Why Choose Kenya as your post covid 19 lockdown safari destination?

What to see and see in Kenya as a covid 19 post lockdown safari trip.

Everyone travels for different reasons, but after hearing so many great things about Kenya from friends and family and reading about all the incredible adventures that can be had there, here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your trip.

The Great Migration of the Wildebeest in Africa

Observe the natural environment firsthand in Kenya’s Great Migration! From July through October, the wide terrain of Masai Mara National Reserve is traversed by the migrations. Out of nowhere, the massive forms of wildebeests start to poke their heads out from the sand. Zebras rumble over the plains with a jumble of hooves, black-and-white coats, white beards, tails, and short manes. A herd of dozens of wildebeests stands on a ledge above the river, stomping and grunting in the direction they’re headed. Once in a lifetime, you will see a migration.

Each year, about 1.5 million wildebeests and millions of zebras do the Great Migration, a journey that begins in the southern plains of Serengeti National Park and ends in the southern sections of Masai Mara National Park in Kenya. The route begins in Ngorongoro crater and continues into Serengeti National Park.

The Great Migration is so named because it is unlike any other migration—a challenging and unique annual event that takes place over 3,000 kilometers as wildebeests and zebras travel clockwise in search of new food sources and to raise their young as the seasons change. During the dry season, the Great Migration often takes place, driving zebras and wildebeests to seek for new watering holes and pastures. Many tourists who visit Kenya and Tanzania suggest the Great Migration as an epic safari choice since it offers the finest safari experience in Africa.

Discover the Big Five at Kenya’s Natural Reserves and Parks
One of the most breathtaking African wildlife sites, Kenya offers game drives where you can view all five of Africa’s most iconic animals. Countless species of African wildlife call the country’s parks, reserves, and private conservancies home. On your morning and afternoon game drives, you’re sure to see a wide variety of these animals. Notable parks and reserves in Kenya include Masai-Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Aberdare, Samburu, Tsavo, Meru, and Nairobi, in addition to the country’s 54 total national parks and reserves, making it the East African region’s most extensive network.

Giraffes, elephants, zebras, hippos, warthogs, rhinos, and a plethora of herbivores are among the numerous animals that may be seen. Predators including as cheetahs, lions, leopards, and other fierce hunters feed on resident animals all year round in Masai Mara National Reserve, and the plains get an even bigger bountiful harvest during the wildebeest migration. You should choose Kenya as your safari location since it has the largest density of animals.

Kenyan Cultural Exchange
Many distinct ethnic groups call Kenya home, including the Maasai, Samburu, Turkana, Pokot, El Molo, Rendille, and many more. At any time of year, we can arrange for you to visit a real village, where you may learn the local language, dance, and culture—the perfect way to round off your African safari. Picture this: you’re invited to a genuine Maasai wedding, you learn to cook a coastal dinner, and you meet with ladies from a Samburu community who teach you how to create elaborately beaded chokers. You truly take part in the rituals and customs of these indigenous communities.

As you immerse yourself in the pastoral setting and semi-nomadic lifestyle of the Masai, you’ll find an untainted wilderness where you can live in harmony with animals, shop for unique souvenirs at local markets and craft shops, and help improve the livelihoods of children, women, and other vulnerable groups in the communities. If you’re planning an African safari, Kenya is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the continent.

Isolated Islands with White Sand Beaches
Coastal beaches are the genuine thing whether you’re seeking a honeymoon getaway, a place to unwind away from work, or any combination of the two. Along Kenya’s extensive white-sand beaches, you can feel the warm, turquoise waves of the Indian Ocean lapping against the coast. Just beyond the South Coast, you’ll find Funzi and other small islands that provide tranquil isolation from the fast-paced contemporary world. With its two beaches, Mombasa offers visitors the best of coastal living. One further incentive to choose Kenya as your safari location is the refreshing seaside breezes that will round off your trip.

Relics from the Earliest Period of Human History.
Kenya is a fantastic place to learn about the world’s ancient past since it is a popular site for digs by archaeologists, paleoanthropologists, and palaeontologists from all around the globe. One such world-renowned location is Lake Turkana, which has been called the “Cradle of Mankind” because to the substantial archaeological evidence it has provided. Some artifacts from the Kobi Fora portion, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are over 3 million years old, making it the most productive site in Africa for palaeontological research.

The Great Rift Valley Lakes of Kenya: A Birder’s Fantasy
Wetlands and lakes in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley are important habitats for birdwatchers since they are home to a rich and stunning array of bird species. The lake is noted for its flamingo population, which swells to over 300,000 kg, and for the drives that travel along its borders. This area is home to over 450 different bird species, including these lesser and greater rosy-colored feathered creatures, as well as a large number of long-crested eagles, cormorants, goliath herons, African fish eagles, pink-backed pelicans, and many more speckled birds.

One of the most abundant Important Bird Areas in Kenya, Lake Bogoria is home to more than 373 different bird species. It is one of the many lakes in the Great Rift Valley. Among the more than 450 species documented in Lake Naivasha are black herons, great white egrets, kingfishers, black-lored babblers, and many more. On your birding tour across Kenya, our expert guides will point out various bird species for you to see.

Can you tell me how much a safari to Kenya will cost?
We tailor our safari pricing estimates to your budget and desired amount of time in Kenya. Depending on your interests, you may select from our budget, midrange, or luxury safari choices. A safari package includes everything from lodging and transportation to park admission, wildlife drives, guide fees, meals, and activities. Worldwide airfare, visa fees, and alcoholic beverages are not included in most of our packages, and we will always be transparent about this.

We do provide group safaris at a discounted rate per person when there are more than one traveler. The expense of transportation, lodging, and other services is shared, which brings the total down. Get in touch with us so that we can personalize your safari to Kenya based on your interests and budget.

When planning a safari, how can one go to Kenya?
There are direct flights to Kenya from Europe and other African nations, making it conveniently accessible from anywhere in the globe. Kenya welcomes visitors from neighboring nations like Tanzania and Uganda. For one hundred dollars, tourists may get an East Africa tourist visa that grants them entry to Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda several times. This opens up the possibility of going on a safari in all three nations, or visiting Rwanda or Uganda and then picking Kenya as your safari location.

You may alternatively pay USD50 at the airport to get a Kenyan single-entry visa before you apply online. With well-maintained roadways linking many national parks, reserves, hotels, and other points of interest, Kenya is an ideal tourism destination. inside Kenya, there are flights that go to various tourist spots and planes that go inside the country itself.

While planning a safari to Kenya, what kinds of lodging options are available?
One of the most important things to consider when organizing an African vacation is where to stay. Depending on your location, Kenya offers a wide variety of lodges, hotels, and camps, so we can help you choose one that fits your budget. There is a wide variety of options available, from affordable to ultra-luxury, with varying levels of service. Full board with menu options starts at around USD100 per person, per night at some of the more affordable camps.

We only recommend lodges that we know will ensure your well-being and comfort, and we give special consideration to rooms with private facilities. There are a variety of room types available at all of the hotels, including single, double, twin, and family rooms, and even honey huts for a few. Get in touch with us as you plan your safari, and we’ll recommend hotels in the best areas of Kenya to stay.

For what reasons should you choose Katland Safaris for your Kenya safari?
Every tourist destination in Kenya and the rest of East Africa can look forward to unforgettable adventures with Katland Safaris. We provide cheap packages and may even create custom tours if you contact us.

Our ability to curate really memorable experiences is a product of the cohesive team we’ve built over the years, which includes both youthful and dynamic employees, as well as seasoned and dedicated directors and managers. You may read about other people’s experiences on safari bookings and trip advisor, where Katland Safaris has a lot of positive ratings.

Why Uganda is the perfect post lockdown safari destination in Africa

Things to do and see in Uganda after a lockdown
Tracking gorillas and their habits

The world-renown Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda are home to half of the world’s surviving mountain gorilla population. Beautiful mountain gorillas have been seen by tourists from all over the globe; you must not miss them on your safari in Africa. Encounter can assist you in obtaining the necessary gorilla permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority in order to visit or trek the gorillas in Uganda.

For non-residents, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is $800 per person, per trek; for foreign residents and nationals of East Africa, the fee is $1500 per person, each trek; and for gorilla habituation, the cost is $800 per person, every trip. The gorilla trekking experience is once in a lifetime. It begins at 8:00 in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. Afterwards, you will be led on a walk into the forest by park rangers and guides until you come across the gorillas. Interacting with these primates in their natural habitat is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

For everyone’s safety—the gorillas, the service providers, the park employees, and the tourists—there are some rules that you must adhere to. In order to prevent the spread of the virus and guarantee the safety of every client’s vacation, Katland Safaris is adhering to the standard operating procedures.

Tracking chimpanzees and their habits

Among Africa’s primates, chimpanzees are the most numerous; visitors to Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, and Kyambura Forest may see this firsthand. This park is known as the “Primate capital” due to the large number of chimpanzee populations that call Kibale National Park home. In order to see the chimps, you must first get a chimpanzee permission, and while we recover from the epidemic, everyone must adhere to all safety protocols.

The day of the expedition will begin with an early morning forest excursion accompanied by knowledgeable guides, researchers, and trackers. You will get the opportunity to see wild chimpanzees and other primates in their natural environment. This is a once in a lifetime chance to go within meters of these gregarious and entertaining primates. Our closest relatives, the chimpanzee, are in grave danger; there are just around 5,000 of them left in Uganda. If you want to see chimpanzees after the lockdown in Africa, Uganda is the place to go.

Game viewing in Uganda is a once in a lifetime chance to observe all five of Africa’s most iconic animals in their natural habitat. No matter which game park you visit, you may enjoy morning, afternoon, or night game drives, and if you’re looking for an even more immersive experience, there are specific activities like lion or rhino tracking that increase your chances of seeing wild animals.

The best places to go on a game drive in Uganda are the country’s many national parks and reserves, where you can follow established trails in search of wildlife. Some of these parks include Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, Kidepo Valley, Toro-Semuliki, and Pian-Upe. Giraffes, elephants, zebras, hippos, warthogs, rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, antelopes, ostriches, and active antelopes are just a few of the animals that may be seen. Secure your spot in Uganda as your safari destination now and prepare to be amazed.

Keeping tabs on golden monkeys

Mgahinga National Park is fortunate to be home to golden monkeys, one of the world’s rarest primates. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Uganda in general are unique tourist destinations due, in large part, to the golden monkey tracking that takes place there. According to the tariff of the Uganda Wildlife Authority for 2020–2021, a golden monkey trekking permit costs USD100, and there are two groups of monkeys that are known to be good trekking companions.

A meeting at the park headquarters to go over forest dos and don’ts kicks off the early morning hike at 7:00am. Subsequently, accompanied by park rangers and guides, you will begin your trek into the jungle in search of the golden monkeys, which you will then be permitted to see for an hour. For the pinnacle of African safaris, contact us to arrange your trip to Uganda after Lockdown.

Exploring the Great Outdoors

Mountaineering in Uganda is a great option for those looking for a hiking safari after the lockdown. There are several mountains to climb, including the snow-capped Rwenzori, the volcanic Sabyinyo, the largest caldera on the planet, Gahinga, and Muhabura. Depending on your fitness level, you can choose which mountain to climb. On a hiking trip, you may view a wide variety of birds, trees, primates, gorillas, and elephants in the forest. Depending on your interests, you may trek to various summits and peaks, which might take anything from a day to two weeks.

Interactions between cultures and communities
With over 50 distinct languages spoken by its varied population, Uganda is home to a wide variety of tribes and civilizations. You can’t get a full taste of Africa without seeing its many diverse and fascinating cultures, whether you’re traveling east, west, south, or north. Languages, traditions, taboos, cuisine, way of life, hospitality, and more are all part of Ugandan culture.

You’ll learn about the Batwa, also known as the pygmies, who lived in the Bwindi Forest for a long time before being relocated to the communities around the park to make room for mountain gorilla conservation and tourism. You’ll also learn about the Ankole, who live in the west, and the Ik and Karamojong, who live in the north.

Observing Wildlife
After the lockdown, tourists interested in birdwatching will find that Uganda is one of the best places in Africa to do it, with over a thousand different species to see. Various environments, including dry semi-desert, fertile savannahs, lowland and montane rainforests, large wetlands, volcanoes, and an Afro-alpine zone, contribute to Uganda’s biodiversity.

You will only pay park entrance fees and birding fees to be able to see the different bird species, there are guided walking trails into the forest, swamps and river streams and you will be able to see and identify birds with your guides, some of the birds to sport include Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Nightjar, Dwarf Honeyguide, African Green Broadbill, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Red-throated Alethe, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Short-tailed Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, Collared Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Batis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing, Pelicans, African darter, Herons and many others. After the lockdown, check out our website for birding programs perfect for both lone travelers and groups.

River and crater lake boat trips, white water rafting, ziplining, horseback riding, bicycle tours, plantation tours, and other similar activities are also available. Your interests, schedule, and financial situation will determine how we organize and modify all events. If you are looking for a really unique African safari, Uganda is the place to go.

Why should you choose Katland Safaris for your post-lockdown safari in Uganda?
Uganda and the rest of East Africa may enjoy incredible safari adventures courtesy of Katland. To begin planning your post-lockdown safari, contact us now for information on our reduced packages and custom tours.

Our ability to curate unforgettable experiences is a product of the cohesive team we’ve built over the years, which includes both youthful and dynamic employees, as well as seasoned and dedicated directors and managers who are native Ugandans. You may read about other people’s experiences on safari bookings and trip advisor, where Katland Safaris has a lot of positive ratings.

Organizing a flying safari to Buhoma to see gorillas

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s Buhoma area is reached via air.

Depending on your travel schedule and budget, we can arrange a flying safari to Buhoma at any time of year so you may view the gorillas. Lodges in Buhoma are located 1-2 hours away from the two airstrips serving the area, Kihihi and Ishasha, both of which are located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airstrip both provide domestic flights every day, with morning and afternoon departures. Group excursions to visit gorillas are made effective by aerolink Uganda, one of the main companies, which has planes that can hold eleven people at once.

You may visit Buhoma to view the gorillas on regular or chartered flights operated by any airline. If you’re arriving at any of the park’s airstrips, our professional, experienced, and qualified English-speaking driver guides will be ready to take you to your destination. For your comfort and an unforgettable experience, we only use 4×4 safari vehicles.

Activities available in the Buhoma area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Flying into Buhoma sector will put you in the middle of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the birthplace of Ugandan tourism, where you may partake in a wide variety of activities, some of which are detailed below:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorilla tracking in the Buhoma Sector
You shouldn’t leave your fly-in vacation to Buhoma without going on a gorilla tracking or viewing excursion, since this region was the birthplace of gorilla tourism in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In the Buhoma area, you may find five different gorilla families: the Rushegura, Muyambi, Mubare, Habinyanja, and Katwe. The gorilla tracking day begins at 8:00 in the morning with a safety briefing by the park wardens and guides, followed by a trip into the forest to witness the stunning mountain gorillas.

When visiting the Buhoma region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to do gorilla tracking, you must have a gorilla permit. Each gorilla family in the Buhoma area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has a daily visiting limit of eight, and forty permits are available for treks with the gorillas. After you get in touch and reserve a gorilla viewing package with Katland Safaris, we will email you an invoice and provisionally reserve the permit in our system.

We will get your permission from the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala after you pay, and then we will email you a scanned copy of the permit for your keeping. Your driver-guide will be responsible for collecting your permission cards from the Uganda Wildlife Authority one week before your trip dates. On the day of your trek, you will be required to produce these at the park headquarters in order to be permitted to trek. When planning a flying safari to Buhoma to view gorillas, Katland safaris always makes sure to give all the services to match your expectations.

You must be at least fifteen (15) years old to apply for a gorilla permit. To guarantee your spot for gorilla tracking in the Buhoma region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you need obtain gorilla permits at least two years in advance. Permits to see gorillas sell out rapidly during the peak tourist months of July, August, September, December, January, and February. In order to ensure that you are able to hike the gorillas on the day of your choice, we at Katland Safaris strongly recommend that all travelers purchase and reserve the permits in advance.

Nature Walk and Birdwatching

In particular, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Buhoma area are great places to go bird watching. At Bwindi, researchers have found 348 different kinds of birds. Out of the 25 species that fall into this category, 4 are considered to be in danger on a worldwide scale, and 23 of them are exclusive to the Albertine Rift: Species such as the African Green Broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri), the Endangered Chapin’s Flycatcher (Muscicapa lendu), the Vulnerable Shelley’s Crimson-wing (Cryptospiza), and the Grauer’s Rush Warbler (Bradypterus graueri). Shelley is quite susceptible to danger.

Buhoma is a great spot for birdwatchers and mountain gorillas, therefore it’s a great choice for a flying safari. River Munyaga is the hotspot for birdwatchers in Bwindi, home to three genus-specific bird species: the African Green Broadbill, the Grauer’s Warbler (Graueria vittata), and the Short-tailed Warbler (Hemitesia Neumann). Species in Asia, rather than Africa, are believed to be closer in affinity with the broadbill and the short-tailed warbler.

You may also go hiking or follow one of the guided nature walks in the forest, where you can learn to recognize different kinds of plants, birds, and primates. Connecting the Buhoma Sector to the Nkuringo Sector in the south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a long and short walking track. As you make your way through the forest, you’ll hear the soothing sounds of nature as you ford rivers, bogs, and waterfalls.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: A Community Encounter in the Buhoma Sector
While at Buhoma, you should make time to see the local community. As a way to teach their children and tell the world about their incredible history and customs, the displaced Batwa pygmies set up the Batwa cultural experience, which you may participate in. Located next to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park, the Experience is set in an old-growth forest outside of the park.

Starting with a nature walk or stroll in the forest, guests of the Batwa experience will get a fresh perspective on the forest by learning about it from the indigenous Batwa people. Find out what they collected, how they used nets and traps, and how they hunted the little animals they consumed. Participate in their everyday activities, witness their traditional dances, visit the schools, and give scholastic resources. You can also visit the local women’s clubs and buy souvenirs while supporting their livelihoods.

Where to stay in Buhoma for your gorilla trekking adventure

When planning a flying safari to Buhoma in search of gorillas, it’s recommended to stay for at least two nights. The Buhoma sector offers a range of accommodations to suit your needs. From ultra-luxurious resorts to more affordable options, the lodges cover it all. Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, and Bwindi Trekkers Lodge are among the most opulent lodges in the area. Among the lodges in the middle range are Buhoma Havens and Silverback.

A number of lodges, such as Buhoma Community Camp, Ride for a Woman, and crested crane Buhoma Lodge, are available for those on a tighter budget. Get in touch with us and let us know which lodge you would like to stay at; we will then create a personalized itinerary or provide budget-friendly recommendations.

If you want to view gorillas in Buhoma but don’t want to spend the 10 hours it would take to drive there, arranging a flying safari is a great alternative. You may alternatively fly to Buhoma and then drive back to Entebbe or Kampala. On the route, you can stop at the Equator for photos, visit the Igongo cultural center and museum, and take in the stunning landscapes and plantations.

To arrange for your travel, hotel, gorilla permit, activities, and any other service, just send us an email. Our cheap fly-in safaris to Buhoma to view the gorillas are available in a variety of lengths and types, including 3-day trips, 5-day safaris with gorillas and birding, 4-day trips with gorillas and community encounters, and many more. To book a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Buhoma, visit our website.

5 Top Uganda safari activities in the new normal

Tracking primates

The new normal includes primate tracking as one of the top safari activities in Uganda. The country is home to a wide variety of primate species, including chimpanzees, golden monkeys, mountain gorillas, and many more. Trekking for gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys are just a few of the well-known primates that you can see on your adventure.

In order to guarantee the well-being of both the visitors and the monkeys, these activities are carried out in groups of eight. During each trip, the COVID-19 preventative SOPS protocol is followed.

A Gorilla Adventure

In Uganda, you can go gorilla trekking in two parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. To go on the trek, you’ll need a gorilla permit, which costs $800 for non-resident foreigners, $70 for East African citizens, and $700 for East African residents. For that price, you get an hour-long encounter with mountain gorillas. Also, if you want to spend more time with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park, you may choose for a 4-hour encounter experience called Gorilla Habituation. This journey costs USD1500 per person.

Trekking with Chimpanzees

Tracking chimpanzees in Uganda is possible in many parks, including Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Kalinzu, and Budongo, all of which are near Murchison Falls. Depending on your schedule and the activities planned, we may arrange for the permits and the walk to go chimpanzee tracking in the morning or afternoon.

A chimpanzee permit, allowing for an hour of interaction with the primates, costs $300 for non-resident foreigners, $250 for residents, and $30 for citizens, in accordance with standard chimpanzee monitoring. Additionally, in Kibale Forest National Park, you may participate in the chimpanzee habituation experience, which allows you to spend half a day in the company of these primates.

Trailing the Golden Monkey

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the only place in the world where you can go golden monkey tracking. A tracking permission costs $100 and gives you an hour to interact with the monkeys, while a habituation permit costs $140 and gives you four hours.

Wildlife watching
In the savannah national parks of Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, and Queen Elizabeth, Uganda’s most visited park, you can go on game drives and see animals like leopards, zebras, elephants, warthogs, giraffes, and tree climbing lions.

Heritage activities
Being home to over fifty distinct ethnic groups and languages, Uganda is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. As part of your tour of the country’s national parks, you’ll have the opportunity to visit local communities and hear firsthand accounts from residents about the challenges of living in close proximity to wildlife parks, as well as witness traditional dances and other cultural performances.

Cycling and Hiking in the Mountains
Incorporating mountain biking and hiking into your safari to Uganda is a fantastic idea. Countless hills, mountains, and highlands dot Uganda, providing enough opportunities for outdoor pursuits like cycling and trekking. Elgon, Rwenzori, Moroto, Sabinyo, Muhavura, and Gahinga are just a few of the popular mountains among hikers.

Safaris for birdwatching
Uganda is one of the top destinations in Africa for birding, with over a thousand bird species recorded. The country is home to migrant birds and Albertine endemics, including the Shoebill, which is a must-see. Some of the best places to go birding in Uganda are Bwindi Forest, Mabamba swamp, Mubwindi swamp, Bigodi wetland, and Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Game drives in several national parks also provide the chance to see a variety of birds. Collared pratincole, Pel’s fishing-owl, Rare swamp flycatcher, Grey-crowned crane (Uganda’s national bird), Giant heron, Shoebill stork, Abyssinian ground hornbills, Nightjars, Marabou stork, Black-headed Lapwing, Back-bellied Bustard, Giant heron, African jacana, Secretary bird, and many more birds can be found throughout the area.

Embark on thrilling boat rides
Boat trips and excursions on the many rivers and lakes in Uganda are a popular part of safaris in the country. Some of the best places to see wildlife up close include the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the top of the Nile Falls, and the Delta.

When is Uganda at its most beautiful?

People often think that the driest months are the best to visit Uganda as the country has a modified tropical climate with two rainy seasons due to its location on the equator. This is correct, since driving into the park to see animals becomes more difficult during rainstorms due to the pathways being too slick. When planning a trip to Uganda, the months of December–February and June–October are ideal due to the comparatively dry weather compared to March–May and November.

Regarding safaris in Katland and the New Normal booking process
Safaris to Tanzania, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are now part of Katland’s offerings, which originally began in 2011 with incredible experiences in Rwanda and Uganda. Our ability to curate unforgettable experiences is a product of the cohesive team we’ve built over the years, which includes both youthful and dynamic employees, as well as seasoned and dedicated directors and managers who are native Ugandans.

If you get in touch with us, we’ll have someone on staff who can help you get reliable information quickly. Safari reservations and TripAdvisor both consistently give Katland Safaris excellent reviews and ratings. In light of the recent developments brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, our utmost priority is to ensure that you have a safe and memorable safari experience while adhering to all standard operating procedures (SOPs) and travel precautions. For more details, read here. We guarantee a hassle-free and secure booking process and safari in Uganda.

Why book a gorilla habituation safari after Covid 19 lockdown.

Get online and research the top outdoor safari activities to do after a lockdown as nations begin to open up and airports across the world provide instructions on how to restart flights. Because of its socially isolated nature, low population density, and significant impact on mountain gorilla conservation and community development in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park area, gorilla habituation experiences are highly recommended as tourist attractions. The new standard safari rules were developed by Katland Safaris in collaboration with tourist stakeholders.

After the COVID-19 lockdown, why not schedule a gorilla habituation experience?

Following the COVID-19 quarantine, there are several compelling reasons to schedule a gorilla habituation encounter. One of the main reasons is that social separation is good for gorillas, according to the habituation experience, which permits no more than four individuals per gorilla family. Since there is no congestion when there are fewer persons per group, social separation benefits. This will help keep mountain gorillas and humans in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park healthy by lowering the likelihood of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spending four hours in the company of these magnificent creatures is an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more time with mountain gorillas. obtaining a habituation encounter with gorillas for $1500 and spending four hours is a lot more affordable and suitable than obtaining regular gorilla permits, which cost $800 per hour.

After the lockdown, how can one schedule a gorilla habituation session?

You may easily spend four hours with mountain gorillas by booking a gorilla habituation excursion. In a positive light, it is not surprising that more and more individuals are spending time online. Send us an email telling us when you want to visit Uganda and how many people will be in your party, and we will take care of the rest. We will next use email and phone to get in touch with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, verify their availability, and then get your permits. In order to obtain your gorilla habituation experience permit, we will send an invoice for you to pay.

Cancellation and rescheduling of gorilla habituation experience permits due to COVID-19 lockdown
With only your phone or internet, you can arrange for a safari and a four-hour gorilla habituation experience permit without ever leaving your house. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has relaxed its stance on trip cancellations and reschedulings in light of the unpredictability of the current COVID-19 outbreak.

You may now reserve your permission online, and if you find that you won’t be able to trek on the initial day, UWA will let you reschedule your permit twice until December 2022. As an alternative, tour operators may choose to have their payments processed as a credit statement, which means the money will stay with UWA until things are back to normal. Please get in touch if you need any details on the rescheduling or cancellation of your gorilla permit.

What to bring for your gorilla habituation session during the COVID-19 pandemic or a state of lockdown
The Uganda Wildlife Authority has expanded the standard checklist for gorilla habituation to include additional items. Everyone planning to undertake mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is required to wear a mask starting in 2020. The N95 Mask is the only one that is approved for this purpose. Among other things, it is required in order to embark on a hike or spend time with mountain gorillas. To find out what to bring on your vacation to see gorillas in their natural habitat, click here.

Revised regulations for gorilla trekking in Uganda after the shutdown
In order to ensure that no humans get any diseases from animals, the current regulations and protocols for gorilla habituation trekking will be upheld. Among them are
A family of gorillas may be followed by a maximum of four people.

When seeing mountain gorillas, guests should maintain a distance of 7 meters.
Guests that are seen to be coughing excessively during the orientation will not be permitted to track
No tourist will be permitted to track if they are found to be unwell during the briefing. This group includes travelers showing symptoms of influenza, as well as those who report experiencing gastrointestinal issues, malaria, etc.

Despite the deep forest cover and lack of designated pathways for tracking, the certified UWA guides will do their best to keep the visitors at arm’s length throughout the activity.
In order to reduce the workload for potters, it is recommended that visitors bring minimal tools while tracking. Tour operators and other platforms will disseminate this information to prospective visitors.

The amount of pauses throughout the monitoring will be quadrupled to offer travelers chance to breathe fresh air, since there have been reports of adverse effects from wearing masks for lengthy periods of time at high elevations.
Maintaining a social distance is important during these times.

A safe environment for staff and tourists is of the utmost importance to Uwa Katland Safaris, which is why we will back accommodations, restaurants, canteens, shops, and all concessionaire accommodations and services that adhere to the standards set by MTWA and UTB. These regulations, which include, among other things, the following, will be put into place and enforced by the UWA PA COVID taskforce.

Establishing a COVID group to oversee visitor safety and implement stringent regulations in lodging establishments
Making ensuring that all of the lodgings have procedures in place to promote social distance, hand washing, and respiratory hygiene
Making sure that the facilities have all the required medical supplies and equipment
Consistently inspecting and cleaning all technical and maintenance services, including dishwashing and laundry equipment, dispensers, and components

Making ensuring that eating establishments, cafes, and bars are implementing policies that encourage social distance and practice good hygiene by washing hands and using hand sanitizer
Regular cleaning and housekeeping, with a focus on sanitizing surfaces, is essential.
What would happen if the COVID-19 pandemic prevents me from going on my gorilla habituation experience safari?

The following measures will be implemented to ensure that no one loses out if your gorilla habituation experience safari is not able to take place as scheduled. The processing of a credit statement or rescheduling of gorilla habituation permits will take place. There will be no additional charges for using the funds for lodging, transportation, and other activities when you decide to go on your trip. The purpose of this is to guarantee the constant safety of your safari.

Katland Safaris: The Best Choice for a Post-Lockdown Safari
Among the many reputable safari companies in the East African countries of Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, Katland Safaris stands out. We take great delight in creating memories that will last a lifetime and make a difference for both people and animals.

Feel free to contact us at any time; we have a team of office and field professionals standing by to answer any questions you may have about the come through. Safari reservations and TripAdvisor both give Katland Safaris great reviews. Take a look at our New Normal Safari rules.

When to book a gorilla habituation safari.

While many are considering going on a gorilla habituation safari, the big issue is: when is the best time to do it? Good news! I’ll be happy to address any questions you may have regarding the experience today.

In the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi NP, researchers are actively studying two gorilla families—the Byikyingi and the Bushaho—as part of a gorilla habituation experience. In 2014, the Uganda Wildlife Authority opened up gorilla habituation to anyone interested in giving it a try.

In particular, The term “gorilla habituation” describes the method by which a group of gorillas are taught to get used to human presence. While there are no hard and fast rules for selecting habituated gorilla groups, it typically takes two to three years of continuous habituation before a group is considered fit to be followed by tourists. The gorillas get used to human presence and behavior during this period because a group of researchers, guides, and rangers visit the identified wild gorilla group every day.

Unless taught, gorillas may be quite unpredictable since they are wild creatures. While gorillas habituate, scientists learn a lot about them, gather samples, and get a feel for their unique personalities and habits, all of which help them deal with the animals more effectively.

In order to determine when the gorilla group is prepared to welcome visitors, the naming process has been completed. Researchers will put the group through its paces in a mocking exercise where only a small number of participants are given the habituation experience after they have completed the walk.

You get up to four hours with the gorillas once you meet them, compared to the one hour in normal tracking, and a team of researchers and rangers will take you through the habituation process. Only four visitors per day can join a habituation group, and each trek also includes a team of guides who help with the process.

After passing this mimicking test, the habituation family in question is released for routine monitoring. While this may seem like a great deal and entice many to make a purchase, keep in mind that these gorillas are semi-habituated, meaning they are still in the process of habituating to their new environment. As a result, they can be elusive and shy at times, choosing to remain at a distance or even actively moving as you approach them.

When is the optimal time to plan a trip to habituated gorillas?

There are just four permits available each day for the gorilla habituation experience, although it runs all year round. People who are really fond of gorillas, scientists, or photographers often do this, since the primates are still quite timid and big groups are discouraged.

Since Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in a rainforest, visitors should be prepared for the possibility of rain at any time of day or night; yet, the park is most pleasant during the dry seasons (June–August and December–February), when rainfall is light. Even while it’s possible to habituate gorillas during the rainy season, doing so isn’t ideal since the animals are more active at this time, which makes the terrine of Bwindi an unpleasant place to be and the ground is slippery.

You should know that there are only four permits available each day, so you’ll need to book your trip at least three to four hours before the departure date (especially if you’re planning to go during the dry season). Using a tour operator is highly advised.

If you’re wondering which business to pick, Katland Safaris is here to help. We’ll give you our best advice on when to book and show you what dates are available, so you can choose the ones that suit you and your vacation. To see the current permit status, click here.

Here are some more questions people often ask regarding gorilla habituation that I think I’ll leave unanswered until I’ve given you all the information.

What does a habituation permit for gorillas cost?

You need to schedule your gorilla habituation permit as soon as possible since it is far more costly than the gorilla tracking permit, which costs USD800.00 per person each trip. There are only four permits available per day. You get four hours of face-to-face time with the gorillas and access to a research team that can fill you in on all the details of the encounter and more for this price. You need to be at the park for the briefing by 7:00 am since the experience doesn’t start until 7:30 am.

Anyone above the age of fifteen is welcome to participate in gorilla habitatuation, which has the same minimum age requirement as gorilla tracking.

How is the Gorilla Habituation Experience different from Gorilla Tracking?

Among the many distinctions in the experiences, the duration stands out as the most important. Unlike gorilla habituation, where visitors get up to four hours with the gorillas—enough time to view them, get information from the researcher, take pictures, and even participate in the naming ceremony—gorilla tracking allots just one hour with each group before you’re told to leave the forest.

One hour of gorilla habituation costs USD1500.00 per person per trek, while a one-hour gorilla permit costs USD700.00 per person each trek.

Where can one find a suitable location for a gorilla habitat?

Where a customer chooses to stay during their trip is totally dependent on their preferences and budget, since both Rushaga and Nkuringo provide a wide variety of housing alternatives, from the most luxurious to the most modest. A few examples of them include the following: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, 4 Gorillas Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Valley Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Rushaga Havens Lodge Bwindi, and Nsongi Camp.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: How to Get There?
Depending on your location, you have the choice to start your journey in Entebbe or Kigali, making Bwindi Impenetrable National Park easily accessible. You may choose between a land cruiser or a 4×4 Safari Van, both of which are suited for road journeys, when you book with Katland Safaris.

There are many picture vistas and lunch breaks along the route that make the eight to nine hour trip from Entebbe to Bwindi worthwhile. Keep in mind that you get to stop at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe as well; our guides are well knowledgeable and will never make the mistake of ignoring an intriguing location.

The trip from Kigali to Cyanika, Uganda, takes no more than four or five hours, including breaks in Kigali to see the genocide museum and at the border of Cyanika. If you plan on returning to Kigali after your vacation, it is recommended that you get an East African Visa in order to facilitate re-entry.

We also provide domestic flights from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip; this flight will cut your travel time in half, taking only one hour. From Kisoro, a vehicle will take you to a lodge in Bwindi, where you will spend the night before your gorilla habituation adventure. Keep in mind that the weather in the area necessitates early flights to Kisoro.

For a trouble-free safari, get in touch with Katland Safaris and we’ll create a plan just for you, or choose from the options below: Safaris include flying in gorillas for three days, an immersive gorilla habitat for three days, a safari including chimpanzees for five days, and a safari including flying in gorillas for five days are all available. Added packages available for your booking.

With headquarters in Uganda, Katland Safaris is a destination management firm that specializes in safaris. From this location, we serve as a hub for providing East African nations like Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya with an unforgettable safari experience. We have been in business for more than a decade, and both SafariBooking and TripAdvisor have given us great reviews.

Uganda suspends primate trekking and filming activities in National Parks.

As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, Uganda has suspended primate trekking and filming activities in national parks. This decision was made to curb the spread of the virus, as tourism contributes an estimated USD1.6Bn to the Ugandan economy, second only in importance to agriculture. The tourism industry also generates millions of jobs, from tour guides to lodge operators and park rangers.

A coronavirus known as COVID-19 with an unknown origin sprang out in the Chinese city of Wuhan and quickly spread around the world, eventually becoming a pandemic. Taking a heavy toll; as of today, an estimated 721,902 persons have tested positive for the virus, and more than 33,970 have lost their lives as a result. Up to this point, the virus has not had a treatment.

With 32 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and the country’s history of viral outbreaks, Uganda is far from a virgin territory. The country announced its first instances of victims a few weeks ago. Because of this, the nation is now on lockdown; first, the airport was closed to prevent the virus from spreading via arriving passengers; then, all borders were closed; and finally, after the virus manifested in the country, public transportation was also shut down. It is not feasible to do business due to the fire ban, which forbids the use of vehicles carrying more than three passengers.

Please note that any planned tourist and filmmaking trips to Uganda in the near future should be rescheduled at a later date when the situation improves, since the government has also banned all primate tracking and tourism activities. A lot of people are canceling their visits because of this, which is bad for the economy of the nation.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority issued a decree on March 25, 2020, that halted all tourism-related operations in the nation. “Until April 30th, all tourism and filming activities involving primates and other wildlife are to be put on hold,” said UWA director Sam Mwandha. We don’t know the virus’s origin or the potential consequences of primate infection, therefore this command was issued to halt the activity until we do.

All protected regions and national parks would be off-limits to tourists and researchers until April 30, 2020, according to the announcement.
Productions scheduled to take place between now and April 30, 2020, will have to postpone until the issue is under control, since filming of primates is now on hold.
To ensure that the primates are not infected, trackers will be given the appropriate personal protective equipment.
No commercial vehicles allowed in national parks.

An internal COVID-19 task force has been established to collaborate closely with the national task force in order to keep the aforementioned in line with the ever-changing rules for dealing with COVID-19-related concerns.
Additionally, they loosened restrictions on when gorilla and chimpanzee licenses may be changed. Up to March 22, 2022, tour providers may reschedule gorilla and chimpanzee licenses no more than twice. This deal is still available to anybody who managed to get 30% of the permits. In order to prevent any potential cancellations, this was done to give tour operators some leeway.

Since tourism accounts for an enormous 7.7 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, its recent slump has had a devastating effect on the economy, leading to layoffs, reduced staffing levels in hotels, and the closure of tour operators.

There are 88 gorilla permits available daily for 800 USD, thus the Uganda Wildlife Authority is going to miss out on a significant source of income for the duration of the primate and tourist lockdown. Additionally, there has been a halt to filming on this.

How can we proceed?

For those who have already planned trips to Uganda, the best course of action is to delay departure rather than cancel. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has extended the deadline for rescheduling permits by at least two years, until 2022, in case the virus outbreak continues beyond the expected containment in the coming months.

We advise you to begin enquiring about future trips while discounts are still available. While it is true that traveling is not secure at the moment, you can be certain that the situation will normalize. Once this happens, there will be a huge demand for travel. Amazing bundle deals are available when you shop now.

For the greatest and most reasonably priced safari alternatives on all of your travels, come to Katland Safaris, the premier safari business in the world. Safaris may be booked all the way up to 2022, so if you have any specific trip requests, feel free to submit them. You may find evaluations of our safari service on Safari Bookings and TripAdvisor, two sites used by our esteemed clientele.