How to Have a Sustainable Hiking Tour in Uganda

Uganda is one destination that guarantees nature enthusiast authentic wilderness experiences thanks to committed efforts to promote sustainable tourism. At Maranatha Tours and Travel, we recognize the value of sustainable tourism, a reason we are a preferred responsible travel company when it comes to all Uganda safaris or gorilla tours.

Sustainable tourism plays a significant part when it comes to preservation of environment, local communities and their culture. Interestingly, all our Uganda tours are crafted uniquely with guidance from the sustainable principles. These principles are of great value as they reduce human impact on the environment and natural resources.

We believe that nature should be appreciated today and the next generations to come. This is why our commitment to responsible tourism, particularly gorilla tourism has had a remarkable impact on the survival of the rare mountain gorillas with consideration of the surrounding communities. Here are different ways to have a sustainable hiking tour in Uganda.

Observe the park guide’s instructions at all times

Before the actual hiking tour kicks off, visitors are briefed on park guidelines. While hiking through the jungles such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see mountain gorillas or Kibale Forest National Park to get up close with chimpanzees, you will be reminded to observe the set gorilla trekking rules or chimpanzee tracking rules.

Even if you are on a guided game drive in savanna parks –Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park or Lake Mburo N/P, you will be expected to observe the park rules including respecting wildlife.

Respect flora and fauna

Once you have set foot in Uganda National Parks or destinations, first flora and fauna should be given priority. Humans are considerably intruders in such wilderness areas, and that is why maximum respect should be availed to plants and fauna species regardless of your hiking tour destination in Uganda. Vegetation should not be destroyed at any point, don’t feed or disturb behavior of wildlife.

The moment you set foot on these species’ habitats, your concentration should be centered on observing their natural behaviors, safety measures to ensure that they exist today and the future generations. While on a gorilla trek, flashlight cameras should be turned off during photography and this also applies to visitors on a trek to see chimpanzees.

Dump all wastes to designated points

While hiking or trekking through tropical forests to see mountain gorillas or chimpanzees or volcano hiking, often visitors are advised to carry energy giving snacks or bottled water. The used items shouldn’t be thrown in the wildlife habitat but rather carry them back to the designated points around the visitor centers.

All Uganda safari parks have dustbins at around the park offices or tourism centers. In case there is need to assist yourself while in the jungle, your park guide will direct you appropriate and usually, you will be required to dig deep about 30 cm to burry your wastes.

Stay back home if you aren’t okay

When you feel sick, it is advisable to stay back home. This is for the safety of mountain gorillas or chimpanzees and other wildlife. Humans share a lot with mountain gorillas or chimpanzees making them susceptible to human infectious diseases.

Play part in community based-tourism, support local communities

In order to achieve sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation, local communities should be included. One way local communities can benefit from the tourism sector and embrace wildlife protection/conservation by supporting their initiatives. In all National Parks in Uganda, there are communities living adjacent them and each has thriving communities’ projects. Visitors can engage in the different local experiences in the adjacent communities including basket weaving, community walks, bead making and more.