As the eyes of the world continue to be drawn to Africa and Uganda in particular, the continent’s somber history begins to fade away as new memories of a rich cultural mix of the planet’s most welcoming people and nature’s finest cling into the minds of those that have stepped a moment away from their homes into Africa.

With numerous numbers of foreigners flocking the continent in such for life’s memorable experiences especially in what nature has at hand, there is still plenty to be discovered. Several have chosen to focus on the ‘Pearl of Africa’ to explore the continent in a nut shell but still time has not given them the best to traverse this small but high naturally endowed nation called Uganda.

Drawn majorly by enthusiastic and adventurous desires to come face to face with man’s evolutionary cousin and most critically endangered ape- the mountain gorilla which the country’s tourism industry has used for branding the nation, much more lie in the wild undiscovered.

At this Momentous epoch therefore, allow me with immense pleasure and profound honor to uncover the secrets, the treasure, the less visited and the undisturbed wilderness of this Pearl of Africa that one must visit before leaving the planet.

The less known, the highly secluded and the most adored true African wilderness-the Kidepo valley National park spans in the northeastern corner of Uganda in the remote sub region of Karamoja; a land whose inhabitants (Karimajong) have preserved their rich culture through the ages of civilization to the modern day. The park stretches to the South Sudan boarder as well as towards Kenya boarder in the east in a land that is largely plain with Morungule range raising high in the northern part of the park. The southern part is well drained by the Narus River that runs through the Narus valley adorned with numerous swamps that provide water for the enormous wildlife during draught seasons.

The park beds on an area about 1442 km2 and 700km from Uganda’s capital Kampala by road. The park can be accessed by road from Kampala or by an air craft from Entebbe direct into the park which takes less than an hour. By road, four possible routes can reach you to the park with the longest being the Kampala- Mbale- Soroti- Moroto- Kidepo that passes east of L. Kyoga and is a total distance of 792kms.the 2nd eastern route is 740kms, starts from Kampala- Sironko- Kotido- Kaabong – Kidepo. The western routes are shorter with one that begins from Kampala- Karuma – Lira – Kotido – Kidepo which is 705 kms. The shortest of all is the route from Kampala – Karuma – Gulu – Kitgum – Kidepo which is 571 kms.

Kidepo’s large expanse is dominated by open tree savannah with hills colonized by dry mountain forest as some water courses support acacia forests. Majority of the hill tops are topped by rock kopjes that provide resting places for the Klipspringers and gives panoramic views of the park.

The park is in a semi-arid area with just one rainy season per year (April- September) and rainfall is minimal. The park is mainly drained by two seasonal rivers-the Narus that flows in the Narus valley in the south which receives 890mm of rain annually and Kidepo River in the Kidepo valley in the north that receives only 635mm of rain annually. When these two dwindle and dry, animals converge in the Narus valley to drink from the numerous wetlands and remnant pools there.

It’s arguably because of these semi-arid conditions that have given Kidepo a special treatment in its wildlife diversity that boasts 28 endemic mammal species and a number of bird species that are not elsewhere in Uganda. Some of these are draught survivors that can go for months without water like the Grant’s gazelle.

The park shelters about 80 mammal species that includes the elephants, Africa’s largest single herd of buffalos, Rothschild’s giraffe, the Burchell’s Zebra, the bush pig, topi, Bohor reedbuck, Defassa waterbuck, the chandler’s mountain reedbuck, Uganda cob, Jackson’s Hartebeest, oribi and other numerous antelopes some of which are not in any other park in Uganda like the klipspringer, the grant’s gazelle, the Beisa Oryx and the lesser Kudu. The park also brags of localized carnivores not elsewhere in Uganda like the fastest land mammal- the cheetah, the caracal, bat eared fox, aard wolf and stripped hyena. Other carnivores also present are the spotted hyena, lions, Leopards, the black backed and side stripped jackal among others. Therefore this park is an ideal place to visit during a Uganda safari, and is totally worth visiting.

The park’s ever burgeoning bird population of about 463 species confirmed and 26 unconfirmed is only surpassed by Queen Elizabeth National park in the whole country. The highlights of these include the Ostrich (not elsewhere in Uganda), Kori bustard, secretary bird, carmine, little green and red-throated bee-eaters and Karamoja apalis. Out of the 56 birds of prey recorded, 14 are endemic to Kidepo and Karamoja region including Verreaux’s eagle, Egyptian Vulture and the Pygmy falco.

There are also 5 primate species recorded in this vast land most notably is the Kavirondo bush baby that is an endemic resident and not found anywhere else in Uganda. If you haven’t visited this splendid park where 28 species have located their solitary home in the whole country, then you haven’t listened to the sweet whispers of the wild in their unbothered habitat. Being the less visited park and the most undisturbed park in Uganda, you can be sure to view the best Uganda wildlife with less hustle as the wildlife spread out in the Narus valley. Endeavor to look out for Kidepo’s unique fauna that cannot be seen in any other National park in Uganda.

Below are some of those endemics of this undisturbed vast land, but since time and space are not sufficient enough, you will glimpse on a few as more awaits you in the wild where our professional safari guides will meticulously guide you through.

The Beisa Oryx (Oryx beisa Beisa)

Also known as East African Oryx, the ring horned antelope is divided into 2 subspecies. The common Beisa Oryx (Oryx beisa beisa ) found in steppe and semi-arid areas throughout the Horn of Africa, area north of R. Tana and Kidepo national park and the Fringe-eared Oryx (Oryx beisa callotis) that inhabits area south of Tana river, in Southern Kenya and parts of Tanzania. The East African Oryx stands about 1 meter tall at the shoulder and weighs about 79 kgs.

It has a grey coat with a white underside, separated from the grey by a stripe of black, with black stripes where the head joins the neck, along the nose, and from the eye to the mouth and on the forehead. The mane is small and chestnut-colored; the ringed horns are thin and straight. They are found on both sexes and measure about 75–80 cm (30–31 in) in length. East African Oryx live in semi desert and steppes, where they eat grasses, leaves, fruit and buds and are able to store water by raising their body temperatures to 46.5o C (116o F) which allows a normal flow of heat from the body to the environment without a loss of water avoiding perspiration.

They congregate in herds of five to 40 animals, often with females moving at the front and a large male guarding from the rear. Some older males are solitary and Radio tracking studies have shown them often accompanied for brief periods by females on heat. Breeding occurs all year around and gestation is 8.5- 10 months with normally 1 calf produced per birth which lies up for 2-6 weeks before joining the herd. Calves are weaned after 3.5 months. Females reach sexual maturity at 1.5- 2 years while males are ready at 5 years. Their lifespan is up to 18 years in the wild and are normally preyed upon by Lion, leopard, hyena, Cape hunting dog.

The lesser Kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis)

This forest antelope found in East Africa was first described by English zoologist Edward Blyth in 1869 and belongs to genus Tragelaphus and family Bovidae. The generic name, Tragelaphus, derives from Greek word Tragos, meaning a male goat, and elaphos, which means a deer; while the specific name imberbis comes from the Latin term meaning unbearded, referring to this kudu’s lack of mane. It is 110-140 cm in length from head to tail and males reach approximately 95–105 cm at the shoulder, while females reach 90–100 cm. Males weigh about 92–108 kg and females 56–70 kg. The females and juveniles have a reddish-brown coat, while the males become yellowish grey or darker after the age of two years. Horns are present only on males. The spiral horns are 50–70 cm (20–28 in) long, and have 2 to 2-and-a-half twists.

The lesser Kudu is smaller than its relative species- the greater kudu and has no mane unlike the greater kudu. Males are distinctively larger than females and possess horns unlike females. The lesser kudu is a pure browser feeding on foliage from bushes and trees, shoots, twigs and herbs and is active at night and during dawn before seeking shelter in the thickets after sunrise. The lesser kudu can go for months without water and survive on the dew from plant leaves. Calves are born throughout the year since there are no specific breeding seasons and gestation is 8 moths climaxed by a single calf per birth and weaning is after 6 months. Females and males reach sexual maturity after 15 months although males are not socially mature up to 4- 5 years.

The lifespan of a lesser kudu is up to 15 years in the wild and may go beyond in captivity. The lesser kudu is shy and wary, and when worried flees with the tail held up, revealing the white underside. Leaps of up to 2 meters have been recorded, though these are not common. The females are known to be gregarious while males are solitary and have no territorial behavior. The lesser kudu is resident to Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda; while it is extinct in Djibouti. The total population of the lesser kudu has been estimated to be about 118,000, with a decreasing trend in populations. One-third of the populations survive in protected areas. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) rates the lesser kudu as “Near Threatened”. It is preyed upon by Leopard, Cape hunting dog, and lion.

The striped hyena (hyaena hyaena)

Averaging a height of 65-80 cm at shoulder and 1 meter in length (head-tail), the stripped hyena is the smallest of the true hyenas and retains primitive characteristics lost in larger species. It is grey or pale brown in color with 5 – 6 dark colored, vertical stripes on its flanks. It has a mane on its neck and shoulders and a bushy tail. Also known by scientific name as hyaena hyaena, the Striped Hyena belongs to the Hyaenidae family along with the Aardwolf, Brown Hyena, and Spotted Hyena. The head is rounded and it has a black, pointed muzzle. Its ears are pointed and they are set high on its head and on each foot there are four toes with blunt, non-retractable claws. Its front legs are longer than their hind which gives their back an oblique appearance and they have powerful jaws with strong teeth. Striped Hyenas have excellent senses of vision, hearing and smell.

They are usually silent but will vocalize if excited or threatened. When they feel threatened they are able to erect their mane and the long hairs on their back to make themselves appear much larger(38%) than they are although some times make fringe-deaths when attacked. Striped Hyenas inhabit the open savannahs, grasslands, arid mountainous regions and scrub woodlands of west, north and east Africa and west to south Asia. They are mainly solitary but sometimes may form small family groups. They are active at night and they spend their days sleeping in a burrow or cave. They mainly feed on carrion complemented with fruits though they can also kill their own prey such as insects, rodents, birds, lizards and rabbits.

They breed at any time of the year with a gestation period of 88-92 days producing 1-5 cabs in a den which are weaned after 4 months. The cubs open their eyes after 5-9 days from birth and at 30 days, they begin to feed on solid food. They reach their sexual maturity at 2-3 years of age and their total life expectancy is estimated at 10-12 years in the wild and 20-25 years in captivity. The major predators are humans who hunt them for killing their livestock. The striped hyenas are classified as near threatened by the IUCN and their global population is estimated at 10,000 mature individuals.

The Klipspringer

Klipspringers are stocky antelopes with a short neck and body, and large hindquarters, which help them, jump from rock to rock. They obtained their name from Afrikaans’ language which literally means ‘rock jumper’. Their ears are rounded and large, and their tails are small and basic. Their hoof structure is unique with the last joints of the digits rotated which enables them to walk on the tips of their hooves. Walking wears down the hooves giving them a cylindrical shape, which is suitable for a lifestyle on the rocks. Klipspringers secrete pheromones from their pre-orbital glands, which are narrow black slits found in the corner of their eyes. The scent glands are more developed in males than females.

They belong to family Bovidae and genus Oreotragus. Unlike most antelopes, females are slightly bigger than males with average weights of 13.2 kgs for females and 10.6kgs for males. The females are slightly longer than males with an average height of 90.5cm compared to the 86.2 for males. The total height of a klipspringer is between 75-115cm from head to tail and weighs between8-18 kgs. Like other African antelopes, their hairs are hollow with a springy texture and vary between 15-28 mm in length. Their hair helps in the reflection of radiant heat, provides insulation from thermal extremes, reduces moisture loss, and protects them from injuries which is an adaptation to their habitat. Klipspringers are solitary, and live in monogamous pairs, or as a family group with a male, female, and their offspring. The pairs mate for life and will spend most of their lives in close proximity to each other.

When one klipspringer is eating, the other will assume lookout duty, helping to keep the pair aware of any predators. Their gestation period is 6 months and gives birth to single young ones in an interval of 16 months. Their breeding seasons normally occur between August and September but may vary according to the conditions of their habitat. Klipspringers are herbivores, eating plants (fruits, leaves and flowers) growing in mountainous habitats and rocky terrain. They never need to drink, since the succulents they consume provide them with enough water to survive. They normally rest on rock kopjes which they blend with though this exposes them to predation by humans and sometimes martial eagles. The klipspringers occupy rocky habitat including rocky hills or outcrops, kopjes, and gorges with rocky sides. They can be found on rocky mountains as high as 4000 meters tall and other open habitats.

Klipspringers are active both during the day and the night, but are considered most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Throughout the remainder of the day, they tend to hide in the shade to avoid the heat. When temperatures are cool, klipspringers will remain active throughout the day. When faced with danger, the klipspringer will emit aloud alarm that alerts the rest which in turn will run towards a higher ground where they can visibly see their predator. They largely survive on their speed since they can out run most of their predators. Klipspringers are preyed upon mostly by leopards, caracals, spotted hyenas, martial eagles and wild cats among others. They are considered by IUCN as least concern since their numbers are still numerous estimated to be more than 40,000 globally.

Although there are no recorded lifespan for them in the wild, they are believed to live up to 17 years in captivity. More awaits you in Kidepo National park, come and we shall take you to these and more like the bat-eared fox, the aard wolf, the caracal, cheetah, and grant’s gazelle as you find out why they can’t survive in other parks of Uganda and as well view the other common animals like buffalos, elephants, giraffe among others during the captivating game drives with our excellent safari guides.

Inquire now at Africa Adventure Safaris and we shall take you through the best of this Pearl of Africa as you come closer to the secrets of nature, interact with your evolutionary cousins, be stunned with fascinating geography and delve into the sweet melodies of a true African wilderness.

Following the 2012 decision by the government to task Uganda’s embassies and foreign missions abroad with promoting the country as a favorable investment, trade and tourism destination, it was not long before the Uganda’s embassy in Denmark together with Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) with facilitation from SN Brussles, saw the exhibition of Uganda’s tourism in Gothenburg in Sweden, Copenhagen in Denmark, Oslo in Norway and the final leg in Brussels in Belgium.

A group of about 20 officials from the Uganda tours sector led by UTB CEO, Mr. Steven Asiimwe returned last week from a week-long road show tour and expo in the Scandinavian states. The group was composed of officials from UTB, SN Brussels’s marketing manager Ms. Suzzane Othieno, Tour Operators led by the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) chairman, Mr. Bonifence Byamukama, and Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Director of Tourism and Business Services, Mr. Raymond Engena.
The week-long tour involved expos, road shows and a one-day Cultural and Tourism Forum held at Bella Center , Scandinavia’s largest exhibition and conference center, in Copenhagen, close to the border with Sweden.

In Copenhagen, the group was later joined by The Director of Tourism at the ministry of Tourism, Ms. Grace Mbabazi Aulo delegated by the minister, MP for Kigulu North, Mr. Edward Balidawa, representing the Cultural Minister and Kampala Woman MP, Ms. Nabila Naggayi Ssempala. Also in the group was the Director of Uganda’s Hospitality, Tourism and Training Institute.

During this week long event, Uganda’s ambassador to Denmark, Mr. Wanume Kibedi Zaake and his Belgian counterpart, Ms. Mirjam Blaak, re assured the group of their embassies’ commitment towards supporting Trade, Tourism and Investment in this region. Mr. Kibedi added that the Scandinavian region contributes 30% of the total tourist arrivals in Uganda hence a big market potential to market Uganda safaris.

However, Ambassador Black called for more private sector engagement in the sector to compliment Government’s promise of increased funding in order to see the industry to another level. It should be noted that the tourism industry has been steadily growing with a 20% growth rate in the last 5 years. Last year, the industry hit its highest mark since 1970s contributing 10% of the Country’s GDP.

While at the exhibition, the CEO of UTB, Mr. Stephen Asiimwe, reminded the people about government’s pledge to increase the sector’s funding five times more than the previous budget fund in the coming financial year and expressed hope that the sector still has a wide room for expansion and better performance.

He further commended the road shows and meetings they held in Brussels and the Scandinavia for their education and awareness about Uganda’s tourism potential to the audiences, adding that they were eye openers to the tourism business and environment. The Ugandan officials held several meetings with different groups from the hospitality training institutes, DANIDA business support agencies, transporters, hoteliers, airlines and tour operators among other business groups.

It was during this event that the group announced Uganda’s hosting of the Africa Travel Association (ATA) congress due to take place in Kampala from November 11th -16th at Munyonyo Commonwealth Speke Resort.

Uganda is a spectacular area and one of the finest regions for the butterfly enthusiast. Uganda hosts about 33% of the total of all Afro tropical species with over 1,235 species of butterfly having been recorded in Uganda, 31 of which are endemic to Uganda Some 117 butterfly species are listed, all of which are found exclusively within the Albertine Rift. This does not include subspecies, of which there are approximately 700 subspecies.

The breakdown of species numbers for each family are the following; Papilionidae: 31 species, Pieridae: 99 species, Lycaenidae: 479 species, Nymphalidae: 447 species and Hesperiidae: 231 species. There are currently 35 species that are considered to be endemic within the country, the majority being from the Family Lycaenidae which contributes 80% of all endemic species. The smallest species are not bigger than a fingernail and the largest swallowtails are larger than the smallest birds. Butterflies provide aesthetic appeal and are connected with all plants and crops at all stages of their life cycle. The fact of the matter is that most butterfly species have an average lifespan ranging from 20 to 40 days. A few species may live up to nine months.

Butterflies can only see the colors red, green and yellow, they are dark colored because they need to absorb heat from the surrounding environment, do not have any chewing mouth parts, they are gifted with a tubular straw like appendage known as proboscis which enables them to sip nectar. Butterflies “smell” with their antennae and taste with their feet, they are one of the few creatures on earth that can orient themselves both in latitude and longitude. Male butterflies attract females by releasing pheromone chemicals (scent) from their abdomen.

Butterflies and moths are picky in choosing leaves for egg laying and when folded, a butterfly’s wings are usually much less colorful, providing instant camouflage from would-be predators. Butterflies are the only insect that has scales and it contain pigment, which in combination with light refraction gives butterflies their colors.

The great east African rift valley contains a wide variety of habitats and among them is the mountain of the moon-Rwenzori, savannah grasslands and woodlands, rain forests, gorges of Kyambura and Butiaba. We will explore these habitats, many of them protected within the National Parks, in search of a wealth of butterflies, as well as enjoying the area’s rich flora and many birds.

Although butterflies are the main focus of our butterfly tours, we also take time to observe other wildlife on your visit to Uganda the Perl of Africa. Who can fail to be delighted by butterflies -the greatness and variety of their colors, their delicate beauty and fascinating life cycles? Visiting Uganda allows butterfly watching enthusiasts to observe most of the amazing species around the country.

Being amongst the most colorful and exceptional of invertebrate taxa, as well as diurnal inhabit, more is known about the ecology and taxonomy of butterflies than any other major insect group. Butterflies and moths are some of the most fascinating and eye-catching flying insects in the world. A vast majority is brightly colored and is found all over the world, except in the Antarctica region.

They are indeed one of the planet’s most beautiful creatures. People from all walks of life, irrespective of race, color or religion enjoy these beautiful winged flying jewels for their delicate beauty mostly found in tropical rainforests.

Mountain gorillas are found only in Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and the number of these endangered species is noticeably increasing.
One then asks, why is there a recurring increase in the number of gorillas in the countries where they live?

The answer to this question is almost obvious. The monetary value of the presence of the gorillas is the major reason why gorilla numbers are increasing. The concern to protect the gorillas rises starting from the locals bordering the parks of interest to the governments of the different mentioned countries.

The major reason for the raise in the number of gorillas would be the price of the seeing the gorillas. In Uganda, a gorilla permit has been raised from $500 to $600 while in Rwanda the price was raised from $500 – $750. Currently Uganda has 10 habituated gorilla groups where tourists are allowed to visit and track gorillas, 9 of the groups are in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and one at Mgahinga Gorilla Park. A number of 8 visitors is allowed to visit one gorilla group which means there are 80 permits a day represent a 40,000 USD income to the Ugandan Government from gorilla permits alone add on top of that lodging that can run from a few dollars to a 1000 USD per night, transport charges, food, taxes gained and other things bringing income to the government.

With a daily income as high as that, this gives for the Uganda Wildlife Authority to do everything to protect the Mountain Gorillas from Harm. Should harm in the form of sickness, infighting, or even being caught in the snare of some poachers, there are even the dedicated and selfless men and women-the Gorilla Doctors who go out and check on the health of the various Gorilla groups and make sure they are all in good health.

Also the locals go out of their way to protect the gorillas because the Uganda Wildlife passes on a percentage of the Mountain Gorilla Permit money to aid the local community. But the gorilla trekking activity offers the locals much more – there are the jobs created by the lodges around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga including some community lodging programs, guides in village walks that aid the community, crafts created and sold within the area, the guided mountain biking rides created by Ride 4, resulting a community behind the efforts of protecting the gorillas.

As much as the government has put in a lot of effort in protecting the gorillas, for the most part the community is totally behind protecting the ancient forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Parks and there has been a lot of input into educating the communities around the parks to realize that it is best for the community to protect the forest and the mountain gorillas.

Walter Baumgärtel , was the first gorilla tourist to track gorillas in Uganda would be astonished at the growth of Gorilla in Uganda today. Having come to Uganda with an interest to visiting gorillas ended up buying the Travellers Rest Hotel in Kisoro, which became second home for Dian Fossey and others such as George Schaller. He later appealed to the British Colonial Administration to take visitors to see the Mountain Gorillas.

Gorilla trekking has been widely acknowledged as one of the most exhilarating and venerated safari adventures on the planet. Looking in the eyes of the gentle giants and one of the most endangered great apes in their natural habitat is what every traveler longs for.

The endangered mountain gorilla is only found in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo and its population is estimated to be not more than 880 individuals according to the 2012 census of which half is in Uganda. According to the results from the census, Bwindi has 400 gorillas while Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has 80 gorillas that often roam between Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. In total Uganda has 480 gorillas that live in 39 families or groups though only 13 are habituated.
The survival to the mountain gorilla generation in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is greatly accredited to the foundation and campaign laid by the American zoologist who started her arduous research about the species in 1967 and carried on up to her poignant murder in 1985 at a place that was later to be known as Karisoke in the current Volcanoes NP.

Rwanda shelters a population of about 320 gorillas according to the last census and the remaining are in Democratic Republic of Congo. It is however important to note that the Mountain gorillas in the three countries are in two categories; those habituated and those which are not (wild). Tracking is done only to those, which are habituated and are not bothered about the presence of tourists.

Following the frequent insurgencies in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Virunga national park that shelters these gentle apes was closed and regarded unsafe for tourists since last year. This left this breathtaking gorilla safari adventure to be only done in Uganda and Rwanda.
The tracking rules are all the same in both countries where by only one hour is allowed for a tourist to look in the eye of the endangered Mountain Gorilla. Not more than 8 people are allowed to visit any particular gorilla group in a day in order to show respect and avoid any negative social or psychological impact on the life of a gorilla.

Uganda currently has 12 habituated Gorilla groups for tracking and one for research. The Gorilla families include;
Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura families in Buhoma section, while Ruhija section shelters Bitukura and Oruzogo families and Nkuringo family is the only one in Nkuringo area. Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Bweza and Busingye families inhabit Rushaga area and the last family of Nyakagezi inhabits the Mgahinga Gorilla National park. Nyakagezi used to roam across borders of the 3 countries, but when the family got a baby, they settled on Ugandan side.
The Kyaguriro Gorilla family in Ruhija area has been set apart for research and is always used to learn more about the life of the Mountain Gorilla.

Rwanda on the other hand, has 10 gorilla families, allowing up to 80 gorilla permits per day. The families include;
The Susa family that was originally studied by Dian Fossey and inhabits the slopes of Mt. Karisimbi together with Susa B (Karisimbi family) that broke away from Susa. Sabinyo family which is the smallest and most easily accessed on the slopes of Mt. Sabinyo, Amahoro family known as the most peaceful of all families and Umubano family which broke away from Amahoro. The 13 group also Known as Agashya family, Kwitonda family, Hirwa family, Bwenge and Ugenda families are the other gorilla families in this ‘Land of a thousand hills’.

Tracking Experience
The tracking experience is slightly different in both countries because of additional qualities although the real tracking activity is more less the same. The process one goes through to get a gorilla permit whether by a tour operator or directly from responsible government bodies (UWA and RDB) is largely similar.
However, the prices for the gorilla permits vary with the countries. Whereas Rwanda sells its permit at $750, Uganda gives it away at $600 during the peak seasons. The reason for the difference in the prices of the two permits is not clear though some one may reason it from the different points of view.

First, one would not be far from guessing right if he attributes the difference to the cost of the entire tour (including transport and accommodation). Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park is about 2 hours drive from the capital Kigali where as Uganda’s Bwindi national park is almost a day’s drive from the capital Kampala. This means that it is more costly to reach Bwindi from Kampala than it is from Kigali to Volcanoes. Therefore the lost price for Uganda puts in consideration the extra costs one will incur to reach the gorillas.
Another person will be equally right to say that the difference is as a result of urgency and accessibility in relation to distance. It should be noted that one can track gorillas in Volcanoes and get back on the flight to go home in one day which is impossible with Bwindi due to the long distances. This makes the Rwandan permit to be more costly since it addresses urgent needs unlike the Ugandan one.

Whereas Rwanda can offer a 1 day and 2 days gorilla tours, the shortest for Uganda gorilla tours would be a 3 days with one day of travelling to the park, another for tracking and another for the return journey. This impacts on someone’s expenditure and as one stays longer hence the variation in the prices for the two permits.
May be also the historical attachment of the two destinations may be playing a leading role in adding more value to one destination. Volcanoes national park is known for the Dian Fossey research and conservation campaign. It is where the grave of this courageous lady lies next to that of her beloved Gorilla called Digit. This could be drawing the attention of many travelers who have heard of her poignant story hence tempting Rwanda to hike the permit price to limit the tourist numbers since Gorillas need to also be protected from being overwhelmed by the tourists’ presence.

The real tracking procedure and experience may be almost similar except for volcanoes national park, guests are given a cup of coffee or tea at the briefing center and are also given some cultural entertainment which is not the case for Uganda. However, there is also entertainment in Uganda but this is mostly at the lodges and may even come with an extra cost.

The other minor difference is that in the Volcanoes NP, Gorillas often inhabit the slopes of the volcanoes in the light bamboo forests which provide a clearer environment for photography where as in Bwindi, the gorillas are found in the dense thick forests of this ancient rainforest.

Though some people have believed that generally gorilla tracking in Rwanda is less strenuous than in Uganda, it has been evidenced that both gorillas live in their natural habitats and are therefore unpredictable. There have been cases of people who have tracked in both countries and have seen the gorillas easier in Uganda than the time they spent searching for them in Rwanda. It should be noted that the time one spends in search for the gorillas is never certain and depends on the gorilla family one is tracking, although some families regarded to be easier to see may also not be easy to see at times. It all depends on some one’s luck since the gorillas wonder around their habitat in such for food and therefore have no appointment with visitors.

Tracking in Rwanda is best suited for those with short time schedules who are only interested in Gorilla tracking. This is why some people have gone ahead to track in Rwanda and still have to cross to Uganda to experience the diversity of nature. It works well for those who are interested in Gorillas and other wildlife to track in Uganda and then have a chance to see other wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, Kibale and Murchison Falls NP. The profusion of Wildlife in Uganda is almost unequaled in the region hence becoming a great destination for most travelers.

No specific recommendation on which country one should track the gorillas from since both offer equal opportunities to see the gentle giants and there is no difference between the species in these countries. It is paramount to note that the choice of the country to track gorillas from will depend on one’s budget, time schedule and one’s additional interests apart from the gorillas which will vary from one individual to another.