The Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits are yet to reduce in terms of price, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Discounts on Chimpanzee and Gorilla tracking permits will be approved by the authority from the 1st April to the 31st May 2016. This calls for a numerous increase in the number of tourists who wish to do Gorilla trekking in Uganda, as well as taking Chimpanzee safaris to Uganda. Gorilla’s and Chimpanzees are said to be human’s closest relatives, sharing 98% DNA according to scientific research findings. The reduction of permits comes at a time after the Easter period has just ended. The Uganda Wildlife Authority is a governing body that regulates the conservation of wildlife in Uganda. Annually, both Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits are reduced in terms of price during the low season; which is literally in the months of April, May and November. Gorilla permits reduce to US$400 for foreign residents, US$450 foreign non-residents and Ugx.150,000 for East African Citizens respectively. Chimpanzee permits reduce to US$75, US$100 and UGx.75,000; for foreign residents, foreign non-residents and East African Citizens respectively. However, during the high season which is literally the rest of the year; Gorilla permits are priced US$500, US$600 and UGx.250,000 for foreign residents, foreign non-residents and East African Citizens respectively. Chimpanzee permits are priced US$100, US$150 and UGx.100,000; for foreign residents, foreign non-residents and East African Citizens respectively. Also known as the ‘Pearl of Africa’, Uganda is a gifted country characterized with a rich biodiversity and magnificent landscape. Uganda is home to a minimum of 400 Mountain Gorilla’s, living in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National parks. Looking at current statistics, Uganda gorilla safaris are rewarding since the country’s minimum population is literally almost half of the World’s total population that spans at about 880 individuals. There are 12 habituated groups in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park, which live in areas of Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. The habituated groups include Kahungye, Mubare, Rushegura, Busingye, Nkuringo, Habinyanja, Oruzogo, Bitukura, Mishaya, Nshongi, Bweza; and Kyaguriro.
Recently, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park was ranked fifth out of the 129 recognized United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage sites in Africa. This is primarily because of its enormous population of the critically endangered mountain gorillas. ‘Bwindi’ literally meaning the dark place, is characterized by a Tropical Afro montane forest. The forest has one of the richest eco systems in Africa, lying on an elevation that ranges from about 1,160 to 2,607m altitude; making it a suitable destination for nature walks, birding and other activities during safaris in Uganda. Mgahinga National Park on the other hand, much as it is the smallest National Park in Uganda, it is part of the Virunga conservation area that constitutes 8 volcanic mountains stretched in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The eight mountains are home to about 480 Mountain Gorilla’s. Mgahinga has three of the eight mountains which include Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhavura. Mgahinga National park however has only one habituated group known as Nyakagezi. The tourism industry in Uganda hopes to see an increase in the number of trekkers due to the fore coming low season that has discounts permits.