POLITICAL VIOLENCE THREATENS GAINS MADE IN THE TOURISM SECTOR

Unlike other industries, tourism sector is the most fragile and all stakeholder need to be keen on it at all times the fact that anything can tarnish the destination’s image. Looking at the recent protests in Arua and Kampala, they pose high threat on the nation’s tourism sector and yet this is a major foreign exchange earner. Uganda’s tourism sector is dependent on nature whereby thousands of tourists confine into this country to see its beautiful wildlife species in the national parks (Kidepo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Semuliki National Park), reserves, zoo and many more. While endeavors are put to ensure that these natural treasures are well protected, there is need to also blend good image about the destination to the world market. This can be done especially by minimizing violent protest that sell negative image about destination that at end makes most travelers cancel their trips something that impacts hugely on the tourism sector.

On 27^th September, Uganda will join the rest of the world to celebrate World Tourism Day which will take place in Jinja and the chief guest will be H.E. President Yoweri Museveni. During lay out of the plans for this year’s celebrations, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities plus several officials in this sector noted a spike in visitor arrivals especially on the American market and this was attributed to political violence and negative image. Tourism is one of the prime Forex earners in Uganda’s national economy and in 2015, over $1.35 billion. It contributes approximately 10 percent of Uganda’s GDP representing over 7.3 billion shillings in 2015 alone and created about 8 percent employment opportunities due to ideal political climate in the country. However, when political violence starts higher chances are that some tourists will be forced to cancel their trips. Last year, Uganda was ranked among the 5 top African safari destinations. But many other global travel guides especially Rough guides and InterNations have accorded Uganda good publicity that makes it one of the most sought after tourist destination.

In conclusion, Uganda is one of the most endowed countries when it comes to natural attractions. With a lot more to enjoy in this country, there is need to improve on destination’s image so as to attract most tourists.

RWANDA DISCOUNTS GORILLLA PERMIT FEES

With $1500 that you need in order to secure a permit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, perhaps not everyone can afford this. The fact that gorilla tourism has become one of the most sought after experiences not only in Rwanda but also the world at large Rwanda’s tour operators have however welcomed the 30% low season discount permit fees. Last year, government of the republic of Rwanda doubled the cost of permits bringing the cost to $1500 per visitor from the original $750 with a view to position itself as a high end tourist destination. As a result, about 60% of the clients could have been lost by most tour operators. To trek mountain gorillas is a lifetime experience that visitors can be part of only while on safari in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

To have a balance or boost on the gorilla adventures in the country, discount in gorilla permits can be amazing news for primate enthusiasts on Rwanda safari. Interested visitors will however pay $1050 especially between November and May. Besides, visitors who spend about 3 days in this nation and also pay a visit to its national parks especially Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park also enjoy these benefits. Depending on clients’ budget, the increase in prices to see these Great apes in one way could have led most of the tourists to cross over to Uganda where permits cost only $600 per person. If wisely calculated, you realize you have much to save that you can use for other purposes or engage in variety of experiences in addition to gorilla trekking. The increase in the cost of gorilla permit was mainly intended to position Rwanda as luxury tourist destination and promote conservation by cutting down on the number of trekkers while also maintaining revenues. Crossing another destination like Uganda meant that tour operators had to incur additional cost of 20 percent and 30 percent for COMESA insurance something that left most tour operators confused and led to loss of visitors the fact that Uganda became the best alternative for them to track mountain gorillas.

To obtain a gorilla permit in Rwanda, you must part away with $1500 and this offers you opportunity to strike your imaginations with the Great apes in only one hour. In Uganda, you need 600 dollars and in the DR Congo, you need $400. You can secure your permit in any of the countries through a tour operator and for this case, Maranatha Tours and Travel is a reliable and trust worthy local tour operator you can think of. Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda are conducted in only Volcanoes National Park, in Uganda, it is in Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park while in the DR Congo you will pay a visit to Virunga National Park but Virunga is closed till 2019.

In conclusion, gorilla trekking is a lovely primate adventure that is only conducted in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. To be part of this lifetime adventure, you must have secured a gorilla permit and that is why we are readily available to help you realize your dreams in Africa.

KIDEPO NATIONAL PARK RANKED AMONG THE TOP 8 SAFARI DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA

A fact that very many splendid protected areas exist in Africa and the world at large, making the best choice on which destination for one to have lifetime experience becomes a big challenge. However, for many years, Kidepo Valley National Park has featured and still ranked among a few exceptional safari destinations in Africa and no wonder it has once again featured among the best 8 (eight) safari destinations in this continent. It featured in the CNN ranking and it is remarkably a few national parks with the most splendid sceneries. It is the most isolated park in Uganda and if your dream has always been to have authentic travel experience then take a tour to this beautiful protected area and you will be guaranteed. This park boasts of its extensive plains of Kidepo and Narus Valley which are over shadowed by the mountain scapes of the Morungole-a home to endangered Ik people. Besides, its sceneries are very appealing and in fact worth to be the most beautiful park in the continent. It was ranked together with the Zimbabwe’s Hangwe National Park, Samburu National Reserve in Kenya, Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Kalahari Desert, Kafue National Park, South Luangwa National Park and Etosha National Park in Namibia.

In addition, it boasts of its diverse tourist attractions including more than 77 mammal species, 475 avian species that make it also the second destination with the highest number of birds just after Queen Elizabeth National Park. The rare birds that live in this park include the black breasted barbet and Karamoja apalis. Others include the little weaver, Silverbird and small band of yellow billed shrike, Nubian woodpecker, mosque swallow, superb and Ruppell’s starlings, vinaceous dove, ostriches, long tailed and standard winged night jar, Egyptian vultures, pygmy falcons, Verreaux’s eagle, Kori bustards, Abyssinian and Rufous crowned rollers, yellow rumped seed eater, broad tailed warblers, crimson rumped waxbill a mention but a few. Its faunal species include African lions, leopards, African elephants, bushbucks, elands, Rothschild giraffes, side striped jackals, spotted hyenas, buffaloes, bat eared fox, klipspringer and others. This park is good for game drives, hiking, birding, nature walks, community walks and many more. If you are on safari and you feel Kidepo isn’t enough then Murchison Falls National park should be a must to visit where you will be amazed by the powerful roar of dramatic Murchison falls, embark on wildlife safari to see its big game and several savanna grassland wildlife species or launch cruise to catch a glimpse at numerous crocodiles, hippos and aquatic bird species. Besides, Uganda has for long been regarded and still a destination where you find all that Africa has to offer. It is the perfect destination for ape watching especially mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kaniyo Pabidi in Budongo forest reserve, Kibale forest national park and many other areas.

Getting to Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park can be reached both by road and by air. By road, you will drive from Kampala through Lira, Kotido, Kaabong and then you connect to the park and this covers about 705 kilometers. You can also drive from Kampala through Mbale, Soroti, Matany, Kaabong and then to Kidepo national park. The other route takes you from Kampala via Gulu, Kitgum and then to the park. To reach this park, you will need to hire a four wheel drive safari vehicle to help you navigate through the remotest routes that lead visitors to the park. By air, you can take a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield and then land into Lomej airstrip which is next to the park headquarters. On flight, you will spend about 2 hours compared to about 10 to 12 hours’ drive on road.

Accommodation in Kidepo Valley National Park

The available accommodation options for visitor overnight stay at this park include Apoka safari lodge, Apoka hostel and Apoka rest camp.

In conclusion, Kidepo Valley National Park is undoubtedly a wilderness area with hidden gem for you to explore while on safari in Uganda. Due to its wilderness, it is that one tourist destination that rewards travel endeavors with true African experiences.