Discounted Low Season Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits (April, May & November) – Combined with a Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Uganda remains one of Africa’s premier destinations for primate tracking, offering exceptional opportunities to observe endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitats. Travelers considering visits during the traditional low season months of April, May, and November often inquire about discounted permits and the possibility of combining Uganda’s primate experiences with a classic Tanzania wildlife safari.

Below is a comprehensive and detailed guide to permit pricing, seasonal considerations, and the advantages of combining these two remarkable East African destinations.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits

Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Each trekking permit allows visitors to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family, accompanied by experienced park rangers and guides.

Current Gorilla Permit Rates (Year-Round)

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) maintains standardized pricing for the peak season. UWA has announced automatic seasonal discounts for April, May, and November.

Below are the standard gorilla prices for peak season:

• Foreign Non-Residents: USD 800 per person

• Foreign Residents: USD 700 per person

• East African Citizens: UGX 300,000

Permits are limited per day to ensure conservation and protect the endangered mountain gorillas. Advance booking is strongly recommended.

Chimpanzee Tracking Permits in Uganda

Chimpanzee tracking is available in several protected areas, most notably:

• Kibale National Park (the primary chimpanzee destination)

• Budongo Forest Reserve

• Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park)

Standard Chimpanzee Permit Rates

• Foreign Non-Residents: USD 200–250

• Foreign Residents: USD 150–200

• East African Citizens: UGX 100,000–150,000

Kibale National Park also offers a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, which allows extended interaction time and is priced higher than standard tracking permits.

Low season discounted gorilla and Chimpanzee permits

Understanding Low Season Travel (April, May & November)

Uganda’s low season typically coincides with the rainy periods:

• April and May – Long rains

• November – Short rains

Although permit prices remain constant, low season travel offers several advantages.

1. Reduced Accommodation Rates

Many safari lodges and camps provide discounted rates during low season, significantly lowering overall package costs.

2. Improved Permit Availability

With fewer visitors, securing preferred trekking dates and gorilla families is generally easier.

3. Scenic Landscapes

The rainy season transforms the parks into lush, vibrant environments ideal for photography and immersive nature experiences.

4. Fewer Crowds

Travelers benefit from a quieter and more exclusive safari atmosphere.

It is important to note that trekking takes place year-round, and gorilla sightings remain consistently high regardless of season. Trails may be wetter and more challenging during rainy months, but the experience remains equally rewarding.

Combining Uganda Gorilla Trekking with a Tanzania Safari

For travelers seeking a comprehensive East African safari experience, combining Uganda’s primate adventures with Tanzania’s iconic wildlife destinations offers exceptional value and diversity.

Why Combine Uganda and Tanzania?

Uganda is renowned for:

• Mountain gorillas

• Chimpanzees

• Dense tropical rainforests

• Unique biodiversity

Tanzania is globally recognized for:

• The Serengeti National Park

• Ngorongoro Crater

• Tarangire National Park

• The Great Wildebeest Migration

• Big Five wildlife (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino)

A combined itinerary allows travelers to experience both intimate rainforest primate encounters and classic savannah game drives within a single journey.

Sample 12–14 Day Combined Itinerary

Uganda Segment (5–6 Days)

• Arrival in Entebbe

• Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Gorilla trekking experience

• Optional Batwa cultural encounter

• Transfer to Kibale National Park

• Chimpanzee tracking excursion

Tanzania Segment (6–8 Days)

• Flight from Entebbe to Kilimanjaro International Airport

• Safari in Tarangire National Park

• Serengeti National Park game drives

• Ngorongoro Crater exploration

• Optional extension to Zanzibar for beach relaxation

This itinerary can be customized according to travel time, budget, and preferred level of accommodation.

Advantages of a Combined Safari During Low Season

Traveling in April, May, or November may offer:

• Competitive lodge pricing in both countries

• Greater room availability in high-end properties

• More personalized safari experiences

• Flexible scheduling

While Tanzania’s peak wildlife viewing season runs from June to October, excellent game viewing is still possible year-round. Uganda’s primate tracking success rates remain consistently high in all seasons.

Planning and Booking Recommendations

• Gorilla permits should be reserved at least 2–4 months in advance during low season and 4–6 months in advance during peak season.

• Flights between Entebbe (Uganda) and Kilimanjaro/Arusha (Tanzania) are readily available via regional carriers.

• Working with a licensed and experienced East African tour operator ensures seamless cross-border logistics.

Conclusion

Although Uganda no longer offers official seasonal discounts on gorilla permits, travelers visiting in April, May, or November can still benefit from reduced accommodation rates, improved availability, and fewer crowds.

Combining Uganda’s gorilla and chimpanzee tracking experiences with a Tanzania wildlife safari creates a diverse and unforgettable East African journey—bringing together rare primate encounters, Big Five game viewing, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.

For travelers seeking a comprehensive and professionally organized itinerary, early planning and expert guidance remain essential to securing permits and ensuring a seamless safari experience.