Are National Parks Open on Public Holidays in Uganda?

One of the rare questions that once in a while comes up when planning gorilla safaris in Uganda or sometimes generally Uganda safaris; is whether national parks work on public holidays too. This is a common question among people who plan to travel to Uganda either during the Christmas holidays or the new year’s eve. It might seem odd to some people but when you ponder a little beat you notice that it is actually a legitimate question.

For instance, Uganda wildlife Authority offices are closed during the Christmas season as well as on new years. So if the offices are closed, does Uganda wildlife Authority continue to offer services even during this season. The short answer is no. Uganda wildlife Authority does not offer services (mainly office related services) during public holidays. However the national parks and reserves remain open.

Most of the Uganda wildlife authority do not need you to visit the Uganda wildlife Authority offices. Previously, all the gorilla trekking permits and chimpanzee tracking permits required you to move physically to the Uganda wildlife Authority offices. However things have changed a little beat, In March 2026, the Uganda wildlife Authority launched its online booking portal allowing tour operators not only to book but also pay for the services online.

This means that it is now possible to even purchase gorilla trekking permits and chimpanzee tracking permits on public holidays; something that was not possible previously. Even though Uganda wildlife Authority offices remain closed during the public holidays, it is very possible to pay for services online and simply go to the national parks without any hinderances. However there remains a possibility of failing to organize the permits online and this is where it gets tricky.

Paying for Services At Uganda Wildlife Offices In Kampala

Sometimes you can make payments online but for some unforeseen circumstances, you end up having a few technical errors. Such as booking the wrong date or booking the wrong sector. This requires you to move physically to the Uganda wildlife Authority offices. This is one of the few services that you cannot access during public holiday since the online system does not have that provision. With the Uganda wildlife Authority Kampala offices closed during public holidays, there is nothing that can be done in regard to gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permit rescheduling or change of date.

Can I Track Gorillas On A Pubic Holiday?

Yes, gorilla trekking is done throughout the year even on public holidays. However you must book in advance to secure a gorilla trekking permit. At the moment the gorilla trekking permit rate will remain unchanged for the next three years but the gorilla habituation permit will change to $1800 per permit starting 2027.

Can I Track Chimpanzees On A Public Holiday?

Similarly, it is possible to track chimpanzees on a public holiday. Similar to gorilla trekking, the permits have to be booked in advance. The chimpanzee tracking rate as well as the chimpanzee habituation rate is bound to change effective January 2027. Currently, a chimpanzee tracking permit is $250 per foreign none resident. It has been revised to $300 per foreign none resident effective January 2027.

Gorilla Tracking – Bwindi National Park – Uganda

In conclusion, national parks in Uganda remain open even during public holidays. Whether you wish to trek gorillas and track chimpanzees, 4x4uganda Ltd can help you organize the gorilla trekking permit as well as several other Uganda wildlife Authority related services. We can also help you organize accommodation for your safari. Our team offer technical advise on your itinerary more so in regard to the road conditions. It is very easy to come up with an itinerary but it is also important to know the road conditions so that you consider better routes in case there is an option.