Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Entrance Fees 2025
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park entrance fees 2025, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular wildlife destinations, is renowned for its mountain gorillas. The park has become a must-visit location for travelers looking to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Understanding the entrance fees and associated costs is crucial for planning your visit. This guide provides a detailed overview of the entrance fees for Bwindi in 2025, along with additional costs for permits, activities, and accommodations.
Park Entrance Fees
To visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, all visitors must pay an entrance fee. These fees contribute directly to the conservation efforts of the park and support local communities. The entrance fee varies depending on the category of the visitor, as follows:
Foreign Non-Residents
- Fee: $40 per person per day
- Foreign non-residents are international visitors who are not residents of Uganda or any other East African country.
Foreign Residents
- Fee: $30 per person per day
- Foreign residents are individuals who hold a valid residence permit for Uganda or other East African nations.
East African Citizens
- Fee: UGX 20,000 per person per day
- This category applies to citizens of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Note: These fees are subject to change, and it’s advisable to verify them prior to booking your trip. Additionally, the entrance fees contribute to maintaining the park’s rich biodiversity and supporting sustainable tourism.
Gorilla Trekking Permits
Gorilla trekking is one of the main reasons visitors travel to Bwindi. The park is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and trekking to observe these majestic creatures is an unforgettable experience. However, trekking permits come with additional costs.
Foreign Non-Residents
- Fee: $800 per person
- Gorilla trekking permits for foreign non-residents are priced at $800. These permits are in high demand, and it’s important to book them well in advance, as only a limited number are available each day.
Foreign Residents
- Fee: $700 per person
- Foreign residents benefit from a reduced permit price, priced at $700 per person.
East African Citizens
- Fee: UGX 300,000 per person
- East African citizens pay a significantly reduced price for gorilla trekking permits, which is UGX 300,000 per person.
Note: Gorilla trekking permits allow you to spend one hour with the gorillas once you find them, and the experience is highly regulated to minimize human impact on the gorillas. It’s a truly unique experience that should be part of any Bwindi visit. Make sure to book your permits months ahead of your trip, as they are in high demand.
Gorilla Habituation Experience
The Gorilla Habituation Experience offers a more immersive way to observe gorillas. Unlike standard trekking, this experience allows you to spend up to four hours with the gorillas, giving you a deeper understanding of their behavior, environment, and lifestyle.
Foreign Non-Residents
- Fee: $1,500 per person
- The Gorilla Habituation Experience is priced at $1,500 for foreign non-residents.
Foreign Residents
- Fee: $1,000 per person
- Foreign residents can enjoy this more extended trekking experience for $1,000 per person.
East African Citizens
- Fee: UGX 750,000 per person
- East African citizens are charged UGX 750,000 for the Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Note: The Gorilla Habituation Experience is a rare opportunity and is only available in specific areas of Bwindi. You must book this experience in advance, as there are only limited slots available each day.
Additional Activities and Fees
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers several additional activities that provide enriching experiences and further enhance your visit. While some activities require an additional fee, they are an excellent way to immerse yourself in the park’s unique environment.
Nature Walks
Fee: Approximately $30 per person
Guided nature walks through the park allow you to explore the rich flora and fauna of Bwindi. The park is home to over 350 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
Bird Watching
Fee: Around $30 per person
Birdwatching in Bwindi is an incredible experience for bird enthusiasts, with rare species such as the African Green Broadbill, Bar-tailed Trogon, and many others found in the park. Specialized bird watching guides can help spot and identify these species.
Community Visits
You can visit local communities around Bwindi to learn about their culture and way of life. Visits to the Batwa Pygmies are especially popular, offering insights into their ancient forest-dwelling lifestyle. Fees for community visits vary, so it’s best to confirm pricing with local operators.
Accommodation Costs
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget campsites to luxurious lodges. Accommodation costs depend on the type of facility you choose.
Budget Accommodation
Cost: $20-$50 per night
Basic accommodations, including campsites and budget lodges, can be found near the park entrance points. These options are ideal for travelers on a budget.
Mid-Range Accommodation
Cost: $100-$250 per night
Mid-range options include comfortable lodges and guesthouses with decent amenities, such as private rooms, hot water, and guided tours.
Luxury Accommodation
Cost: $300-$1,000+ per night
Luxury lodges, such as Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, offer high-end experiences with stunning views, private villas, gourmet meals, and spa services. These are ideal for travelers seeking a more exclusive experience.
Transportation Costs
Reaching Bwindi can be done by road or by air. While the road journey offers an adventurous route, many visitors opt for scheduled flights to reduce travel time.
By Road
Cost: $100-$300 (depending on your starting point and mode of transport)
The drive from Kampala to Bwindi takes approximately 8-10 hours. You can hire a private vehicle, or book a tour operator that includes transportation in their package.
By Air
Cost: $200-$350 (one-way)
Scheduled flights from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip are available with AeroLink Uganda. The flight takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, followed by a short drive to the park.
Book Your Gorilla Trekking Permits Early
Gorilla trekking permits are highly sought after, and only a limited number are available each day. Whether you are a foreign non-resident, a foreign resident, or an East African citizen, securing your trekking permit months in advance is crucial. The same applies to the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which also has limited slots. Check with trusted tour operators or the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for the most up-to-date availability.
