, choose accommodation that reduces unnecessary transfers and allow enough time for changing road and weather conditions.

For travellers who are flexible with dates, comfortable with rainforest conditions and interested in controlling their safari budget, the low season can offer an excellent balance between cost and experience. The forest remains alive, the gorillas remain in their habitat and the scenery can be exceptionally lush.

Before making payment, however, always verify the current tariff and booking conditions with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, particularly if your travel date falls outside 2026.