In an effort to boost the tourism industry amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, the government of Uganda through the Wildlife Authority had announced an incentive for tourists from 2020 to June 2021, Gorilla permits in Uganda were costing $400 for international tourists. Foreign residents were buying permits at $300 while citizens within the East African community could pay 100,000 Uganda shillings. Tourists would also have free entry to Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve and Mount Elgon National Park if they could buy gorilla permits around this period.
The cost of gorilla filming had also been reduced significantly so as to allow for the creation of more documentaries about the primates which could help boost the tourism industry. Apart from gorilla permits, the price of chimpanzee permits had also been reduced to $150 for foreigners and $100 for foreigners residing in Uganda. Tour operators in Uganda would get two free gorilla permits if they purchased 30 permits. One permit would go to the tour operator and the other to the local Tour Operator Association.The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the global tourism sector and Uganda was not been spared. The country would earn over 1.5 billion US dollars each year from tourism with gorilla trekking a key contributing factor. Uganda is home to two gorilla national parks and has half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas. The onset of the COVID pandemic brought the industry to a sudden halt as airports and borders where closed. Although domestic and international tourism is now open, turn up has been low especially as park and activity fees remained the same. Moreover, lock-downs around the world had forced many travelers to cancel .
The price cut helped kick-start the recovery of the tourism sector because gorilla trekking is the most popular wildlife activity in Uganda. The cost of a Gorilla Permit is now $700 while chimpanzee permits cost $200 for international travelers. The price reductions between 2020 and 2021 were meant to also counter the discounted gorilla permits offered by Rwanda.
Cheap gorilla permits in Uganda
Apart from gorilla and chimpanzee permits, the government had also announced a 50% discount for park entrances to Katongo Wildlife Reserve, Semuliki National Park, Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, more promotions may be underway to promote the tourism industry and attract more travelers to the country. The government had already exempted tourism Agencies from taxes for a certain period of time while insisting that they follow certain standard operating procedures for gorilla trekking during and after COVID-19.
Uganda is arguably one of the best tourism destinations in Africa. Though a landlocked country, the country has remarkable biodiversity and is the leading destination for primate tours. Apart from primates, Uganda is excellent for big 5 wildlife safaris. One can also take part in whitewater rafting, sport fishing, nature walks and community visits. Uganda is one of the best countries for birding in the world. The incredible biodiversity in the country is attributed to its position around the equator, excellent weather, perfect climate and its position around the equator.
