Promotional gorilla permits in Uganda
Uganda is arguably one of the best tourism destinations in Africa. Though a landlocked country, the country has remarkable biodiversity and is the leading destination for primate tours. Apart from 
primates, Uganda is excellent for big 5 wildlife safaris. One can also take part in whitewater rafting, sport fishing, nature walks and community visits. Uganda is one of the best countries for birding in the world. The incredible biodiversity in the country is attributed to its position around the equator, excellent weather, perfect climate and its position around the equator.
The country earns over 1.5 billion US dollars each year from tourism with gorilla trekking a key contributing factor. Uganda is home to two gorilla national parks and has half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas. The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the global tourism sector and Uganda was not spared. Airports and borders where closed. Moreover, lock-downs around the world had forced many travelers to cancel their travel arrangements.
Gorilla Permit Discounts During Covid-19 Pandemic
In an effort to boost the tourism industry amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, the government of Uganda through the Wildlife Authority had announced an incentive for tourists from 2020 to June 2021, Gorilla permits in Uganda were costing as little as $400 for international tourists. Foreign residents were buying 
permits at $300 while citizens within the East African community could pay 100,000 Uganda shillings. Tourists would also have free entry to Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve and Mount Elgon National Park if they could buy gorilla permits around this period.
The cost of gorilla filming had also been reduced significantly so as to allow for the creation of more documentaries about the primates which could help boost the tourism industry. Apart from gorilla permits, the price of chimpanzee permits had also been reduced to $150 for foreigners and $100 for foreigners residing in Uganda. Tour operators in Uganda would get two free gorilla permits if they purchased 30 permits. One permit would go to the tour operator and the other to the local Tour Operator Association. The price cut helped kick-start the recovery of the tourism sector because gorilla trekking is the most popular wildlife activity in Uganda. The cost of a Gorilla Permit is $800 while chimpanzee permits cost $250 for international travelers. The price reductions between 2020 and 2021 were meant to also counter the discounted gorilla permits offered by Rwanda.
Note: Apart from gorilla and chimpanzee permits, the government had also announced a 50% discount for park entrances to Katongo Wildlife Reserve, Semuliki National Park, Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Current and New Gorilla Permit Discount in Uganda
The gorilla permit and other discounts we discussed earlier expired once the COVID 19 pandemic ended. The government hasn’t stop offering discounted permits but has simply reevaluated them with the intention of attracting more travelers to the country. Uganda gorilla permits cost $800 for Foreign Non-Residents while the gorilla habituation permit costs $1500. African Union Citizens pay $500 for the normal gorilla permits and $1000 for the gorilla habituation permits.
There is also a discount for Foreigners who are residents in Africa. They pay $700for the permits. Ugandan and East African Citizens pay 300,000 Uganda shillings which is equivalent to $85 for the gorilla permit.