Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Rules in Uganda: Age, Distance and Health

Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees can catch human illnesses, so UWA enforces strict rules on every trek. The rules below come from UWA's Conservation Tariff booklet. Your guide will brief you again at the park.

Following them is part of why trekking stays possible. See fitness and preparation for what to expect physically.

Before You Set Out

• Carry your payment receipts and permit.
• Do not track if you have a cold or other infectious illness.
• Gorilla tracking: minimum age 15; maximum eight people per gorilla group.
• Chimpanzee tracking: minimum age 12.
• Bury human waste 30 cm deep.

With the Gorillas

• Keep 10 metres (32.8 feet) from the gorillas.
• No smoking, eating or drinking during tracking.
• If you must sneeze or cough, cover your face and turn away from the gorillas.
• Visits are limited to one hour per gorilla group per day.
• No flash photography; do not leave litter.

With the Chimpanzees

• Keep as quiet as possible and at least 10 metres away.
• Do not mimic chimpanzee vocalisations.
• Do not chase the chimpanzees.
• No smoking, eating or drinking; no flash; one hour visit limit.

Fines for Breaking Rules

UWA lists a fine of 25% of the permit fee for late rescheduling of gorilla and chimpanzee permits and 50% for tracking in a different location (gorilla). See park rules and fines and permits explained.

About these rates. UWA states that tariff fees are subject to change without prior notice. FNR = foreign non-resident, FR = foreign resident, ROA = rest of Africa, EAC = citizen of an East African Community member state (paid in UGX). Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Conservation Tariff July 2024 to June 2026 and UWA letter ref. TDO 93/04 dated 26 February 2026.

Using This Page When Planning Your Uganda Safari

Share these rules with everyone in your group before the trip so no one is surprised on the morning. Pair it with what affects the cost of a Uganda safari, gorilla permits explained and how to book a Uganda safari.

• gorilla safari packages
• wildlife safari packages
• primate safaris
• Uganda national parks
• 3-day Bwindi gorilla safari
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• Uganda safaris and tours homepage

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