Uganda Very Safe for Tourists Despite Fighting in Nearby Congo

By Ivan Kabenge
www.gorillasandwildlifesafaris.com

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)  has come out to assure tourists that the border national parks in western Uganda are safe despite ongoing fighting in neighbouring DR Congo.

There has been growing speculation about the safety of tourists visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Lillian Nsubuga, the UWA Public Relations Manager said Wednesday that UWA is working with security agencies and UPDF to maintain land, air and marine surveillance of the parks and borders to ensure safety of visitors.

A mountain Gorilla in Uganda

Also, the wildlife body is working with Rwanda under the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC) to protect the mountain gorillas in the Virunga Massif where clashes have occurred.

"This reassurance is aimed at assuring tourists that are planning to visit Uganda's parks that they have nothing to worry about their safety, and that they do not need to cancel their trips," Nsubuga said in a statement.

Tourism is currently Uganda's second highest foreign exchange earner, having brought in US$800m last year. Also, last year, Uganda was voted the best tourism destination for 2012 by the Lonely Planet.

Tourist lodges and guest houses in western Uganda areas which border with the restive eastern DRC, have recently reported cancellations or postponements of visits by tourists.

However, other lodges such as Mweya Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Silverback Lodge in Bwindi, reported not being affected and the reservations had been honoured.

"UWA calls on the public especially communities neighouring the national parks to help in strengthening the security in their areas by reporting any suspicious people or activities in their vicinity," Nsubuga said.

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Rwanda gorilla permit will cost 750 USD

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has confirmed plans to implement changes to the current gorilla permit rates by 50 percent with effect from 1st June, 2012.

Charges for foreign non residents will increase to US$ 750 from US$500, whereas foreigners residing in Rwanda will be charged US$ 375 instead of US$250 to trek the gorillas.

Rwandan nationals will be charged US$ 50 up from US $33.

Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Certificate

The Chief Executive of RDB, John Gara explained that the increase coincides with significant growth of the gorilla population as well as increasing demand for gorilla tourism.

“This means that there is need to continue channelling all our efforts in conservation in order to protect their environment”.

Rwanda’s gorilla conservation efforts have realised significant achievements. Currently, there are ten gorilla groups which accommodate up to eight tourists each per day, a number that has almost doubled over the last five years.

RDB clarified that the new pricing will not affect full payments and bookings for dates between now and June 1st, 2012.

“Those that have booked but have not made full payments will not be affected if they make full payments by March 15th, 2012,” the head of Tourism and Conservation at RDB, Rica Rwigamba elucidated.

A mountain Gorilla feeding

A communiqué released by RDB later stated that, “a contribution of five percent towards the communities surrounding the national parks, under the revenue sharing programme, is an activity that RDB is also committed to, and that the increase will also proportionally impact on this initiative.”

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