How much Does it cost to visit Bwindi Forest National Park? There are varying fees associated with visiting Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park. In today’s article, we will individually discuss the various fees you can expect to pay on your visit to Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park in Uganda. Park Entry fees to Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park located in southwestern Uganda sized 321 square kilometres (124 sq mi) is a habitat for 120 species of mammals, 348 species of birds, 220 species of butterflies, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos, and many endangered species. Bwindi is considered among the most diverse natural forests in East Africa, with more than 1,000 flowering plant species, including 163 species of trees and 104 species of ferns. The northern (low elevation) sector has many species of Guinea-Congolian flora, including two endangered species, the brown mahogany and Brazzeia longipedicellata.
The park is a sanctuary for colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and many birds such as hornbills and turacos. It is most notable for the 459 Bwindi gorillas, half of the world’s population of the endangered mountain gorillas. Bwindi has 19 habituated mountain gorilla groups are open to tourism in four different sectors of Buhoma, Ruhijja, Rushaga and Nkuringo gorilla trekking regions.
Bwindi Forest National Park is run and managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority whose roles include levying prices on the entrance and all activities done within the protected areas (national parks & reserves) in Uganda.
2021 – 2022 Park Entry fees to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Individual Park Entrance fees Into Bwindi:
- Foreign non-residents: Adults – $40per person | Children ( 5 – 15years) – $20 per person.
- Non- Residents: Adults – $30 per person | Children (5 – 5 years) – $10 per person.
- East Africans: Adults – Ugx20,000 per person | Children (5-15 years) – Ugx5,000per person | Student (groups): Ugx3,000 per person.
Note:
- All visitors will be required to present valid identification documents to confirm resident status.
- Fees Quoted in: US$ = United States Dollar | UGX = Uganda Shillings.
- A day’s entrance ticket is valid for twenty-four (24) hours from the time of entrance.
- Extra time spent in the park after 24 hours will be charged as an extra day.
- Children are persons aged between 5-15 years.
- Persons below 5 years are exempt.
- Entrance fees are independent of package activities such as gorilla tracking, chimp tracking, Mountain climbing, Bird watching etc.
- Tariff fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Alternatively, you may consider applying & paying for an annual entry pass/permit that allows you to access the park for a full calendar year (365 days). However, this offer is only available for Foreign Residents and East African Citizens. Foreign Residents applying for this offer have got to present a valid work permit, and East African citizens have got to provide proof of Citizenship. *East African citizens are people from Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya & Burundi.
Annual Park Entry Pass/Permit Fees for 2021 – 2022
- Individuals: Foreign residents – $350 | East African Citizen – Ugx150,000.
- Couples: Foreign residents – $500 | East African Citizen – Ugx200,000.
- A family (Maximum 4 children): Foreign residents – $700 | East African Citizen – Ugx300,000.
- Corporates: Foreign residents – $1,500 | East African Citizen – Ugx2,500,000.
- Safari guide: Ugx100,000.
- Taxi Driver: Ugx100,000.
- *Tour Company Driver: FOC (Free of Charge)
Note: Park Entry fees to Bwindi
- Applies to all protected areas for foreign residents in Uganda and East African citizens only, vehicle entrance to be paid separately.
- Not valid for package activities (Gorilla and Chimp tracking, Mountaineering, Hiking etc).
- Foreign residents require a work permit valid for one year to qualify for an annual pass.
- *Safari Guide: is a professionally trained and licensed individual who guides guests through nature, whether by vehicle, canoe, boat and horseback.
- †Tour Company Driver: is an individual from a recognised Ugandan tour company who drives tourists to the park.
For travellers visiting Bwindi for gorilla trekking, you will need to plan and pay for a gorilla trekking permit. Gorilla Permits to trek in Bwindi cost;
- $700 per person for foreign non-residents.
- $600 per person for Foreign Residents.
- Ugx250,000 per person for East African citizens.
Note: Booking and successfully securing a gorilla permit can be a daunting experience. We recommend working with a local gorilla tour Operator in Uganda to assist with booking your gorilla permit. Because gorilla permits are very competitive to book, we advise that you plan & book at least 06 months in advance. Park Entry fees to Bwindi
Mountain gorilla Trekking is strictly for persons of age 15 years and above (see: Why is the gorilla trekking age limit is at 15 years? )
