08/13/20

Cheap Gorilla Safaris

Cheap Gorilla Safaris In Uganda

Gorilla trekking is Uganda’s leading tourism icon, even though the country has on its national emblems the grey crowned crane and the Kobs, none of these are major tourism icons in Uganda. This raises a serious question; if gorillas are such a major tourism icon in Uganda, why don’t they feature among Uganda’s national emblems?

Gorilla trekking has only become popular after 1992 when most of the gorilla national parks in Uganda were officially gazetted as National parks. These are Mgahinga gorilla national park and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. To compensate for the mountain gorillas being one of the things that define Uganda, the mountain gorillas feature on a 50,000 Uganda shillings note.

What is a Gorilla Safari?

A gorilla safari is any journey that has gorilla trekking featuring in its itinerary. It is very common to see itineraries such as 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda, 10 days gorilla safari, and a lot of that kind. However, this is never to imply that you spend all the days on your itinerary gorilla trekking rather, you having a 3 day or 10-day itinerary featuring gorilla trekking.

Where to go gorilla trekking?

There are several gorilla trekking locations on the African continent but there are popularly three countries that are mostly known for gorilla trekking; Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda and Rwanda are home to the few remaining endangered mountain gorillas while the Democratic Republic of Congo hosts western lowland gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas, and the endangered mountain gorillas.

Gorilla trekking is still possible in the Democratic Republic of Congo however it is apparently organized under the Virunga Foundation. Without Virunga foundation, you cannot go gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo until otherwise. However, regardless of all these hurdles, the Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla trekking permits are still cheaper than Uganda and Rwanda combined.

A gorilla permit in Uganda is US$700 for foreign non-residents and US$600 for foreign residents while Rwanda gorilla permits go for US$1500 throughout the year. This puts Uganda at the frontline in case you are considering a budget or a cheap gorilla safari in Africa.

Uganda Vs Rwanda Vs Congo

Uganda is preferred for Budget or cheap gorilla safaris; Rwanda is preferred for luxury gorilla safaris, while the Democratic Republic of Congo is preferred for true African encounter gorilla trekking experience. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the road network will be a serious issue while this might not be the most prevailing issue for Uganda and Rwanda.

How to book a cheap Gorilla Safari In Uganda?

There are mainly three things that define a gorilla safari; accommodation, transport, and meals. These three items determine whether you will have a shoe-string, budget, midrange, or luxurious gorilla safari in Uganda. Visit Uganda safari lodges for more about safari lodges in Uganda

In regards to cheap gorilla safaris, below are some of the things to put in perspective for a cheap gorilla safari in Uganda;

  • You must be specific on your budget-cap when planning your cheap gorilla safari with any tour operator. Please note, both midrange and budget gorilla safaris can be classified as cheap gorilla safaris in Uganda
  • Consider the low season months. These include; October, November, April, and May. Although the gorilla permit rates will not change, you will have an opportunity for huge discounts on accommodation in the low seasons. This will also apply to transport discounts which will help you to greatly reduce your gorilla trekking expenditure.
  • Choose the right tour operator; the tour operator you choose has a lot to do with how much your gorilla safari will cost. In order to have a cheap gorilla safari, consider the relatively small tour operators. They are often cheaper than the fully established tour operators. However, you should beware of the challenges that come with using non-established tour operators.
  • In regards to transport; there are mainly two transport options for a cheap gorilla safari in Uganda, Motorcycle gorilla trekking adventures (please note; this is not to imply that you go gorilla trekking on a motorcycle rather the means of transport you use to get o the park) or safari car gorilla trekking experience. Sometimes motorcycle adventures might be more costly compared to safari car-based adventures.

 

 

 

08/1/20

Top Five Incredible Places To Visit In East Africa 2021/2022

East Africa is a region with a diversity of unmissable places to visit endowed with fabulous things to see. Visiting East Africa is therefore a better way to marvel at the vast incredible plains of the savannah beaming with abundant wildlife, scenic views of mountain ranges, wafer falls, and many more. Here are the five incredible places to visit while in East Africa;

5. Masai Mara Kenya

Masai Mara is without doubt one of Africa’s most famous safari destination. The game reserve is 1510sq km with breathtaking vistas, abundant wildlife, and endless plains. This large game reserve is situated in Narok County in southwestern Kenya along the Tanzanian border with Serengeti national park. Masai Mara is renowned for its exceptional populations of lion, leopards, cheetahs, and elephants.

Masai Mara is popular for the annual migration of the wildebeest, zebra, Thompson’s gazelle, and other antelope species every year from Serengeti in what is termed the ‘great migration’. The reserve beams with incredible wildlife including the big cats, big five, antelopes, and over 450 bird species.

Masai Mara has a number of exclusive attractions which visitors view while at the reserve including Ol kinyei conservancy with its unspoiled terrain rolling with hills, swamps, streams among others. Mara triangle found along Mara River favors plenty of wildlife acting as an open door for both entrance and exit of the wildebeest migration. Mara Triangle is one of the richest locations at Masai Mara offering the best experiential game drives at the reserve.

Other attractions at the reserve include Lemek Conservancy, Olare Orok Conservancy, Mara North conservancy, Mara River, and Ol Choro Oiroua.

Visitors at the reserve enjoy unforgettable experiences which include: Game drive, Sky diving, balloon trip, Fly camping, walking safari, picnic view, cultural tour, horseback safari, seeing the wildebeest migration, and many others. It is from these unforgettable experiences that visitors travel far and wide to this land of spectacular wildlife viewing.

4. Serengeti National Park Tanzania

Located in northern Tanzania, Serengeti national park is one of the best-known wildlife sanctuaries in the world covering an area of 14763 sq km. The park has the greatest concentration of plains game in Africa as well as home to the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth- the great migration of wildebeest and zebra. Aside from the wildebeest and zebra, Serengeti national park is home to other impressive wildlife including lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, and birds. The park also beams with elusive wild game species especially the black rhino and bat-eared fox which are frequently viewed while on safari in Tanzania.

Serengeti national park can be divided into three parts:

  • The central part (Seronera Valley) also called Serengeti, renowned as the land of endless plains.
  • The second part- the western corridor is marked by Grumeti River has more forests and dense bush.
  • The third and last part is the north (Lobo area) which meets with Kenya’s Masai Mara and is the least visited section while on safari to the park.

Similarly, Serengeti national park is blessed with a variety of attractions including wildlife, bird species, wildebeest migration, Grumeti River, Seronera River valley, Olduvai Gorge, Moru Kopjes, Retina Hippo pool, and many others.

Once a visitor gets to Serengeti national park, there are a number of activities that make his or her trip memorable. Some of these interesting activities include game drives one of the fabulous opportunities to view the game and its wonders. The great experience of Serengeti can be fully executed through several game drives that take a visitor close to the gates of nature, viewing animals and other wildlife at the different sections of Serengeti national park. Game drives at the park are subdivided into four major forms:

Morning game drives are the most common and most rewarding at the Serengeti national park. At this time, most of the animals are lively and active, especially during the dry season.  The early morning drives are well stocked with true African wilderness experiences. The big cats sunbathing and mission hunting is very incredible.

The afternoon game drive usually done after lunch is the second form of the game drive often done during transit on the first day when transferring from Arusha to Serengeti via Ngorongoro. It is the best en-route game drive at the park. Sometimes, this game drive is not rewarding with big cats as compared to the morning because during this time they are already hiding and taking shelter due to the hot sun.

Full day game drive is the third form of game drive which rewards visitors with the feeling of excitement towards the beauty at the park with a lot of animals to be seen like lions, wildebeest, giraffes, buffaloes and many more.

Night game drives although not common can be arranged at the park request but come with extra fees. They are a great adventure for viewing nocturnal animals at the national park. Nocturnal animals Serengeti National Park includes cats (Leopards, Lions, etc), Birds like nightjar, wood owls among others.

Access to the park and during game drives requires a strong 4×4 car, preferable Land cruiser, Nissan, or Land Rover. Some tracks are almost impassable during the rainy season and some areas flood. If you choose to self-drive in Tanzania, there are many car rental companies in Arusha, Dar-es-salaam, Mwanza, and Moshi where you can rent a strong 4×4 land cruiser to self-drive in Serengeti National Park. Such companies include 4×4 Tanzania, First Car Rental, Road Trip Africa, and many others.

Other activities include; bird watching, hot air balloon safari, historical site seeing, wildebeest migration viewing, cultural encounters among others. With so many truly spectacular natural wonders within relatively close proximity, it is no surprise that Tanzania’s Serengeti national park is such a popular first-time safari destination in East Africa.

3. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Situated in the land of a thousand hills, Volcanoes national park is located in northwestern Rwanda covering an area of 160 sq km. With surrounding views of volcanic peaks, the park is an ideal destination for luxurious gorilla safaris alongside other wildlife species. Volcanoes national park is home to mountain gorilla an iconic endangered species, golden monkeys, spotted hyena, buffaloes, black-fronted duiker, bushbuck, and about 178 bird species.

The park is home to 10 habituated gorilla families which can be tracked by interested visitors to the park. Volcanoes national park rewards visitors with a number of activities to the park ranging from mountain gorilla trekking, to golden monkey tracking, hiking, cultural tours, nature walks, and many more.

The park has elusive attractions located both inside the park and around such as Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, Musanze caves, Dian Fossey grave site, twin lakes, Iby’Iwacu cultural village, and many others. Amidst all these attractions, visitors to the park believe that coming face to face with a great silverback is truly one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on earth which in my opinion each visitor ought to experience in East Africa.

2. Kidepo Valley National Park

Lying in the rugged, semi-arid valleys, is Kidepo valley national park between Uganda’s border with South Sudan and Kenya. Kidepo is Uganda’s most isolated national park but also the most magnificent teeming with Africa’s finest wilderness. From Apoka, in the heart of the park, a savannah landscape extends far beyond the gazetted area towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges.

The park contains one of the most exciting faunas of any Ugandan national park. It contains many species including the greater and lesser kudu, eland, cheetah, lion, leopard, spotted hyena, elephants, Burchell’s zebra, bush duiker, Defassa waterbuck, bush pig, Kavirondo and an extensive list of around 475 bird species.

Kidepo valley national park has a number of areas of interest such as; Apoka tourism centre, Narus valley, Kidepo valley, and Kanangorok hot springs, Mount Morungule, Namamukweny valley, Lamoj hills, Lonyili mountain, and Matheniko Bokora reserve.

The park boasts several activities such as game drive, birding, nature walks and cultural encounters. Travel to this off-the-beaten-path destination in Uganda to enjoy excellent photographic opportunities as well as viewing the most exclusive wild game.

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Bwindi impenetrable national park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the rift valley. This impenetrable forest which dates back over 25000 years contains almost 400 species of plants and protects an estimated 400 mountain gorillas. The region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals, including several primate species such as forest baboons, forest chimpanzees. Other animals include forest elephants, forest antelopes, and around 350 species of birds. The neighboring towns have an impressive array of luxury lodges, rustic Bandas, campsites, restaurants craft stalls, and guiding services.

The park has several areas of interest such as the Buhoma sector, Nkuringo sector, Rushaga sector, and Ruhija sector which are trailheads for gorilla tracking at Bwindi impenetrable national park. Nyundo north of Buhoma on the Congo border offers wonderful guided hikes along the hill crests and rivers to discover waterfalls, glorious views, and the traditional lifestyle of the Kigezi people.

The major activity at the park is gorilla trekking which takes place in the four sectors fore-mentioned starting at 8:30 am daily. Visitors embark on a forest trek lasting a few hours up to a full day depending on the location of the gorillas. Tours are limited to a maximum of eight people and visitors spend a maximum of one hour in the company of gorillas.

Other activities at Bwindi impenetrable national park include; birding, nature walks, mountain biking, and cultural tours. The chance to sight half of the world’s mountain gorillas makes viewing exciting and trekkers have splendid photographic moments at Bwindi.

In conclusion, with the above five incredible places, each visitor is in a position to enjoy legendary safaris across frontiers. However, note, for those going for self-drive adventures, access to all those parks requires a strong 4×4 vehicle because some areas are inaccessible especially in the wet season.

06/4/20

Top 6 East African Adventures

Top 6 Things to Do in East Africa in 2021

The combined East African safari adventure including Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania offer plenty of activities and attractions for a lifetime adventure experience. Safaris to East Africa are basically designed to make your encounter in the region of Africa memorable.

East Africa is part of the African continent which comprises of 5 countries including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi and each country with different activities and attractions that you can enjoy on your adventure holiday.

East Africa’s destinations offer a variety of safari attractions including wild places, physical features, water bodies, birds, primates like mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, Golden Monkeys and Vervet monkeys among others depending on what the traveller wants to enjoy in East Africa.

6. Climb Mountain Rwenzori to Margarita peak

Mountain Rwenzori is the highest block mountain in Uganda and third highest in Africa after Mountain Kilimanjaro and Mountain Kenya. Mountain Rwenzori is located in western Uganda on the Uganda -Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border spanning the districts of Kasese, Kabarole and Bundibugyo.

Mountain Rwenzori is a UNESCO heritage protected by mountain Rwenzori National park managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority, it is also known as “the mountains of the moon” due to the 6 mountain ranges on it including mountain Stanley with the highest peak Margarita, mountain Baker, mountain Gessi, mountain Emin, Mountain Speke and mountain Luigi di savoia.

Rwenzori trekking is an ideal safari activity during your adventure safari in East Africa, as you move up to snowcapped margarita peak the highest peak of 5,109 meters above sea level which offers you the ultimate hiking adventure.

Over 7500 travellers each year visit mountain Rwenzori to explore the highest peak margarita, which can be done either in the shortest hiking trip of 4 days mountaineering or longest hiking trip of 7 days mountaineering which can be complemented with gorilla trekking, wildlife tours, birding among others.

Rwenzori Mountain is a world heritage site that heritage that offers the opportunity to see nature at its best. The plants vary from tropical rain forests, bamboo forest, montane vegetation and the scenery is truly fascinating. Snow and glaciers and the special and breathtaking experience when you go higher to the mountain.

Go to the Rwenzori mountaineering services headquarters where you will be briefed about the whole hike, start the hike from Nyakalengija through Bakonzo settlements on mountain Rwenzori National park gate where you get registered before entering the park. You start the trail trek through the thick tropical with dense bushes.

The bush is home to various animals like elephants, chimpanzees, monkeys like L’Hoests, black and white, duiker, three-horned chameleon among other that you watch on your way to climb mountain Rwenzori

5. Go gorilla trekking in Uganda

Uganda is the famous destination in the world for gorilla trekking in Africa and the whole because of the highest population of mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are found only in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic of Congo in the whole world.

In Uganda gorilla trekking is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National park located in southwestern Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National park is home to over 500 mountain gorillas half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas which attracts a big number of travellers each year to Uganda.

Gorilla trekking is done in the 4 sectors in Bwindi impenetrable National park with 18 gorilla families in Buhoma sector in the northern part, Ruhija in the eastern part, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga National park with 1 gorilla family, making it 19 habituated gorilla families for trekking in Uganda.

Experience the breathtaking and memorable experience of gorilla trekking as you encounter the endangered species physically in their natural habitats. Enjoy 1 hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas for observations and photography then return back.

The gorilla trekking destinations of Bwindi impenetrable National park and Mgahinga National park can be accessed by air transport means from Entebbe airport to Kihihi airstrip and Kisoro airstrip then drive to the trekking sector. Bwindi and Mgahinga National parks can also be accessed by road transport in 4×4 wheel vehicle with a guide or on a self-drive for 8-9 hours drive and 9-19 hours drive respectively from Entebbe airport via Masaka-Mbarara Ntungamo Kabale to Kanungu and Kisoro.  Due to clear signage on the roads to Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla parks, even travellers on self-drive safaris in Uganda can easily make it to the park without much hustle.

4. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National park in the north-west of Rwanda in Musanze district formally known as Ruhengeri. It is approximately 2-3 hours drive from Kigali airport to Volcanoes National park.

Volcanoes National park covers an area of 160 square kilometres consisting of a tropical forest, bamboo forest, shrubs and so on that shelters mountain gorillas, many bird species and other wild animals. Volcanoes National park consists of 10 habituated gorilla families that are tracked throughout the year, though the most recommended time for trekking is in the months of January, February, June, July, August and December when there is little rainfall and the roads are less slippery.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda all starts with briefing in the morning by the ranger guides on the rules and regulations of trekking gorillas and group allocation then later head out to the forest to search for the gorillas in their natural habitats. A maximum of 1 hour is allowed in the presence of the mountain gorillas to learn about their characters, physical appearances and takes photos and videos with them.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda currently costs 600 US dollars for foreign nonresidents, 500 US dollars for foreign residents and 250,000 Ugandan shillings for East African residents but starting 1st July gorilla trekking will cost 700 and 600 US dollars for foreign non-residents and foreign residents respectively.

However, you can also check-in at Kigali airport and trek mountain gorillas in Uganda.

3. The great wilderness migration (Masai-Mara and Serengeti National parks)

The great wilderness migration is the largest mass movement of the wild mammals from the plains of Serengeti National park in Tanzania crossing through Mara River to Masai-Mara National park in Kenya. The major animals crossing here are the wildebeests, Zebras, Elands, Gazelle which are always stalked by the lions, crocodiles, hyenas which are ready to eat them.

The great wilderness migration is an amazing adventurous experience which allows you see hundreds and thousands of wildebeests accompanied by herds of zebras, buffaloes, impalas, giraffes to look for food and water during the dry seasons depending on where they are.

During this great journey, the wild animals walk over 1000 kilometres where they attempt to avoid predation from the lions, cheetahs, hyenas and crocodiles in the rivers, diseases among others but over 250,000 animals die during this yearly circle and thus referred to as the great migration to those that survive during the migration.

However, the movement of the wildebeests is hard to understand because they cover huge areas but you can plan your trip to see them by finding out where they will be at each month of the year. Enjoy the great wildebeest migration that happens all year around and with each circle offering a unique wild life experience.

It is a great spectacular nature safari option to travellers who love nature and wild life that can be done on your adventure holiday in East Africa.

2. White water rafting in Uganda

White water rafting is one of the best things to do in Uganda, it is done on River Nile in Jinja on Kayunga road at Kalagala falls. Jinja is located in the south-east of Uganda approximately 87km from Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria near to the source of the Nile.

White water rafting can also be done on Murchison falls in Murchison falls National park located in the north-west of Uganda.

The powerful volume of water creates horrible rapids that provide unforgettable rafting experience. There are over 4 companies offering day trips and then night camping and meals. White water rafting is done guided by the safety team just in case of an accident.

Each person is given a paddle and the guide keeps instructing you on how best to use it to enjoy the activity and to ensure you are safe. There is different grading of the rapids ranging from 1-5 where you choose to go in the middle of the falls up to the grade of your choice.

1. Ngorongoro crater exploration

The Ngorongoro crater is the world’s largest volcanic caldera with a diameter of about 18km covering an area of 260 square kilometres. Ngorongoro was once a mountain as high as Kilimanjaro Mountain and about many years ago it blew its self to bits covering Serengeti in ash and a crater formed in the mountain forming the Ngorongoro crater.

Ngorongoro crater in the Ngorongoro conservation area in north Tanzania is the most known and visited with the highest concentration of big five game including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, Rhinos and other wild animals like zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, flamingos among others which are seen down on the plains of the crater.

There are over 400 bird species that are found here including water birds like storks, herons, cranes, savannah birds like ostrich and kori bustard, forest birds like turacos, hornbills and prey birds like eagles, vultures among others.

You can as well do game drives in the Ngorongoro crater while on your safari in Tanzania because it is allowed unlike walking safaris are not allowed in the crater. At the top of the crater, there is a terrace offering one of the most panoramic and breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro conservation area.

There is no recommended period to visit the crater because the animals do not leave the caldera and can be spotted at any time of the year.

Therefore East Africa safari on your adventure holidays in Uganda, Rwanda Kenya and Tanzania rewards you with breathtaking and memorable experiences.

03/24/20

Explore Uganda in 12 Days

Tips to enjoy 12 Days in Uganda – Guided or Self-Drive Tour

Uganda is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa, it receives millions of tourists every year to different national parks for different tour activities.

Because Uganda has over 10 national parks and game reserves, a few days tour package may not allow fully explore what this “Pearl of Africa” has to offer.

A trip of 10 to 12 days is long enough for you to visit all Uganda’s most popular and interesting destinations such as; the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga for gorilla tracking experience, Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls for savannah game viewing experience and birding, Rwenzori mountain hiking, local community and cultural tours among others.

To book a Uganda safari, you must do it early enough for best deals on accommodations, car rentals and airfares. And some activities like gorilla tracking are on high demand throughout the year, you are thus advised to book your gorilla trekking permits in advance before they are sold out. Chimps and gorilla permits can be booked through tour operators or Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Follow the link below for a details plan for a proposed 12 day Uganda safari with recommended hotels, lodges and campsites for budget, mid-range and luxury travellers.

Best Uganda Safari

The tour can be taken at any time of the year.

 

03/22/20

14 Day Uganda Tour, Sample Itinerary

Tips for a successful Two Weeks Safari in Uganda

Uganda is popularly known as the true “Pearl of Africa”, regarded to be one of the best safari destinations in Africa!

To start with, Uganda is a landlocked country, located in East Africa, boarded by Kenya in the East, DR Congo in the West, Tanzania in the south and the South-Sudan Republic in the north. The country is famous for inhabiting half of the world’s last remaining population of the critically endangered mountain gorillas.

Shoebill: Birding Safari in Uganda

Shoebill: Birding Safari in Uganda

Uganda is gifted by nature, with beautiful savannah national parks, game reserves, beautiful mountains, snow-capped Mount Rwenzori, impenetrable forests such as Bwindi and Mgahinga where we find the endangered mountain gorillas.

Planning a safari in Uganda, there are many tourists activities to do as a tourist basing on your interests, time and budget and among the tourist activities in Uganda include the following;

Gorilla Trekking

Uganda is among the safest gorilla safari destinations in Africa. With half of the world’s mountain-gorilla population, Uganda currently has close to 20 habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks. Gorilla trekking is one of the most popular tourists activities in Uganda, and almost 90% of the safari packages include gorilla trekking experience besides other tour activities such as game viewing, mountain climbing and cultural encounters.

To go gorilla trekking in Uganda, one is required to book a gorilla permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority or tour operators at US$700 each, and bookings must be done in advance because they are on high demand throughout the year!

Baby Gorilla Swinging on Tree in the Jungle

Baby Gorilla Swinging on Tree in the Jungle

Game Viewing

Game viewing safaris are conducted in savannah national parks such as Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Park among others. A 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof is highly recommended, together with a professional ranger guide obtained from the Park headquarters. The pop-up roof offers you an excellent opportunity for game viewing and photographing.

Pop-up Land cruisers for game viewing

Pop-up Land cruisers for game viewing

Mountain climbing

You can climb Mount Rwenzori, Elgon, Muhabura, Moroto, Molungore in Kidepo, Kaguru rock and many others.

Boat Cruise

Enjoy a fantastic boat cruise along the Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth N.P, Lake Mburo and River Nile while on a safari in Uganda. Its another chance to explore more of aquatic mammals, reptiles and birds.

Karamajongo Cultural Encounters

Karamajongo Cultural Encounters

Cultural encounter

Uganda is endowed with a diversity of cultures, such as the Batwa trail, Batwa experience, Bagishu cultures and Karamajonjs in Norther Uganda among others.

Here is a sample Itinerary for 14 days Uganda safari where you will experience all the tourists’ activities above.

14 Day Gorillas and Wildlife

10/23/18

Places to see Lions and Antelopes in Uganda

Where To See Antelopes In Uganda

Are antelopes some of a few most interesting wildlife species that you would like to see while on a game safari in Uganda and you do not know where to go? When it comes to African safaris, Uganda is undeniably one of the beautiful countries which are endowed with a number of wildlife species. If you are interested in a more exciting safari then don’t miss to catch a glimpse at variety of playful antelope families while on your game drive.

In Africa, they come in large numbers and in East Africa alone is comprised of over 20 to 30 different species of these spectacular mammal species and they thrive mostly in most of the savanna grassland. Over 29 species of these live in Uganda’s national parks and reserves. They include the greater Kudus, elands, Jackson’s hartebeest, semi aquatic sitatunga, Grant’s gazelle, Uganda Kob, Topis, Oribis and many more. These amazing mammal species largely thrive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Semuliki Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and others. They also exist in countries like South Africa, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe and others.

Antelopes are largely herbivores, meaning they depend on grass and they graze just like cattle and they love very succulent leaves. They mate any time provided they are in maturity stage and generally, their gestation period ranges from 7 to 9 months. They are easily sighted in groups of over 500 individuals.

They interact using various gestures and vocalization mostly when they are in danger times. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs and others are some of the predators. The Jackson’s hartebeests are highly endemic to Uganda as well as the semi aquatic sitatunga antelopes which feature splayed hooves that enable them to thrive in papyrus areas and they are mostly found in Kalangala Island.

Some of these mammal species are also found in forests, woodlands, bushes and they are ruminants. They are fast wild animals with long strides they make with their long, slender and yet powerful legs. However, they use senses as a way for them to avoid predators and they can detect danger even at night. Besides, they use these senses to interact with each other whereas most of them depend on their large population where adults encircle their young ones as a way to guard them against predators and others trust their legs.

Their lifespan in the wild isn’t known a fact that when they grow, the less speed they become to escape from enemies and in captivity, they can reach 20 years. They also come in a pelage with thick coat of short fur, different shades of brown and white or pale under bodies. Whereas others posses patches like topis which have purple patches, eland have small patches in the knees and there are two different types of elands-the giant and common eland. Giant elands are the biggest followed by the common ones.

Uganda Kobs on other hand are the commonly sighted antelope family and the Kudus are mostly found in woodland. Other antelope species include the sable and they are a few largest in African continent and Nyala mainly thrive in the thick bush mostly along the riverine areas. In order for you to see antelopes in Uganda, you can embark on a game drive or nature walk in the popular national parks.

Therefore, antelopes are among a few most magnificent wildlife species that are worth catching a glimpse while you are on a game safari in Uganda. They are mainly spotted in the vast savanna grassland protected areas.

Where to See Lions in Uganda?

If you are planning to go for a game drive while on safari in Uganda and you are interested in a big game then lions are among a few most amazing creatures that you shouldn’t miss to catch a glimpse. They are popularly called the Kings of the jungles and the fiercest carnivores in the savanna grassland protected areas. Uganda is generally endowed with breathtaking scenery and its vegetation cover is splendid with wide distribution of different kinds of forests, savanna vegetation. These varied habitats offer refuge to these amazing creatures and they can be spotted in protected areas like;

Murchison Falls National Park the only national park which lies in northwestern Uganda and it features not just as the largest but also the most popular safari destination in the country. It comprises of stunning savanna grasslands with beautiful Borassus palm trees and they favor wildlife safaris. You can catch a glimpse at lions at this park while on game safari in Murchison Falls National Park especially in the northern part which is famous for diverse wildlife species. You can embark on early morning game drive or evening game drive. Interestingly, you can incorporate lion tracking with Murchison falls exploration or visit Ziwa sanctuary where you will track rhinos to make a complete list of the big five game.

Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the northeastern side of Uganda and it is one of the few protected areas that are ideal for game drives. This park is splendid expanding to border between Uganda and South Sudan and it is one of the rugged areas with spectacular landscapes, wetlands and savanna plains. While on a game drive, you will catch a glimpse at these amazing creatures as they relax on rocks as they sun bath or on the ground under the tree shades in the middle of savanna grass. Kidepo Valley National Park was recently featured as one of the untouched natural wonders and in 2015; it was ranked the third best safari destination in Africa by CNN.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, this is largely famous for its unique tree climbing lions at Ishasha area. They are usually sighted on fig trees and you catch a glimpse at them while on game drive through the designated lion tracking trails. Besides, there are lions at Kasenyi sector, northern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park and they are not the tree climbing ones. Along this track, you will spot most of them as they roam during your game drive. Game drives are conducted in the morning, afternoon and at night.

You can pay a visit to Lake Mburo National Park or Semuliki Wildlife Reserve and you will have a chance to sight some lions.

In conclusion therefore, lions have become the most sought after species by most visitors on African safari and in Uganda in particular, you can catch a glimpse at them while on game drive. However, they are among the most threatened species in the wild and this means that there is need to ensure that they are well protected.

09/23/18

Chimpanzee Tourism Can Earn Uganda Fortune

When it comes to Uganda safaris, chimpanzee trekking should be one a must for you to include in your travel plan. This primate adventure is undeniably one of the most sought after experiences that you shouldn’t miss while you are on safari in Uganda.

Like mountain gorillas, thousands of visitors travel to Africa to catch a glimpse at the magnificent chimpanzees thus making it one of the most valuable activities to national economies, Uganda inclusive a fact that today, it features as the major foreign exchange earner. As a result, Uganda’s tourism industry generated about 1.35 billion dollars and this represents over 23.5% of the total exports.

In 2015, more than 1.7 million visitor arrivals were recorded and out of this, 1.3 million approximately 75% were tourists arrivals. Interestingly, tourist arrivals have been on increase from 1.15 million tourists which were registered in 2011 up to about 1.5 million visitors in 2017. Whereas chimpanzee tracking is rare, it equally offers the most amazing and breathtaking experiences for visitors on Uganda safari.

Uganda, boasts of over 5,000 chimpanzees which makes it one of the most leading destination with largest number of these intelligent creatures. They are widely distributed in various parts of the country and among many include Kibale National park, Budongo forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Kyambura gorge and Kalinzu forest reserve in Queen Elizabeth National Park and not to forget Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary. Like any primate adventure, chimpanzee trekking in Uganda still faces a number of challenges but it still features as one of a few most exciting experience that you shouldn’t miss out while on Uganda safari.

Like any primate adventure, chimpanzee trekking in Uganda equally requires a permit and they come in different amounts depending on which destination you will be. If you are interested in trekking chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, you will pay $150 [per person, $80 for those of you will pay a visit to Budongo Forest for chimpanzee trekking, $50 per visitor for those of you are interested in exploring these amazing creatures in Kyambura Gorge.

In order for Uganda to be part of beneficiary in this lifetime primate adventure, there is need for all local communities and other stakeholders in Africa to engage in mostly nature-friendly tourism programs and ensure that these primates are properly conserved and protected. Regardless of conservation efforts, these primates still face main challenges especially habitat encroachment by humans and this has impacted a lot on their numbers in the wild today. Other threats include spread of human infectious diseases, poaching and others.

In conclusion, chimpanzee trekking is remarkably one of the most sought after experiences in Uganda. However, there is need for collective efforts among all stake holder to ensure that chimpanzees are well conserved and protected which at end, will boast on tourism sector.

06/11/18

Top Hiking trails in Uganda

Hiking is a typical adventure experience in Uganda that is quite unique & interesting for anyone to get involved while on a vacation.

  • Hiking to Margherita Peak.

Mountain Rwenzori is a world heritage site that otters the opportunity to see nature and its best. Due to its numerous peaks with the highest peak at 5,109 meters which is Margherita.

Margherita is the highest peak of mountain Rwenzori. It’s the third highest mountain in the whole of Africa. It has a unique, fantastic and a true beauty that offers unremarkable hiking experience in Uganda with clear view of eastern DR Congo when on top.

Margherita is the third highest peak in the whole of African and the highest in Uganda; its real beauty with the climb up through Kilembe route, the forest ,valleys and the diversity of flora and fauna gives a tourist unforgettable experience.

Hiking is one of the best activities that Margherita offers to all the visitors who are interested in testing their physical fitness.

Hiking to Margherita peak take a couple of days, between 7-9 days according to the physique and speed of the hikers. Though the hike involves unique activities like walking through the forest, climbing the rocks, viewing birds and the animals that can be spotted within the Montane forests, for pleasure and exercise, starting from Kilembe up to the top of Mt. Stanley where the highest peak Margherita can be sighted.

Hiking Mountain Rwenzori down slopes via Bwamba pass inBundibugyo. Before a road was built in 1938 to link fort portal with the remote town of Bundibugyo, local people followed the most direct route between these settlements -a tough 1500m high trek over steep north Rwenzori ridge, known as the Bwamba pass. The Abanya Rwenzori community group leads the hikers over the mountain through isolated mountain villages to visit the bamboo forest and enjoy superb rift valley views.

  • Hiking on Mount Elgon.

Mt. Elgon lies at an altitude of over 4000m above sea level with the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the Uganda-Kenya border it is also the premier and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa. Its vast form, 80km in diameter, rises more than 3,000m above the neighboring plains. The mountain’s cool heights offer respite from the hot plains below, with the higher altitudes providing a safe haven for the growth of flora and fauna.

This conservation area is a habitat of over 300 species of birds, including the endangered Lammergeyer, mammals including Small antelopes, forest elephants,monkeys and buffaloes which dwell on the mountainside.

A hike on Mt. Elgon’s deserted moorlands discloses a magnificent and un-clustered wilderness without the summit-oriented approach common to many mountains: the ultimate goal on reaching the top of Mt. Elgon is not the final ascent to the 4321 m Wagagai Peak, but the descent into the vast 40 km² caldera.

  • Hiking in Semuliki valley

In Semuliki national park there are 3 hiking trails, Kirumia trail and this runs through the heart of the forest to Semuliki river and this one is really perfect for birders, red monkey trail goes to the park’s eastern border and in this place your assured to view the rare deBrazza’s monkey, Sempaya trails and in this trail u will view the male hot springs and female hot spring, dominated by boiling geyser. Eggs and Matooke (green plantain) can be cooked in these boiling waters and enjoyed by hungry hikers.

  • Hiking Muhabura Mountain.

This is an extinct volcano found in Kisoro, and one of the Virunga Mountains, lying across the border between Rwanda and Uganda. It’s the third (3rd) highest mountain of the eight major mountains in the Virunga ranges reaching up to 4,127m (13,540 feet).

Hiking Mt Muhabura in the south western Uganda is so adventurous and the place is worthwhile visiting to enjoy such amazing hike on this mountain. It feels great walking through the beautiful varying terrains that often looks like a desert, viewing at the open slopes; you see a beautiful cover of thick shrubs and thickets of a broad spinned of evergreen plants.

  • Other hiking opportunities in Uganda’s national parks.

Hiking in Lake Mburo national park is at Rwonyo, a trail leading to salt lick where many animals are attracted to salty rocks.

Walk on the western side of the lake, and encounter hyenas returning to their dens and hippo retreating to the lake. Hikes via the woodland in Lake Mburo gives you a chance to sight birds, mammals, and walking to the top of the hill rewards hikers with a spectacular view of the region’s 14 lakes.

Hiking through the jungles of Mgahinga Gorilla Park to the low Mount Sabinyo gorge-a heavy gash on the side of mount Sabinyo, gives excellent birding opportunities and the chance to find the rare Rwenzori turaco. Trekkers can sight the calderas on top of the Gisozi hill, look out for Kisoro, Bunagana town and be captivated by Lake Mutanda.

Hiking through woodland to the top of Murchison falls is completely different experience of this magnificent waterfall. This is an experience that brings all the sense into play; waves of white water fall hypnotically through this 6 meter gap, listen to loud sound, taste the spray on your face and feel the rock shake beneath your feet.

Hiking on Mweya peninsular offers savannah and woodland with beautiful views and bold warthogs. On the southern end of park, hikers can enjoy an easy stroll along Ishashaa river, where they can spot a variety of forest and savanna bird and mammal species as well as having a unique opportunity on this hike to get extremely close to hippos on foot, while remaining safe on the raised bank above the river.

06/5/18

Nabajjuzi Wetland in Uganda

This Ramsar wetland is situated in Central Uganda within Masaka district, approximately 120 kilometers south-west of Kampala City and currently encompasses a linear swamp on the floor of the Nabajjuzi River Valley.

Nabajjuzi covers an area of 21.44 square kilometers (2144 hectares), has an elevation of 1200 to 1300 meters above sea level and stretches north-wards along the Nabajjuzi Valley for 40 kilometers from Masaka Town to its confluence with the premier swamp of River Katonga that flows into the vast Lake Victoria, hence making Nabajjuzi one of the tributaries if the Katonga River basin.

Vegetation of Nabajjuzi wetland

The Nabajjuzi wetland is mainly characterized by cyperus papyrus and dotted by Miscanthus violaceus while the small open water pools allow the growth and survival of the Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea. This area is characterized by Cyperus papyrus dotted with Miscanthus violaceus in majority of the parts of the wetland, the interior of the wetland supports communities of Kostchya, a common shrub in this kind of Papyrus swamp while the margins have Cyperus denudatus, Alchornea, Pennisetum purpureum and phoenix reclinata and many others.

Even with the long history of resources being extracted by the surrounding local communities, some areas of this wetland have remained relatively intact and authentic with the flora and fauna species as it used to be in the past. It is obvious that the growing use of wetland products for subsistence and commercial use has contributed to the increased levels of harvesting and several surrounding areas have been modified and developed into trading centers and small Towns which has in turn increased the demand for the wetland recourses hence over exploitation.

Attractions within Nabajjuzi wetland

The Nabajjuzi wetland offers shelter to several mammal species including the sitatunga, a swamp-dwelling antelope that is globally threatened and specie of national importance. Additionally, the wetland is an Important Bird Area sheltering several threatened and vulnerable bird species such as the Papyrus yellow warbler, shoebill storks and the Papyrus Gonolek but is also a home and breeding zone for the exceptional Grey crowned crane, Uganda’s National Bird.

Mud fish (Claris mossambicus) and Lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus) are some of the extraordinary fish species that call the Nabajjuzi wetland home, and the fish are the main source of protein for the local communities around the wetland and Masaka district in general.

Besides the exceptional attractions, Nabajjuzi wetland is the main source of piped water for the people of Masaka Town but one of the challenges is the nearby tannery that discharges effluent into the wetland which is less than 400 meters from the water extraction and treatment plant. However, the high population around the southern part of the wetland is mainly characterized by the sub-urban residents of Masaka district and the other Townships whereas the communities in the northern part are mainly rural with subsistence lifestyles but both communities depend deeply on the water from the site with the latter using the wetland for grazing but also harvest several swamp products for medicine, thatching and crafts.

Nabajjuzi wetland is found within the native Buddu County, one of the popular counties within the large and culturally blessed Buganda Kingdom and most of the fauna and flora species here are attached to the cultural norms and traditions, especially totems of the people of Buganda.

06/2/18

Lake Edward & The Kazinga Channel

Also referred as Edward Nyanza or Rutanzige and traditionally as Mwitanzigye (killer of locusts), Lake Edward is considered the smallest of the many African Great Lakes and is situated within the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley region, the western arm of the Great/East African Rift that lies on the Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo border overlooking the legendary Mountains of the Moon (Rwenzori Mountains) with the highest snow-capped peak rising to 5109 meters above sea level.

The Northern shores of Lake Edward are some few kilometers south of the Equator and has numerous primary inflows including Rivers Lubilia, Nyamugasani, Rutshuru, Ishasha, Ntungwe and Rwindi while it empties its waters to the north through River Semliki into Lake Albert. Located within Kasese District in western Uganda, the total Surface Area is this Lake is 2325 square kilometers (898 square miles) while its maximum length is 77 kilometers (48 miles), width is 40 kilometers (25 miles) and is about 112 meters (367 feet) deep. There are two National Parks bordering the shores of Lake Edward and they include Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (the north-western shores of the Lake) and the Queen Elizabeth National Park (north-eastern shores).

This spectacular Rift Valley Lake lies at an altitude of 920 meters (3020 feet) above sea level and is the 15th largest Lake within the African Continent. However, the western escarpment of the Great Rift Valley stands at an elevation of 2000 meters (6600 feet) above sea level rising above its southern and eastern shores that are generally characterized by flat lava plains. Tourists who visit this Lake are rewarded with the breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains that are only 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of the Lake.

Just like most beautiful attractions in the African Continent, Lake Edward attracted the interest of popular European Explorers including Henry Morton Stanley who is said to have first seen the Lake in 1888 during the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition. This Lake was named after Prince Albert Edward, Prince of Wales and son to then British Queen Victoria who later became King Edward VII. However, it was renamed Lake Idi Amin by the Uganda and Zaire Government (former Democratic Republic of Congo) in 1973 after former President of Uganda-Idi Amin Dada but after he was overthrown in 1979, it regained its original name.

In the past 500 years, a number of volcanic activities were recorded within the region, with the two immense ones being Bunyaruguru Volcanic fields near a 32-kilometer long Kazinga channel on the north-western edge of the Lake and the Katwe-Kikorongo volcanic fields. Lakes George and Edward that are adjacent to each other were one of the larger Lakes in the past but the Lava that flowed from the nearby fields as well as the Maya-ya-Moto and Nyamulagira Volcanoes flowed in and separated the two, leaving the Kazinga Channel that connects the two.

Flora and Fauna within and around Lake Edward

There are several animals that live or visit the banks of Lake Edward and they include elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles, lions, antelopes and chimpanzees that are generally protected within Queen Elizabeth National Park. Not only that, the Lake and its surrounding areas are haven to numerous migratory and perennial species of birds.

Also, Lake Edward offers shelter to several fish species including over 50 species of Haplochromis, 25 species of Haplochromine, Bagrus docmak, Sarotherodon leucostictus and Sarotherodon niloticus and many others, hence making fishing one of the most important activities among the local residents.

In addition to Lake Edward, Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for other beautiful places worth exploring that include the Ishasha sector (known for the tree climbing lions), Kyambura gorge (home to the Chimpanzees), Kasenyi Plains, Lake George, Maramagambo forest, Mweya Peninsula and the Kazinga Channel.