How to book Bwindi gorilla trekking permits

How to book Bwindi gorilla trekking permits

How to book Bwindi gorilla trekking permits

Planning a gorilla trekking Trip to Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking – Low-budget gorilla trekking in Uganda – Gorilla habituation safaris in Uganda

Bwindi gorilla trekking permits. All gorilla safari preparations in the prehistoric Bwindi Impenetrable National Park begin with the booking of a gorilla trekking permit. All gorilla permits in Uganda are sold and governed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. In a location devoid of tourists, Bwindi Forest offers an astounding array of natural treasures.

For expedited administrative services, all Bwindi Gorilla permits are reserved based on the park’s divisions. The Buhoma region in the north, the Ruhija region in the east, and the Rushaga and Nkuringo regions in the south are the four gorilla trekking locations in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This is why you should find out which area your gorilla permit is scheduled in before making any reservations for lodging during the gorilla safari. About 327 square kilometers of pure woodland make up Bwindi’s impenetrable national park, which is difficult to go through in a hurry. Due to potential obstacles like slick roads, fog, complete darkness, flat tires, etc., the journey from one place to another is somewhat drawn out and unsettling. If you don’t attend the briefing, you can miss the gorilla trekking day.

Let’s first define a gorilla permit card before moving on to the specifics of how to reserve a gorilla trekking permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

What is a card for a gorilla trekking permit?

A gorilla permission card is a reusable plastic card with a black stripe on the reverse that stores and retrieves your passport information on the day of the gorilla trek. The Uganda Wildlife Authority is the exclusive owner of this gorilla trekking permit card.

How Do I Go About Scheduling a Bwindi Gorilla Permit?

Decide on a date for your gorilla trekking safari, either formally or informally. It’s great to know how many gorilla permits you want to reserve.

Speak with the Uganda Wildlife Authority directly or an authorized travel agency such as katland Safari. Keep in mind that the Uganda Wildlife Authority reservation office’s phone lines are frequently busy, so you’ll need to be patient.

Our safari adviser looks up availability from the Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permit list after receiving your inquiry.

When gorilla permits are available, we encourage customers to get them in advance to prevent last-minute requests when they sell out. During the peak months of June, July, August, September, December, and January, the majority of gorilla permits are sold out in advance.

For comfortable gorilla safari preparation, it is best to reserve your gorilla permit at least six months to a year in advance.

You must send us your passport information, including your entire name as it appears on the document, nationality, birthdate, and passport expiration date, before you can pick up your Uganda gorilla permission card.

What is the price of a permit to trek with gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Bwindi gorilla trekking permits. A Uganda gorilla trekking permit currently costs $800 per person per trek, $700 per person each trek, and 300000shs for residents of East Africa.

Purchasing a mountain gorilla permit helps ensure the mountain gorillas have a sustainable existence. By the 1980s, American primatologist Dian Fossey and his team conducted a population census and found that there were approximately 300 mountain gorillas left in the world, putting these primates in danger of extinction.

By participating in gorilla trekking, you may help the fund that sustains the conservation effort for mountain gorillas.

What does the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Trekking Permit include and exclude?

The price of each gorilla trekking permit covers park admission costs, nationality, birthdate, ranger guide services, assistance for the local community, gorilla conservation, and a certificate at the conclusion of the journey.

The price of a gorilla permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park does not include transportation to gorilla trekking sites, lodging during a gorilla safari, tips, snacks to eat on the trek, or a packed lunch.

Your ideal African primate vacation with the mountain gorillas can be realized with katland Safaris. We have developed business relationships with a wide range of lodging establishments of all price ranges in our field. Depending on the length of your Uganda safari, we may help you create an itinerary that fits your needs and priorities.

When Can I Reserve Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Permits?

Bwindi gorilla trekking permits. It is comfortable to book your gorilla permit at least six months to a year in advance, but you can do it as early as three months before the day of the gorilla trek. Permits to enter Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are available year-round; however, gorilla permits are in high demand during the busiest times of the year and quickly sell out. A maximum of eight gorilla permits per day per hike are available; thus, reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis.How to book Bwindi gorilla trekking permits

Because there is less demand for safaris during the low season, which runs from March to May and November, you may be able to get last-minute gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Can Gorilla Permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park be rescheduled?

Bwindi gorilla trekking permits. You must first request permission in writing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority if you would like to change the date of your gorilla permit.

If you want to move your gorilla permit, you must have a new date in mind.

Request a new date for your gorilla permit in writing to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. If you have a valid cause, include it as an attachment. This serves as a fallback for your request to reschedule your gorilla permit.

Your gorilla permit is shifted to the new date according to availability when your request is approved.

Can I Receive My Money Back for My Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Permit?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority’s refund policy applies to gorilla permit refunds. Your gorilla permit is considered void if you fail to show up on the day of the gorilla hike without providing the Uganda Wildlife Authority with supporting documentation of your whereabouts. The validity of each gorilla trekking permit is limited to the day of the hike.

In accordance with the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s refund policy, you must take care of this in advance if you must cancel your gorilla trekking expedition but would still prefer a refund for your permit.

During a gorilla trek, what ensures that you will find the mountain gorillas?

There is a 99% likelihood of finding the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. An adult male mountain gorilla weighs roughly 300 kg, making them a large animal. Because of their immense stature, mountain gorillas are unable to move quickly through the forest.

For this reason, you begin your gorilla trekking day by following the trail where the mountain gorilla was last spotted the day before. Usually, they don’t feed that far away.

You might get reimbursed roughly 75% of the price of your gorilla permit in Uganda if you spend the entire day gorilla trekking and are unable to find the mountain gorillas.

What is the minimum age to reserve a permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

The minimum age requirement for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is 15 years of age or older. This is due to the volcanic terrain of the Bwindi forest, which features rocky hills whose slopes can serve as areas for the mountain gorillas to feed or relax.

Hiking these ridges and plateaus may not be quick for kids under fifteen.

Because of the frequent rains and the extensive network of rivers that could flood everywhere, the path to find the mountain gorillas can occasionally get slick. Youngsters under the age of fifteen might not be able to navigate these surfaces.

Because of their physical appearance, which can raise adrenaline levels, mountain gorillas may initially appear frightening. Someone might shout if they are unsteady. If children under the age of 15 are permitted to go gorilla trekking, this reaction is more likely to occur. Mountain gorillas may withdraw into the dense forest when there is disturbance because they are frightened of strange sounds and activities.

Which lodging options are available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking?

You must first be aware of the location where your gorilla permit is booked to reserve lodging for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The four sections of Bwindi Forest—Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo—each have their own accommodations.

Accommodations in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The Buhoma region Accommodations include Volcanoes Lodge, Engage Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Bwindi View Bandas, Gorilla Forest Camp, and Gorilla Resort.

Accommodations in the Nkuringo area: Gorilla Hill Eco Lodge, Clouds Lodge, and Nkuringo Safari Lodge

Accommodations in the Rushaga area include the Trekkers’ Tavern, Broadbill Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Nshongi Camp, and Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge.

Accommodations in the Ruhija vicinity include Chameleons’, Broad Bill Lodge, and Ruhija Gorilla Lodge.

How Can I Get to the Impenetrable National Park of Bwindi?

From Buhoma to Kabale, Kanungu, and Kampala
You travel 414 kilometers on the highway to Kabale, which takes five to six hours. You spend an additional four to five hours traveling 150 kilometers on a winding Murram road through Kanungu and Kanyantorogo. A 4×4 wheel drive vehicle is required.

Between Kampala, Ntungamo, Rukungiri, Kihihi, and Buhoma
It is the most direct route from Kampala or Entebbe airport, where you travel 390 kilometers to Rukungiri and then 82 kilometers to Buhoma along a Murram road.

From Buhoma via Ruhija to Kabale to Kampala
You require a 4×4 wheel drive car to go the 414 kilometers from Kampala to Kabale and then the 95 kilometers to Ruhija to the Buhoma road, which is in bad shape.

Queen Elizabeth National Park From Kihihi to Buhoma
You can drive roughly 160 kilometers from the Mweya area to Buhoma and 64 kilometers from the Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha section.

How Secure Is It to Trek Gorillas in the Impenetrable National Park of Bwindi?

Bwindi gorilla trekking permits. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is safe because all of the gorilla families that are available for reservations are acclimated to human presence. In order to acclimate a family of wild mountain gorillas to human presence without changing the natural environment, researchers and trackers utilize a technique called “gorilla habituation.”

Depending on how long the mountain gorillas take to adjust to human presence, the gorilla habituation process can take up to two years. This time frame is sufficient to eliminate any potential hostility that might develop between people and mountain gorillas.

Each gorilla trekking group is escorted by a well-trained team of rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, one of whom is armed with a rifle and the other with a machete. These gadgets are used to time creepers and make room for tourists, or you can use a rifle to protect yourself if necessary.

What Rules Apply When Trekking with Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

When you find the mountain gorillas, stay around 8 meters away from them. This will lessen the possibility of infecting the mountain gorillas.
Volunteer to stay behind if you are ill, especially if you have a contagious illness like the flu, a cough, or COVID-19. Human infections can seriously harm mountain gorillas.
Children must be at least 15 years old to participate in gorilla trekking.
Always have a ranger guide accompany you when you enter Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Ask the ranger guide to dig a hole approximately 30 cm deep and cover it completely if you need to urinate.
It is prohibited to spit on plants or the ground since doing so could infect mountain gorillas and other forest inhabitants.
It is prohibited to provoke mountain gorillas because doing so could drive them into hiding, yet you are only permitted to spend an hour with them.
Avoid using a flashlight when shooting pictures since the mountain gorillas may become frightened by unexpected events in the outdoors.
To avoid tempting the mountain gorillas to take stuff from you, if you want to eat or smoke, do it away from them. They must not be dependent on human sustenance because they are wild creatures.
When you find the mountain gorillas, you have only one hour to wait.

What to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

What to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

What to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

What to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes

Only Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda offers gorilla trekking. Nestled between Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in D.R.Congo, this Park is in Northwestern Rwanda.

Since the Belgian Colonial Authorities acquired this historical Park in 1925, this Park is among the earliest gazetted National Parks in Africa.

American primatologist Dian Fossey established the Karisoke Research Center after her study in Rwanda in 1967. The residents were rather resentful of her unwavering protection of mountain gorillas. This resulted in her horrific murder in 1985.

The beginning of the gorilla trekking safari was the relentless effort of Dian Fossey. After the 1980s census, she conveyed the suffering of virtually vanishing mountain gorillas to the world. By then, the findings revealed just 300 mountain gorillas alive globally.

Funds were needed to assist with the mountain gorilla conservation. People have to get closer to the mountain gorillas so they will come to value their presence.

One way to assist this great cause was through gorilla trekking, but first, gorilla habituation had to take place. Gorilla habituation is the process by which wild mountain gorillas get used to human presence.

Depending on how fast the mountain gorillas adjust to the presence of women, the gorilla habituation process spans two years to more.

As one of the main battlefields, the 1994 Rwanda genocide slowed down gorilla trekking activity. There are about 15 gorilla families available for visitors at Volcanoes National Park right now.

Booking Gorilla Permits for National Parks and Volcanoes – What to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes

Choose a date for your gorilla trekking trip in Rwanda together with the necessary permits. Volcanoes National Park offers several opportunities for gorilla trekking.

You might get in touch with the Rwanda Development Board or a reputable travel agency such as Katland  Safaris. Our safari expert has to verify whether the Rwanda Development Board permit listing shows availability of gorilla permits.

Should availability be good, we need you to buy them right away, as they sell quickly. They are locked using a first-come, first, first-served basis. Only 8 per gorilla family daily are allowed for public booking despite the demand for gorilla trekking permits.

Later on, we will need you to supply information such as full names as shown on the passport, nationality, date of birth, and passport expiry date.

The cost of a Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit? | What to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes

For international nonresidents, the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 per person; for citizens of East Africa, it costs $300.

The expenses cover:

Park pay-offs.
Ranger guide payments.
Safety.
Support for Gorilla Conservation
Local civic support.
One hour with the gorillas in the mountains.
The permit fee for the Rwanda gorilla leaves out transportation, beverages, packed lunch, snacks, and personal item expenses.

Are installment purchases of Rwanda gorilla permits possible? | What to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes

If you get the Rwanda gorilla permit 90 days before the trip, you can buy it in installments.

The Rwanda Development Board lets you buy the gorilla permit using 30% of the entire cost and 70% of the permit cost.

You have to keep in mind that you run the risk of losing your gorilla permit if you forget to completely top it ninety days before the trekking date.

Is a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit worth the cost?
Though it seems expensive, the $1500 per person Rwanda gorilla trekking permit is well worth every minute spent with the mountain gorillas.

Not only do you get one lovely hour before the only remaining mountain gorillas on Earth, but you also get to observe them living their lives.

You help to preserve the mountain gorillas, a unique species found only in East Africa.

Some of the closest cousins of humans in the animal world, mountain gorillas, contain around 96% human DNA.

About 10 of the yearly income from selling Rwanda gorilla licenses goes into the local community to assist their initiatives, therefore indirectly supporting the local population.

Every gorilla permit you buy helps the pricey International Visit Rwanda campaign.

How expensive is the Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari? | What to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes

The Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris are listed in luxury, mid-range, and budget.

The one universal expense whose price all packages pay for is the gorilla permit.

Other elements of the gorilla trekking program include:

The count of attendees for your gorilla trekking event. The lower the cost per person, the more people join you for gorilla trekking. You can provide various safari conveniences such as gasoline, driving guides, etc.

Time for reserving the gorilla trekking safari for Rwanda; in low seasons, certain service providers may provide discounts, while in peak seasons, which draw expensive rates.

Days in Rwanda safari: the safari cost increases with the number of days spent there.

Rwanda has various things to mix with a gorilla trekking safari. In Akagera National Park, Rwanda, you might combine gorilla trekking with wildlife safari, chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey trekking, and others.

When should one plan a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda?

Although gorilla trekking in Rwanda is available all year long, most visitors choose the dry season—June through September and December through January.

Though they are rare, demand for gorilla permits during this season is very strong. Consequently, just eight gorilla permits for each family are provided daily for public booking.

Though the Virunga region is known for sudden rain, mountain gorillas are more active during the dry seasons. This is so because the forest rejects strong humidity, and even other forest inhabitants, like monkeys, are more eager to observe.

Rwanda Gorilla Permit Price.
Rwanda Gorilla Permit Price.

The dry season is ideal for photography as the brighter illumination passes through the forest leaves.

During the dry season at Volcanoes National Park, walking the paths to reach the mountain gorilla is more preferable as they are smooth.

From March to May, the Wet season benefits gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Discount safari prices are possible as certain service companies provide them to break even.

For those who dislike crowds, the forest offers a great chance as there are few visitors there.

In the wet season, the chances of unpreparedness for a single gorilla trekking safari are more present. This is so because occasionally, you may be the only one scheduled for gorilla trekking that day.

How does one Get To Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda?

A hour’s journey from Kigali Airport brings Volcanoes National Park. You go along twisting lanes covered with verdant green grass. Although Kigali city offers public transportation, it terminates in Musaze; so, you must rent a car to Volcanoes National Park.

Alternatively, one can charter from Kigali Airport to Volcanoes National Park.

For how long is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

The unrestricted flow of the mountain gorillas in the bush makes it unknown when they were discovered during the Rwanda trip. Depending on a lot of elements in the forest, you can spend two hours or more.

Some of the elements influencing the location of mountain gorillas include

The gorilla’s feeding area’s closeness

Should they feed from distances, they might require assistance in locating. From a designated spot for some while, the mountain gorillas eat; they then leave when their food runs out.

In the event of a conflict with another gorilla family

When gorilla families quarrel, the losers might be driven into hiding, thereby postponing the wild tracking of them.

Usually occurring weather while gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda may be postponed on a wet day due to the slick slopes in the highlands where mountain gorillas spend their daily lives.

Gorilla Trekkers’ pace

If you are assigned a gorilla trekking party with sluggish walkers, you might require additional time to find the mountain gorillas. To prevent anyone from getting lost in the woods, the ranger guide, on the other hand, moves at the slowest speed among the trekkers.

The difficulty of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Five of the six Virunga volcanoes cover the terrain of the national park. Volcanoes National Park’s terrain is steeper than that of other mountain gorilla habitats.

Having some degree of fitness would help one to fully appreciate Rwanda’s whole gorilla trekking adventure. This keeps you caught up and lets you finish the full walk.

On the Gorilla Trekking Adventure at Volcanoes National Park, what should one avoid?
To prevent transferring infections to the mountain gorillas, do not spit on the ground or in the jungle.
During the trip, keep silent or use a low tone to find the mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is reserved for those fifteen years of age and above.
No, if you are photographing mountain gorillas with light, you might startle them.
Once you find the mountain gorillas, keep around eight meters away.
Should you have an infection, offer to remain behind so you avoid passing it on to the mountain gorillas. They are rather prone to human infections.
Eat or smoke at least three hundred meters away from the mountain gorillas.
Once you find the mountain gorillas, just one hour is permitted with them. This is so because they are used to being in front of people for precisely that purpose.
Apart from gorilla trekking, what else may one do at Volcanoes National Park?
Golden monkey safaris

Golden monkeys find a home in Volcanoes National Park. From its appearance to its bodily form, this is yet another unusual monkey species. Golden monkeys have a body size larger than that of other monkeys.

Golden brown hairs define golden monkeys on the lower body. With around 30000 to 40000 thought to be living on the globe, they are some of the endangered primates.

Their great vitality and appealing demeanor make following them fascinating. Golden monkeys exhibit their natural behavior even if they are accustomed to human presence.

To be allowed to join this trip, you have to buy a Rwanda golden monkey trekking permit.

Dian Fossey climbed.

Dian Fossey’s bones of fallen mountain gorilla drugs were buried among the gorillas she was defending until her dying breath. American philanthropist and primatologist, she dedicated her studies to mountain gorillas from 1967.

Unknown attackers slaughtered her mercilessly at her house in 1985. Hiking where the bones were placed will allow you to walk in the last steps of her life.

Volcanoes National Park Birding

One of Rwanda’s birding venues is Volcanoes National Park. Albertine rift endemic, among other over 300 bird species, is presently called home by this Park home. To assist you on this Rwanda birding trip, you need to engage a competent birding guide with a background in Rwanda.

Among the birds you may find are Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Archer’s Robin-chat, Dusky and Shelley’s red wings, and others.

Nature hike at Volcanoes National Park.

For nature hikes where you may find other monkey species such as olive baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and others, the Volcanoes Forest is great.

You might find some natural tree species that have endured several decades.

Volcanoes National Park Mountaineering

Mountains suitable for hiking abound throughout Volcanoes National Park’s geography. Mountains Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Karisimbi, and Bisoke are among these.

One may trek one day to reach the top of any one of these hills.

IS UGANDA SAFE FOR TRAVEL – A LIST OF OTHER SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER when traveling through Uganda

Is Uganda safe for Travel

IS UGANDA SAFE FOR TRAVEL – A LIST OF OTHER SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER when traveling through Uganda

Since President Museveni took over power in 1986, Uganda has since then been an accepted safe travel destination for travelers from all over the world. Uganda’s reputation as a safe travel destination is sometimes dented by a few minor political tensions and terrorism threats that are at most times very well handled by government security agencies.

The Uganda police force is very consistent in driving public safety measures that have continuously seen a reduction in crime rates and made Uganda a safe destination for travel.

POLITICAL TENSION IN UGANDA

Like any other African country, Uganda has been going through various political transformations since she gained her independence. Her political problems started with Obote’s overthrow of President Muteesa from office and the abolition of the 1962 constitution and monarchy rule. Obote’s regime was characterized by very poor governance and there was the coming to power of Amin Dada.

Iddi Amin Dada’s regime was and up to date characterized as the most brutal regime Uganda has ever witnessed ending in the late 1970s. The election violence of the 1980s saw an outbreak of a 5-year war in which many Ugandans lost lives but later saw the coming to power of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 1986 with a promise of a safer Uganda.

In the first 15 – 20 years of the NRM regime under President Museveni, the country witnessed one of the biggest wars in Northern Uganda led by the load resistance army leader and currently one of the most wanted rebels in Uganda known as Joseph Konny that made Northern Uganda a no go zone for all people.

The lord resistance army has now been defeated, chased away from the Northern region of Uganda, and now that part is open and safe for traveling. Of recent Uganda has enjoyed a decent level of peace and political stability that the international community applauds.

TERRORISM THREATS IN UGANDA

Like in any other country involved in peacekeeping across the world, acts of terrorism have been carried out in Uganda and none of them has been necessary targeting foreigners or tourists.

Kampala like most cities across the world is vulnerable to tourist attacks like war demonstrations in 2010 where 74 people were killed with a boom blast at the grand finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Even though the bombing, the major threat is not terror but malaria and road accidents which are also not so common in the country because of the road restrictions.

POLITICAL UNREST IN UGANDA

Like the case with any country growing democratically, Uganda continuously goes through numerous political tensions that are only very permanent during the election season which happens once every five years. Unrest in the form of protest is usually very peaceful and occurs in the capital city of Kampala and a few major towns and cities across the country.

Kattland Safaris always stays up to date with the prevailing political situation in the country and always keeps tourists in the know of when to visit or not in case the country is in any form of unrest.

CRIME AND SAFETY IN UGANDA

Uganda is globally recognized and regarded as one of the most crime crime-free countries in Africa. Kampala, the capital city of Uganda is relatively free of con tricks as the case is with other East African towns like Nairobi. Walking through cities and towns around Uganda is repeatedly safe however it’s recommended at all times to move with someone else and preferably one that very well knows the destination.

Since the turbulent days of Idi Amin Dada and his ruthless regime came to an end, Uganda is now safe for both travel and business.

A LIST OF OTHER SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER

Be vigilant while in Uganda.

Be very careful while taking walks around large towns and cities across Uganda. Most casual thieves operate in very busy markets and bus stations. You are advised to keep a close look at your possessions in such places.

Keep all your valuables and the bulk of your money in a money belt that can be hidden beneath your clothing.

Do not drink and drive.

If you are planning to drive yourself while in Uganda, it’s purely against the laws to drink and drive as the act is subjected to a heavy fine or even in jail.

Respect local cultures

All regions of the country are occupied by different societies with different sets of cultural norms and briefs that you are regarded to follow and respect.

Homosexuality is illegal by the laws of Uganda. It’s considered a taboo and unacceptable by many societies across the country. Travelers should avoid a public display of affection in respect of local communities with largely conservative people.

Be careful with what you photograph in Uganda.

You are not permitted to take pictures of some places in the country and these include photographing security agencies like the military, government buildings, and some parts of the airport. If you are unsure of what and when to take a photograph, you can always ask your tour guide to seek permission.

DRUGS ARE ILLEGAL IN UGANDA

The possession use and trafficking of drugs is illegal by Ugandan laws. Caught in the act is subjected to very heavy penalties if not huge prison sentences.

MAKE RESEARCH OF YOUR DESTINATION BEFORE TRAVEL

Whether crossing from Kigali or as far as Sydney and Australia do research about a destination so you are dents of that particular destination to avoid surprises.

BE LAW ABIDING

If you do not want yourself, to be locked in a Uganda jail in the course of your safari through the country, we so therefore highly recommend that you abide by all the laws of Uganda and follow them effectively. Sometimes you might find yourself in a mix of law enforcers who may even request a bribe to get off a traffic fine. In case you are caught and arrested over any offence however small or big by Ugandan laws you are innocent until proven guilty and you have the right to a lawyer.

CHOOSE TO TRAVEL WITH A REPUTABLE LOCAL TOUR OPERATOR

It’s always advisable to plan your safari through Uganda with a reputable and recognized local operator. Tour operators like Katland Safaris understand the destinations better. They put all logistics from transport to hotel bookings and tourist activities all in one place for your safari. They are very knowledgeable about the dos and don’ts of the destinations and will always guide you well on what to do right away from planning the trip until you are back safe and sent back home.

UGANDA WILDLIFE AUTHORITY STOPS LOW SEASON GORILLA PERMITS

UGANDA WILDLIFE AUTHORITY STOPS LOW-SEASON GORILLA PERMITS.

UGANDA WILDLIFE AUTHORITY STOPS LOW-SEASON GORILLA PERMITS.

As Rwanda increases the price of their gorilla licenses from USD750.00 to USD1500.00, the Uganda Wildlife Authority halts the sale of low season gorilla permits. After Volcanoes National Park raised the price of gorilla permits, making Rwanda the most costly gorilla trekking destination, Uganda stood hard and maintained its high season gorilla permit tariff of USD800.00 for all months, refusing to follow suit.

While Uganda is still a budget-friendly location for gorilla trekking, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has decided to end low season gorilla permits. This is to prevent the country from being seen as a cheap option, especially as the experience in Uganda and Rwanda is almost identical.

UGANDA WILDLIFE AUTHORITY STOPS LOW-SEASON GORILLA PERMITS.

The Ugandan tourism industry has embraced the plan to keep the price of gorilla permits at USD800.00 year-round, even though the Uganda Wildlife Authority has decided to end sales of permits during the low season. This will ensure that Uganda remains a competitive destination for gorilla trekking, regardless of the season.

Permits for low-season gorilla and chimpanzee viewing began in 2014 but were temporarily halted in 2024. From April through May and November, a gorilla permit costing USD700.00 per person increased to USD 800.00 per person. Motivating individuals to travel during off-peak months was the driving force behind this.

A large number of individuals rushed to Uganda in search of these cheap gorilla permits, proving that the campaign’s goals were achieved. Many tourists would definitely pass up the opportunity to go gorilla trekking if the Uganda Wildlife Authority does away with the low season permits, as they have been much more affordable.

The suspension of the low season gorilla permits will begin in 2024, thus anybody interested in booking a gorilla excursion should do so no later than November 2024. During the off-season, Katland Safaris arranges gorilla safaris to Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. If you are interested in planning a gorilla safari for November, please get in touch with us by phone or email and we would be happy to provide you an estimate and reliable information.

Latest gorilla trekking news

Latest gorilla trekking news

Latest gorilla trekking news

If you are looking for up-to-date information on gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda, Katland Safaris Ltd is the place to go. Examine recent events in the Rwandan and Ugandan gorilla trekking communities.

Gorilla permits in Rwanda are being raised.

Rwanda has just increased the price of gorilla permits in Volcanoes National Park, going from USD750 to USD1500. This is the latest news on gorilla trekking in Rwanda. This establishes Rwanda as a prime location for affluent gorilla trekkers.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is an adventure that only the well-off can afford. Rwanda is presenting this as an effort to better protect the mountain gorillas, who are among the most endangered animals on Earth.

They also believe that the local people should get a larger share of the profits from gorilla trekking in order to promote long-term sustainability.

Launches New Gorilla Trekking Experience for $15,000 in Rwanda

The Rwanda Development Board has unveiled a new product catering to the wealthy and famous who wish to travel a certain family of gorillas in a group setting, the latest development in the country’s gorilla trekking story.

Latest gorilla trekking news

For a price of $15,000 USD, you may have the opportunity to hike with the whole mountain gorilla family in solitude.

If you’re willing to shell out $15,000 USD, you may get the opportunity to spend quality time with a specific mountain gorilla family at Volcanoes National Park. Typically, each gorilla family is limited to 8 persons.

The new and increased gorilla permit fee in Rwanda is an opportunity for Uganda.

As a result of Rwanda’s increased gorilla permit pricing, travel companies in Uganda are ecstatic since their country now seems to be a more budget-friendly option for gorilla trekking than Rwanda. Only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda are mountain gorillas found.

The most popular destination thus far has been Rwanda, with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo following closely after.

Tour companies in Uganda are bracing for a surge in visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, where gorilla permits are priced at a mere USD800, in response to the recent hike in Rwanda’s gorilla permit fee.

November Gorilla Permits on Sale and Off Season

Because of the low season gorilla permits that are provided in the off season, Uganda continues to be in the news because of this. In November, you may go on a gorilla trek for the low, low price of USD 800 per permit.

Save money on transportation, lodging, and permits when you book with Katland Safaris. Encounter will continue to bring you the most recent information on gorilla trekking as it becomes available, and it seems like the tourist industry in Uganda is in for an exciting remainder.

Uganda Visa from USD100 to USD50

Uganda Visa from USD100 to USD50 - Uganda safari bookings.

Uganda Visa from USD100 to USD50 – Uganda safari bookings.

For all those arriving Uganda for tourism or visiting friends and family, the government of Uganda has thought about lowering visa costs from USD100 to USD50.00. In the last financial year, Uganda had raised visa costs from USD50 to USD100 as it battled to collect the necessary USD and other foreign currency.

Travelers who argued that raising visa costs from USD50.00 to USD100 would destroy the expanding tourism industry as it would seem very costly in the perspective of a visitor vehemently objected and criticized this action. Although Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya, neighbors of Uganda, did not raise visa costs, their tourist competitive advantage over Uganda does.

Reasons Uganda’s USD100 to USD50 visa will succeed

Following many consultation discussions between government and the business community, government is currently thinking about lowering the price back to USD50.00.

Uganda Visa from USD100 to USD50 - Uganda safari bookings.

The rising visa costs were making Uganda an expensive tourism destination, according to the commercial sector and tourism stakeholders, which meant that visitors were beginning to start looking to our neighbors in order to save money. We expect that lowering Uganda’s visa value from USD 100 to USD 50 will pay off.

Tanzania has consented to join the East African tourist visa in the meanwhile, therefore allowing a visitor to spend three months visiting five nations of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, and Tanzania under one visa. With USD 100, an East Africa tourist visa lets you visit any one of the east African nations. Once may get it from any point of entrance for a specific member nation.

East Africa’s marketing and selling as a single tourism destination is meant to boost and draw visitors to visit more than one nation when they decide East Africa. Making sure you get the finest offers will help you to finance your safari. Katland Safaris is committed to this. To see the well-known and threatened mountain gorillas and other sights in Uganda and Rwanda, we arrange excursions to both countries. Therefore, lowering Uganda’s visa value from USD 100 to USD 50 will benefit the visitors as well as the business.

No Zika Virus in Uganda

No Zika Virus in Uganda - Uganda safaris and tours.

No Zika Virus in Uganda – Uganda safaris and tours.

According to an official statement released by the Ministry of Health, Uganda Tourism Board would like to reassure all possible visitors to Uganda that there is no Zika virus infection or danger in Uganda. As of right now, Uganda does not have any single record of Zika.

Uganda safe; no Zika, claims Ministry of Health

“The Ministry of Health wants to let the people know that there is no danger of the Zika virus now wreaking havoc on South American towns. The Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Asuman Lukwago, claims surveillance data all throughout the nation show no danger of the virus.

No Zika Virus in Uganda - Uganda safaris and tours.

Furthermore lacking documentation of the virus in Uganda, Dr. Lukwago notes

The Uganda Tourism Board reminds all people and guests that Uganda does not have a history of the Zika virus infection, contrary to claims made in foreign media. Any kind of visitor will find Uganda to be safe.

The Ministry of Health claims that the virus now spreading across 21 nations in the Americas since May 2015 is a distinct species from the one originally known from Uganda. Over 70 years ago, Ugandan scientists and specialists initially separately identified the Zika virus together with colleagues from the US and UK. This was under a yellow fever scientific study project.

The US Center for Disease Control now tracks nations and territories affected by the Zika virus (http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/). The Ministry of Health underlines that there are no local reported cases and the Uganda Virus Research Institute has testing capabilities for the Zika virus. UTB is pleased to provide more information about visiting Uganda or respond to your particular queries or needs.

For all of its prestigious customers, Katland safaris guarantees them that there is no zika in Uganda and that all of our group and individual trips go on as usual. Book with us a trip to see Uganda and Rwanda respectively, the gem of Africa or nation of a thousand hills.

Barcelona Former stars will trek gorillas in Uganda

Barcelona Former stars will trek gorillas in Uganda - Uganda Safaris and Tours.

Barcelona Former stars will trek gorillas in Uganda – Uganda Safaris and Tours.

The Uganda Tourism Board has increased its efforts to advertise Uganda as among the major travel destinations in Africa. Launched and drawing numerous tour operators and tourism boards from several nations, the Pearl of Africa Tourism exhibition was the inaugural and fascinating event.

This will be an annual celebration that aids in show casing Uganda and its natural beauty. Another aspect is Barcelona former began walking gorillas in Uganda after their charitable foot ball, with a chosen Uganda cranes squad this December 2015.

Former Barcelona players will go gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Barcelona is Among former players who will play football for a Uganda chosen squad and then hike gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are Carles Puyol, Patrick Kluivert, Lious Garcia, Edga Davids, Ludovic Davids among others. These previous stars are said to have a sizable following on social, press, and print media, therefore, many friends will be following these events and consequently learning about Uganda less about it.

Barcelona Former stars will trek gorillas in Uganda - Uganda Safaris and Tours.

About eleven habituated mountain gorilla families available for daily gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National park, almost all of which are threatened. Should this campaign produce results, Uganda is likely to have more visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to hike gorillas as marketing is more likely to solve her issue than luck of tourism attractions.

Former Barcelona players will go to Murchison Falls National Park for game drives and boat excursions to the foot of the falls as well as to the delta. They will also be trekking gorillas in Uganda. They also go to Jinja to see the longest river on Earth, River Nile, from its source.

Sponsored by Uganda tourist Board, the New Vision and all football fans in Uganda aims to promote sports and tourism in Uganda by bringing former Barcelona players. Please please get in touch with us for a permit so you may have the opportunity to hike with these mega stars on the same day. Uganda Widlife Authority still has availability.

24 baby gorillas named in Rwanda

24 baby gorillas named in Rwanda - Kwita Izina - Rwanda gorilla tours.

24 baby gorillas named in Rwanda – Kwita Izina – Rwanda gorilla tours.

On September 5, 2015 Rwanda hosted another historic occasion when all newly born mountain gorilla infants were named in a ceremony conducted on the northern side of the nation. Attended by so many environmentalists, celebrities, visitors, and most importantly the president of Rwanda, His Majesty Paul Kagame, was this years Kwita Izina event. It seeks to guarantee that newly born baby gorillas are identified and named in keeping with safeguarding mountain gorillas and their habitats.

24 baby gorillas named in Rwanda - Kwita Izina - Rwanda gorilla tours.

24 newborn gorillas identified as Rwandan.

There were twenty-four newborn gorillas named in Rwanda from several moms and groups. On January 16, 2015, Bukima female gorilla birthed a female gorilla baby belonging to the Isabukuru gorilla family. This indicates that thanks to good protection, mountain gorilla numbers are rising.

Among numerous partners like Rwanda Air, Bank of Kigali, Eco Bank, Akagera Aviation, Equity Bank, Kenya Airways, SN Brussels, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Top view Hotel, Park view courts, this gorilla naming ceremony was expected.

For millennia, Rwandan society and custom have revolved around naming a freshly born child. The old naming century’s legacy was modeled on these species to get the national brand known as “Kwita Izina,” in line with the amazing efforts by the Government of Rwanda, through the Rwanda Development Board, and in cooperation with different conservation partners and local communities to actively protect the Mountai n Gorillas and their habitat. We would wish to congratulate Rwanda’s government for always leading the front in efforts at mountain gorilla protection.

MOU between UWA and AUTO.

MOU between UWA and AUTO - Uganda tour operator.

MOU between UWA and AUTO – Uganda tour operator.

Under a memorandum of agreement with AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators), Uganda Wildlife Authority would provide one gorilla permit to each thirty gorilla permits purchased by members of Association of Uganda Tour Operators.

One gorilla permit costs USD700.00, and this money will then assist tour operators under their umbrella organisation to promote Uganda as a gorilla trekking destination both locally and abroad.

This MOU between UWA and AUTO marks a great move wherein Tour Operators and Uganda Tourism Board will focus on their main responsibility of marketing and promoting Uganda both domestically and internationally while Uganda Wildlife Authority will concentrate on its principal mission of protecting wildlife for generations.

MOU between UWA and AUTO - Uganda tour operator.

MOU between for UWA and AUTO

This memorandum of understanding went into effect on September 1, 2015. Every three months, this commission of one gorilla permit per person will be issued to delegates of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators who will subsequently sell them to their members at a designated price.

Although MOU between UWA and AUTO seems encouraging, individual tour operators are still wondering how this one gorilla permit among thirty purchased with Uganda Wildlife Authority would be marketed.

One wonders whatever standards would be used to guarantee that every tour operator gains anything. AUTO will decide who should profit and who should not depending on some firms buying more than thirty gorilla permits each month and others not buying any at all.

This MOU between UWA and AUTO, however, is viewed as another encouraging step to mend the relationship between the two that had gone sour when Uganda Wildlife Authority sought to make gorilla permits available to everyone for viewing and booking online.

Uganda Tour Operators angrily objected to this and it was halted. Negotiations began when new management arrived at AUTO, and the results are advantages like these.

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