Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Gorilla Safaris Uganda and Rwanda Packages

Gorilla trekking is a challenging activity; therefore you must be physically fit. 8 people are permitted per group per day and a total of eighteen (24) people are taken in Bwindi, while six (8) people are allowed for Nkuringo group that can be accessed in Kisoro. So far, we have four groups for viewing. There are three groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, (Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura) and one (Nkuringo) in Kisoro.
Gorilla safari is possible in Rwanda as well. Parc National des Volcans (PNV) in Northern Rwanda is a habitat for about 300 mountain gorillas. There are four habituated gorilla families - Amahoro, "Group 13", Sabinyo and Susa - each of the groups allows up to 8 participants per day. You can tracking Mountain gorillas, climb the Visoke volcano, track the golden monkeys or visit the Karisoke Research Centre, which Dian Fossey the famous grammatologist set up, or visit local villages.

Gorilla Trecking Permits in Uganda
-Non residents pay USD 500.
-East African Residents pay USD 355
It’s advisable to book gorilla permits well in advance prior to your visit.
As your tour agent, ASL shall handle all your bookings for Gorilla permits both for Bwindi and Mgahinga.
Gorilla trekking rules should be adhered to. Read rules
Non Governmental Organizations involved in the conservation of Gorillas include:
The Dianney Fossey Foundation
International Gorilla Conservation Program.
Africa Wildlife Foundation: http://www.awf.org/

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Gorilla Permits in Uganda Cheaper fro gorilla safaris

Information about the so called gorilla permit price have been on tight lips over these days in the week , when details finally were released by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the association of Uganda tour operators Kampala known as AUTO made an agreement between the two entities that at an undefined date during the low season in tourism.The price of the Gorilla permits is due to be reduced from 500 US dollars to 350 US dollars.The cost of a permit for East African residents is down from 250,000 UGX to 100,000 UGX. To enable even the lay Ugandan to experience the wealth of tourism that is in our midst.

There are worries that the decision that is made by the Uganda Wildlife Authority alongside the Association of Uganda tour operators AUTO is going to bring in some bit of friction between Uganda's competitors in the gorilla tourism sector, Namely Rwanda and Congo,as a tripartite forum some time ago had resolved that all three countries would charge the same rates, year round, without any rebates, discounts or seasonal adjustments.

This is still on more or less pending status as they are now awaiting approval from the ministry of Tourism and also a date is yet to be set for the tariffs to take full swing in effect.The UWA is also determined on improving the infrastructure to the Uganda national parks, namely Bwindi Impenetrable National Park ,etc.Hopefully by the end of the year , we shall have seen some great developments.

This measures were taken due to the downward trend of tourism in Uganda, the media had also played a role in presenting a negative image to the international community therefore leading to cancellations of Booked uganda tour packages to Uganda's top destinations.Gorilla trekking being one of the main and most popular tourist activities in the Pearl of Africa. This was a wanting measure ,that is justly taken.

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Travel Guide for Safaris in uganda and rwanda



Best Time to Visit Uganda

Uganda is generally warm all year around and its position on the Equator explains the seasonal temperature variations. However, you should check out on the seasons if you are planning to visit national parks because some roads become almost impassable during the rain season. Usually the rains come in April, May, October and November. During these months camping is not an option and hiking as it is, is an uphill task during the rains.

Paper Work Necessary

You will need a valid passport that is not yet to expire at least for six months of the date on which you intend to leave Uganda. Should your passport be lost or stolen, it will be easier to get a replacement if you have a photocopy of important pages.

If you are intending to drive while in Uganda, you will need an international driver’s license together with your original license.Even Most of the Car rentals Uganda companies will ask for those original forms of identification.
An international health certificate indicating your Yellow fever status and other vaccinations like for Cholera.
Carry photo copies of your important documents and if possible leave copies of these documents with close relatives. Carry copies of your emergency numbers incase need arises.

VISAS

All foreign entrants require Visas at the entry points. The good news is that these Visas can be obtained from the Uganda Embassies in your countries of origin or on entry to the country. Visa rulings are prone to any changes so all visitor are required to check with their embassies or high commissions before coming to the country.

FLYING TO UGANDA

The main entry point for air travelers is Entebbe international Airport. Entebbe is 40km from Kampala the capital city of Uganda. The terminal is operated by most big International Airlines like BA, KLM, SN Brussels, United Arab Emirates, South African Air, Kenya Airways and many other Airlines. All the above mentioned Airlines have their offices in Kampala and at the airport, just incase you need any information concerning these airlines, they are always to there to help.

Getting to Kampala

A private taxi from the air port to the Uganda’s city centre in Kampala costs around USD30. The other alternative is to get a motor cycle commonly know as Boda Boda and it drops you in Entebbe town where you will have to board a 14 seater taxi that will charge around 2-3 dollar depending on the prevailing rate.

EATING AND DRINKING

Meals are served in various restaurants in the towns and some small trading centers here and there in Uganda. The dishes range from local dishes to international cuisines and fast foods. These meals are very affordable with prices ranging from 2$-10$ and above depending on the place you decide to settle for your meal. 

Bottled and canned beverages are on sale in shops, restaurants and bars every where, be cautious while taking drinking water because it’s not completely safe, I rather you only take bottled mineral water.

Fruits are every where in the markets and are in most cases fresh produces right from the gardens. Vegetables are also in plenty and vegetarian meals can be prepared on order.