Uganda Parks Rules and Restrictions UWA

Traveling to Uganda for a Uganda safari or Gorilla tracking, Chimpanzee tracking, Mount Hiking or cultural safari, here are a few things you need to know beforehand to avoid bad experiences. There are a set of rules and restrictions of how to use the parks, how to access the park, the timeout in the parks and how to behave while in the Uganda National Parks. There are UWA tariffs 2025/26 such as gorilla permits, chimp premits, Hiking, Birding, Boat cruises, nature walks and general Park Entrance fees that good hand in hand with these rules and regulations. Uganda Wildlife Authority in charge of the management of the National Park and game reserves. National parks  include; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Semuliki Valley National Park, Mt Rwenzori National Park, Mt Elgon National Park. 

Game reserves include; Kabwoya, Katonga, Toro Semuliki, Kyambura, Pian-Upe, Matheniko,Ajai, Bokora, Bugungu, Karuma, Kigezi, 

These stipulated rules and regulations are for all the visitors that intend to enter the parks, that you need to adhere to to avoid accidents; They are basically safety protocols put in place to ensure your safety and that of the animals. Take a look at some of the rules and regulations to acquaint yourself with responsible travel.

Gorilla Tracking Rules by UWA

• Show proof of payment and the actual Permit

• Minimum age for tracking is 15 years and above
• You are not allowed to track the gorillas when you have a contagious illness
• Only a maximum of 8 trackers are permitted per gorilla group
• You are only permitted to watch the gorillas for strictly 1 hour
• Observe a required distance of 10m from the gorillas
• No littering in the gorilla’s home, be a responsible traveler
• Do not leave Human waste exposed, you are required to bury it 30cm deep
• You are not permitted to eat/drink or smoke before the gorillas
• You don't feed the gorillas
• No sudden movements like running or jumping 
• Do not shout or engage any erratic behavior, it's a sign of provocation 
• Respect their space
• Do not touch or play with the gorilla 
• Do not look them directly in the eye it is interpreted as intimidation
• When a gorilla leans on you, or crosses by you, or touches you, do not fret, stay calm, it's a sign of submission.

Chimp Tracking Rules by UWA

• No tracking when you are ill

• You spend time with the chimps for strictly 1 hour

• Tracking is for only 12years and above

• Keep the silence, it does not intimidate the residents

• No not try vocal call in a way to communicate with the chimps, you might never know what you just said

• Do not run after or chase the chimps, its a sign of aggression

• Do not use flash on your camera when taking photos/videos

Game Drive Rules by UWA
It's mandatory to pay for a ranger for night game drives, and advisable for day game drives too. Night Game drives are for visitors staying in the lodge, which is within the park.

Vehicle Rules by UWA

• UWA Tariffs for the vehicles are per 24 hours in the park
• Rescue vehicles pay the same UWA tariffs
• The following are prohibited in the park: motorcycles, heavy trucks and tractors, and any vehicle carrying dangerous products, livestock, timber, or similar materials.

• Camping is only done in the designated area
• Car horns are not permitted in the park, as this agitates animals
• No off-tracking driving 
• Pets are prohibited in the park
• Observe the 40 per hour Speed limit
• Be a responsible traveler, so do not litter
• No firearms are acceptable in the park
• Park gates strictly open at 7 am and close at 7 pm 

Penalties to Offenders by UWA

• Tracking gorillas in a location other than what you booked attracts 50% of the permit fee
• Rescheduling the permits late attracts 25% of the permit fee, whether gorilla or a chimp permit
• Driving off-track, as in deviating from the planned routes into the bush, will attract a penalty of $150 per person payable by a driver/guide.
• For road kill, the penalty is $500. To avoid this, drive at a recommended speed, and know that animals have the right of the way.