How to obtain Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda
To obtain a Uganda Gorilla trekking permit is quite easy since it is the most outstanding tourist attraction in Uganda. They are quite a much sought of commodity and usually a small number of people are allowed to track them since they are an endangered species. To fully participate in this activity, it will take you some good time to plan as you will need to ensure an opportunity by securing a gorilla tracking permit in advance. If you wish extend your tracking session to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Mountain Gorillas there are not very stable because their movements while the republic it easy to track because it at the border with Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Many registered tours and Travel Company do arrange Gorilla tracking safaris and to participate in this activity, you will need to secure for yourself a Gorilla permit.
As a tourist, the best, the best bet for obtaining a Mountain Gorilla is through booking with a registered and genuine tour company in Uganda. The activity will however be done with other wildlife safaris including bird watching, Chimpanzee viewing, butterfly watching and visiting the Batwa people within the Bwindi forest. Presently, the cost of a Gorilla permit is US$ 600 and for you to participate in this activity you should be above 15 years of age. These permits can be obtained for two national parks of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla national park. However, in Mgahinga Gorilla the mountain gorillas are not stable since they keep on moving from back and forth from Rwanda to the Republic of Rwanda and the Democratic republic of Congo.
The mountain Gorilla trip organized by a genuine and registered tour operator will give you an opportunity to meet and spend time with the Mountain Gorillas. After this experience, you will be issued with a certificate by Uganda Wildlife Authority. A fee of US$ 600 is seen as a step towards Gorilla tracking though it worth and upon completion there is no mention of the money. Only a satisfaction of having seen these magnificent and rare animals is rewarding to the activity.
There are discounted Gorilla permits in Uganda for low seasons which is during the Months of April, May and November. You should note that off season prices for discounted gorilla permits in 2017 is at USD 450 per person for foreign none residents and USD 400 for east African residents who do hold work permits. The Uganda Wildlife Authority in conjunction with the Association of Uganda Tour Operators will persistently continue to offer discounted Gorilla permits in Uganda during low seasons. Residents of East Africa will save up to US$200.00 since Uganda Wildlife Authority Charges them USD 400.00. This idea has been welcomed since the country looks to improve the tourist’s inflow. Voted by lonely planet as one the best destination, Uganda has got the highest tourist growth in the whole of Africa in 2012. The president of Uganda has sighted tourism as the as a sector that will drive the country out of poverty in the coming years. With the discount of the Gorilla permits in Uganda especially on the low seasons; you will only increase on tourists inflow. Uganda giving discounts to Gorilla permits; it gives a challenge to Rwanda to do the same as it persistently increased its permits from USD 500.00 to USD 750.00. Based on the fact that Uganda has a number of attractions like beautiful National parks, source of the Nile, Rwenzori and Elgon Mountains, Lake Victoria among others coupled with relative stability, infrastructural development, things seem to be going in a positive way.
Read MoreBoosting Domestic Tourism Through Bird Watching
In a bid to promote local tourism in Uganda the National Forestry Authority – NFA as well as Uganda Wildlife Authority – UWA are planning to let locals enter the national park free of charge and help in identifying as many unknown bird species as possible. This is to enable boost local earnings from Uganda’s tourism.
According to statistics from the Uganda Wildlife Authority the number of tourists to Uganda national parks is mainly foreign non-resident tourists who average about 61,000. This is closely followed by students on field trips who make up approx. 42,000 while only a palty 30,000 are locals.
This project is expected to be conducted with the help of ornithologists as well as the many local bird guides who were recently trained as well as seasoned birders.
The acting director of tourism and business services of Uganda Wildlife Authority, Mr. Stephen Sanyi Masaba this initiative is aimed at helping to promote the bird watching in the Country as well provide information about Uganda ‘s bird species to the international community.
Uganda has over 1065 recorded bird species which is more than half of the bird species found in Africa as a continent. According to Mr. Masaba bird watching in Uganda alone has the potential to generate over Shs 126 billion approx. $45m each given year if only the Country could attract 10,000 foreign tourists to see birds only. At press conference at the Uganda Media Centre, he said that in 2008 compared to mountain gorilla tracking which brought in $3.3 million, Uganda birding watching brought in $6m.
During the event all the birds seen or heard in the wild will be recorded. The birding tours will be carried out in the following selected sites
- Semuliki National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park and forest
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Kidepo Valley National Park
National Geographic Names Uganda Among Top Destinations
Uganda is indeed Gifted by Nature! This small country has been named among the top destinations to visit in 2012 thanks to its incredible natural scenery and a rich mosaic of tribes and cultures. Traveling through Uganda you will be captivated by its beauty, overwhelmed by the friendliness of its people and intrigued by all that Uganda has to offer. Recently the Lonely Planet listed Uganda among the top 20 destinations to visit in 2012. This year, the National Geographic has also acclaimed Uganda as one of the top 20 destinations to visit in 2016!
About Uganda
Ecologically, Uganda is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle. Besides its where one can observe lions prowling the open plains in the morning and track chimpanzees through the rain forest undergrowth the same afternoon, then the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippos and crocodiles before setting off into the misty mountains to visit the majestic mountain gorillas? Uganda is the only safari destination whose range of forest primates is as impressive as its selection of plain antelopes. Uganda is also blessed with a vast bird population of more than 1000 species.
According to the National Geographic an international travel channel affiliated to the National Geographic Society, Uganda is among the top 20 global tourism destinations in the year 2013 unlike the lonely planet, which named Uganda as the best travel destination for 2012, National Geographic listed Uganda among the top “new year’s 20 must-see places.”
“The pride of Uganda’s tourism lies in the undisturbed green nature that welcomes you the moment you land in Uganda whether by air, water, land or any means of transportation,” stated the National Geographic.” Getting out of the city will be a rewarding experience with a variety of bird species, wildlife, and the rare mountain gorillas that have been ‘a hot cake’ to Uganda.”
Abiaz Rwamwiri, a tourism expert with Africa Wildlife Foundation said, “We have a lot of potential we are not tapping into and this is what the recommendation by the National Geographic is telling Ugandans.” He also a explained that Uganda has got a beautiful scenery, unique wildlife such as the Mountain gorillas and easy to visit or stay because of the hospitality of the people.” He added, “We have got much more because there is even Kidepo National Park, which is a unique destination, but is still undiscovered by tourists.” A lot is known about Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park, according to Rwamwiri, but Kidepo is unique and truly wild yet not many tourist visit northern Uganda. He said this was going to improve with the implementation a new programme funded by USAID and Africa Wildlife Foundation.
Also Lillian Nsubuga, the Public Relations Manager of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said Uganda’s tourism industry is gaining visibility, but aggressive marketing is needed.” As UWA there has been a big campaign to participate in the international world travel market. So, many people know about Uganda, but we need more aggressiveness,” said Nsubuga adding that marketing efforts undertaken by private sector should be harmonized with Government initiatives.
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Experience the Unique Culture of Uganda
Uganda as commonly referred to as the pearl of Africa is a land locked country on the equator and surrounded by the great lakes of central Africa, Uganda was one of the last parts that the foreigners reached, these where Arabs who came first spreading the gossip of Islam, slaves and ivory in the 1840s. These were followed by white’s British nationals who came to meet the Kabaka by then Muteesa the King of Buganda.
The existence of the Kingdoms in Uganda had a great impact on tradition. All the ruling was done the old way from food, clothes, trade and behaviors’ and lot is still in place and preserved as we could. Given the fact that Uganda was scrambled in the 1880 not only Uganda but Africa at large. The existence of these wars and new behaviors in Uganda brought too much change that up to date Uganda has taken up the western life style as their daily life but embrace tradition as much as they can.
Categorized into the batwa and Nilotic ethnic groups, who are believed to have originated from west Africa in Cameroon. Migrated, divided and settled in Uganda, the batwa who are the “twa” speaking people settled in West, central, south and East of Uganda. It is of great surprise that the divided ethnic groups scattered around the country speak up to over 40 different languages.
For your visit whether on a self drive car hire in Uganda or guided trips with Auto Rental Uganda, you can be able to see how we lived, the ancient life style and behavior and more interesting when with one of our resourceful driver guides. Uganda is still privileged to have people who like tradition much and live it as their life style every single day. Be sure to enjoy Uganda’s tradition to the fullest in real life not only in the museum. In the northern Uganda lives and settles a tribe the Karamajong who decided to stay as our great grand fathers typically. Rarely will you find them here in the central but many will be in the villages who are the Batwa and Bagishu.
On your guided trip to Uganda you can ask your resourceful driver guide at Auto Rental Uganda to not only schedule for you the wild life but also the ancient Uganda. It can be seen in many ways around Uganda in museums and in real life style, food in all delicacies highlighting the ancient Uganda like we used not cook in saucepans but clay made pots that are still in place up to-date, traditional dance and attires, kingdoms and the process they go through to be a king, where they are buried. The ancient Uganda is better than the modern Uganda, for comparison you must visit Uganda. For some reason the Kampala city tour that takes you through the biggest tribe of the Buganda, highlights the long history of Buganda and the long chain of the kings. This doesn’t stop here but proceeds to the tombs where they were buried and also the first of its kind in Africa huge grass thatched huts. Unfortunately that was brought down by arsonists and still no trace of the criminals has been found.
In Uganda everything is a must see, just mention it and it will be served to you on a silver plate with that mouth-dropping dessert of course; this is the time you should plan your trip to Uganda. It’s one of the few places in Africa where you have value for your money to the maximum with a bonus.
As they say traveling is discovering the wrong perception others have about the others. Lets travel and take away the perceptions.
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Uganda Offers Discount Gorilla Permits for May 2016
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) revised the rates for discount gorilla permits for 2016. In this promotion, the price for gorilla permits have been lowered to $450 (a discount of $150 off the regular price) for foreign nonresidents. These permits are available for use during the months of November, April and May 2016.
These gorilla permits allow entry to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, a Unesco site protecting almost half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas. The park protects an estimate of over 460 mountain gorillas that inhabit the hilly ranges. To observe the gorillas, visitors need a seasoned guide and a permit secured well in advance, usually by local tour operators. To take advantage of these discount gorilla trekking permits you can contact Go Gorilla Trekking, one of the local tour operators, specializing in arranging gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular of Ugandan parks and the most visited. The park has 15 habituated gorilla groups that can be visited by only 8 tourists per group. The park has also recently introduced gorilla habituation as a new adventure activity costing USD1500 for a permit. On this activity only 4 tourists visit a gorilla group and follow the gorillas for up to four hours.
The park also protects a population of non-habituated chimpanzees that visitors occasionally see in Buhoma, more than 100 other species of mammals including elephants, 346 species of birds, and 163 species.
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Planning a Road Trip in Uganda
In order to have a breathtaking road trip safari to Uganda here are some of the tips you must put under consideration in order to have a wonderful safari.
Always draft an itinerary
This is very important on any safari whether on self-drive or with a driver, know the number of days you will be on the safari and the destination you want to visit. Drafting the itinerary will help you to know which routes to use and when to stop for lunch or to have stopovers for sightseeing. It’s also very important to figure out the duration from point A to B, this will help you to avoid over straining yourself plus the people you are driving andit will help you to plan for your fuel estimations.
Book your room(s)in advance.
This is also very vital as road trip is very tiring so you will be tired and need abed every night. Due to this it is always advised to book your room in advance before even traveling to Uganda to avoid inconveniences. Many lodges/hotels and safari camps are located inside or close to all national parks and local attraction and at times especially during the high season they get fully booked very fast, so to avoid all these figure out which destinations you will be visiting and book your accommodation in time at least one month before arrival to avoid disappointments like missing out on your preferred accommodation, if you’ve made reservation, it’s also very important to make a phone call to those responsible for your accommodation ensuring them your dates of arrival.
Try to research about local attractions along the way
It’s not good to drive for a long journey without stopovers on the way to have a look at the local attractions. Before traveling try to search through Google and Travel guide books among others to get to know some of the attraction you will be visiting before arrival to your visit destination, however you can decide to visit the less popularly known attraction to have great experience on your safari to Uganda. Visit our website to get more information about parks, accommodation, routes and cars to rent. It’s recommended to purchase a travel map to avoid getting lost or you can download the Google maps app to help you determine your location no matter which place you are in at that particular time.
Packing list
Before travelling it’s also of important to know the packing list of the vital things needed for the safari. Always pack what is needed to avoid the big size of the luggage. Unless you are going to embark on a camping or hiking trip, it is suitable to pack light clothes and a few gadgets to get that extra room in the car boot. For those coming on a gorilla safari don’t forget to pack sturdy pair of walking shoes/boots, long sleeved shirts or blouses, insect repellent, jacket. Most safari lodges and hotels in Uganda offer laundry services so you can always be assured of putting fresh clothes.
Don’t fear locals, ask them
Uganda is known as a country with friendly people, so in case of anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask them in any destination you will be traveling, in case you need to find where you are going, or looking for a cheap place to get food, the local people are always more than willing to help you out, many are even more eager to teach you their language, this will add fun to your whole experience in Africa.
Take Pictures
Take as many photos as you can at the site you visited, as photos are the only thing that can make your safari memorable, pose and take photos with the people you came with. It’s advisable to come with good cameras plus back-up batteries & film to ensure you don’t miss out any nice scenes.
In case you need to know more about planning a road trip or booking with us contact us at 4×4 Uganda Car Hire or call +256-751552950
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Meet the Gorillas & Chimpanzees in Uganda
As far as tourism is concerned, whenever one hears Uganda, what comes in any foreigners mind is the primate excursions that are always carried out in this country. And not only that, but what also rings a bell to them is the gorilla tracking as well as chimpanzee trekking. However, there are distinctive features that separate these two primates in the way they are tracked and how best one can prepare for both to have an ultimate experience.
Where they are both found in Uganda;
Chimpanzees in Uganda are located in different places but habituated chimpanzees only exist in Kibale National Park located in western Uganda, Kyambura Gorge located in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu forest located closer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park located in Northern Uganda. We also have orphaned chimpanzees in Ngamba Island which is approximately 23 km in Lake Victoria and can be accessed by boats.
On the other hand, habituated gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. According to the 2013 mountain gorilla census, it was discovered that Bwindi Impenetrable National park has almost half the number of mountain gorillas in the whole while the other population of gorillas are in the Virunga Ranges shared between Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic republic of Congo. Today Bwindi is one of the most popular parks for gorilla safaris on the African continent.
Gorilla and chimp trekking experience compared
When compared, gorilla tracking is a more organized activity both in Uganda and Rwanda and chances of seeing gorillas is above 90%. This is because gorillas live in families each headed by a dominant silver back. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the activity is so organized in such a way that early in the morning, there is an advanced team that goes to the forest to look for where the gorillas would have slept and once they find them, then they communicate to the park head quarters to inform the guides where gorillas are. It’s from here that tourists plus their guide will start the trek to look for gorillas starting from where they slept the previous night until they find them. Once they have found them, they are given one hour to observe and take photographs.
Chimpanzee trekking on the other hand is not as organized as gorilla trekking and chances are high in Kibale National Park and Budongo forest to other places such as Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu forest. The same process of having an advanced team applies to chimps but chimpanzees on the other hand live in communities of around 100 individuals or more and during the day, these communities breakup into small parties to reduce on food competition. Each party is therefore tracked by 6 people. Once you have found the chimpanzees, you are allowed only one hour to view and photograph them.
Family composition
A family of habituated gorillas is trekked by a maximum of 8 people in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga while Chimpanzee parties in Kibale National Park is restricted to only 6 people. While a habituated gorilla family can only be seen by a maximum of 8 people PER DAY, chimpanzee parties are trekked twice in a day (morning and afternoon). Taking a close look at chimp trekking in Kibale National Park, a maximum of 18 people do trek chimps both in the morning and in the afternoon. It is arranged in such a way that each chimpanzee party is trekked by 6 people thus 3 parties for 18 people. The fact that chimpanzees keep on breaking into small parties and regrouping, at a given point, you might find yourselves trekking the same party (18 people) they can join together. This tends to cause confusion amongst tourists if not briefed very well. This sometimes leads to congestion and kills the whole Eco- experience as expected by clients. Mountain gorillas tend to be on ground in most cases and depending on the height of the vegetation, they are better seen compared to chimpanzees which are in most cases up in the trees (Not all the time though as so many people have found them on ground).
What to pack for gorilla or chimp trekking
Both gorilla and chimp trekking requires one to have hiking boots, garden gloves, long sleeved trousers and shirts, rain jackets, sun glasses, huts, a hiking stick and some energy giving foods to give you that extra strength when needed. You might not need a porter for chimp trekking in Kibale but we highly recommend one for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your gorilla trek.
Gorilla and Chimp permits
In Uganda, you require a permit to either trek gorillas or chimpanzees. Gorilla tracking permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park costs USD600.00 which normally goes down from that in low seasons (Feb-may) to the tune of USD350.00. enabling you to save USD150.00. The above includes trekking gorillas, a guide for the trek and park entrance fees. Chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda vary according to where you will be trekking them. In Kibale, a permit is USD150 while in Kyambura is at USD50.00 per person and includes guide, park entrance and viewing chimps.
Distances compared
Gorilla trekking is done in Bwindi and Mgahinga and they are approximately 8-9 hours from Kampala while driving and it also depends on which side of Bwindi you are going to. If you are flying, then it might take you around about one and half hours to Bwindi or Kisoro. Kibale National Park is about 5-6 hours from Kampala; Kyambura Gorge is approximately 7-8 hours drive from Kampala while Budongo is also approximately 5-6 hours drive to northern Uganda.
Read MoreSelf Driving in Uganda – Know Your Responsibilities
Do you like self driving on your Africa Safari? For all of you out there, always remember that when you are entering into a car rental agreement for a vehicle, you should patiently and also carefully read the entire contract top to bottom as many times as possible so that you understand your rights, obligations, terms and conditions. Always remember to shop around for the best deal for your own personal circumstances. This does not only apply to car hire only, but it also applies to minibus hire and all forms of other vehicle hire.
Make sure you check the contract you are signing to find out how and when you will have to pay for any damages that you do to the vehicle, and what avenues of appeal you have if you disagree with the damage assessment given by the rental company. Please note if you have extra fees such as early, late or airport drop-off or pick-up fees, taxes and mileage charges.
Check your rights and responsibilities in the event of a single vehicle accident and also check for clauses which would leave you fully liable for any damage. Check the size of the damage excess, and in what circumstances you will be required to pay it. Make sure your license is current, and find out where you can and cannot drive the vehicle as some hire vehicles may be restricted to a fixed area or road type.
When you hire a car or locate a minibus for hire, make sure you read the policy careful, check for damage and pay any traffic offense fees you may incur during the hire term. By observing the rules and regulations set down in the contract, you will avoid complications if anything occurs that damages your car or others during the car hiring.
Read MoreUganda Listed Among 20 Best Destinations to Visit in 2016
It takes no minute to tell that Uganda is one of Africa’s friendliest country from its hospitality, culture and tradition. You can have several moments to celebrate while in the pearl of Africa starting with the warm welcome at Entebbe international Airport immediately after landing. The scenic drive to your hotel exposes you to great views but Zika forest & Entebbe Botanical gardens, Lake Victoria island shores plus the breath taking beaches are a must. It’s more than clear that Uganda is a great safari destination with all you need for a holiday in Africa having taken a glance at what it has to offer you.
Known as the land of lakes, water adventures & spots ,Boat cruise are one of Uganda’s most done tourist activity which add value and fun to every guest to the country for a holiday vacation. Besides it’s something you can’t miss out while in Murchison falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National park, Jinja the source of the Nile and Entebbe on Lake Victoria. Other places of tourist interest are the colorful tropical birds, mountain Gorillas at Bwindi forest, Monkeys and chimpanzees in kibale forest, the might falls of Itanda & Murchison, tree climbing lions at Ishasha, wildlife in Uganda’s best game parks, Rwenzori & Elgon mountain, the Uganda culture & its people among others.
Above all its only here that the African Savannah meets the West African Jungle in Uganda a country where hundreds observe lions in open plains in the morning and evening, track chimpanzees through the rain forest on same schedule and also navigate the tropical channels with hippos and crocodiles before heading to the misty forest for the Mountain Gorilla Encounter at Bwindi forest. A wide range of impressive forest primates, plains Scattered with Kobs, giraffes, antelopes,Zebras are the other wildlife that you yet to spot in the pearl of Africa.There is a lot to see and discover more than wildlife and primates like the world ‘s most thrilling white water rafting ,the rewarding hikes and mountaineering mountains of Rwenzori and Elgon, the beautiful islands of lake bunyonyi & Ssese on lake Victoria, the different religious and cultural sites Namugongo shrines, Kasubi tombs, Budo coronation ground, Sezibwa falls among others.
Also the Country city night life is worthy to spend more nights in Uganda since you will have a lot to explore and see from entertainments, shopping, bars and restaurant. If it’s your first time to take a safari to Uganda, the outstanding culture, nature beauty and weather which makes it the pearl of Africa will make you get the very best wonderful holiday throughout your stay.
Read MoreUganda Tourism to Tackle Country’s Negative Image
The minister for Tourism in Uganda Hon, Uganda’s Minister for Tourism, has launched a new media unit to tackle challenges and wrong perceptions about Uganda. The media unit aimed will aim at putting positive messages about tourism, culture, and related topics into the public domain.
The so-called Tourism Communications Working Group will be headed by the Ministry’s Head of PR, Mrs. Emma Mugizi, who will be assisted by a further six regular members drawn from across the ministry’s various departments and agencies under its supervision.
From Minister to Permanent Secretary to the head of the working group, the message was unanimous that it was important to provide facts and figures to the global media and promote good news about Uganda’s tourism attractions, parks, and society events.
Uganda in the past often failed to respond adequately and promptly when negative news emerged on international television channels, in newspapers, and magazines. The country that has seen peace for over 25 years now is still having a big problem in marketing its tourism products and the problem is largely the “bad image’ of its past. It is not surprising when you ask about Uganda; many will get the images of the past brutal leader “Idi Amin” killings of Joseph Kony, arsonists and such terrible incidents! The image of the country is a very important factor in the development of tourism and therefore the establishment of such campaigns is an important step in promoting the country.
It is hoped that the new media unit will finally be able to put push more positive information that will work upon creating rather a positive image for the country. The media unit will as well engage with global, regional, and local media organizations and key media individuals so that positive and clear images about Uganda as a destination will be directed into the public domain including TVS, radios, newspapers etc. Deliberate networking with the media in fact must include those using the new age channels like social media and blogs, to create an overall better picture of the country abroad by tapping into all available resources.
Minister Mutagamba called the launch a step into the right direction that will improve the marketability of Uganda as a destination. Uganda is one of the most beautiful places on Africa – an upcoming destination on the African continent. It is the number one spot for <a href=”http://www.ugandagorillatour.com”>gorilla tours</a>, wild adventures where tourists hike within the impenetrable forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park to see the endangered mountain gorillas! Other rewarding experiences in the country include big five game viewing, mountain trekking, white water rafting, primates watching and more.
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