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Africa: Uganda to boost tourism as Wildlife Authority slashes permit to major parks for local and international tourists

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Wildlife

The Uganda’s Wildlife Authority (UWA), has slashed entrance permit to major parks in the country for both domestic and international travellers in a bid to drive recovery and boost the tourism sector.

The reduction in fee to its tourism sites especially mountain gorillas tracking is significantly lower than its East African neighbour Rwanda.

The reduction in fee which kicked off December 1, 2020 is expected to last till March 31st, 2021.

According to muzungubloguganda.com, if you’ve ever wanted to track the mountain gorillas, go on safari in Uganda’s National Parks and Wildlife Reserves, track chimpanzees or go birdwatching in Uganda’s Protected Areas, now is the time! Make the most of reduced fees between December 1 2020 and 31 March 2021.

It’s with great excitement that we can share a long list of discounts and incentives for visiting Uganda’s key wildlife attractions. Whether you are a Ugandan, an expat or planning to fly into Entebbe International Airport, travel between now and the end of March 2021.

These substantial discounts make this gorgeous country even more attractive!
Reduction on mountain gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permit fees in Uganda for all visitors.

Essentially, everyone is entitled to discounts, whether Ugandans, international tourists, expatriates living in Uganda or East African residents.

Uganda Wildlife Authority had earlier announced some discounts in July 2020 as well.

Discounted prices for gorilla tracking and chimp tracking in Uganda from 1st December 2020 to end of March 2021

Chimpanzee tracking is a rather different experience – livelier, more energetic – and frequently very noisy!

50% discount off park entrance fees 1st December 2020 to end of March 2021

UWA’s discounts apply to most National Parks and some Wildlife Reserves. The ones in the 50% promotion are: Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls and Semliki National Parks; Toro-Semuliki, Katonga, Pian Upe and Kabwoya Wildlife Reserves.
There are three pricing categories: A, B and C, with A being the most expensive (best facilities and most visited).

Pay for two days park entry and get one day free! Until June 2021

Note that UWA has another offer running currently too: pay for two days park entry and get one day free. This applies to all National Parks and Wildlife Reserves. The ‘3 for 2’ offer lasts until the end of June 2021.

It’s interesting to note that Uganda Wildlife Authority is promoting Wildlife Reserves. Plans are underway to upgrade Toro-Semliki, Katonga and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserves to National Park status in the very near future.
50% discount off birding fees 1st December 2020 to end of March 2021
Yes! Did you know Uganda has over 1000 bird species? (Contrast that with the U.K.’s 600 or so species and you get an idea of how special Uganda is. The countries are a similar size). Birding (or birdwatching) is one of the muzungu’s favourite activities.

50% discount off nature walk fees 1st December 2020 to end of March 2021

This applies to nature walks in Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo National Parks and Kapkwai Exploration Centre in Mount Elgon National Park.

East Africans now pay 10,000 ugx.
Expats (foreign residents) and international tourists (foreign non-residents) now pay $15 (normally $30).
Do you want to climb Mount Elgon?
This is a really fantastic hike! Between now and the end of June 2022, groups of twenty people can get a 20% discount on the usual fees.

How to track the gorillas and chimps – safely – during COVID
My plea: travel safely, wear a mask, wash your hands and sanitise frequently. If you’re planning to see the primates, follow the instructions to the letter. Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are at high risk of catching COVID-19 from us and extra precautions have been put in place to ensure the safety of our closest relatives.

Remember we are approximately 98% the same DNA and a chimp or gorilla can catch a human cold. Do not do anything that might compromise their health.
Uganda Wildlife Authority’s list of incentives will come as a big blow to neighbouring Rwanda who had dropped their gorilla tracking permits from a high $1500 down to $500, undercutting the stated prices in Uganda.

However, everyone in Uganda is delighted that we can start marketing again! This is a great boost for the Ugandan tourism industry.

A few things to note about the Uganda Wildlife Authority promotions:

  1. If you buy any of the above discounted primate tracking permits, you cannot reschedule them.
  2. The reduction in gorilla and chimp tracking permits in Uganda only applies to new purchases and not for rescheduling of permits that have previously been bought or partially paid for.
  3. Read the letter from Uganda Wildlife Authority for more details.

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