Uganda is slightly smaller than the State of Oregon in the USA, with a total area of 236,040 sq km, bordered by Kenya to the East and Tanzania to the South – all in the EA Community. To the West and North, she is bordered by DR Congo and the Sudan respectively, making it a landlocked country.
Uganda lies at 1 00 N, 32 00 E. The country is well watered and fertile. Although it lies at the Equator, it receives about three rainy seasons a year, with Lake Victoria, The Nile, the loads of forests and the Rwenzori mountains determining much of the climate. In forest ecosystems it rains almost daily and weather is unpredictable.
Water covers 36,330 sq km, about 15% of Uganda’s area. The country is rich in wildlife, game, birds, and a vast culture of over 50 tribes occupying this beautiful, green country. Although it lies astride the equator, most of Uganda is on a plateau 3,600-6,000 ft/900-1,830 m above sea level.
Uganda achieved independence from the UK in 1962. It went through turbulent years under the dictatorial regime of the now dead Idi AMIN (1971-79), and the guerrilla war under Milton OBOTE (1980-85). From the late 1980s, the new National Resistance Movement government led by President Yoweri MUSEVENI brought about peace, prosperity and many investors have accepted to participate in the country’s reconstruction.
In Uganda alone a birder will enjoy twelve percent of bird species of the world, a tracker will find half of the world’s gorilla population; an explorer will have an opportunity to see more than 7% of the world’s mammals. For the discerning traveller the potential for Ecotourism here is enormous, and the judicious have tapped into it.
At the moment, gorilla permits/tickets are still available, but these are booked with payment on the basis of first come first served. It would therefore be very helpful if THEY could confirm their safari with us as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment. Availability of gorilla permits for a required date is not guaranteed. Permits can be difficult to obtain, because of the high competition for them; even can be sold out at short notice. As this safari includes going gorilla tracking, we would like to stress that confirmation needs to be received from you as soon as possible and payment instructions for gorilla permits should be confirmed at the time of confirmation. Any delay in confirmation and/or payment may mean that we are unable to obtain them and in these circumstances Merit Vacations Limited would not have any liability.
3. Once you book and send your money for permits, the date cannot change (changing a tracking date means a cancellation fee is charged). Rwanda charges $100 for each permit date changed. Uganda on the other hand does not allow changing/rescheduling the tracking date and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) will only refund 70% of tracking fee if the tracker falls sick prior to tracking. Any other change in tracking dates is treated as a cancellation for which the following terms are applied by UWA.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
UWA will retain the following percentages upon cancellation;
0-8 days to tracking date - no refund
9-45 days to tracking date - 75% (25% refund to client)
90 days to tracking date - 50%
91 days and above to tracking date - 25% (75% refund to client)
The above percentages are calculated on the full value of the permit.
4. Regarding your question on how long before you know the date of your trip so you can book air fare, it is advisable that you inform us of the proposed dates of travel so that we check gorilla permits availability. Once we know that permits for the date we want (having finalised the exact type/duration of tour) are available, then we advise our clients of the availability. In lieu of points 2 & 3 above, it is up to the clients to decide which dates they are planning to come in, and then confirm their tour as soon as possible so that permits can then be secured. Gorilla tracking in Rwanda and Uganda requires that travelers firm up their dates latest 4-6 months in advance. This is, as already said, because permits needed at short notice are really difficult to obtain because of the high cxompetition for them.
Hope this long email answers your questions! Please let me know if you have other issues you need clarification on. Please advise your proposed dates of travel in 2008 and which tour(s) you have finally decided on doing.
Looking forward to hear from you.
Kind regards
Francis Kimbowa
