Advantages of a Group Safari in Uganda
A group safari is a trip typically taken by people who share similar interests, desires, and needs regarding the safari experience. This type of safari can be organized by friends or families. Group safaris engage numerous travelers who journey together to the same destinations, gaining similar experiences. Uganda is one of the exciting destinations travelers often visit for a group safari. Uganda is situated in the eastern and Great Lakes region, offering various destinations that travelers can explore during their group safaris. Some advantages of a group safari in Uganda include;
Cost Effective
Group safaris in Uganda generally visit several destinations at a lower cost. Travelers typically pay less since expenses are shared among the group. This cost-sharing includes accommodation, transportation, and more. In Uganda, many activities provide thrilling experiences for travelers on their group safaris.
Safety
Group safaris also enhance safety during the trip since travelers usually move in large numbers. In this type of safari, safety is prioritized, as travelers are always together compared to solo travel.
Shared Experience
Group safaris offer a shared experience for travelers since they participate in activities and visit destinations as a group. This allows for interaction among various group members.
Reduces Environmental Impact
Group travel reduces the environmental impact as these safaris minimize carbon emissions. Solo travel tends to generate higher carbon emissions.
Easy Planning
Planning a group safari is generally easier than for solo travelers. This type of safari tends to be less expensive compared to solo safaris, as the costs for destinations, transport, accommodation, and more are shared.
Creates Interactions with New People
Group tours often consist of travelers from different places and backgrounds. These safaris unite people with a common goal and perspective about the destination. Interacting with new people fosters lasting bonds among travelers on their safaris.
What activities do travelers typically engage in during their group safari in Uganda?
While on a group safari in Uganda, travelers can participate in several activities, including the following:
Gorilla Trekking
This activity allows travelers on group safaris to encounter mountain gorillas. It takes place in southwestern Uganda, in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These two parks are home to over 25 gorilla families that travelers can observe. The gorillas are habituated to become accustomed to human presence for the safari experience. This habituation process takes about two years in the jungle. The activity begins early in the morning, where travelers are briefed on the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking.
To track the gorillas, travelers must acquire a gorilla trekking permit, which is a legal document allowing encounters with the gorillas in the parks. The cost of the gorilla permit in these parks is 800 USD for foreign non-residents, 700 USD for foreign residents, 500 USD for the rest of Africa, and 300000 UGX for East African residents. Travelers should secure the gorilla permit in advance to ensure availability during their safari.
Game Drive
A game drive is a primary activity conducted in the savannah parks of Uganda. Travelers embark on this adventure in a 4×4 safari vehicle equipped with a pop-up roof for easier wildlife viewing. This game drive occurs in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park, offering opportunities to see a variety of savannah wildlife.
Some of the wildlife observed during these safaris includes lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, impalas, giraffes, and more. Game drives are conducted throughout the day, with various sessions available, including morning, full-day, evening, afternoon, and night sessions.
Chimpanzee Trekking
This is another primate activity where travelers on group safaris can encounter chimpanzees. The chimpanzee trekking experience involves walking through the forest in search of these primates. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda takes place in Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest, Budongo Forest, Bugoma Forest, and Kibale National Park. To see the chimpanzees, travelers must book a chimpanzee trekking permit in advance to ensure availability during their safaris.
