Yes, most international visitors require an e-Visa, which must be applied for and approved online prior to your arrival. A standard single-entry tourist visa costs $50 USD. If your bespoke journey with Worthwhile Africa also includes Rwanda or Kenya, we highly recommend securing the East African Tourist Visa ($100 USD), which covers multiple entries across all three countries.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is strictly mandatory for all travelers aged one year and older entering Uganda. You must upload a digital copy of this certificate when applying for your e-Visa and present the physical card to health officials upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
As of 2026, a standard mountain gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 USD per person for foreign non-residents. However, the Uganda Wildlife Authority recently introduced a discounted rate of $600 USD for treks taking place during the “green season” months of April, May, and November.
Yes, the minimum age for both mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is strictly set at 15 years old. This regulation is rigidly enforced by wildlife authorities, and no exceptions are made, even with parental consent.
Because mountain gorillas share over 98% of our DNA, human illnesses like the common cold can be highly dangerous—even fatal—to them. If you feel unwell, you must declare it. If a park warden confirms your illness and you volunteer to sit out the trek to protect the primates, you are eligible for a 50% refund of your permit fee.
The local currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), but US Dollars are widely accepted. If you bring USD, ensure the bills are crisp, untorn, and printed after 2013, as older or damaged notes are routinely rejected in East Africa. Our premium eco-lodges accept major credit cards, but carrying small cash denominations is ideal for tipping and purchasing crafts from local communities.
Tipping is entirely discretionary but deeply appreciated, as it directly supports local livelihoods. A general guideline is $15–$20 USD per guest, per day for your dedicated Worthwhile Africa driver-guide, and $10–$15 per day for lodge staff (which is usually placed in a communal tip box at reception rather than handed out individually).
Uganda is widely regarded as one of the safest, most peaceful, and welcoming countries in Africa. When traveling with Worthwhile Africa, you are continually accompanied by our expert local driver-guides. Furthermore, all wilderness activities and treks are led by highly trained, armed Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, ensuring a secure and seamless experience.
