Cheap Gorilla Permits in Uganda at 350 USD !!

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 , Queen Elizabeth 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 Book 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.

Getting the right tour company ..

How to get the right tour operator

Conceivably the most vital thing to look for is reliability and safety. Ask to see the local tour operator’s brochures, licenses and equipment. Also ask for references. While it may be difficult to contact references if you are already in the destination, if you get references while you are still at home, you can call and ask about the tour operator or guide before you leave.

Some local Uganda tour operators and guides will show you letters of praise from foreigners who have used their services. While these may be impressive, be your own judge and listen to your instincts. Ask questions about the route, safety measures, accommodations, etc. If you are concerned, ask your hotel managers and the local tourism office for their assessment or recommendation of a company or Kenya tour guide.

Generally, local Kenya , Uganda or Rwanda tour operators and guides are trustworthy, sincere and hardworking. It’s not in their best interest to cheat or harm travelers: word gets around fast and they will be out of work. Don’t be distrustful, just cautious: you wouldn’t book a 3 day masai mara safari at home without checking things out first, either. And, if you are particularly pleased with a guide’s or tour operator’s services, a tip is appreciated, and so is a positive recommendation for other travelers. Botswana tours

Even independent travelers find that sometimes there are activities they cannot or don’t want to do by themselves–hiking, rafting, or other outdoor activities that require equipment, guides or access to remote locations. Car Rentals Kampala

Finding and choosing reliable local tour operators is not difficult in most cases

Uganda gorilla tours

Uganda and Rwanda, who has cheaper Gorilla tours

Gorillas are unique and almost extinct creatures that are almost everyone’s must see before they die. If you asked for my opinion, I would say Uganda’s Gorilla tours are cheaper compared to the one for Rwanda of the reasons you will find below.However judging from statistics , rwanda sells more gorilla tours than rwanda.It is an important phrase that they say...."conserving for generations" by the Uganda Wildlife Society. There is aneed for a limited number of people tracking gorillas per day per family. This what we mean when we say that tourism in Africa is heading towards conserving the environment and the Living creatures that live in it.Gorillas are no exception.With approximately 700 gorillas left in this grean earth today. gorilla safari Conservational Tourism is the Way to go , !!

Rwanda has few accommodation units which gives the owners a chance to charge as high as they desire and some of their lodge charge in Euros. Rwanda gorilla trekking

There are not as many tour operators in Rwanda as is in Uganda which gives them the tourist less alternatives.

Uganda has as a number of Gorilla families with 5 in Bwindi and 2 in Mgahinga (currently in Congo) which gives a tourist big chances of viewing the gorillas at once and not stand chances of missing them hence another day of stay. Bwindi gorilla tours

However, the Gorilla permits have a standard fee of US$ 500, and US$ 475 for Non residents and foreign residents respectively. This fee is the similar in all the 3 Gorilla countries of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.

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African Safaris in Kenya

What to Expect on a Kenyan Safari Package

Interested in a good quality value for Money safari tour to Kenya ? it dose not have to be a in a dirsty ramshackle vehicle ! our modern day safari packages to Kenya are well modified to make sure it is utterly confortable for any tourist coming to the Magical Kenya. Kenya safari places makes sure that we give you the value for money you are paying for.

Going to take up some Kenya Safari packages – advice

Within this tourist destination are various Kenya national parks to find the African animals you’ve only seen in zoos or books. Nairobi National Park and Ol Donyo Subuk National Park can give you a glimpse of the colorful birds of the area or of the herds of zebras, hippopotamuses, lions, cheetahs, and more roaming animals. You might also want to go to the Giraffe Center or the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to see your favorite animals up close and personal. 14 Falls is a local waterfall, but if you want a wetter water experience, you can go white water rafting in the Tana River.

For the safest means of transport within the city of Nairobi you may use the Taxis , though they are not really that cheap to use . You may simply choose to walk to the place within the city as it is still safe to do so, and the navigation within the city is not really a problem.

What to expect on A Kenya Safari tour

If you are on your way on a Kenya safari, a Professional guide is expected to guide your through the large areas in search of the wild animals in Magical Kenya. In most cases these animals in the national parks are accustomed to human beings as there is a lot of tourist activities going on.Of course the bonus one has it to take pictures that can forever keep your memory alive.

Without a tour operator in Kenya , You are on your own.!!

The specific travel package will often give you an idea of what you might be able to see on your trip, while sometimes your findings are a surprise to you and to your guide. With all of the safaris available, how can you choose the one that best suits your needs? First of all, it will help if you choose an operator that’s well known to your travel agent or to friends and family.

You will have have to look out for a service provider who bears a license or certificate of registration from the local authorities. An operator that can give you a valid safari quote and issues a receipt for services rendered is a point to look out for.

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The Trip to Mountain Rwenzori

Kilimanjaro trekking

Mountain Rwenzoris famously known as the mountains of the moons are found a few kilo meters north of the equator, rising over 4000m above the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley, is the highest mountain in Uganda. The region's glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa's most beautiful alpine areas. The mountains have amazing flora and fauna which includes Buffalo, bushbuck, chimpanzee, Elephant, giant forest hog, and leopard are present although rare. To hike the great mountains you require a minimum of Seven days for a rewarding hike. However 10 days is the best for the hike to the peak (Margherita: 5109 m). The Rwenzori range has 6 major peaks, Mt Stanley (5,109m), Mt Speke (4,890m) Mt Baker (4,843m), Mt Emin (4,798m), Mt Gessi (4,715m) and Mt Luigi di Savoia (4,627m). The highest peak in the Mt Stanley complex is called Margherita peak (5,109) and it is this peak which makes the Rwenzori Mountains the 3rd highest range in Africa. However, Mountaineering is a popular attraction to the visitor who love the snow capped peaks of mount Rwenzori and mount Elgon. These mountaineering destinations offer the best of Africa safari.

As tourists take there ample time and let the mountains of the moon set the pace of there African journey, the Uganda Wild life Authority (UWA) is organising a seven-day trip to Rwenzori Mountains to increase awareness about Uganda’s tourism potential among Ugandans. The trip code-named ‘Trip to the moon,’ it will begin on Tuesday, January 18 and end on Wednesday January, 26. It will begin with a cultural ceremony at Ibanda-Bugoye, in Kasese district on 19^th, January, 2011.The trek team will then move to the Mountains of the Moon led by the Rwenzururu cultural leader, His Majesty Omusinga Charles Mumbere, accompanied by representatives of several NGOs, associations and media houses. The team comprises staff from the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry, members of the Association of Uganda Tourist Operators, Uganda Tourist Board, representatives of the United States Aid for International Development-Sustainable Tourism in the Albertine Rift, as well as various media houses. The trekkers will first camp at Muhinga Nyabithaba camp. tours in rwanda

Still, Mumbere will among other things sign a memorandum of understanding with the UWA team, which will officially allow the kingdom to perform cultural activities and related duties at the Bulemba sacred site. The site houses the remains of Bukonzo’s first king, Isaiah Mukirinia Kibanzanga. Mumbere will also open the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services building at Nyabithaba camp before continuing with the trek to Magherita peak. Rwanda travel tips

Raymond Engena, the Uganda Wildlife Authority concessions manager, said the trip was intended to appreciate and market the beauty and opportunities within the Rwenzori Mountains. Though it is also aimed at encouraging mountain climbing as a recreational activity among Ugandans, many Ugandans unfortunately may not understand the several pleasure of relaxing outside the other regions of the countries tourism pleasure but here is a great offer to enjoy the Uganda’s tourism pleasures at mountain Rwenzori.Don’t miss. 3 days masai mara safari kenya

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Tourism in Rwanda Rises

In Rwanda, the conservation of biodiversity has been a major concern since the Colonial era with the creation of the three national parks that harbour rich natural Resources and exceptional tourist opportunities. After independence, the Rwanda Office of Tourism and National parks (ORTPN), whose main mandates were to ensure the promotion of sustainable tourism and the conservation of wildlife was established to answer this concern. Furthermore the Rwandan Government adopted the protection of environment and the promotion of tourism among the main focus of poverty reduction and development in its document “Vision 2020”, with the overall aim to prop up sustainable development. 3 days rwanda gorilla tracking

Also, Rwanda sits at the heart of Africa at the center of the Albertine Rift, where deep volcanic forces are pressing the continental plates apart Its where the world’s exquisite beauty is found as well as unsurpassed biodiversity. Still the country is the bridge between the forest ecosystems of the Congo basin along with the great rift valleys of the East. It shares in the biological riches of both worlds, offering a concentration of biodiversity found nowhere else in Africa plus a wide variety of wildlife. The Volcano National Park in northern Rwanda is home to rare mountain gorillas numbering in hundreds. Apart from mountain Gorillas, the availability of many tourist attractions and potentials led to the development of an absolute guide for conversing Rwanda’s wildlife, history as well as culture along with practicalities such as travel cost and accommodation.

Mean while Rwanda safari is well known for its mountain gorillas which was first brought to international attention by the conservation efforts of Dian Fossey in the 1960s and 70s, Rwanda’s gorillas have featured in numerous documentaries and have in the recent past been visited for example by Bill Gates, Natalie Portman and Ted Turner, who have all participated in the annual gorilla naming ceremony. Of recent, the country launched the Canopy Walk at Nyungwe National Park set 50 meters above ground; it is a thrill-a-minute walkway into the treetops that gives visitors a new, exciting way to experience the park. With this launch, Rwanda Development Board re-states its commitment to product diversification and to enhancing tourists' experiences while conserving the Park's rich biodiversity.

Rwanda’s tourism sector registered a $7.2m increase during the first half of 2010, according to the country’s Development Board. The results represent a 9% increase on previous year, rising from $80.1m to $87.3m, with improved performance for the entire hospitality sector attributed for it. It follows a fall in arrivals between 2008 and 2009 from 699,000 to 765,000. As a result, the Rwandan government is now expecting to generate $206m compared to $174m. rwanda gorilla safari

Rica Rwigamba, head of tourism and conservation at the Rwanda Development Board said that “the country had seen a marked rise in the number of tourists visiting the Volcanoes National Park over the last three years”. However, Rwigamba accepted that Rwanda’s growing tourism sector will still attract more tourists due to the quality of its accommodation and services. gorilla tours rwanda

1.2m mark figure set to hit Kenya tourism

Kenya Tourism forms a vital foundation for the country's economy and is highlights two of Kenya's most unique features wildlife and beaches which make the tourism industry so far the largest single export earner in the country. Careful planning and proactive leadership have maximized the tourism potential as Kenya continually outpaces it's East African safari neighbours.This is evidenced by the solid infrastructure coupled with a devotion to wildlife conservation has propelled Kenya to the forefront of the regional tourism industry.

Besides, Kenya Tourist figures are expected to reach 1.2 million visitors coming through the major airports by the end of the year, Tourism Minister Najib Balala has said.
This will be the largest numbers in the sector’s history having surpassed the 2007 statistics by 17% monthly.” We are experiencing an average 71 percent monthly growth in tourism arrivals compared to 2007 and therefore project the tourist arrivals to hit 1.2million mark by the end of the year. These figures exclude working cross-border travel, Kenyan Diaspora returning home and foreign experts working in the county. The statistics are based on the arrivals from Jumo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport and the port of Mombasa”. mt kenya safari tours

The Tourism minister told a media briefing on Thursday that the rise was due to aggressive marketing campaigns as well as diversification of the countries traditional source markets.” The new markets we are targeting are Eastern Europe, India, China, Japan as well as African countries where we see great potential," Mr Balala said. safari masai mara

The Government is now riding on Kenyans in the Diaspora to sell the country’s image and cultural heritage. Also Brand Kenya Board says it has planned a series of meetings with Kenyans living abroad in a bid to sensitise them about marketing Kenya as a tourist and investment destination.” We have plans to involve Kenyans in the Diaspora in a project to market our image," says Mary Kimonye, Chief Executive of Brand Kenya Board.” We will soon visit the US and other areas with notable numbers of Kenyans to sensitise them on the issues at hand." Masai mara holidays

More so, the Kenya’s tourism sector has recovered in the past months withstanding the global economic crisis, the volcanic ash phenomenon and the unending travel advisories.
The high figures especially from emerging markets of east Europe, China, India and Africa have contributed immensely to the recovery of the sector. gorilla safaris rwanda

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