According to UgandaTourism.org, gorilla tracking is one of the most popular attractions for tourists in Uganda. It is also one of the most exclusive activities in the country. Because of ecotourism's popularity, only six permits per day are given out, and permit holders "are allowed to view the gorillas for only one hour." Therefore, it's necessary to book as far in advance as two years if you wish to take a gorilla tracking trip to Uganda.
Native Ugandans have not been protected much by ecotourism. For instance, the official language of Uganda is English, which is not the native language of many Ugandans. Even the two main native groups--Bantu and Nilotic, which include 17 different tribes--must know and speak English whenever necessary. However, they do have their own cultures and languages and have become a beloved attraction in Uganda. Unless confronted or interfered with, they are happy to accept visitors to their tribal villages.
Uganda has many choices of safaris: from hippos to whitewater rafting. Because Uganda has been heavily frequented by ecotourists, however, its attractions have gained a reputation for being more expensive than in poorer countries that are unaffected by ecotourism. The positive side of the cost is that Ugandan wildlife is a bit more protected, and thus lives more naturally, than that of its neighbors.
Kenya has been a pillar of African tourism for many years and is also heavily investing in ecotourism. However, because Kenya is the leader in tourism, some effects can already be seen in its attractions. As the UgandaTourism.org website states, "Sooner or later the tourist hordes will 'discover' its delights--make sure you get there before they do."
