Its wise to first learn the rules and regulations governing the national parks of Uganda before confirming any Uganda safari. Yes, upcoming travelers are expected to follow the rules and regulation of Uganda national Parks to avoid embarrassment. More so, travel operators MUST these rules so as to give right answers to travelers incase they are asked during the booking time. The Uganda Park rules were put by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to ensure smooth flow of tourist activities in each park and wellbeing of travelers and wildlife, which promote sustainable tourism in the Pearl of Africa. These rules are renewed after every two years. African Apes Tours & Travel brings you details of rules and regulations guiding national parks in Uganda. These include:
• Do not Camp or make campfires except at the designated sites
• Do not drive off tracks in the park
• Do not disturb wildlife (Do not sound motor horns ) in the park
• Do not drive in the park beyond7:00pm and 7:00am. Driving beyond this time is only allowed to those doing night game drives
• Do not bring pets (dogs, cats and other pets) into the park
• Do not litter in the park
• Do not bring firearms or ammunitions into the park
• Do not pic flowers or any other plant from the park. Take only memories when leaving Uganda national Parks
• Do not
• Speed the driving speed limit at 40 kilometers per hour
• Keep all official receipts safe. You will be asked to present them anytime for inspection.
More, Uganda has got rules regulating gorilla trekking, chimpanzee and other primate trekking experiences in primate national Parks. The primate rules and regulations apply before setting off and after meeting primates.
Before setting off
1. You Must carry your valid permit
2. Travelers below 15 years are not allowed to trek primates
3. Do not visit primates when sick or with any sign of flue, cold and cough
4. A group of eight travelers only visit a gorilla/chimpanzee permit
5. Keep within your group
6. Follow the guide of your park ranger
7. Keep voices low, do not speak loud while in the jungle
Trekking rules when you are with the primates
1. Keep a distance of seven meters way from the gorillas and chimpanzees
2. Do not use flashlight cameras to take photographs
3. Do not eat or drink in the presence of gorillas/chimpanzees
4. Do not look direct into the eyes of the gorillas or chimpanzees
5. Turn back your faces when sneezing or coughing
6. Spend strictly one hour with the gorillas/chimpanzees
7. Do not smoke in the presence of gorillas/chimpanzees
8. Do not touch or come in close contact with chimps/gorillas
Other Key Things to Note when in Uganda National Parks
Having mastered the rules and regulations in Uganda National Parks, travelers are furthered asked to note the following:
• All travelers are required to present valid identification document such as national identity cards, passports and passport photos. Those trekking gorillas or primates MUST present valid trekking permits
• A day’s entrance ticket is valid for twenty-four hours. A traveler spending more than 24 hours in the park will be asked to pay for other 24 hours
• The category of children are those below 15 years old
• Entrance fees are independent of package activities such as mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking and mountaineering among others.
Park entrance fees to Uganda National Park
Each National Park has a different park entrance fee depending on which activities a traveler intends to do. All fees are paid to Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Bwindi Forest National Park entrance fee depend on which activity done. Gorilla trekking cost are $700 for foreign non-residents $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens. Birding watching in Bwindi costs $30 for foreign nonresidents, $30 for foreign residents and UGX 10,000 for East African residents
Gorilla Habituation experience costs $1500 for foreign residents $1000 for foreign residents and UGX 750,000 for East African citizens
A batwa trail in Bwindi Forest costs $40 for foreign non residents, $40 for foreign residents and UGX 40,000 for East African residents while in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park it costs $80 for half day.
Park Entrance fees FNR FR EAC (UGX)
Murchison Falls National Park $40 $30 20,000
Kidepo Valley National Park $40 $30 20,000
Queen Elizabeth National Park $40 $30 20.000
L.Mburo National Park $40 $30 20,000
Kibale Forest National Park $200 $150 150,000
Mt Rwenzori National Park $55 $25 15,000
Having a wide knowledge about the rules and regulations of Uganda national park, entrance fees and all other information is key for everyone planning a Uganda. Contact African Apes Tours for more travel advice to Uganda.
