Big Birding Day Uganda expo postponed to November 2016

Big Birding Day Uganda expo postponed to November 2016 – Uganda bird watching tours and safaris.

The president of Uganda Tourism Association has disclosed that the major birding day Uganda expo has been postponed to November 2016. This has been confirmed during his closing remarks during the monthly tourism forum, which gathers all tourism players from the government, business sector, and international community. Attended by government and private tourism big hitters, this month’s tourism summit was hosted at Hotel African under sponsorship by Uganda Tourism Board and Uganda Hotels association.

While appreciating everyone who came for this tourist conference. While this large birding Uganda expo had been promoted both domestically and internationally, Mr Herbert Byaruhange, chairman of Uganda Safari Guides Association, observed that the visit of the pope to Uganda in the same month would have a significant impact on its success.

The organizers have instead postponed this until November, where he sees that there would be even greater organization than expected, therefore avoiding all this. He told government stakeholders, tour companies, and all attendees that this expo would be unique among the over 50 foreign travel writers invited; local and international tour operators will display to highlight Uganda’s offerings in terms of birds.

Encouraging all stakeholders and investors in Uganda’s tourism sector that Uganda was the finest tourist destination in the entire globe and that now was the moment to have coordinated efforts to improve the sector for the benefit of all us, he concluded his keynote address.

Many members had voiced dismay on how government is handling prayers in the tourist sector and how it has to step up earlier on in the discussion, but the president had some words of hope on the road ahead.

Day of big birdwatching Certainly one of the highlights of the year tainted by Electro advertising will be Uganda exhibition postponed until November 2016.

Kibale chimps to be trekked thrice a day in high season

Kibale chimps to be trekked thrice a day in high season – Chimpanzee trekking safari and tours.

In order to meet the rising demand for chimpanzee trekking most particularly in Kibale Forest National Park in Fort Portal region western Uganda, new projects are under way at Uganda Wildlife Authority. One of Africa’s monkey hotspots, Kibale Forest National Park welcomes any visitor interested in primates to hike chimpanzees in Kibale to increase their chances of viewing other twelve primate species living in this low land tropical rain forest.

Three times a day in peak season, kibale chimps to be walked

Speaking at The tourism forum hosted by Uganda Tourism Association and sponsored by Uganda Tourism Board and UHOA, Mr. Raymond Engena anlysed the available statistics from Uganda Wildlife Authority and noted that there was increased demand for chimpanzee permits for Kibale National Park for high season months of June, July, August and September and as such, Uganda Wildlife Authority decided to introduce a third session where visitors would have an opportunity to trek chimps thrice.

Plans of Uganda Wildlife Authority indicate that the first session will begin at 8:00 a.m., the second at 11:00 a.m., and the third at 2:00 p.m. Discounted rate of $200 had been slapped on low season chimpanzee permits enabling tourists to save up to 1000 per permit bought in April, May and November 2016. All these efforts are aimed to absorb many visitors that turn up during high season and for those who would love to trek chimpanzees in low seasons.

Uganda’s wildlife authorities will provide specifics on how kibale chimpanzees should be hiked three times a day during peak season. They will also formally introduce their new tariffs in 2016. Being the first Agency to release such news to both local and international audiences makes us at Katland safaris very pleased.

2016-17 Discounted Gorilla permits launched by UWA at USD450

2016-17 Discounted Gorilla permits launched by UWA at USD450 – Gorilla trekking Safaris and tours.

Declared low season pricing and 2016-2017 reduced gorilla permits at $450.00 per person per trip for the months of April, May and November, Uganda’s wildlife authorities stated today July 28, 2015. Encouraging more visitors to Uganda to hike the rare and threatened mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, this campaign will run for the next two years of 2016 and 2017.

During his presentation at the Uganda Tourism Forum at Hotel Africana titled “The status of Uganda Tourism,” Mr. Raymond Engena, the director of tourism development at Uganda Wildlife Authority, disclosed this exciting news. Uganda Tourism Association is the umbrella organization of all private sector associations.

Discounted gorilla permits in 2015, 2013, 2014, and 2015 have been costing $350 and by putting them at $800 for foreign none residents shows an increase in price but, this does not mean Uganda is indeed becoming an expensive destination compared to Rwanda that charges $800 per gorilla permit in both high and low season.

UEA’s cheap gorilla permits starting at $800 will help all those who want to trek gorillas during low season to save $800.00 off each gorilla ticket booked and paid during off season months of April, May and November 2016 and 2017.

Mr Engena Raymond advised other tourism sector stakeholders to adopt Uganda Wildlife Authority’s trends and provide off-peak discounts so that visitors may choose Uganda as a travel destination. He was quick to point out that Uganda would always be seen as an expensive travel destination if that is not done.

2016-2017 Reversed When you buy an all- encompassing gorilla or Uganda safaris with us, Gorilla permits started by UWA at USD800 may be bought via katland safaris at no additional fees. The exact day and month you plan to hike gorillas will be all you need to let us know; we will verify availability on your behalf and provide you all the available gorilla permits per area so you are in position to choose the finest one.

Should you are happy with our availability, you will be billed, requested to provide your passport information to allow us to schedule your gorilla permit and forward scanned copies for your review and records.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information on 2016-17 Discounted Gorilla permits released by UWA at USD450; we are always the first firm to break such fascinating news.

Boat safaris Uganda

Boat safaris Uganda – Uganda safaris and tours.

A boat cruise safari is best done near the jewel of Africa. Two well-liked boat excursions in Uganda are Boat safaris Uganda and a Boat cruise to the foot of the fall at Murchison Falls National Park via Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

By far the best thing Queen Elizabeth National Park offers for activities is this. With the longest and broadest natural canal in Africa, Kazinga channel boasts the biggest hippos concentration worldwide. You have no idea how many hippos you may see on your Kanzinga canal boat excursion. Usually running two hours, several businesses provide scheduled and private boat cruises on Kazinga waterway.

Among other things, there are buffalos, elephants, and over 400 aquatic bird species here. For visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park, this is an essential activity.

Most of these Boat safaris Uganda operate on a timetable with Mweya boats operating two hour scheduled boats beginning at 11am, 2pm and then 4pm. At 10am, 3pm and 11pm Uganda Wildlife Authority follows the same. While in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you just cannot miss a Kazinga Boat safari.

Boat safaris in Muchison Falls National Park

Not only is Murchison Falls National Park well-known for its northern wildlife drives, but Boat safaris Uganda to the delta or foot of Victoria falls are also fulfilling. Boats operated by Paraa Lodge, Baker’s Lodge, Uganda Wildlife Authority to the foot of the falls where abundant aquatic life may be seen.

Among them might be hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and so many more birds. The boat reaches its peak at the foot of the falls, where river Nile waters compress through a small valley down stream. One must combine this boat tour with a trek to the top of the falls if one wants to really grasp this experience.

Should you miss this boat safari at the foot of the falls, you should make up for it with the delta cruise, which will take you down stream to see how the Nile slows down as it meets Lake Albert. One finds plenty of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffaloes here. If fortune favors you, you may as well find the uncommon shoebill stock in the marshy sections.

Boat Safaris Around Lake Victoria

The largest freshwater lake in Africa, Lake Victoria boasts the Nile, the longest river on Earth from its source. As such, there are several businesses offering boat safaris to various locations such Ssesse Island, sun set cruises on lake Victoria, boats to Ngamba Island, wine and cheese boat safaris, speed boat tours to observe shoebills in Mabamba and many more. Please get in touch with us if you want any details about Boat safaris Uganda.

Discounted gorilla permits this November.

Discounted gorilla permits this November – Gorilla trekking safaris and tours.

The game is on and Uganda Wildlife Authority is still selling reduced gorilla permits at USD800.00 to travel gorillas in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Should you be a foreign resident of Uganda, the cost is USD 800.00 per gorilla permit per person. Now that you may book with us a gorilla trip with inexpensive low season gorilla permits to visit gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park Uganda, if you missed opportunity of April and May 2016.

Discounted Gorilla Permits

Although Uganda Wildlife Authority has vowed to keep providing low season gorilla permit offers for next years, the pricing may alter for 2018. Every year and upon announcement, the price for reduced gorilla permits is agreed upon and communicated to all of our customers and tour agents at Katland Safaris. We so advise anybody wishing to save $250.00 per permit to get in touch with us with dates.

All you need to do is let us know the precise day in November 2016-17 when you want to see gorillas; we will then verify availability of gorilla permits at Uganda Wildlife Authority on that specific date. Once permissions are obtained, we will bill you for full payment and 20% of the overall safari fee so we may validate your gorilla permit and other services to be rendered on your gorilla trekking Uganda safari.

Discounted gorilla permits are none refundable but may be modified or rescheduled to another day only in case you find any issue with your original date. They must be paid in full. Since rates vary depending on your status, you will have to email us a copy of your passport so Uganda Wildlife Authority may verify your either East African, Foreign Resident, or Foreign None Resident status.

They also ask for your passport in order to prove the age of people seeking gorilla permits. When passports are given, age limit may be determined and they can tell you if you are qualified or not. The minimum age for gorilla tracking is 15 years and above.

Get more information about savings on our transportation, lodging to help you visit Uganda using our reasonably priced low season prices by contacting Katland Safaris.

Gorilla permit overbooking

September 22, 2024 September 22, 2024
Katland Safaris
Gorilla trekking, Rwanda safaris, Travel Blog, Uganda safaris

Gorilla permit overbooking – Gorilla trekking safaris and tours.

More often than not, the Uganda Wildlife Authority sees gorilla permit overbooking in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Combining the boost of twelve habituated mountain gorilla groups from Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks, a total of ninety six visitors interested in gorilla trekking may be housed.

Still, there are certain seasons or areas when gorilla permit overbooking is reported. Mountain gorilla trekking laws and regulations state that gorilla permit overbooking is not allowed as it would lead to more individuals than the legal limit of eight persons.

Naturally, this will lead to congestion during gorilla trekking, something that can imperil already threatened mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Parks.

Overbooking Gorilla Permission

Four gorilla paths in the East (Ruhija), North (Buhoma), South (Rushaga and Nkuringo) go through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Although each of these areas or trail heads has separate gorilla families, distances separating them from lodges booked by guests may make it difficult for clients to get from one area to another when there is gorilla permit overbooking in one location as opposed to another.

For instance, you may find that gorilla permit overbooking has occurred in the Buhoma region, which is by far the best or preferred region visited by tourists. When this is found most especially on the day of the trekking, it is quite difficult for Uganda Wildlife Authority to transfer clients let’s say to Rushaga on that very trekking day due to distance. Gorilla families in such an area will therefore be walked by more than eight persons.

Overbooking in gorillas may arise from many factors. The new system was showing availability of gorilla permits but in actual sense, they had been sold out since some booked gorilla permits stored in the old system were not captured when moving to the new system. Consequently, additional gorilla permits were offered to visitors and tour companies leading to over booking.

We should underline that Uganda Wildlife Authority encourages all individuals to report any overcrowding during gorilla trekking most likely due to gorilla permit over booking; it is not done deliberately by them. Uganda animals Authority does not support operations meant to imperil all threatened primates and animals in Uganda’s protected regions as it is dedicated to their protection. This article just highlights the occasional occurrence of gorilla permit overbooking.

Treaty to manage Virunga Landscapes planned

Treaty to manage Virunga Landscapes planned. The three nations that share the Virunga Ranges are negotiating a pact meant to support the preservation of the biodiversity in the ranges. These nations comprise Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Joint efforts of Uganda, Rwanda, and Democratic Republic of Congo will see the promotion and protection of endangered and migratory species such mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park as well as Virunga National Parks where these gorilla families have been moving from one country to another, claims James Byamukama, program Officer of the Greater Virunga Transboundary Conservation. Plans under the agreement indicate that the three nations will oversee and promote the Virunga Landscape as a whole for the sake of community and livelihood development as well as conservation. Since they used to rely directly on resources inside the Virunga regions, Byamukama observed that preservation of such species relied so much on the communities around these regions. Before this is implemented or decided upon, he added, all stakeholders would be contacted to ensure that any unresolved problems are harmonized before hand. Those mentioned include local government officials, various conservation organizations, and the nearby towns surrounding many National Parks. Covering National Parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semiliki National Park in Uganda, the enormous Virunga Landscape is home to vulnerable ecosystems and threatened species. There are Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcaones National Park in Rwanda. Currently maintaining these areas are Institue Congolias Pour la Conservation de la Nature in Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda Wildlife Authority for Uganda, and Rwanda Development Board for Rwanda. Three nations have been collaborating on issues related to the preservation of wildlife in the Virunga and this treaty if ratified would help to deepen

Treaty to manage Virunga Landscapes planned.

The three nations that share the Virunga Ranges are negotiating a pact meant to support the preservation of the biodiversity in the ranges. These nations comprise Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Joint efforts of Uganda, Rwanda, and Democratic Republic of Congo will see the promotion and protection of endangered and migratory species such mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park as well as Virunga National Parks where these gorilla families have been moving from one country to another, claims James Byamukama, program Officer of the Greater Virunga Transboundary Conservation.

Plans under the agreement indicate that the three nations will oversee and promote the Virunga Landscape as a whole for the sake of community and livelihood development as well as conservation. Since they used to rely directly on resources inside the Virunga regions, Byamukama observed that preservation of such species relied so much on the communities around these regions.

Before this is implemented or decided upon, he added, all stakeholders would be contacted to ensure that any unresolved problems are harmonized before hand. Those mentioned include local government officials, various conservation organizations, and the nearby towns surrounding many National Parks.

Covering National Parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semiliki National Park in Uganda, the enormous Virunga Landscape is home to vulnerable ecosystems and threatened species. There are Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcaones National Park in Rwanda.

Currently maintaining these areas are Institue Congolias Pour la Conservation de la Nature in Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda Wildlife Authority for Uganda, and Rwanda Development Board for Rwanda. Three nations have been collaborating on issues related to the preservation of wildlife in the Virunga and this treaty if ratified would help to deepen their connection, according to the Public Relations office of Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Best place to trek chimpanzees in Uganda.

September 22, 2024 September 22, 2024
Katland Safaris
Chimpanzee trekking, Travel tip, Uganda safaris

Best place to trek chimpanzees in Uganda.

Because most of her woods are home to primates like mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys among others, Uganda is often referred to as a primate capital of Africa. As such, people would want to know where the ideal area to hike chimpanzees in Uganda is.

Among several woods, including Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kariju Forest, Maramagambo Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda boasts around 1500 chimpanzees overall. Of all these, only Kibale National Park, Budongo woodland, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kariju tourist site house habituated chimpanzees. From above, one should be informed on the ideal location for trekking chimpanzees in Uganda.

Among the greatest places in Uganda for trekking chimpanzees is Kibale Forest National Park.
About five to six hours’ drive from the capital city Kampala, Kabarole and Kamwege district’s lowland tropical rain forest is situated. Two of the three habituated chimpanzee tribes in the forest are visited daily on treks.

Every visitor interested in chimpanzee trekking must pay USD 250 for a permit for each daily trip, which enables one hour with the habituated chimpanzees and covers park admission costs as well as guide expenses. Named the finest destination in Africa for trekking chimpanzees and seeing other 15 primates and birds, Kibale Forest National Park is Among additional things improving your chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park are forest buffaloes, elephants, and forest birds.

Given the topography and accessibility to Kampala as compared to other chimpanzee trekking locations, Kibale forest National Park is still the greatest destination in Uganda for this activity.

Budongo Jungle

Part of Murchison Falls National Park conservation area and situated in Northern Uganda, Budongo woodland has the largest wild chimpanzee population in Uganda. One must pay USD 120 for a ticket allowing one hour in order to hike chimpanzees that Kanio Pabidi has habituated.

This forest comes second in as far as finest areas for trekking chimpanzees are concerned, close to Kibale Forest National Park and thus reflects the experience of chimpanzee trekking at Budongo woodland. Along with other activities, your Budongo chimp walk may be matched with a visit to Murchison Falls National Park, where game drives on the northern bank of the river nile can be undertaken, boat cruises to the delta or base of the falls.

Although Budongo offers relatively few lodging choices, one may stay in Murchison Falls National Park or Masindi town and walk chimpanzees in Budongo. The only consistently good cheap lodging in the bush is Budongo Eco Lodge.

Kyambura gorge

Situated in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kyambura gorge has one population of habituated chimpanzees totaling maybe eight individuals. Since most chimpanzees go from one location to another and leap from one tree to another considering their mountainous environment, chimps hiking here may be really demanding. Per person, Chimpanzee licenses for Kyambura Gorge cost USD50.00; maximum eight individuals may either track in the morning or afternoon.

2016 presidential elections and its impact on tourism

2016 presidential elections and its impact on tourism.

The approaching elections in 201 will probably affect tourism; so, in this post we attempt to consider all possibilities. Uganda is scheduled to enter elections in February of next year. Many presidential hopefuls have chosen nomination forms for this campaign that are anticipated to be fiercely disputed in preparation. Although this is not the proper place, His Excellency the President of Uganda Mr. Yoweri Museveni was recommended by the National Resistance movement caucus as our single candidate for 2016 as we write.

Leaders are intended to be approved first by the National Delegates conference then by the central executive committee. Among those hoping to be president is Mr Amama Mbabazi, former vice president and secretary general of the National Resistance Movement, who revealed his ambition last month. His ambition has produced considerable turbulence, most notably within the National Resistance Movement even before a flag bearer is chosen.

Declaring his objectives outside the guidelines controlling the National Resistance Movement, they accuse him of breaking the norms. This week Dr Kizza Besigye, a three-time loser to the incumbent president Yoweri Museveni, was nominated in the Forum for Democratic Change together with FDC chairman Mugisha Muntu. Many people are watching to see how this might influence the travel business.

Lowering of visitor count

Low tourism flow at the start of 2016 is probably expected as visitors won’t know what could happen before or during these February elections. Not knowing what is likely to happen, tour operators, hoteliers, and all the other interested parties are fervently hoping for peace and stability before, during, and after the elections.

A tourist won’t visit any place where his security is never assured. The present president, His Excellency Yoweli Museveni, underlined that many people depend on him to ensure that the present stability of Uganda is maintained as none anybody can bring about instability in Uganda.

Travel Investments Most likely to Stop

Apart from government-operated infrastructure like highways, we probably will witness a decline in the demand of private sector investment in the tourist sector. No one would want to commit their capital to any nation most likely to see unrest. Therefore, Ugandans hope that the results of the 2016 elections would be embraced by the losers thereby preserving stability.

Shill depreciations

Since more and more shillings are being injected into the economy to enable the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, the dollar has been gaining at the cost of the Uganda shill leaving it weak throughout much of May, June and July.

This would probably influence tourism as Uganda will be seen as a costly travel destination when compared to our African counterparts. Given little money in the economy, lower exports and more importing of products and services are likely to ruin the travel industry overall. Government has set tourism as one of the main industries to help the nation generate more foreign currency; so, circumstances must be favorable for this to happen.

Rescheduling gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda.

A gorilla permit is a paper document issued in Uganda or Rwanda allowing one to hike mountain gorillas in both countries. As long as you have a sincere cause, it is now allowed to postpone or relocate gorilla permits to new dats in Uganda and Rwanda.

Gorilla permits to hike Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgaihinga National Park in Uganda may be bought here. Rescheduling gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda operates like this.

Once bought gorilla permits from one date to another, it was quite difficult to move or reschedule; but, Rwanda Development Board and Uganda Wildlife Authority have changed their position and can now reschedule or move gorilla permits from one date to another. When gorilla tracking began in both Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s volcanoes National Park,

Uganda Wildlife Authority lets people or tour operators change gorilla permits once. You must ask the Director of Tourism Business and Development at Uganda Wildlife Authority to enable you reschedule permits from the previous date to the new one. The letter has to be sincere in explaining why these permits are being shifted to the new date and include all original receipts as sent by Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Once the Director of Tourism Business and Development gets this letter, he will then allow reservations and Information Communication departments to adjust everything in the system to the new dates. Rescheduling of gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda comes under restrictions and circumstances; so, if you run into any problems, kindly let us know so that we may assist you in this regard.

The aforementioned rescheduling relates exclusively to peak season gorilla permits. High season gorilla permits fall in January, February, June, July, August, September, October, December. Discounted gorilla permits given in April, May, and November are neither refundable; one cannot relocate them or reschedule them to another date.

As long as you can pay USD250.00 each permit, Rwanda Development Board arranges gorilla permits for Volcanoes National Park from an old date to a new one in Rwanda. This really helps as you would rather lose only USD700.00 instead of USD1500.00, the cost each gorilla permit per person.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority has changed its position on gorilla permit rescheduling since it has come to see that there are several reasons why people might not travel gorillas on the designated date, including clients becoming sick closer to time and yet you are not allowed to trek gorillas when sick.

The Ebola outbreak has caused problems for Africa that have resulted in cancellation of safaris or delay; so, UWA in cooperation with Uganda Tour Operators agreed on the way ahead concerning it and concluded that those who may visit Uganda at a later date should be provided this opportunity. Sometimes terror threats have led to safaris being moved to other dates, therefore one is given an opportunity to rearrange their own permissions.

Nevertheless, the government of Uganda advises all visitors to always carry travel insurance to prevent such unanticipated events and with such a development, rescheduling of gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda would attempt to assist.

Please get more information on rescheduling of gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda by contacting us.