Why Uganda gorilla permits are scarce.
Uganda is located in East Africa and is one of the three countries that harbour gorillas in the whole world . That is to say , Democratic Republic of Congi , Rwanda and Uganda and Uganda stands as a very unique country harbouring half the world’s mountain gorilla population .
However, Uganda has been marked one of the countries with very scarce permits due to high demand season in and season out due to the following reasons
Uganda has got two national parks in which mountain gorillas are found that is Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
These two parks have 19 habituated gorilla families , 17, of which are found in Bwindi impenetrable National Park and 2 in Mgahinga National Park which increases chances of visiting the gorillas.
Also, Uganda’s gorilla permits are relatively cheaper as compared to the rest of the countries given the existing environmental and climatic factors which makes it a very reliable option leading to high demand.
It is important to note that Uganda is highly vegetated and it’s Bwindi impenetrable forest is home to one of the world’s rarest tree species that equally nest over 348 bird species that have been written down in record including 25 restricted range species , 23 of which are confined to the Albertine Rift and four that stand as globally endangered species such as the African Green broadbill-Pseudocalyptomena graueri -vulnerable, Shelley’s Crimson wing cryptospiza-shelley-vulnerable ,
It is no wonder that the country’s oldest park stands as a bird Haven giving thousands of opportunities to tourists to carry out their gorilla trekking while doing birding at the same time .
Uganda also has a very rich cultural history and the people around the park give a mind blowing dive into the ancient lives of the African people a case in point is the Bates community that comprises of the ancient inhabitants of Bwindi forest that are believed to have stayed in the forest over 500,000 years ago and their friendly nature helps them connect with the forest and the tourists who go there giving a friendly guide into their current ways of lives including weaving baskets. Making beads. Backcloth and many others. Like hunting , traditional stories music, dance and drama which spices up the tourism activities making Uganda gorilla trekking not just an activity but a magical experience altogether.
Uganda also offers gorilla habituation process which enables tourists spend longer time with the gorillas during their trekking activities other than the usual one hour with the gorillas during trekking. This can be done in some of the sectors like the Rushaga sector with prior booking .
Uganda has an excellent altitude with not so challenging relief which makes hiking to the gorillas not such a challenge for most of the people making it a reliable spot for the trekking.
It should be noted that Uganda also provides an exceptional benefit for younger gorilla trekkers below the age of fifteen. That is fourteen provided they meet the necessary legal proceedings and are physically fit and strong to carry out the gorilla trekking activities which makes gorilla trekking a prey for all family holidays.
The wonderful mushromming streams , lakes , waterfalls , rivers, and mountain views that tourists come across while carrying out their gorilla trekking activities leave them with no option but making Uganda a favourite for their trekking activities therefore making the permits scarce.
The Uganda community is generally beautiful with very friendly and kind people that give tourists not just an adventure but a point of comfort and connection with nature at their convenience. It is little wonder their gorilla trekking permits are scarce.
