WILDLIFE TRACKING NEWS AND SIMPLIFIED CASH PAYMENT, AS AN UPDATE FROM UWA

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has recently updated its operational guidelines, introducing a simplified cash payment system, new gorilla families on the tracking roster, and rare golden cat tracking opportunities. For a seamless Uganda wildlife safari, here is a detailed breakdown of the latest changes.

1. Simplified Cash Payments at the UWA Reservation Headquarters 

The payment for permits and other related services has been made easy. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has installed an in-plant banking machine at its reservation office in Kampala to eliminate the delays that have been there for quite a long time and save customers from moving to different external bank branches.

• Operating Times: You can access these services from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on
• Essential Timing: Payments take 24 hours to reflect in the system, so it is important to pay early. UWA staff will only begin processing your permits or services once the bank confirms the funds, so in this case, ensure you pay at least one full day before you need your documents.

2. New Gorilla Families on the Tracking Rota and Strict Permit Updates

The Uganda Wildlife Authority has officially added two new habituated gorilla groups to its gorilla tracking rota.

These new gorilla families are the Happy Group in the popular Buhoma Sector and the Nshanjare Group in the rugged Rushaga Sector.

Permit Regulations: With the addition of these official groups, UWA will no longer issue extra gorilla permits, and now the daily limit is fixed in the digital booking system.

To avoid last-minute booking and disappointments, you must check live availability and book your slots early enough.

3. The 5-Days Elusive African Golden Cat Tracking 

The 5-days elusive golden cat tracking is one of the newly introduced wildlife experiences that is done in the Kanyanchu region of Kibale National Park along the Ngogo Road.

Important things to know:

• To engage in the trekking process for 5 days, permits cost $350 USD per person for foreign non-residents and foreign residents and UGX 350,000 for East African citizens.
• Booking is manually done since this is a specialized new offering that has not yet been integrated into the booking system.
• You must book on the ground at least 24 to 48 hours before your trek begins.
• There is a professional ranger to provide safety support to the tourists; however, they must come along with their guide.

With these innovations and improvements in Uganda’s tourism industry made by UWA, travelers can now book their wildlife safaris easily.