Compare Tanzania Safari Packages & Prices for 2026: An Expert’s Guide
February 18, 2026
To plan the ultimate African Safari in Tanzania, target the dry season between June and October for optimal wildlife viewing and to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. For first-timers, booking a 5-to-7-day Northern Circuit tour covering the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater provides the most reliable and spectacular animal encounters.
March 16, 2026The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced revisions in the pricing of low-season gorilla and chimpanzee permits, new tariff rates, and the removal of the previous 7-day booking restriction.
These adjustments were officially disclosed on the 26th of February by UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi.
Previous Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permit Rates
The previous permit rates for both gorilla tracking and chimpanzee tracking, according to the July 2024-June 2026 UWA tariff rates, were as follows:
| Activity | Foreign Non-Resident FNR (USD) | Foreign Resident FR (USD) |
| Gorilla tracking | 800 | 500 |
| Chimpanzee tracking | 250 | 200 |
New Low-Season Permit Rates
These are new discounted low-season rates for April, May, and November.
| Activity | Foreign Non-Resident FNR (USD) | Foreign Resident FR (USD) |
| Gorilla Trekking | 600 | 500 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking | 200 | 150 |
Why Were Changes to Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Permits Made?
The newly revised rates take immediate effect, as it is intended to increase travel for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking during the low season.
Note: Gorilla and chimp permits booked for the low season cannot be rescheduled, and rates for visitors tracking in the peak season remain unchanged.
Previous Tariff Structure
The following are the previous tariffs (June 2024-June 2026) from which changes were made.
| Activity | Foreign Non-Resident (USD) | Foreign Residents (USD) | Rest of Africa (USD) | East African Citizens (UGX) |
| Gorilla Tracking | 800 | 700 | 500 | 300,000 |
| Gorilla Habituation | 1,500 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 750,000 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking in KNP | 250 | 200 | 180,000 | |
| Chimpanzee Habituation in KNP | 300 | 250 | 250,000 | |
| Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura | 100 | 80 | 50,000 | |
| Lion Tracking | 200 | 150 | 20,000 | |
| Guided Nature Walks in
Rushaga to Nyabaremura |
60
|
50
|
|
50,000
|
| Guided Nature Walks in
Buhoma to Nkuringo |
60
|
50
|
|
50,000
|
The Revised Tariff Structure
| Activity | Foreign Non-Resident (USD) | Foreign Residents (USD) | Rest of Africa (USD) | East African Citizens (UGX) |
| Gorilla Tracking | 800 | 700 | 500 | 300,000 |
| Gorilla Habituation | 1,800 | 1,600 | 1,000 | 750,000 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking in KNP | 300 | 200 | 100 | 180,000 |
| Chimpanzee Habituation in KNP | 400 | 300 | 250 | 250,000 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura | 200 | 150 | 100 | 50,000 |
| Lion Tracking in QENP | 500 | 300 | 300 | 250,000 |
| Rhino Tracking in Ajai | 20 | 15 | 10 | 10,000 |
| Rhino Tracking in Ajai | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2,500 |
| Golden Cat Tracking in KNP for 5 Days | 350 | 350 | 350 | 350,000 |
| Guided Nature Walks In
Rushaga to Nyabaremura
|
80
|
50
|
50
|
50,000
|
| Guided Nature Walks In
Buhoma to Nkuringo |
100
|
50
|
50
|
50,000
|
The Elimination of the 7-Day Reservation Limit
The Uganda Wildlife Authority has eliminated the 7-day reservation limit that was put in place for earlier booking and revenue collection.
Numerous tour operators were found to exploit the 7-day reservation window by reserving permits for all seven days without payment. This practice inevitably resulted in the automatic cancellation of permits.
The new changes in the permit booking are effective starting from 1st March 2026, and the system will only secure permits for clients who have paid at the time of booking.
Why Is the Suspension of the 7-Day Reservation Window Important?
- To improve on permit availability and enhance fairness and transparency
- To make sure that permits are accessible to tour operators with potential buyers willing to pay on time.
- To facilitate planning and promote efficient service delivery to tourists
In summary, the changes implemented reflect the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s ongoing dedication to enhancing visitor experiences and fostering partnerships with stakeholders, solidifying Uganda’s reputation as the premier destination for exceptional safari adventures.
