Uganda Visa fees are back to USD50 from USD100

Uganda Visa fees are back to USD50 from USD100.

Uganda Visa fees are back to USD50 from USD100.

The government of Uganda and the ministry of Internal Affairs would like to notify everyone planning a trip to Uganda that the cost of a Ugandan visa has returned to USD50 from USD100, as it had been for the previous year.

Last year, Katland Safaris broke the initial news about this, and it has already happened. This change is effective as of July 22, 2016, and notification has been sent to all Ugandan border crossings and entrance points.

The rationale for the return of Uganda visa costs from $100 to $50

Uganda’s visa costs have been reduced from $100 to $50 in part to support the travel industry, which generates the majority of the nation’s foreign currency earnings.

Uganda Visa fees are back to USD50 from USD100.

This occurs concurrently with the introduction of online visa applications by the Ugandan government. Those planning trips to Uganda should get in touch with their tour providers for the necessary information.

The Ugandan tourist community has applauded the decision to change the price of a Ugandan visa from USD100 to USD50, as it would somewhat lower the cost for individuals who are interested in traveling to Uganda.

Despite Uganda’s abundance of tourist attractions, which include the chimpanzees of Kibale Forest National Park, the magnificent mountains of the Rwenzori, the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and a variety of cultural experiences, it has long been seen as a costly travel destination.

Restoring the visa fee to USD $50 is also seen as a positive step as the nation attempts to invest in a sector that has been neglected for a very long time while consistently earning the most foreign cash. The funding for promoting Uganda as a travel destination tripled last year, along with the introduction of an autonomous Ministry of Tourism.

Feel free to get in touch with Katland Safaris, which is based in Entebbe, Uganda, for additional details about online visa booking and modifications of visa costs.

2016 November Gorilla Safari discounts

2024 November Gorilla Safari discounts

2024 November Gorilla Safari discounts

Katland Safaris is very delighted to be part of the 2024 November Gorilla Safari discounts return this year. Booking gorilla and chimpanzee safaris with Katland Safaris will help our customers save a lot of money in November.

2016 November gorilla safaris under Gorilla permits

Starting 1st to 30th November 2024, get USD 250.00 off each gorilla permit purchased from Katland Safaris.

Discount gorilla permits will be available to all visitors eager to hike gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in November in partnership with Uganda Wildlife Authority and Association of Uganda Tour operators.

2024 November Gorilla Safari discounts

One will now be obliged to pay just USD450.00 for Foreign non residents and USD350.00 for Foreign residents in Uganda instead of the normal USD800,00 per person. Track endangered mountain gorillas with this chance of your lifetime with our 2024 November gorilla safari offers.

2016 November safaris for chimpanzee permits

Discounted chimpanzee licenses are being provided by Uganda’s wildlife Authority for tracking habituated chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park. UWA will be charging USD100 per person per trip instead of USD250 per chimpanzee permits. If you schedule a trip with Katland Safaris in November, this lets you save USD50.

Trekking chimpanzees and seeing other 15 other wild primate species has been said to best be done at Kibale Forest National Park. Kibale National Park is a bird refuge also for those who like birds.

2024 November gorilla safari savings on transportation include extensive interaction with Katland Safaris. We have a fleet of cars and as a business we have also partnered UWA and other lodges to provide reasonably priced gorilla excursions that you would seldom find anyplace.

Those who like to mix gorillas and chimpanzees may attempt our 5 Day Gorilla and chimpanzee safari; for all those interested in trekking gorillas, try our 3 Day gorilla trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. We would be more than happy to answer any question on how to take advantage of our 2016 November gorilla safari offers.

Tourism Forum discusses tourism issues in Uganda

Tourism Forum discusses tourism issues in Uganda - Uganda safaris and Tours.

Tourism Forum discusses tourism issues in Uganda – Uganda safaris and Tours.

Uganda tourist Association had a tourist conference today at Hotel Africa to go over the state of travel, opportunities, issues, and future direction for Uganda. Completely attended by government and business sector prayers, various topics were addressed for the good of the industry.

Tourism Forum

The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism gave a key note speech and then proceeded to discuss tourism data most particularly about trends and changes in visitor numbers to Uganda. He also examined the visitor count in national parks and the trends in those numbers.

It was observed in his presentation that compared to past years, the number of foreign non-residents visiting Uganda has dropped. He listed the reasons for this as spanning from last year when an Ebola epidemic occurred in west Africa, terror warnings, Marburg outbreaks, global economic crisis, Uganda being labelled as an expensive travel destination.

Tourism Forum discusses tourism issues in Uganda - Uganda safaris and Tours.

Emphasizing that their main responsibility is to preserve and interact with the private sector engaged in presenting Uganda as a tourism destination, the director of Tourism business and development also gave figures of visitor inflow in Uganda National park. She said that the Uganda Wildlife Authority has verified that her rates for 2016 would remain the same and that only few alterations will be made.

Using this chance, he launched cheap gorilla permits for the months of April, May, and November 2016-17. For international non-residents is 800. Uganda Wildlife Authority has decided to schedule a third chimpanzee trekking session whereby visitors can walk chimps at 8am, 11am and 2pm in order to maximize on the profits.

Following their research, it was found that tourists mostly visit Kibale National park during high season compared to low seasons. More room will therefore be sought to accommodate more visitors trekking chimpanzees during peak season.

During low seasons of April, May, and November in Kibale National Park, Uganda’s wildlife Authority will also provide cheap chimpanzee permits for only $200, thereby allowing all those eager to trek chimpanzees in low season to save $200.

The director of the tourist industry pointed out that Uganda Wildlife Authority encounters difficulties even as all these are being implemented and would not stop in their cause. He urged all stakeholders to check their prices most notably during low season to make Uganda a reasonably priced travel destination.

The Executive Director of Uganda Tourism Board observed at the same session that their budget had been raised by 11 billion and that much of the money they had drawn from UNDP was for training and product development. He therefore urged every member of the commercial sector present to use this opportunity and get training on improved tourist sales techniques.

He also told them that the cost of tourism will be down and Uganda was going to engage PR agencies in USA to advertise the country as a travel destination. As the global market heals from hiatus, he urged members to embrace domestic tourism. He underlined the need of regional clusters in promoting tourism and urged all industries to cooperate to create it.

He also urged the business sector to create a lobby team to interact with government so that it may realize that tourism ranks first among foreign currency earners in the nation. He also told members that important travel routes to be developed had been planned by Uganda Tourism Board in concert with Uganda National Road Authority.

This forum addressed several problems, and members decided that this should be a monthly gathering for all tourism stakeholders to discuss topics relevant to the industry. The head of Uganda Tourism Association reassured attendees that input would be anticipated as a report will be developed and delivered to government after every three months.

Be the first to know about more details on tourism challenges in Uganda discussed by the Tourism Forum. Consult Katland Safaris for specifics.

Uganda Visa Fees increase.

Uganda Visa Fees increase - Getting a Uganda tourist visa.

Uganda Visa Fees increase – Getting a Uganda tourist visa.

To try to enhance their income correction, the Ugandan government is considering raising the visa charge from USD 50 to USD 100. Even while politicians regard this as a certain method to boost tax income and foreign currency influx, it will really have a number of unintended consequences, as listed below.

Because of this, tourists will have to shell out more money to visit Uganda than other east African nations. Tourists looking to save money on their journey could consider visiting Rwanda instead of Uganda, since the two countries offer almost identical unique tourist attractions but Rwanda’s visa costs USD60. If Uganda chooses to raise its visa costs from USD 50 to USD 100, it would also cause the East African visa to rise in price. This was part of a larger proposal to create a single, $100 visa that travelers could use to visit several East African nations.

Those with a vested interest in Uganda’s tourism industry are expressing grave worry and arguing that the country should do more to attract visitors by doing away with or significantly reducing visa costs. Since visitors spend much more money in Uganda than the government receives in visa fees, this would lead to a rise in foreign currency inflow, although a more indirect one.

Uganda Visa Fees increase - Getting a Uganda tourist visa.

With the implementation of VAT and other obstacles like Ebola and terror warnings, the tourist industry has already taken a hit. Now, if the government decides to raise visa costs, it will raise questions about their vision for tourism growth.

The country should consider promoting tourism as a means to earn more foreign currency instead of considering increases in visa fees. It is home to over 400 mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, as well as the world’s longest river, Mount Rwenzori, and numerous other tourist attractions like chimpanzees and golden monkeys.

Katland Safaris will keep you informed of any changes so that you may continue to enjoy our excursions at a reasonable price. Please get in touch with us if you need any help getting ready, whether it’s recommendations for tours or guidance. Professional tour operators like us provide trips to Rwanda and Uganda, and our advisers will get back to you quickly so you can make the best choice.

10 Things To Consider Before Booking A Uganda Safari In 2024-2025

10 Things To Consider Before Booking A Uganda Safari In 2024-2025.

10 Things To Consider Before Booking A Uganda Safari In 2024-2025.

Ten things should influence your 2024–25 Uganda safari. Choose an activity for your 2024–2025 Uganda safari. Uganda’s most popular pastime is gorilla safaris. Mgahinga and Bwindi provide gorilla hiking and habitat.

Uganda is one of the remaining unspoiled safari destinations with distinctive scenery, making it a natural gem. Uganda offers birding, water sports, cultural, chimpanzee, and other safaris. Choose your Uganda safari destinations and activities.

Uganda safari resorts are popular June–September and December–January, so book early. Ugandan safari spots are usually near hotels.

Uganda safaris need considerable preparation. Drive or fly; Entebbe and Kajjansi airfields provide daily domestic flights to most upcountry Uganda safari destinations.

Before entering Uganda, get a visa. Getting one at immigration may take awhile, especially if your Uganda safari begins on arrival.

Uganda safari outfit should reflect your bravery. Ugandan gorilla and chimpanzee safaris need the correct gear. More activities must be permitted to fully enjoy the event.

Uganda, the gem of Africa, provides safaris without a shoreline. Katland Safaris, with over 10 years of experience, can help. Our safari experts can help you find the finest safari activities and answer your Uganda travel questions.

Preparing for Uganda Safari 2024-2025 Booking

Choose Uganda Safari Activities
Gorilla tours, hiking, and habituation are top Uganda safari activities. Tourists gorilla trekking spend an hour with habituated gorillas. Maximum eight tourists per mountain gorilla hiking family per day. Gorilla Habituation Adventure Safaris takes guests to a semi-habituated gorilla family for four hours under the supervision of researchers and habituators.

Gorilla permits should be obtained in advance, particularly in peak months like June, July, August, September, December, and January. Uganda issues 8 gorilla habituation licenses and 168 hiking permits everyday. The shortest Uganda gorilla safari is three days.

Uganda safaris include Game drives in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, and Kidepo Valley national parks. Ugandan chimpanzee safaris visit Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Kalinzu Forest, and others to see the closest human relatives.

Uganda contains around 1,000 bird species, making it a top African birding destination. Uganda has uncommon shoe bills of Handsome Francolin, Shelley and Dusky Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Turaco, and others. IUCN red-listed birds are in Uganda. Uganda’s birding hotspots include Mabamba marsh, Lutembe Beach, Mpanga forest reserve, Mabira woodland, Bwindi forest, Kibale forest, and others.

Uganda offers launch safaris in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, Nile sports fishing, white river rafting, Jinja Nile source visits, and other water activities.

Wonderful cultural experience in multicultural Uganda. Uganda accepts many ethnicities, yet its traditions are distinct. You might research Ugandan tribes and traditions. Kabaka, Omukama, Kyabazinga, and others rule Buganda, Bunyoro, Busoga, and others.

Choose Uganda safari lodging.

Most Uganda safari destinations include lodging. These are budget, mid-range, luxury hotels. Uganda gorilla safaris revolve around lodging.

Consider where you booked your Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorilla safari lodging permit. The rough topography makes Bwindi Impenetrable National Park difficult to explore.

10 Things To Consider Before Booking A Uganda Safari In 2024-2025.

Spend overnight near game regions since wildlife excursions are greatest in the morning and afternoon. Later in the day, game drives may have fewer.

Transportation to Uganda safari spots
Road transport

Uganda safaris are largely road trips. Upcountry roads need a sturdy 4×4 and a competent driving guide for a nice safari. Several Uganda safari drivers must know the different ways.

The driver guide must be aware of filthy roads to prevent abandoning you on the wayside if the car fails to go. Ugandan roads are muddy and difficult. Get ready for an African massage.

Katland Safaris‘ well-maintained fleet of safari vehicles and skilled driver guides acquainted with African roads are checked before every trip.

Uganda safaris via air

Ugandan domestic flights to Bugungu or Pakuba airstrips and northern Uganda safari destinations such Murchison Falls National Park, Kasese, Mweya, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, and Semuliki Valley operate from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip. Kisoro airstrikes to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga, Lake Bunyonyi, etc.

Upcountry residents buy Ugandan flights, thus tickets are scarce.

Charter flights from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip must be arranged in advance for permission.

Uganda Visa Preapproval

If Uganda requires a visa, apply early. Immigration takes time, particularly if your Uganda safari begins on arrival. Visas Ugandan visas cost $50 each.

If your safari begins in Tanzania, Kenya, or Rwanda, get an East Africa visa. One visa covers two East African nations without reapplication.

Select Uganda safari gear.

Bring less luggage on your Uganda safari. Uganda safaris with minimum baggage leave room in the car and at the hotel. Uganda safaris need kit like:

Gorilla trekking requires safari boots, a long-sleeved shirt and pants, insect repellent, garden gloves, a safari heart, and other gear.

Bug repellent and brown or khaki attire are good for Ugandan wildlife drives. Avoid blue, white, and black, which attract safari caps, tsetse flies, etc.

Most Uganda safari places are too cool in the morning and afternoon; bring blankets. Also check the Uganda safari weather prediction.

Tell kids about Uganda safaris.

Tell your kids about Uganda and safaris. Uganda has tropical weather with intense sunlight and heavy rain during the rainy seasons. You should only go gorilla safaris at 15. Trekking into the woods for gorilla safaris might be difficult. Gorilla safaris take patience to find mountain gorillas. This jungle has animals, so let the kids experience the game safari with an open mind.

Uganda safaris let you meet Africa Safaris offers affordable, midrange, and luxury safaris. Choose the best Uganda safari plan within your budget. Uganda safaris vary.

Upon inquiry, our safari consultant provides safari details. Your desired activities, Uganda safari duration, number of people, safari package, and more are important to us. You may choose the gorilla trekking area, hotel, and other details for your Uganda visit. These records show time availability.

Consider this while visiting Uganda.

June, July, August, September, December, and January are Uganda’s peak tourism months, although demand limits trip options.

Limited chimpanzee, gorilla, and golden monkey safari permits must be purchased early. Last-minute peak season availability is unusual.

Safaris are less popular in Uganda’s low tourist seasons—March, April, May, and November. Plan a Uganda safari this season if money is tight.

Easter, Christmas, and New Year safaris are popular, so book early.

Your Uganda safari aims to

Why you booked the Uganda safari. Tell them you’re on a honeymoon trip to Uganda for special treatment. You may like to take a Uganda safari. Give notice to ensure safari logistics are arranged.

Uganda safari booking in advance
Uganda safaris should be scheduled three months in advance to prevent disappointment. prioritize Uganda safaris’ facilities.

Request Uganda travel information from our staff.

Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda | Which land borders are crossed?

Which land borders are used to cross from Rwanda to Uganda for gorilla trekking?

Which land borders are used to cross from Rwanda to Uganda for gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda: When hiking for gorillas in Uganda, which land borders do you utilize to pass from Rwanda? Just three African countries—Ugandan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—offer gorilla trekking, a popular tourist activity. The Kyanika/Cyanika and Katuna/Gatuna border stations allow for frequent border crossings between Rwanda and Uganda.

The Cyanika border is just as busy as the Gatuna frontier when it comes to Uganda and Rwanda’s land borders. Cyanika provides the quickest route to Mgahinga from Kigali, in contrast to Gatuna, which requires two hours of driving from Kigali and an extra hour to reach Bwindi.

Kampala to Bwindi or Mgahinga takes 9–10 hours by automobile, therefore crossing the border is one of the fastest and easiest ways to go gorilla trekking from Rwanda to Uganda. Traffic and the 40km/hr speed limit may make driving from Kigali to Bwindi take more than three hours. Driving 60km/h in urban areas. Border crossings let you explore two countries with many tourist attractions and economical gorilla trekking.

Gatuna border | Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda

The constantly developing Katuna or Gatuna border crossing between Rwanda and Uganda has imported and exported many items. Rwanda’s main export-import hub is open 24/7. In 1996, the Belgians in Rwanda demarched the boundary between Uganda and Rwanda, making Katuna the last stretch of Ugandan soil before entering Rwanda. The Gatuna border and surrounding region were under Belgian authority in Rwanda and a key escape route for Rwandans to Uganda.

The Katuna border is 500 kilometers from Kampala. Katuna has a heterogeneous population of Rwandese, Ugandans, Burundians, and Congolese. All bulk imports and exports are processed at the border, therefore these firms gather there for business.

When traveling from Kigali to Uganda to gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks, many visitors stop at the Katuna border. Many facilities provide currency exchange near the Katuna border. U.S. dollars, Euros, Rwandan francs, and Ugandan shillings are accepted. However, counterfeit cash is common at the border, so be careful.

Gatuna border attractions for visitors

The Katuna border has helped Rwanda and Uganda, which offer more than gorilla trekking in the Virunga, develop tourism. Gorilla trekking is common at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park near Gatuna. Hikers can visit Lake Bunyonyi and Mount Muhabura, dormant mountains.

The border between Gatuna and Katuna overnight.
The Gatuna Border Post has basic, mid-range, and luxury accommodations. Katuna has various hotels, including Lake Bunyonyi View Hotel, Hawk’s Eye Lodge, Itambire Island Seeds of Hope, Katuna Inn, Kigezi Garden Inn, Jowillis Hotel, Albertine Tourist Resort, Heras Country Hotel, and others.

Kyanika-Cyanika border

Rwandan gorilla trekkers usually cross the Cyanika border into Uganda. Although less busy than the Gatuna border station, it’s nonetheless a vital entrance gateway for residents and travelers. The Kyanika border connects businesses and visitors visiting the DRC or Rwanda for gorilla treks.

The Kyanika border is in Rwanda’s Burera and Uganda’s Kisoro. Its proximity to Lake Bunyonyi, Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park makes it an attractive Rwanda-Uganda border crossing site. Kyanika also promoted Rwandan and Ugandan tourism. It’s best for southern Bwindi visitors.

Which land borders are used to cross from Rwanda to Uganda for gorilla trekking?

After leaving Kigali International Airport, travelers may visit Kyanika for a gorilla walk in Mgahinga or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Ugandan tourists may easily enter Rwanda. Avoid traffic and reach the Kyanika border within an hour of Volcanoes National Park, particularly during peak hours.

Attractions near Kyanika border

The plethora of noteworthy places around the Kyanika border makes it more appealing despite its short length. This includes:

Volcanoes National Park, near Musanze in northwest Rwanda, attracts tourists eager to view the endangered mountain gorillas. The National Park contains the five Virunga Volcano Mountains—Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura. The endangered golden monkey population and other bird species live here.

At Cyanika Central Market, tourists may get all they need before continuing their vacation. The market sells refreshments, personal products, and souvenirs.

The famed Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located near Kisoro, 14 kilometers from Kyanika. Mgahinga, Uganda’s smallest national park, is situated in Virunga. A gorilla family, golden monkeys, various primates, and birds live here. Mgahinga has several attractions, including the Batwa trail and neighboring communities.

Small Lake Bunyonyi in southwestern Uganda attracts migratory and resident birds. Due to its breathtaking beauty and 29 small islands in 2478 km of water, Lake Bunyonyi is one of Uganda’s most popular tourist sites.

Getting to Kyanika

Kabale and Lake Bunyonyi, Rwanda, are 80 kilometers from the border station, whereas Kigali is 150 kilometers and Kisoro town is 11 kilometers. Kyanika is accessible via public and private transport. If you are visiting Rwanda and booked via a Ugandan tour operator, they must organize a safari vehicle to transfer you to Uganda. The paperwork for car registration, taxes, and other procedures makes crossing Rwanda-Uganda difficult.

Many bus companies connect Rwanda with Uganda. Buses from Kigali to Naybugogo stage take you to Musanze. Matatus or taxis from Musanze take 30 minutes to the Kyanika border. To travel by bus from Kampala to Goma and the Kyanika border, you must book with Trinity Bus Express or Jaguar Coaches.

Uganda’s Kampala to Kyanika border drive takes 9–10 hours. Gateway and Horizon buses operate. Flying enthusiasts may charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip.

Accommodation near the Kyanika border

Kisoro has basic, mid-range, and luxury hotels near Kyanika. Tourists looking to unwind near the border might try these attractions.

The Lake Mutanda-area Nkuringo Safari Lodge is 14 kilometers from Kisoro. The camp provides three meals a day with international and local delicacies and has tent sites with private facilities and toilets.

This four-room hotel on the Kisoro-Kyanika road has a 24-hour front desk, private bathrooms and showers, cable TV, free WIFI, microwaves, parking, and BBQ grills.

One of Kisoro’s best hotels, it offers individual rooms, free parking, gardens to relax in, a restaurant providing local and international cuisine, WIFI, and more.

The Golden Monkey Guesthouse in Kisoro is 22 minutes from Mgahinga National Park. A well-stocked bar, three daily meals with local and international cuisines, free parking, WIFI, and 16 rooms with private bathrooms and toilets are hotel features.

Is the Rwanda-Uganda border crossing slow or fast?

Crossing the Kyanika border is easy with proper documentation. A $100 East African Visa simplifies the procedure. Rwanda’s early border crossing to Bwindi is quicker when fewer visitors pass, so you won’t wait long.

Rwandans need a $50 visa to enter Uganda. Only East Africans and residents with specific work permissions may cross the border for free using their national ID cards. Your passport stamp will come quickly, and you may pay online or at the border. All payment methods are accepted. You will require a multiple-entry visa for Rwanda at the airport since you will return to Rwanda that day.

What would be the timing to return to Kigali after gorilla trekking in Uganda?
It normally takes all day, but you’ll be back in Kigali by 5:00 pm, give or take an hour. This includes crossing the border into Uganda, trekking with the gorillas, spending an hour with them, and more. Credit cards are seldom accepted at the border, so carry US money. Your visa may be issued there.

Can I enter Rwanda from Uganda safely?

Border crossings between Rwanda and Uganda are safe due to their cordial trade and political connections. The free passage of persons and products between Rwanda and Uganda is facilitated. Uganda and Rwanda are great holiday destinations due to their decade-long peace. Remember that tourism is both countries’ main source of foreign cash.

To conclude, a Uganda-Rwanda gorilla trekking safari is a great way to experience two nations. Safe and economical transportation. The Katuna–Gatuna and Kyanika–Cyanika borders enable tourists to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Contact us for information, but first read TripAdvisor ratings.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Cashless Card System

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Cashless Card System

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Cashless Card System

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Cashless Card System was introduced after criminals ambushed staff members to take park fees. Authority collectors mismanaged many monies. Wildlife conservation demands funding, hence cashless cards were introduced to eliminate this tendency.

Tourists turned to cashless cards to reduce their cash and increase safety. Many Uganda safari clients with cash were threatened by criminals who stole it on the route to the parks.

Uganda Wildlife Authority wants to eliminate permission and receipt paper to ensure a carbon-free environment. Reusable cards are slowly saving paper trees. As a sample survey, the Uganda Wildlife Authority introduced cashless gorilla trekking cards in 2013.

Uganda Wildlife Authority Cashless Card History
Several Uganda Wildlife

Uganda Wildlife Authority replaced cash and receipt methods with cashless/smart card systems to collect National Park admission fees. The card system began at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with all gorilla permits. This was working well, and people and tour operators seemed to have accepted it.

Following the success of gorilla permits on cards, Uganda Wildlife implemented a card and cashless system in Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, and Murchison Falls National Parks, requiring visitors to present receipts and pay at the gate.

This was excellent since it would limit tour guides’ cash, which thieves sometimes steal. No one can take the money on these cards since they require a code or password.

Machines to identify money on these cards were installed at Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in Kampala, Katunguru Queen Elizabeth Park Headquarters, and Queens Pavilion in Kikorongo for Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Nshara gate for Lake Mburo National Park, Buhoma for Bwindi, Ishasha side of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Fortportal for Kibale.

Updated list of gorilla families and permits available in Rushaga region.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Challenges of Cashless System

Most local travel businesses opposed this cashless approach from the start, stating it failed in Kenya. A cashless system and online gorilla permits were proposed. Local tour operators did not like this because it would expose them to foreign competition.

This exacerbated the Uganda Wildlife Authority-Local Tour Operator animosity. UWA launched this cashless system without testing it or engaging local tour operators, who bring people to Uganda National Parks.

How to Pay Uganda Wildlife Authority

As the globe becomes digital, even cashless transactions are growing in Africa. Uganda Wildlife Authority accepts credit cards, wire transfers, mobile money, and more for gorilla, chimpanzee, and park fees. Financial service providers want details. Avoiding cash transactions was the goal.

Payments to the Uganda Wildlife Authority

The Kampala Headquarters funds all Uganda Wildlife Authority park activities. The credit card reader swipes your card here. Your gorilla trekking card contains a magnetic strip on the back that is swiped through another machine to read your personal information. The card has a number in case it is misplaced. Take note of this number for safety.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Cashless Card System allows visits to which national parks?
Uganda has 10 national parks, mostly in the west. Ugandan national parks include.

Bwindi Impenetrable Park
The most mountain gorillas in Uganda live here. The park is thought to have survived for 30000 years and hosted over 10 primate species, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and others, 300 tree species, 51 reptiles, 88 months, 310 butterflies, 350 bird species, and more. A refugee forest survived the ice age.

Chances of seeing mountain gorillas - Gorilla trekking safaris and tours.
Chances of seeing mountain gorillas – Gorilla trekking safaris and tours

The main activity in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is gorilla trekking, but birding, nature walks, and Batwa pygmies visits are also popular.

Kibale National Park
The most habituated chimpanzees in Africa live in this tropical rainforest. About 1500 wild and habituated chimpanzees live in this park. The park is home to L’Hoests’, black and white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, pottos monkeys, and others.

Kibale National Park has several birds, including 6 Albertine endemics. This park’s principal activity is chimpanzee trekking, but birding, nature walks, mountain hikes, and more are available.

The Queen Elizabeth National Park
A stunning view of the rift valley floor and biodiversity make this park famous. The Rwenzori ranges are 60 miles long and 40 miles wide, creating a stunning background.

Queen Elizabeth National Park includes many plant zones that support animals. The parks have swamp vegetation, bushy grassland, forest grassland, acacia woodland, and others.

Game drives in this park’s tracks may reveal lions, leopards, water bucks, warthogs, bushbacks, topis, buffaloes, gigantic forest hogs, hyenas, and mongooses.

The park’s birdlife makes it a top Uganda birding destination. Papyrus gonolek, Chapin’s flycatcher, lesser and larger flamingos, African skimmer, martial eagles, black-rumped buttonquail, and others may be seen.

Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee trekking is rewarding and tests your fitness. Olive baboons, black-and-white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey checkered mangabeys, and others are present.

The Kazinga Channel launch is a highlight of the park. Look over the banks to see animals that come down to drink, birds that prefer feeding from the marshy banks, and Rwenzori rangers.

Lake Mburo National Park
This national park is closest to Kampala. It has impalas, zebras, giraffes, elands, water bucks, bushbucks, warthogs, and Uganda Kobs. Lake Mburo boat rides are the best pack experience. You may see fishermen casting nets to capture fish. Lake Mburo in the park provides fresh breezes and wonderful views.

Murchison Falls National Park
The Nile flows through Murchison Falls National Park, its lifeblood. The world’s strongest falls are Murchison Falls in the park. After 80 kilometers, the Nile hits an embedded rock and squeezes down a tiny gorge to burst out fiercely and create a hazy appearance.

You have a great view of the park during the River Nile launch. Watch out for hippos, gigantic Nile Crocodiles, riverine birds, and wild animals that drink from the shore during the cruise. Boat turbulence changes and a foamy look emerges as the falls appear. The powerful Nile grumbles as it squeezes through the 6-meter-wide gorge to burst abruptly.

The park is home to Oribi, lions, hyenas, water bucks, bush bucks, Uganda Kobs, giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, and over 450 bird species. Game drives through different paths may reveal these creatures.

Kaniyo Pabidi chimpanzee hiking is breathtaking. Watch for olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, vervet monkeys, and more. Many birds inhabit the forest, including Ituri Batis, yellow-footed flycatcher, and white-thighed hornbill.

3 Days Murchison Falls Safari | Uganda Wildlife Tour | Big Five safaris | ziwa rhinos
Uganda wildlife safari | Murchison Falls

Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is located in Uganda’s far northeast. The Ugandan carnivores visit this park. Cheetahs, spotted hyenas, black-backed and side-striped jackals, bat-eared foxes, aardwolves, klipsinger, Burchell Zebras, bushbucks, oribi, Defessa water bucks, and more may be seen.

Rwenzori National Park
The park sits at the foot of the Rwenzori mountains. On mountain slopes, you walk through the forest. Elephants, cape buffaloes, huge forest hogs, bushbucks, chimpanzees, leopards, and 214 bird species—including 19 Albertine endemics—may be seen. Birds like varied plant foods.

Mountain Elgon National Park
This park is a rare eastern Ugandan wildlife reserve. The local water catchment is this. This park is infrequently visited because Kenya’s Kilimanjaro is more popular. Bamboo, montane heath, gigantic heather, and montane forest grow throughout the park. These help some animals survive. Like oribi, Defassa waterbucks, leopards, and spotted hyenas.

This park is home to Jackson’s Francolin, mustache green tinkerbird, black-collared Apalis, and others.

Semliki National Park 
Semliki National Park in Uganda is rarely mentioned. An isolated park in Bundibujo district. A biodiverse park with many birds. The underground Sempaya hot springs are magnificent. More than 336 tree species, 53 animals, and others live in this moist semi-deciduous forest.

Mgahinga National Park 
Mgahinga National Park is furthest southwest. A gorilla family named Nyakagezi treks throughout the park. This family roams the woodland and Rwanda. To book gorilla permits for this park, check mountain gorilla availability. This park also offers birding, Batwa Pygmy visits, volcano hikes, and more.

Uganda Packing List Safari

Protect your skin from sunburns with sunscreen.
Repellent for buzzing and stinging insects.
A camera to document your wilderness experience.
Foldable Water bottle for drinking.

Binoculars to see distant attractions better
Since you are in the automobile, wear flip-flops during game drives.
Pajamas for bedtime and energy snacks for hunger.
Rain gear for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in the woods.
Safari clothes, but only the necessary ones because your luggage will weigh extra.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda requires tracking boots because of the wet and slippery ground.
In case your hotel does not have them, toiletries
Light backpack for trekking with valuables.
First Aid box for field injuries
Contact us and consult our trip advisor for Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Cashless Card System information.