Before the Uganda Tourism Board began licensing tour operators and travel agents, many Ugandan tour and travel companies operated without anybody investigating their business practices. through Mr. Semakula, the Uganda Tourism Board’s director of quality assurance. To establish standards for Ugandan tourism, the organization would license all tour and travel companies and oversee their operations. The goal is to get rid of amateurs who were stealing money from tourists and providing no services. This was brought up in a meeting with Ugandan tour and travel agencies and the media in early 2020.

The Uganda Tourism Board voted to take over the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife’s responsibility for licensing tour operators, travel agents, and tour guides in August 2014 during a sensitization conference held at the Uganda Museum. At a packed meeting held at the Uganda Museum on July 11, 2014, the Deputy Executive Director of the Uganda Tourism Board brought up this point.

He stated that the Uganda Tourism Board will be in charge of licensing and inspecting all tour operators and travel agencies in Uganda in accordance with the Uganda Tourism Act of 3008. The Uganda Tourism Board is authorized by the Tourism Act to charge tour operators, travel guides, and tourist guides 300,000 Uganda Shillings annually in order to identify them as legitimate businesses.

This will only happen following sensitization meetings to inform all parties involved, he stated. He added that this was one approach to guarantee quality for all of our visitors. that people without a license won’t be permitted to work.

He added that having a license would have numerous advantages, such as giving tour operators discounts at international trade shows, listing and advertising on the UTB website, and offering guidance on SEO, among other things.

He gave attendees the assurance that the purpose of the meeting was to draw their attention to an existing law. After that, the procedures for implementing the law would be decided after consulting with important tourist associations, such as USAGA (Uganda Safari Guides Association), TUGATA (Uganda Association of Travel Agents), and AUTO (Uganda Association of Tour Operators).

He concluded by urging people and businesses to become members of associations in order to have a voice and the ability to push for greater progress. He was eager to point out that associations are a right and that businesses will still receive licenses even if they are not members of any associations.

Members in attendance applauded the concept but asked how it would be carried out. We watch to see how events play out.

How to Book a Safari in Uganda

You submit an inquiry, and our safari adviser will get in touch with you based on the activities you wish to partake in during your Uganda safari.

You must determine how many days you want to spend on safari, how many people you are traveling with, whether you need permits to gorilla or chimpanzee trekking, when you want to go on safari in Uganda, and other details.

Our consultant must verify availability if you plan to go gorilla trekking and respond as soon as possible. However, this does not ensure that the permits’ current status will not change. Without payment, tour providers are not allowed to possess Uganda gorilla permits. Cash orders are placed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Based on your information, our certified tour consultant creates a quote for you. Luxury, modest, or low-cost safari programs form the foundation of our Uganda safari packages.

Since only a small number of gorilla trekking permits are made available to the public each day, we ask all of our clients to pay for them as soon as possible. There are only eight licenses available for public booking each day for each gorilla family.

When Is The Best Time To Reserve A Safari In Uganda?

Although Uganda is open to tourists year-round, June through September and December through mid-January are the busiest travel seasons. Even lodgings of all price ranges are fully booked during this time due to the high volume of visitors to the Uganda National Park.

Because permits for some Uganda Safari activities, including as gorilla trekking, become more and more limited as the peak season approaches, you must reserve them at least three months in advance. You must buy a gorilla permit in advance to prevent last-minute anxiety.

This also makes it easier to reserve lodging for your safari in Uganda, particularly if you want to do gorilla trekking. Because it is unpleasant to sleep in one place and go gorilla trekking in another, you must first know where the gorilla permit is booked. To make the long travel to catch the briefing, you must get up extremely early.

Although fewer people go during the off-peak months of March through May and November, you can still schedule a Uganda safari during these times. Although there is more grass during this period, a lot of babies are born, giving them lots of food and even a place to hide from predators.

Discounted rates on Uganda safari accommodations and other services are occasionally necessary during off-peak times. Having an unforeseen exclusive moment is a regular occurrence during off-peak times. With the resort all to yourself and all attention focused on you, you may trek the mountain gorillas by yourself. There’s no better way to save the memories of your trip in Africa.

Is It Safe to Go Safari in Uganda?

Safaris in Uganda are safe in Africa. To make sure visitors are safe, the Uganda Tourism Police was established, working with park rangers and other security personnel in the nation.

When on a safari in Uganda, personal safety begins with you as well. Never count big sums of money in front of others. Skimmers can try to steal it from you. To keep burglars away from your safari, don’t wear pricey trinkets. Keep your luggage close at hand when you’re out on the street since pickpockets and snatchers are waiting to take them away.

Which National Park Is Ideal for Safari in Uganda?

Although some share attractions, each Ugandan national park has its own special features that set it apart from the others. You can choose where you want to go more effectively if you know what a certain Ugandan park has to offer and what you might like to view.

Tree climbing lions can be found in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the world’s strongest falls can be found in Murchison Falls National Park, rare carnivores can be found in Kidepo Valley National Park, the largest number of habituated African chimpanzees can be found in Kibale National Park, zebras can be found in Lake Mburo National Park, the renowned mountain gorillas can be found in Bwindi Forest National Park, and many more can be found in Mgahinga National Park.

Elephants, buffaloes, water bucks, bush bucks, giraffes, lions, leopards, elands, topis, warthogs, Uganda Kobs, cheetahs, and many more creatures can be seen during safaris in Uganda.

How Much Does a Safari in Uganda Cost?

The gorilla permit, which costs $800 per person each trip, the chimpanzee permit, which costs $300 per person per trek, and park admission fees are the only expenses that are common to all Uganda safari packages; all other charges vary from package to package.

The number of days spent on safari, the number of passengers, the style of lodging chosen, the amount of activities planned, the experience of the driver guide, and many other factors all affect the price of a Uganda safari.

What Is The Uganda Safari Age Limit?

All ages are welcome on Uganda safaris, with the exception of the well-known gorilla and chimpanzee treks, which need participants to be at least 15 years old.

Natural wonders abound in Uganda, which is home to some of the world’s most distinctive ecotourism locations. While on vacation, kids of all ages can learn about the eco systems they study at school from Uganda. Before leaving Uganda, children on safari should visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC), formerly the Entebbe Zoo. It serves as an overview of all the wildlife parks in Uganda of which the country is proud.

How to Reserve Permits for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Our tour coordinators will contact you with availability as soon as you email us an inquiry and select the date you would like to go gorilla trekking. You cannot secure the gorilla trekking permits, even though they were posted online for Uganda Tour Operators.

The sole organization in charge of preserving gorilla permits is the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and this is only once money has been received. Without payment, no one is permitted to keep an unpaid permit. The only way to demonstrate your interest in going on this safari is to pay for your gorilla permit.

We then ask you to provide certain personal information, such as your full passport name, nationality, birthdate, passport expiration date, and other facts. Some of these facts are featured on your certificate following gorilla trekking, and they are necessary when picking up your gorilla permit.

You follow the same steps as before if you want to go chimpanzee trekking.

Which Park Is Ideal for Trekking Gorillas? Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The largest number of gorilla families may be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you can experience gorilla trekking during your Uganda safari.

They are reserved based on geography, and there are four areas available: Rushaga, Ruhijah, Nkuringo, and Buhoma. There are gorilla families beneath each location.

You all meet at the ranger station for a briefing every morning before being split up into several families. There can be no more than eight trekkers per gorilla family. The group is led into the forest by the ranger guide to start their hunt.

Because the ranger guides are more knowledgeable about the gorilla family’s welfare, heed all of their suggestions. Mountain gorillas experience mood swings, just like people do.

You risk sending the entire forest into a frenzy if you stray from the advice given during the briefing. Many tourists spend their hard-earned money on an hour-long gorilla hike, yet the gorillas may hide if they see unacceptable behavior.

Return to your lodge gradually after your gorilla trek.

One of Uganda’s unspoiled parks is Mgahinga National Park. Despite its reputation as a mountain gorilla habitat, only one family has become acclimated thus far. Booking gorilla permits for the Nyakagezi family might be difficult because they occasionally wander into Rwanda.

Once the presence of gorillas in the park has been verified, they are sold. Hiking the volcanic Virunga Mountains, which include Gahinga Mountain, Mountain Muhavura, and Sabyinyo Mountain, and birdwatching are additional activities available at Mgahinga National Park.

Things to Bring on a Safari in Uganda

Use insect repellents to shield your skin from potentially harmful stinging insects.
Use bug repellent to avoid any insects you could encounter while on safari.
Khaki, a type of safari apparel, is well suited to the wild.
A torch to use in the event that the lights at your resort go out
A first aid box to store prescription drugs in case of emergencies
a camera to preserve safari memories that you can access at a later time.
During woodland walks, wear a safari hat to protect your hair from buzzing insects and water dripping on you.
Toiletries in the event that your lodging does not provide them
When on safari, a lightweight bag will help you keep your belongings organized.
Energy snacks to munch on when on safari in Uganda, particularly during game drives or gorilla or chimpanzee trekking.
Pajamas for a nighttime safari in Uganda.
Organize your vacation bags using packing cubes in case you need to go through a check-up.
a pair of binoculars to see distant attractions more clearly.
Tracking boots for hikers to shield their feet from rugged terrain in the woods,
During game drives, you can wear flip-flops as you don’t have to get out of your car.
A fleece or poncho to wear in the early morning or late at night when it’s cold
A charger and converter to replenish your electrical devices.