Kluivert, tourism ambassadors for Uganda

Kluivert, tourism ambassadors for Uganda – Uganda safaris and tours.

Today, President Yoweri Museveni promised US$180,000 in sponsorship to enable a promotional trip and soccer game by FC Barcelona Legends visiting Uganda in December this year. Confirming his support for their visit in favor of Ugandan tourism and investment, as well as youth development initiatives, President Museveni met team member Rayco Garcia Caberera and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Patrick Kluivert. “I will help you as your activities will attract more investors and visitors. You are presenting Uganda to the world what it has to offer. President Museveni also expressed delight at your offering of young programs that would catapult Ugandans into the global scene.

Kluivert, Uganda’s tourist agents

Having seen a lot of promise in Uganda, Kluivert and Garcia said they would set up a young soccer development academy there. “After three weeks here, I have personally witnessed that Uganda has a lot of soccer ability. Many young individuals have huge potential to take front stage on the globe. We want to provide them this chance, Garcia said.

Flying in on Sunday night, Kluivert said he was astounded by Uganda’s natural beauty and travel appeal. “Based on the little time I have been here, Uganda is definitely among the most gorgeous nations on Earth. You have a lot to offer, thus we will provide you excellent worldwide coverage for both investment and tourists.

The team is here on a mission including UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador activities, the discovery of soccer talent in Uganda for export, and the identification of chances to support tourism and investment in Uganda using the Barcelona FC brand.

With an annual turnover of €484.6 million, Barcelona FC is the fourth wealthiest football team in the world and the second most expensive sports franchise overall, valued US$3.2 billion. With millions of supporters worldwide, this club is quite popular. Along with Tourism Minister Maria Mutagamba, Uganda Tourism Board Member Amos Wekesa, Uganda Tourism Board Chief Executive Stephen Asiimwe, and Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director Dr. Andrew Seguya, the pair was joined.

2016-17 off/low season discounted permits increased to $450.00

2016-17 off/low season discounted permits increased to $450.00 – Gorilla trekking permits.

Low of off season reduced gorilla licenses will now be raised from $700 to $800 for international non residents and $600 to $700 for foreign residents with a working permit in Uganda, officially declared Uganda Wildlife Authority. Two years from 2016 and 2017 will see this promotion run. We therefore ask all of our foreign agents to let your customers know properly.

Discounted off-peak season licenses raised to $800.00 in 2016-17

Discounted permits valued at $8500.00 will still apply to the months of April, May, and November 2016-17 only. The director of tourist business and development made this announcement while presenting Uganda tourist Forum at Hotel Africana.

He informed them that Uganda Wildlife Authority would also be providing Kibale with promo and reduced chimpanzee licenses for $200. With this, the Uganda Wildlife anticipates greater visitor flows to national Parks like Kibale Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Confirming to those present that Uganda Wildlife Authority would keep the same tariffs to visit all national parks as it has been in 2015, the director of tourist business and development assured them With this established at $15 per vehicle admission, one may choose to pay either 300,000 shillings or $15 Dollars to access any national park.

Previously, it was not feasible to pay for vehicle entry in dollars. The Director of Tourism Business and Development urged tour operators and hoteliers to also offer low or off season rates to make Uganda’s tourism product affordable most especially during low seasons of April, May and November. Discounted permits increased to $800.00.

The same criteria and limitations that have guided discounted gorilla permits since 2013 will still apply. Discounted gorilla permits are not refundable and remain purchased and paid for in whole. Contact Katland Safaris for additional savings and interesting packages for people eager in trekking gorillas throughout April, May, November 2016 and 2017.

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.

Key tourism issues discussed during AUTO Annual general meeting

Key tourism issues discussed during AUTO Annual General Meeting.

On Friday 25th June 2015 at Serena Hotel Kampala, the Association of Uganda Tour Operators had their annual general meeting. The new committee highlighted numerous important tourism successes since they came into office last July. Starting at 3:30pm, the Serena Hotel Kampala sponsored drink concluded the conference at 6:30pm. Some of the main ideas covered at the conference are below.

UWA will grant AUTO gorilla commissions.

The chairperson disclosed that following their ongoing conversation with Uganda Wildlife Authority, a memorandum of understanding will be signed on July 1, 2015 whereby Uganda Wildlife Authority will begin granting free gorilla permits to the Association of Uganda Tour Operators in order to honor AUTO members in their capacity as main tourism partners.

The Executive Director Uganda Wildlife Authority said that UWA would provide complimentary permits whose number is still unknown for every thirty gorilla permits bought by AUTO members. This will start three months from now. Members present were advised by Association of Uganda Tour Operators that the specified gorilla permits would thereafter be supplied to members at a reduced price.

This delighted members who praised the newly appointed committee for their excellent work. Originally, Uganda Wildlife Authority used to pay USD 10 every permit purchased by any Association of Uganda Tour Operator letter discarded.

Since the day today financing and operating of the organization depends on this commission as well as membership fee to generate money to maintain the association, this development crippled them. Having gone through a tough phase, this was considered as the appropriate action at the appropriate moment in the appropriate direction.

AUTO Formulation Five-year strategic agenda

The chairman told those present that Association of Uganda Tour Operators would not be able to go on operating without a clear strategy. She claimed that the group has obtained money from UNDP (United Nations Development Project) to help finance a five-year development plan that would be implemented by the association to meet the intended aims and objectives.

She also promised members present that by the conclusion of 2015, this strategic plan would be ready and given to them. The Association is now looking for experts who will be handling this assignment. Members will be consulted on what they believe should be included in the plan so that the project seems to be all-inclusive.

Consultant in Taxes to be recruited

It was also revealed that Tourism has been for the first time identified and earmarked by the government of Uganda as a major sector which could help the nation to raise taxes as well as foreign exchange for the country and as such, tour operators who have been running without taxes are probably going to be targeted.

She said that the Association will now recruit a tax consultant who will then be in position to advise members on tax issues so that they are not caught un aware by Uganda Revenue Authority. Having arranged a tax workshop early this year where members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators advised on how to prepare their accounts in relation to taxes, the Association will now move to hire a tax consultant.

AUTO cells added

The chairperson was quick to notify members present that The Association of Uganda Tour Operators had started a policy of bring their services closer to its members and other tour operators and as so AUTO had launched a cell project whereby each district/region would meet with AUTO to discuss matters of tourism affecting each region and that cells had been formed and AUTO had meet with both members and none members to listen to them. She also said that AUTO is working on several ideas and concerns that sprung up from this. Moreover, a lot of former non AUTO members have registered to join.

Another important topic covered with members complaining it would be unfair for some to pay much while others were paying less was establishing another type of membership which is somewhat less expensive with fewer perks. All things considered, this conference demonstrated that the new executive committee had accomplished something in a short period of time and that members now believed they might begin to enjoy positive results of intelligent voting.

Elgon police to investigate UWA staff at Mt Elgon National Park.

Mbale municipal police will look into staff members of Uganda Wildlife Authority in Mountain Elgon National Park. Ten employees of Uganda Wildlife Authority have been seen in a case involving the destruction of locally grown crops in Mountain Elgon National Park, claims Mr. Jacob Opolot. He emphasized that they should report themselves as they know themselves before police arrive searching for them.

The police head ordered Uganda animal Authority to leave all communities using territory claimed to belong to Mt Elgon National Park until clear borders are established, therefore reducing human and animal conflict. Mr. James Okware, the chief warden of Mountain Elgon National Park, also asked police to investigate further and arrest the actual offenders engaged in the destruction of community crops something that could lead to negative effects between the local communities and conservation efforts around Mountain Elgon National Park.

As investigations take form, many community complaints still find resonance. Others have claimed that personnel of Uganda Wildlife Authority extorted money from them in order not to damage their crops while others are advocating that instead of prosecuting those engaged, they should be found and made to pay for what they destroyed.

Mountain Elgon National Park hours on the volcanic mountain with the biggest Caldera worldwide. Two East African nations, Uganda and Kenya, share Mountain Elgon National Park; the major activity in the National Park is mountain trekking, where one may spend up to four days to reach the top.

From Kampala, the capital of Uganda, Mountain Elgon National Park is around five to six hours’ drive away. The journey passes through Mabira Forest, the largest low land tropical forest in central Uganda, to Jinja town, where many tourist activities including grade five white water rafting, Bungie Jumping and Quadi biking take place.

The road then leads you through tiny settlements until you arrive at Mbale town, which was intended to be Uganda’s capital by then—designed and planned by then the president of the republic of Uganda Ida Amin.

From Kampala to Mbale town, road is the major means of transportation to mountain Elgon National Park; it is also very smooth and well-kept. Apart from Mount Elgon Hotel, there are not many posh lodging facilities for those luxury guests planning to visit Mountain Elgon National Park.

To reduce such disputes that might subsequently influence conservation efforts, Uganda Wildlife Authority must prioritize the requirements of the surrounding local populations living near park borders.

The residents of Lake Mburo National Park last week urged Uganda Wildlife Authority to change the wildlife legislation so that individuals who depend on the park and its species would be paid instead of merely supporting wildlife protection at the cost of the people. Therefore, it is envisaged that if the local people’ issues are taken into account, then we should start to witness improved outcomes and cooperation between Uganda Wildlife authority and the surrounding communities in too far future.

New silverback takes over leadership of Nyakagezi gorilla group

New silverback takes over leadership of Nyakagezi gorilla group.

Located in Mgahinga National Park in southern western Uganda, the Nyakagezi gorilla family is the only known habituated group. Together with Volcanoes National Park of the Democractic Republic of Congo, this little national park is part of the great virunga mountains and shares borders with Rwanda.

Ten members of the Nyakagezi gorilla family include five silverbacks, three females, one young adult and one baby. After habituation, members of a particular gorilla family are given names to help them find one other readily. These cover Mathew, Nshuti, Baby Rukundo, Mutagamba, Nvuyekure, mark and bugingo.

News reports from Mgahinga National Park indicate that Mark, said to be 53 years old, has taken over as leader of the Nyakagezi gorilla family from Bugingo. Rare among mountain gorillas and other animals, Bugingo still remains with the family; displaced silverbacks often flee from such households and either seek safety on another gorilla family or go alone.

Sometimes they will develop a new family from either a habituated or wild gorilla family. We have observed similar situations when Mwirima silver back went into seclusion after the dethronement from the leadership of the Mubare gorilla group.

From seven to 10 members is fantastic news for Uganda’s tourism because visitors want to hike mountain gorilla families with many members including silverbacks and young infants. All of this comes from improved conservation strategies used by Uganda Wildlife Authority and other participants in this fight.

Until this year, when they settled in Mgahinga National Park, the Nyakagezi gorilla family spent most of their time traveling between countries. This makes it impossible for Uganda Wildlife Authority to sell its gorilla permits in advance to a degree that would allow all individuals who would be interested in trekking the Nyakagezi gorilla family to reserve their gorilla permits on ground.

Since gorilla permits were available for both Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, this hampered the growth of gorilla tourism in Mgahinga National Park since no visitor would spend money to come to Uganda hoping to trek Nyakagezi gorilla family.

The Park is now attracting quite a fair number of visitors who visit Mgahinga not only for gorillas but also for other activities including golden monkey experience and tracking, hiking of Mgahinga Volcanoes among other volcanoes including Sabinyo and Muhavura. The gorilla family is now permanently settled in. Batwa path also exposes visitors to the way of life and culture of the previously wooded populace that was driven out of Mgahinga and other south western Uganda national parks once they were gazetted.

Accessible by road and air, Mgahinga National Park is situated in Kisoro district in south-west Uganda. From Kampala, it is around 9-10 hours drive; from Kigali city in Rwanda, it is roughly 3 hours drive. For individuals who want to fly to the Park, charter and scheduled flights may be arranged at Kisoro airstrip, the closest and only one available.

You could decide to travel up to two hours to Mgahinga National Park, where numerous lodging facilities like Gahinga Volcanoes Lodge is leading from Kisoro town. You may stay in the well-known Kisoro Travellers rest Inn in Kisoro, where Dianne Fossel used to stay while in Uganda.

UWA clarifies on Mgahinga discounted gorilla permits

UWA clarifies on Mgahinga discounted gorilla permits.

Today, Uganda’s wildlife authority has come out to correct the narrative that was written about in the weekly observer dated 29th May 2015. Details at http://www.observer.ug/business/38-business/38076-mgahinga-cuts-gorilla-ticket-fees.

The report above claims that Mgahinga gorilla licenses were allegedly decreased from USD700, the regular fee for all Uganda gorilla permits in peak season to USD350.00 in June 2015. The campaign, which runs from 1st to 30th June 2015, aims to draw more visitors to Mgahinga National Park, which is under competition from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

But data from Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Director of Tourism office shows no such indication of declining Mgahinga gorilla permits granted out from the agency. He stated that while Uganda Wildlife Authority would be offering low season discounts on all Uganda gorilla permits, be it for Bwindi National Park, every year UWA will be reviewing the fee to be paid from time to time.

For tour companies eager to get visitors to Maghinga National Park in June—high season—this story had created a lot of buzz. For anyone who want to monitor the endangered mountain gorillas using reduced gorilla permits, this means they will have to wait until November 2015 when they will be once again on sale.

More specifics about reduced gorilla permits and how to schedule reasonably priced gorilla trips still in our control.

Bikingi gorilla family being habituated

Bikingi gorilla family being habituated.

The news broke that the Uganda Wildlife Authority is habituated with a different gorilla family named Bikingi, which might lead to an increase of habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Tourists can’t ride bikes quite now, but healthy trips and habituation are happening all the time.

Scientists may learn a lot about a gorilla family’s habits and how they react to humans by paying close attention to their daily activities for two or three years during habituation. After being given names, mountain gorillas do a simulation exercise to help them adjust to people before visitors visit their family. The family might be vulnerable to tourist monitoring if the simulated exercise is effective.

The new Bikingi family reportedly contains sixteen members, with fourteen of them being seen on the day of the trip conducted by Dr. Rick and his colleagues from the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Rangers and guides. We hope that the dominant silverback Bikingi will get used to human visitors as habituation continues. The other members maintained their composure and displayed friendly behavior. Bikingi silverback was also found to have a new growth on his eye, while the rest of his family seemed to be in good health.

Bikingi gorilla family being habituated.

When this habituation is finished, there will be eleven habituated mountain gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The eastern families are Bitukura, Kyaguriro, and Oruzogo. The northern families are Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura. The southern families are Busingye, Mishaya, Nshongi, Kahungye, Bweza, and Nkuringo.

The cost of a permit, which may be purchased using our contact form, is USD800.00. This permits a person to hike alongside a habituated gorilla family for one hour. Gorilla permits are presently available from the Uganda Wildlife Authority for USD1500.00 per person per trip in April, May, and November, when it is low season.

It is important to be informed that in Rwanda and Uganda, mountain gorilla trekking is only permitted to those who are at least 15 years old. In the event that your age is challenged, your birth certificate may be requested. It is thought that youngsters under the age of fifteen could be emotionally unstable and respond strangely when they see mountain gorillas. Some worry that mountain gorillas might get infected and pose a threat if exposed to youngsters.

Contact us at your earliest convenience for details on mountain gorillas, gorilla trekking, and tour bookings.