How to Save on Your Next Gorilla Trekking Experience

Africa has a wide range of tour adventures but not all are pricy. However, the most pricy options hold the most powerful experience in the rain forests of Uganda and Rwanda. Tourists go on gorilla trekking safaris in four known locations; Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. To experience the world’s most wildlife encounters in Uganda and Rwanda follow our tips and spend less on your next trip;

1. Don’t Visit in Popular times

You don’t have to visit a destination just because your friends and relatives are visiting but you can do it your way and save much. During the most popular times-peak season all tour essentials are high due to the demand making it hard to get discounts and promotional offers. However, this can happen during the low season and you save big on accommodation and other trip essentials like transport. Remember rates for low season months are different from those for high season months.

2. Visit a Cheap Alternative Park

Due to different gorilla permit prices, exploring a cheap alternative park is a great way to save and enjoy to your best. If you’re initial plan was to track gorillas in Rwanda, then head to Uganda the most convenient cheap gorilla trekking safari alternative where gorilla permits go for $600.Allow yourself to explore the ambience of two beautiful Africa countries  on a single gorilla trek. No need to worry about how to connect to Uganda after flying to Kigali Rwanda. This has always been the easiest way of tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda due to short driving distance.

3. Short Gorilla Tours

Though there are many gorillas trekking safari options on offer in Uganda and Rwanda short treks of 1-3 days are great for those interested in seeing only mountain gorillas. The 3 days gorilla trek unveil all the rainforest adventures like golden monkey trek, cultural trails, nature walks, volcano hikes plus a city excursion before departure at the most affordable rates ever. In case you want to check out other country famous attractions then go for a 4- 5 days gorilla safari tour at amazingly low prices.

4. Travel with a Friend

Many Adventure tour operators in Uganda and Rwanda often organize gorilla tours for two and more which bring down the price. Don’t forget to tell a friend about your travel plans of tracking gorillas so that you can share other costs like transport and accommodation. You can also join gorilla overland trips, group tours and enjoy your trek with new friends from different corners of the world.

5. Book Budget Gorilla Safaris

If you dream of having a budget gorilla trek in Uganda, go for budget safari options where you will stay in good budget accommodation facilities in Bwindi Mgahinga national Park and experience the best. It can be a camping trip, backpacking or private budget tour.

6 Requirements to Hire Car in Uganda

Renting cars for self drive safari has become so popular in Uganda. many travelers wish to travel on their own to have  freedom and independence while traveling without intrusion of  a third party (driver guide). many people have become so interested in the self drive expeditions but do not know what is required to rent car in Uganda.

Here we bring to you the standard requirements of renting a car in Uganda;

Age of the client: The minimum age to rent a car in Uganda is 18 years; all the drivers to rent a car must be above that age and have valid driving permits which reflects that they are professional drivers. Please note that some car rental companies have a minimum age of 21 years in order to hire a car for self drive in Uganda.

The forms of payment that are accepted for renting a car; In Uganda electronic transfers and physical payment are acceptable. Most car rental companies prefer cash to use of electronic machines or transfers since most of the car rental deliveries are done out of the office and also some companies are still at the infant stage they cannot afford the electronic transfer system.

Returning of the rental cars; the airport locations will allow returns after hours and will have procedures in place for your early or late return. You should always check the rental location when picking up your rental vehicle for exact procedure.  Many of the car rental companies located at the airport are open 24/7 for your convenience. The vehicles should also be returned to the same location where picked unless prior arrangements have been made with the original renting location. For the non airport locations, need that their vehicles be returned during normal business hours. Always check with your branch about the Sunday hours.

What’s the company Mileage /Kilometer policy? The mileage / kilometer limits are set to accommodate the needs of most renters. In order to determine your mileage/ kilometer limitations from a specific location, you will need to begin the reservation process, and then followed by providing details of your pick up location, dates of rental and size of the vehicle, names and email address in order to be provided by prices and mileage restrictions.

The rental car insurance and many other protection products; the car rental companies offer additional protection products that you buy along with your rental vehicle. Presently the customers are given Damage Waiver, personal accident Insurance, the personal effects coverage.

Find out if the deposit is required when renting a vehicle in Uganda; most companies need the deposit amount that varies with location. For the reservation, choose your rental location. Dates and times. You can also visit the website of the rental company and make a booking online.

Will you need additional car rental equipment; most of the car rental companies offer the following car rental equipment; like the GPS, child seats, ski racks and many more.

It should be noted that these are standard requirements of renting a car in Uganda since different rental companies may have additional requirements as per their policies. Renting a car in Uganda is also simple and the limitations are so minimum and therefore if you are interested in self drive safaris in Uganda just hit the internet and hire a car of your choice.

Buying a House in Uganda: 7 Things To Consider

Your home should be a place of rest that shields you from the stress of the outside world. However, deciding whether to buy a home can itself be a stressful decision requiring you set aside every emotion and consider all the pros and cons of that decision. Here are seven thoughts to help take the stress out of the decision making process:

1. Change your thinking: If you think that you would be automatically happier in your own house than in a rental, you may need to reconsider. Renting a property provides for a lot of flexibility that owning a house does not. Whether you are single in a bedsitter or a couple in a one bedroom the continued comfort of both yourself and others in your life should be your first concern.
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2. Who calls the shots: As a tenant, you are always at the mercy of your landlord. You cannot wake him/her up in the middle of the night to come and fix a leaking tap. Does that bother you? If it does then it’s better to own your own place so that you do not have to wait a month with a leaking roof and cracked walls before it warrants your landlord’s attention. That said, if you own you’re responsible for every dripping tap which means getting out the tool box or paying for those repairs!
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3. Having a place to call your own: Sitting on your front porch knowing that a place is actually is yours is a feeling you can’t beat! As long as you keep up with your mortgage payments, you will not have to worry about being thrown out on the curb or constant rent increases.
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4. A home can be an investment: If you own your own place you start to build equity for yourself whereas each year that you live in rented apartment, you are growing the equity of the property owner. Equity is the difference between the market price of your house and the amount owed on the mortgage if you sold it. As you pay down your mortgage you gain equity.
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5. Do you have the cash? Few people can afford to pay outright for a house with cash. This means getting a mortgage and even with a mortgage you will need some money for a deposit and the costs incurred during the transaction. If you’re going to buy you’ll need to plan ahead so that it will be a painless process and remember that it’s never too late to start saving!
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6. View home ownership as a long-term relationship: If you’re going to buy make sure that you’re in love with your home – no matter what flaws you may discover soon after you move into it. Part of the monthly mortgage repayment goes to servicing your debt and paying interest on your loan. The debt does not decrease simply by the amount you pay each month. Selling your house shortly after buying it could prove costly so be prepared to stay put for a number of years.
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7. Look before you leap! Buying a house is a big commitment you should consider carefully before you make the decision. It involves serious financial implications that could cause major stress if you misjudge your ability to meet your obligations. If you aren’t prepared to deal with the problems you just might need to hang onto your rented apartment a little while longer.

Whether you chose to rent or buy a home remember a home is what and where you make it.

How To Buy A Car in Uganda

It’s rare to see a new car on Kampala’s streets as used cars are plentiful and the roads are punishing to old and new alike. In fact, most of the cars which are imported from abroad, usually Japan, and sold as ‘new’ in Uganda are actually already a few years old. If you’re considering a car purchase here are a few things to think through and options for finding that new set of wheels.

It sounds like an obvious place to start, but it’s important to first, consider your price range. This is not just for the car; remember to budget extra for insurance and URA logbook transfer. This will most likely dictate the type of car you are looking for. By the time you consider the cost of insurance (mandatory to keep your car on the road), the cost of logbook transfer and the cost of having a mechanic check the vehicle over and fix any small problems, you are probably looking at 500,000 UGX on top of the price you started with. So if you’re looking to spend six million on a car, you will most likely need to budget 6.5 million.

Now, you’re ready to start looking. But where to look? There are a number of places where vehicles are traded privately. Online, there is The Eye Trade (www.eyetrade.ug), or Google Trader Uganda (http://www.google.co.ug/local/trader) where sellers post their vehicles for sale. Whilst this gives a good picture of what’s available, it’s important to exercise caution – occasionally fake ads are put up.

When you’re looking for a car everyone will ask if you have been to ‘The Bonds’. These ‘bonds’ are actually ‘bonded warehouses’ which are large secured car parks of vehicles which have been imported into Uganda, but have not had the import taxes paid on them. These import duties are paid when the car leaves the ‘bond’, so make sure you are clear on what needs to be paid within the price of the vehicle. And don’t forget to bargain hard! It is normal to come and go many times over months in order to get the price you want. These bonds are found all over Kampala, often around Bugolobi/Industrial Area and up the Jinja Road. It is worth asking friends’/colleagues’ experience of bonds to find one with a good reputation and good stock. Big and well-known ones include Chatha Motors, Al-Malik, Spear and Ramzan.

There are also a number of private car dealers in Kampala. They are usually just guys who either work in the bonds or know people who are selling cars. They make their money by agreeing a percentage cut with the seller and then ‘market’ the car for that person. Obviously, the higher price they get you to agree to the more money they make. Good dealers might know quite a bit about the car they’re selling but often they know very little.

Lastly, a number of sellers post paper ads in public places such as Oasis Mall, Garden City or Quality Hill. Often these are expats leaving the country and wanting to sell their vehicles. This can sometimes result in a good bargain as people are desperate to sell before departing and may be willing to accept a lower price. However, just make sure that it’s not a vehicle with diplomatic/NGO ‘red plates’. These vehicles have not had the import duty paid on them when they are purchased by approved organisations. However when they are then sold on the open market, the duty must be paid on them, and this can add millions to the cost of the car. Be sure to check the duty status!

When reviewing your car options make sure to ask as many questions as possible. A well-informed buyer will be better able to negotiate. Bringing a mechanic or friend who knows about cars to view them is also sensible. In any case, it is wise to have a mechanic look over any vehicle which you are considering purchasing. It is a worthwhile investment since they may spot expensive underlying problems which might not reveal themselves until you drive the vehicle away!

Once you’ve found your vehicle you want to consider a couple of things. Car deals are usually straightforward in Uganda. The buyer stumps the cash. The seller receives it and turns over the keys. Often there’s not even a contract and cars are ‘as is’. From there the seller will also need to transfer the ‘log book’ to you. This can be a process that takes from a few days to several weeks and has little-to-no actual impact on who is driving the vehicle. A new logbook process was initiated in 2012 so any seller that doesn’t have a ‘new’ logbook will have to apply for a new one prior to being able to make a logbook transfer to you. The logbook transfer will mean getting a Tax Identification Number (TIN), if you don’t have one already, and going down to the URA a couple of times unless you pay someone to do this for you – and often they still want to see the seller and/or buyer in person. You will also need to set up a URA account online which is fairly straightforward with the directions the URA gives you but time consuming.

Given the amount of scrapes, knocks and accidents that happen on a daily basis on Kampala’s streets you should drive directly to the insurance office once you get the logbook. Far too many people find they have a terrible accident just when they were going to get insurance. ‘Third Party’ insurance is the minimum legal requirement to keep your car on the road. This can be purchased from all major insurance providers, but also from most petrol stations. Look out for the signs on the forecourts. For ‘comprehensive’ insurance, consider getting quotes from the major suppliers. These include Chartis, Jubilee and UAP. Although the premiums are much more expensive than the third party option, they will cover you for a range of accident repairs, and for vehicle theft.

How Much Does a Gorilla Tour Cost

To many visitors to Uganda, Seeing mountain gorillas in Africa is one of the top tourist attractions that is cherished by every travelers to the continent. As one of the most incredible wildlife experiences found in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, it’s believed that only 900 endangered living mountain gorillas live in the three countries. The Unique opportunity of seeing gorillas in their natural home comes with some total gorilla safari cost that surprise tourists at the time of inquiry and booking. Gorilla permits, accommodation, transport, tourist Visa and tour expert are the five things that confuse tourists wondering why gorilla safari prices are high or low.

Gorilla Permits

When planning a gorilla trekking safari in Africa, it’s very essential to first book your gorilla permits with your right tracking dates before any other thing for the safari because a slight change in your tracking dates can change your travel plans and even affects your Air ticket dates. If you to track gorillas in Rwanda, gorilla permits cost $1500, $600 for Uganda and $400 for Congo. In Rwanda if you explore more other national parks of Nyungwe forest and Akagera, you get 30% Discount. Other discounts follow you if you visit Uganda and Congo in low season months. Though gorilla tracking is known by many travelers across the globe, very few have been able to experience the lifetime wildlife encounter of meeting gorillas face to face in the jungle forest. However, the cost of your gorilla safari tour in Africa depends on the choice of the gorilla trekking destination.

Tourist Visa

The majority of tourist visas can be obtained at either the boarder or international airport upon arrival and tourist  to Africa on gorilla tracking tours are advised to budget for the cost of a tourist visa at the time of trip planning so that it doesn’t come by surprised. Rwanda tourist visa go for $30, Congo tourist visa go for $100 and Uganda tourist visa go for $50 all valid for a period of 90 days. However, some travelers don’t need tourist visas to Rwanda but they must have one for Uganda or Democratic Republic of Congo if they are to track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest national park, Mgahinga national Park and Virunga National park.

Transport

No matter where you track gorillas in Africa, your transport means will be of key importance to your safety and leisure. There are many ways of transportation for gorilla safari tours and each depends on the tourist interest and budget. The majority of tourist use safari land cruisers with a pop up ideal for photography and wildlife viewing. Its also the best safari vehicle if you going to explore other wildlife parks in the country. Some tourists feel comfortable to go on a self driving trip, some backpacking and others flying to and from gorilla park. Be sure that all gorilla safari means of transport cost differently and are charged per day. One on a flying safari must pay a higher gorilla safari price than the one using a private safari landcruiser.Ans still the one on self drive pays much more than the one on a backpacking trip.

Safari Accommodation

All gorilla national parks, Virunga, Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Kahuzi Biega offer variety of accommodation facilities to all types of visitor’s luxury and budget. The choice depends on the traveler and interest but variety is surely available for everyone. Make a right choice of your gorilla safari accommodation and sleep in comfort a night before you ultimate wildlife experience in Africa. The time is now to enjoy the life time experience since it’s anticipated to more expensive in the future.

Get Discounted Uganda Gorilla Permits for 2017-2019

Is gorilla tracking top on your bucket list this year, next year or the other year and you want to track mountain gorillas with discounted gorilla permits? Uganda  also known as the pearl of Africa is the only place  to be  where huge discounts are given to all tourists  for the months of April, May and November. The introductions of discounts on gorilla permits make gorilla tours cheap and affordable for many travelers not only in low season but all year.

Be one of those to track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park by reserving your gorilla permit in time among the 120 gorilla permits sold per day by Uganda Wildlife Authority in both parks with only 8 in Mgahinga and the rest for Bwindi impenetrable. It’s during the low season when budget travelers explore the beautiful country of Uganda and experience the top tourist’s attractions without spending much. However, all tourists planning to track gorillas on budget in Africa, low season months are the best.

Forget the belief that low season months in Uganda are rainy seasons when roads are impassable and forest jungles are too muddy because it’s the opposite. Rainy seasons in Uganda are not actually rain seasons but they are just like other months of the year because it rains on just specific days and at times you may spend a full week without seeing any drop of rain. So go ahead and plan your Uganda gorilla safari tour at cheapest rates for low season that are a result of discounted gorilla permits.

The other advantage of tracking gorillas in low season months is that many tourists tend skip eyes off this period so few of them visit the country for gorilla tourism hence getting a chance to experience a marvelous feeling   in the entire jungle forest. April, May and November are the only months when gorilla permits in Uganda cost $450 per trek from the usual price of $600.Foreign tourists save $150  per trek a good amount to cater for other travel essentials like accommodation and transport. For those foreigners living in Uganda with work permit, gorilla permits cost only $400 for low season. Comparing Uganda gorilla permit prices with that of Rwanda another gorilla tracking destination in the region that sales permits at $1500 all year without low season. Uganda is simply a perfect place for cheap gorilla safari tours in Africa for all kinds of travelers- Budget and luxury.

While in Uganda, there is much more to see and experience including wildlife, chimpanzees, monkeys, culture, landscape, lakes, falls, Birds, mountains, among others. Amazingly even accommodation facilities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer discounts to tourists during low season and it’s another factor that make Uganda gorilla tours cheap and unforgettable. Get a life changing experience with gorillas in Bwindi forest and Mgahinga on your gorilla trekking safari in Africa and save big for the future.

Main Clauses in Uganda Car Rental Agreements

While renting a car in Uganda, a traveler has to sign a black and white printed paper in order to take the vehicle for an expedition.  This is normally called a car rental agreement which means that there is a mutual understanding reached between the client and operator to hire the vehicle. It is not all above signing a black and white paper there are clause or terms and condition on which the hirer has to follow while using the vehicle. Remember a car is something that has a big face value so limitations and rules have to be put in place while the hirer is using it.

There are some of the main clauses found in most Uganda car rental company agreement so by looking at this gives a hint on what to expect when you are renting a car on your next holiday in Uganda.

Identification of the hirer

This shows the particulars of the person hiring the vehicle. The main particulars needed are the full name of the hirer, nationality, place of residence and occupation.

Vehicle description and the duration of the car rental services

This clause is one of the most essential as it talk about the type of a car has to be listed and the number plate. This justifies if the real vehicle hirer reserved is the one delivered to him/her. It further indicated the number of days a hirer is supposed to use the rental car.

Nature and amount of payment of the rental car

This shows the amount of money being paid for the rental car and also the currency of the money which is normally us dollars or Uganda shillings. The mode of payment is also mentioned that is by cash or electronic transfer.

Use of the vehicle

This clause explains on the condition the hirer is supposed to use and drive the car. This clause is so important as it limits bad driving thus minimizing accidents. It also gives a hirer the tips of how to drive a car in a foreign country like Uganda.

Damages and insurance

This is one clause a hirer must put maximum focus on. Rental damages happen often which are unavoidable and avoidable. This clause normally explains to what extent the hirer is liable to the damages of the rental car caused and what to do in case of an accident while he/she is driving it.  It further goes to explain how he/she can be covered against some damages that might happen on the rental car. Remember damages come with big costs so this clause has to be completely comprehended by the hirer.

Fuel filling clause

This explains who is responsible for filling the fuel of the rental car. In most cases the hirer is responsible for fuel filling while driving the vehicle. This clause also has a semi component of fuel refill where by the client is supposed to fuel refill the rental car while returning it. It might be full tank, half tank or quarter tanks as stipulated by a certain company.

Return of the car

This clause explains when one is supposed to return the car to the operator. This also explains what would happen to the hirer if he/she returns the rental car at a later date. It also talks about what to do if the hirer needs to extent his/her duration of using the car rental services.

Breach of contract

This explains the penalties given to the client if he/she violates the clauses stipulated in the car rental agreement.

KCCA Launches MTN Mobile Money Payments

For the first time since the launch of MTN Mobile Money in 2009, individuals and companies can now easily effect payment for licenses, fines, taxes and other fees to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) using a secure and trusted platform.

This follows the signing of a partnership between KCCA and MTN Uganda that will enable members of the public and businesses pay for various City Authority taxes and levies. This service guarantees convenience to the customer and a more effective revenue collection mechanism for KCCA.

Commenting on the partnership, MTN’s General Manager Financial Services Phrase Lubega said,“Prior to the launch the KCCA solution, overall figures indicated that more than 85 percent of mobile bill payment collections in Uganda are made through the MTN Mobile Money platform.”

“Continuing to integrate mobile money into mainstream financial services will therefore further expand the digital financial ecosystem which in turn will facilitate further delivery of financial inclusion for all persons across Uganda,” he added.

Commenting on this partnership, KCCA’s Executive Director Jennifer Musisi said; “Today’s event presents a historic moment for both KCCA and MTN as it seeks to broaden the existing Revenue collection channels by bringing on board mobile money services to facilitate KCCA fees collection.”

This development means MTN Mobile Money subscribers can now simply utilize the Mobile Money menu, via *165#, to effect their payments to KCCA.

How the Service Works

1. Dial *165#
2. Select Option 9 (Fees and Taxes) on the second screen
3. Select Option 2 (KCCA)
4. You will be asked to enter the Payment Reference Number which you will have obtained from KCCA based on the nature of your payment.
5. Enter Amount (that you wish to pay)
6. Enter Mobile Money PIN

The customer will receive a confirmation message after the transaction has been completed.