Uganda Ranked 7th African Country with Less Restrictions for Tourists
Uganda is one of the less restricted travel destinations to visit in Africa. The 2019 hospitality report Africa recognized and ranked the pearl of Africa was as the 7th less restricted travel destination in Africa. Travelers from all parts of the world can therefore visit and explore the Pearl of Africa with no or limited restrictions. For those with no visas, Uganda allows visa application upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport. In other words, Uganda never sends away tourists who fail to fulfill visa requirements. Mauritius was ranked number one less restricted travel destination in Africa followed by Benin, Rwanda, Guinea-Bissau, Togo, Cape Verde, Uganda, Mozambique, Seychelles and Mauritania in the 10th position. Also, travelers to Uganda can use a single East African visa which allows one to visit Uganda, Rwanda, Congo, Kenya without necessary applying for another one.
More so, Africa was ranked the second fastest-growing tourism region in Africa after the Asia Pacific. General Africa’s tourism statistics show that in 2018, the number of tourist arrivals to Africa increased by 7% to 67 million arising from 63 million in 2017 and 58 million in 2016. This promoted 8.5% ($194.2b) of the total gross domestic product in 2018 from 8.5% in 2017 and 7.8% in 2016. Morocco ranks as the top tourist destination in Africa which receives approximately 11 million tourist arrivals per annum while south Africa receives approximately 10 million tourist arrivals hence ranked the second top tourist destination in Africa. The tourism sector is currently a major source of employment opportunities giving jobs to 24.3million people in 2018 creating roughly 6.7% of the total employment opportunities for Africans.
The report also indicates that leisure is a major component of tourism in Africa whose expenditure contributes over 71% of the total tourism revenue. It’s undeniable that the highest number of travelers to Africa come for leisure especially to visit mountain gorillas, relax at the beaches, stare at the mighty falls and enjoy the game in the plans of Africa’s savannah parks.
In addition to wildlife experiences, some African countries majorly Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa are currently promoting MICE tourism to attract more travelers. Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions are another form of tourism which has not been developed in most Africa countries. Rwanda is the leading conference tourism destination in Africa. The country has established numerous conference centers including the famous Kigali Convention Centre hence the first stop center for conferences in Africa. In most cases, Travelers who come for meetings spare a day or 2 to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National park, which promotes tourism in the land of a thousand hills. Interestingly, conference and business travelers who visit other tourism destinations for gorilla safaris and other wildlife experiences are given a discount to encourage more. Business travel is the least done form of travel, which dropped from 30% in 2018 to 29% in 2018.
Top tourist attractions in Uganda
The pearl of Africa offers you an endless list of attractions scattered in all parts of the country. A combination of wildlife, birds, people, mountains, rivers, lakes and beautiful vegetation offers you a wonderful experience. Among the top attractions in Uganda include:
Mountain gorillas
Uganda is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas dwelling in the jungle forests of Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga gorilla national parks in southwestern Uganda. The pearl of Africa is home to over 600 mountain gorillas habituated in 18 gorilla families. Mountain gorillas are the most visited tourist attraction in Uganda drawing the highest number of travelers to Africa’s pearl. A Uganda gorilla permit costs $600 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and 250,000shs for east Africa residents. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) issues all permits. Booking can be done directly with UWA or through Gorilla Trek Africa, your number one travel company in Africa.
Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees rank second to mountain gorillas in attracting a high number of tourists. Kibale Forest is a center for Uganda chimpanzee tours being home to over 5000 chimpanzees in Africa. a chimpanzee permit in Uganda costs $200 allowing you to spend an hour in the company of your closest relatives. Other spots to see chimpanzees in Uganda include Budongo Forest in Murchison falls park, Kyambura gorge and Kalinzu forest in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Game viewing
Enjoy game viewing in the open savannah national parks in Uganda. The best game viewing spots in Uganda include Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, and Kidepo National Parks. These parks are home to the high concentration of animals including lions, elephants, zebras, buffalos, Uganda kobs, topis, Elands, Impalas, waterbucks, warthogs, giraffes, and cheetahs among other animals. Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth is home to the famous tree-climbing lions, a not miss on your Uganda safari.
Mountains
Besides wildlife, Uganda offers you the best mountaineering experiences with less difficulty. A hike to the snow-capped margarita on Mt Rwenzori is a life-changing experience that you will live to remember. Other hiking spots in Uganda include Mt Elgon, home to the famous Sipi Falls and the Virunga Volcanoes (Mt Sabyinyon, Mt Gahinga, and Mt Muhabura) situated in Mgahinga Gorilla National park.
In conclusion, traveling to Uganda is a safety, exceptional and unrestricted travel destination in Africa. Book a Uganda safari today, explore the Pearl of Africa with no restriction and have fun in this lovely country.
