Month: January 2024

2024 Uganda gorilla tracking ticket price increased to USD 800

Uganda has increased the gorilla tracking permit/ticket from $700 to $800. The new price of the gorilla tracking permit is effective from July 2024 when the new Uganda financial year starts. So for all purchases of gorilla trekking permits for tracking dates starting 1st July 2024 one has to pay $800. It has also been announced that those that had only deposited (and not paid full amount) on the gorilla permit(s) basing on the old price before this announcement will be paying the new price, hence top up amount should make $800. Only those that had paid the full fee of the old price will not be affected by the new price.

The increase in the gorilla permit means more finances available for conservation of the gorillas and their habitats, and also more revenue shared to the local communities near the gorillas. A percentage of the gorilla ticket money is sent to the communities near the gorilla parks and is used in projects that uplift the communities such building schools, hospitals, setting income generating projects, e.t.c…

The price of the gorilla tracking permit is revised every two years, so the new price of $800 is for the period of July 2024 to June 2026.

Take advantage of cheaper permit and book your gorilla trip before July 2024

The gorilla tracking will still cost $700 until June 2024 so this is the best time to book a gorilla trip to Uganda and take advantage of the old price. You will be saving $100 which can be spent on a nice budget accommodation.

Uganda still offers an affordable gorilla tour

Even with the $100 increase on the gorilla permit, the gorilla tour in Uganda is still more affordable than the gorilla tour in Rwanda where the gorilla tracking permit costs a whopping $1500.

More habituated gorilla families announced

At the start of 2024 the Uganda Wildlife Authority has also announced five more habituated gorilla families added for gorilla tracking. That would make more than 20 habituated gorilla families for gorilla tracking in Uganda. In total 194 gorilla tracking permits are available each day which improves availability even during the peak tourism season. Chances of tracking gorillas on ones dates, even for a last minute booking, are better now.

You do not need a visa to go to Kenya (starting 2024)

Kenya has done it! No visa required to visit Kenya, the land of the Masai Mara.

Towards the end of last year 2023, the President of Kenya, Mr. William Ruto, announced that from 2024 every traveler from any part of the world going to Kenya will not need a visa to visit the country. This effectively abolishes the visa fees and the bureaucracy requiring applying for the visa in advance.

A single entry visa into Kenya for tourism or business has been costing $51. This can now be saved and diverted toward some curio shopping after a safari trip to Masai Mara.

Kenya will perhaps become the first African country to do away with a visa requirement for all visitors; a step which the country’s leadership hopes will open up Kenya for more opportunities coming in. It is expected more tourists will visit Kenya which is endowed with big game destinations and incredible attractions such as Masai Mara famous for the great migration safari and the unique Masai culture, Amboseli National Park the best place to see elephants and the Kilimanjaro Mountain of Tanzania, Nairobi National Park the only game park within a city, etc…

Africa is finally opening her doors to the world by easing access into the continent. Rwanda took the first step, allowing everyone to get their visas on arrival in the country instead of applying in advance which can be hindering for last minute travelers.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to replace the visa

In the place of a Visa, a digital platform called the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is to be used where travelers will need to register so that they are identified in advance.

By the start of January the ETA has yet to be implemented, so all travelers (except East African citizens) going to Kenya within this short period before the ETA is rolled out have to apply and pay for the Visa. The visa is applied for online through this link: https://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html

We will update this page once the ETA has been fully implemented and list the link provided for use.

UPDATE!!

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is ready!

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is ready, here is the link: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en

What you need to have at hand before starting the application:

  • Valid passport for at least six (6) months after your planned date of arrival into Kenya, with at least one blank page
  • Selfie or passport-type photo
  • Contact information, email address and phone number
  • Details of your arrival and departure itinerary
  • Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
  • Credit card, debit card or other means of payment (you will be charged a processing fee of $34.09)

The processing time of the ETA is three (3) working days but could take longer