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Murchison Falls South wing verses North wing

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park among the ten, situated in the northwestern region covering an area of 3,789sq/km. Through the park the Victoria Nile dramatically pours to form the Murchison falls, and the Nile delta where Nile River separates with Lake Albert known to be the hub of the park wildlife.

The park covers 80kms of the Nile River and has one the highly populated world hippo pool, Murchison Falls Park is bisected into two sections and the two sectors have differing vegetation cover, the Murchison falls are known as the world most powerful falls and without Murchison falls there’s no Murchison Falls National Park.

The southern wing is characterized by savannah thicket vegetation and northern wing is characterized by both woodland and grassland inhabiting a number of wildlife. The Nile River separates the two sectors, the park has over 70 mammal species and about 400 different species of birds proposing one of the best wildlife safari adventures in Uganda and the Murchison falls is the complete big five trail if made possible to branch at Ziwa rhino sanctuary to track the Rhinos.

What to find in the southern wing

Hankering to sentry the world most powerful falls on top, trekking on the southern wing reaching on top is worthy and rewards with finest breathtaking as you fill the breeze and spray from the falls. Scrutiny at the rough and very speedy waters forcing into the narrow gorge of 7 meters wide.

While on boat cruise rewards with sightings of wildlife species including crocodiles, hippopotamus, monitor lizards among others as well several bird species. The cruising towards the falls on the southern wing takes for the hiking experience to the top of the falls, interacting with nature its really gifted by nature when hiking on the southern wing there different primate species including olive baboons, vervet monkey, black and white colobus among others.

The thickets and woodland savannah of the southern home of various bird species including water duiker, harmer kop, pied king fisher, goalie heron, Abyssinian ground horn bill, tilt bird species among others.

Sports fishing one of finest activities mostly done on the southern wing. The activity is a catch and release, at the amount of US$50 at any time can do your fishing safari adventures on the southern wing there several small islands where fishing is done. The most catch is the Nile perch weighing about 50kg and above.

The southern wing is the Budongo forest game reserve, one of the best chimpanzee trekking forests. The forest has habituated chimpanzee communities for tourists to track, the track is an early activity starting at 08:00hours enter the forest and start tracking the likely human relatives. The tracking may take about 30 minutes to 8 hours and a summit with the Chimps spend an hour in their presence watching them at the distance of 7 meters.

Northern wing of Murchison Falls National Park

Things that you can do when on the northern wing of Murchison falls National Park.

The most rewarding sector as far as wild games are concerned, the northern of Murchison falls national park wing has the highest concentration of wildlife including the big four elephants, buffalos, lions and leopards. One of the most recompensing activities in the northern section is game drive takes you to watching number of wildlife species including herds of oribs, Jackson’s heartbeast, kobs, bushbuck, giraffes and many other.

The park is the birding paradise inhabits quite a lot of bird species, the activity accompanied for the sighting on the game drive. With a birder experienced guide on a game drive you can be able to spot over 100 different bird species.

Visiting the delta of Nile River. The point where River Nile separate from Lake Albert (where the Albert Nile separates with the Victoria Nile) this can be either on a boat ride or on a game drive and encounter a number of wildlife including hippopotamus, crocodiles, quite a lot of bird species.

The spectacular balloon safari organized by Paara safari lodge that takes you to all parts of the park with unlimited spectacular aerial view of special and beautiful sceneries of savannah landscape, with no off tracks it’s the best rewarding when it comes to wildlife as it can reach where even cars cannot reach.

Camping at the delta

The real wild camping indoors the midst of plentiful biota, this means to travel with your camping materials get an armed ranger guide from the park office to protect against the would be aggressive mammals in the middle of the night. The delta is a concentration of many wildlife coming to draw water from the river banks.

 

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BEST OF THE PEARL OF AFRICA “Uganda the pearl of Africa best safari trail ever”

For voluminous centuries Uganda has been tiered midst the finest tourist termini in the world. Gifted by nature, Uganda is endowed with beautiful sceneries, excellent in flora and fauna, unseasonal and seasonal water bodies, many lakes and rivers with the biggest lake in Africa and the world longest river Nile, sand beaches, entertainment center both cultural and trending. Uganda wildlife safari adventures would not be a miss out on the list of your next holiday vacations due to it beauty that it displays.

Well, sharing my first experience wanted to explore the best of the pearl of Africa’s adventure which covered all kinds of experience for our first time exploring the pearl. Yes; we had some good time off to see why others are yarning to see. Getting an opportunity to visit the beautiful nations there several adventure to encounters include, watching wildlife on the game drive, nature walks into darks forests, trekking chimpanzees and the world’s most endangered mountain gorilla’s, boat cruising on the great Nile River, cultural experiences name it.

Now through our adventure for the full trip we covered four national parks in different regions of the country, which are Kidepo valley national park at the horn of northern Uganda, Murchison falls national park in the northwestern region, Kibale forest national park In the western region and Bwind impenetrable forest national park in the south west back to Kampala.

Sipi falls

Our first day departed from Kampala after a simple briefing by our guide entirely about the trip, set off for the long journey to Kapichorwa through Jinja, mbale, had lunch on reaching Kapichorwa and then after lunch refreshments we continue to explore three phrases of Sipi falls hiking the edges of Mt. Elgon. Trekking on Elgon slopes through plantations, bushes and villages from one falls to another with the highest phase of 1600 to 1900m tall eastern region the capital Kampala. We had our dinner and overnight at twilight campsite.

Kidepo Valley National Park

On our second day we had our early breakfast then set off for the long journey that goes through Moroto o Kabongo and then finally kidepo valley national park. The bumpy, dusty road and a beautiful scenic view dominated the drive, and we had the opportunity to view the real traditional life of the kejengo people and their housing hurt style the famously known as manyatta. Reaching into Kidepo Park at Apoka camping site our guide had to report our arrival to the park office. We had to prepare our dinner at Apoka campfire site before we relaxed and we had an incredible camping overnight hearing the king of the jungle roaming in the wee hours of the night maybe was among us but the timid in our midst increased.

The next morning we were prepared to comprehend what Kidepo can offer led by an armed park ranger on a game drive, it was another chance to exhaust the true African wildness on a game drive in Narus valley, we encounter herds of buffalos, elephants, Jacksons beast, Rothschild giraffes, ostrich, chances 0f seeing satisfied lions after their great hunt of a buffalo in Narus valley. It was my day to sight prides of lions after their buffet of the night hunt, counting bird species though not so interested in bird adventures at least Kidepo Valley National Park is has good numbers of birds. Philip park ranger was a great deal of the day who throughout narrated tales of wildness.

We had great time interacting with the kalamajongoes entered into their huts we explored and articulated their cultural believes and participated in the karamajongo traditional dance, selecting your best marriage partner is the main motive here but this calls for jumping higher just parallel to your body. Then finally we donate a little to the locals and we said bye.

Murchison Falls National Park

We departed the next morning to Murchison falls national park, have a stopover in Gulu town for lunch but this is a long journey in minds I just thought reaching its only we has to drive about 200km we continued to Murchison falls national park, it’s now late that we spent our night at Kapichorwa.

The game drive at Murchison Falls National Park was another spectacular do driving to the delta of the Nile River. Many chances as the wildness availed its resources for us to watching including the big five i.e. elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalos plus other animal. Different bird species of birds which we were told that the Murchison falls Park inhabit about 400 bird species notable one on our sights are the egrets, horn bills, herons, kingfisher, and ibis among others. After noon hours the boat cruise to the falls on the great Nile River amazingly with wild rewards crocodiles, hippos, for animals and birds. The cruise will farther lead to viewing the great powerful falls many other wild animals and reptiles of the Nile. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Leaving Murchison to extend our exploration to Kibale national park it’s still tiresome one journey reaching fort portal but had to break for lunch in Hoima, and then enjoy the rest of the scenic view of the country side to the praised most organized Uganda’s town.

Kibale Forest National Park Chimps experience

This early morning we made early to track our close relatives sharing 98% of human DNA no more doubt if we are not relatives, meditate what scientist say human evolution thought to take long about 40,000 years before. The track started Kanyachu the park head quarter all trackers in the forest gather here briefed tracking etiquette assigned Kanywantare chimpanzee community we were eight to track this community.

We are led now by an armed ranger guide, started at 8:06am we entered the thick forest after the whole history about the park as we continued Richard our guide remained us its about 30 to 6 hours we are to spend looking for these features; Only in the short as we penetrated the forest found their fresh dumping, quite! Richard whispered, I had their sound he told us, just about 10 minutes after the other 35 minutes the juveniles have already noticed our presence; an hour in their presence was our pay but we exhausted our viewing.

Refreshments and relaxation followed as we embarked on our other continuity to Bigodi wetland were we encountered several of the parks inhabits. The extension very educative to the local for sustainable development, the get material for their crafts. The swamp is another option that provide food Chimpanzees during `times of scarcity, it surprising to encounter a forest elephants it was amazing the swamp accommodates the 13 primate species containing the red and black tailed colobus, baboons, blue monkey, vervet monkey mangebay, the rare red colobus, L’Hoe’s monkey species and patas monkeys. Chimpanzee tracking was the highlight activity for bird watching adventures will be a better place for over 100 bird species.

 

 

 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Next destination we embarked for another journey driving southwards to Bwindi Impenetrable National park, it’s another full day of roving only stopover for lunch and refreshments continue to Buhoma sector and we had to camp at Buhoma community rest camp.

This morning not like in Kibale Forest National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable forests are hilly rain forests, we earlier set off to the trek starting point here we are briefed about gorilla trekking etiquette and required a level of fitness to enter into the misty forest. After all we our armed park ranger guided us to through with the narrations about the park history some other experiences of trekkers and told us of the lady aged 80+ who made her dream come true when she trekked the world most endangered species.

Trekking through the valleys of Buhoma wasn’t an easy thing to go about, now I realized how is it unrealistic reading literatures and physical trekking its till 3 hours that guide looked into another direction started following though of fresh steps, good enough am equipped with enough drinking but soon the bottle will empty, the thick forest penetration I think is not anywhere else around the world.

It’s now after noon the sky starts to warn maybe expecting real drops we are ready, among all gorilla trekking safari is very rare globally the Bwindi Park is home for the half of the rest of the mountain gorillas. After three hours of tracing the forest our assigned Habinyanja family is just in front the infants jumping towards us had to continue but reminding about the 7 meters, hahahaha the real boss Makara the silver back leading the family laying down.

The experience was great but need some energy to trek the gorillas our 3 hours finding them and we were given one hours to interact with the giants taking photos at a distance of 7 meters. Doing the highlight of all African adventures is a life time story to tell.

It’s the last day we drove straight to Kampala having a stopover in Mbarara town for lunch and at the equator at Kayabwe take photos and finally continued to Kampala with marked the end of our adventurous safari. The 10 days of exploring Uganda no regret why I leave in this same country we got the best it forced to name this “best of the pearl”.

Note for.  For trekking activities both for mountain Gorillas and chimpanzee book your trekking permit in advance at least three month before your trekking date from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), but for the rest of the activities you can pay at the park office per activity. You can inquire through Gorilla hub tours to book your trekking permit.

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Uganda Rain Forest National Parks and Tourist Forest Reserve 

 

Unique possessions assembling Uganda an exceptional destination adored by many generally is the beautiful climate variations from on region to the other and this has influenced the stay of different wilds species. Climatic dissection ranges from the tropical climate, Savannah climate and the semi-arid climate making Africa condensed.

Uganda is sanctified with premium tropical climate that influenced the growth of tropical rain-forests spread to different regions of the country. There some protected tropical rain forest that inhabits special wildlife species that have attracted numbers of travelers to taste the experiences of these areas. The special two primate species inhabiting in these forests are key attractions in these forests and the country as well.

With several wildlife protected parks also includes the rain forest parks that inhabits the giant apes the mountain gorillas and the chimpanzees.

Attractive tourist rain forest you can visit when in Uganda and their potential attractions.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The forest is a unique canopy forest, the thick forest situated in the southwestern region of Uganda inhabiting the world special most endangered mountain gorillas. Gorilla Tours in the mist dense forest is the major activity and this highlights all other African safari adventure.

Bwindi impenetrable forest is home for more than half of the mountain gorillas, this was the first places to trek gorillas in Uganda and currently has about 18 habituated gorilla families. Bwindi Impenetrable national park is the only park where habituation process is open to tourists.

Bwindi forest is a UNESCO heritage site for is home to the half the population of legendary world most endangered species the mountain gorillas. However, the montane dense tropical forest is home for several wildlife species including forest elephant, several primate species, busk backs among many occasional sightings and numerous bird species.

Mgahinga gorilla national park

Mgahinga forest is part of the gorilla destination covered under the Virunga conservation areas, the park has some of rewards for the hiking challenges due to the nature of its canopies raisings. The canopies include Gahinga hill raised on (3474m), the mt. Sabyinyo (3669m) the popular climb of about and its highest being Mt. Muhavura raised on (4127m) the tallest volcano about 12km hike. Mgahinga forest nears bwindi in the southwards about 2 hours’ drive.

The Mgahinga share on the half of the gorilla population found at Virunga conservation areas. Gorilla Park has only one habituated gorilla family opened for tourist which means 8 tourists to trek gorilla daily in the park. The park is also home for the rare golden monkey which live along with silver backs raising a slogan of “where silver meets gold”.

The special real indigenous people who lived in the forest for quite long time about 4000 years ago, the Batwa people commonly known as the forest pygmies. These people are worthy a visit for their narrations of how they co-existed with the gorillas in the same forest. Cultural entertainments, crafts and their daily activities.

Kibale National park

One of the praiseworthy break taking forest, situated western direction of Kampala capital. The is the world most populated with numerous primate species making it the world primate capital, is home for 13 different primate species including the dominate apes Chimpanzees, olive baboons, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus, bush babies, L’Hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, grey chested Mangebey, pottos monkeys, red colobus, patas monkey and De brazza’s monkey.

Can’t afford trekking gorillas, relatively the same experience for you is here tracking the habituated groups of chimpanzees. The forest has about 5 fully habituated chimpanzee families and even habituation process is open an extra.

The forest is a birding paradise with over 350 bird species inhabiting in Kbale forest. The nature walks are more rewarding with several sighting including the forest elephants, bush backs, buffalo, leopards sitatungas though some are on rare occasions.

Budongo Forest Reserve

One of the special rain forests in Uganda, the forest is commonly known for its mahogany species. Budongo forest Reserve part of the Murchison falls national park on the southern wing of the park on the park’s main entrance of Kichumbanyobo gate. This the second chimpanzees most populated destination in Uganda. At relatively lower cost of about US$85, chimps tracking starts as early at 8:00am starting at Eco lodge.

Budongo rain forest is rich in flora though well known for its Mahogany is blessed with about 450 tree species, has over 360 bird species and 9 primate species and 300 butterflies. The moist forest covers the thick Savannah woodland and medium altitude.

Activities in Budongo forest include Chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, nature walks and ecological research activities.

Bugoma Forest Reserve

The moist rain forest is located in western Uganda south of Lake Albert in Hoima district and the forest is managed by national forest authority. Rich in flora and fauna with about 300 bird species, over 250 butterflies, about 400 tree species, primate species including Chimpanzees and baboons among others.

Bugoma forest reserve has about 32 mammal species including the forest elephants, buffalos, kobs and golden cats among other.

Mabira Forest Reserve

One of the adventurous forest and for centuries the biggest tropical rain forest in Uganda. The forest is situated in the central region eastern direction from Kampala and has faced the biggest challenges of encroaching for timber farmers and sugarcane planting.

The forest characterized by tallest tree species that have grown older and sprouting out their buttress root, the forest is located in the Lugazi Buikwe district. The forest is habitat for several wildlife species including primates like baboons, white and black colobus, mangabey, other species including red short tailed bat, about 210 butterfly species and several bird species, other mammals including kobs, bush backs, leopards sighted on rare occasions among others.

The forest has several adventurous activities including forest nature walks rewards with sighting of forest creation hug buttress tree species, bird sighting, insects including butterflies and various primate species. Other activities including Mangabey tracking, birding, butterfly identification and the adventurous zip lining flying over tallest tree canopies.

For traveler wishing to be in tourist destinations which are less crowded by tourist Mabira forest reserve is the best recommendation for you. And lovers of nature the unpolluted nature breath taking forest worth your visit and nature camping activities listening to birds melodies.

 

 

 

 

 

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Simple tourist’s adventures experiences around Kampala

Maybe you have experienced the wildness of Uganda’s safari adventures or you have limited time, you can experience the real feel of Uganda different adventurous tourist destinations in areas around Kampala. May not be necessarily a city tour but can be cultural and nature adventure as you continue exploring Uganda. The argument fits your one day tailor made adventure possible around Kampala.

Bustling tours around Kampala keeps you engaged and dynamic for your one relaxation day, there different destinations with the diameters of about 8okm away from Kampala capital but possibly can be done to make your day well occupied.

Well, we got you a list of different tourist destinations within the fewer diameters around Kampala for your limited one day adventure experience.

Ngamba Island

The Island is a chimpanzee sanctuary home for injured and orphaned chimpanzees that can’t live again in the wild. Located in south of Entebbe 23km in lake Victoria, the experience of visiting chimpanzees here is so different from that of the wildness as chimps are separated from human with an electrified gate. Chimps are left to feed freely on the vast of 40sq/km and visiting the chimps here is worth to see how they behave within the sanctuary.

The Island is under Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust project, this arranges booking for one day trips to the island and accommodation, trips are arranged in groups however single trips are possible only it’s somehow expensive than in groups. On the island there several sightings including varieties of bird species and big monitor lizards.

Accessing the island can use a motor speed boat about 40 minutes ride or the motorized canoes about an hour ride to the island.

Uganda Wildlife Education Center

It’s the rehabilitation center for wildlife that are injured and orphans, those recovered from poachers and animal traffickers. It’s the first world class zoo and due to its varieties of wildlife is a primary adventure safari, highlights of the zoo are the lions, leopards, chimpanzees, elephants among many wild mammals and variety of bird species including the shoe bills, ostrich etc.

Entebbe Botanical Gardens

Located a long Entebbe road, Entebbe Botanical gardens is an exclusive birding spot around Kampala. The enormous rain forest rewards with best breathtaking point attractive with its sand beach is an amazing place you don’t have to miss when in Kampala, and the gardens are home to over 115 bird species, tree squirrels and primate species can be sighted.

Mabamba Swamp Wetlands

Sought of spotting the epic shoe bill stork, Mabamba swamp is the best alternative with more chances to spot shoe bills in its natural habitats. Located in Entebbe, the bird watching on canoes is the highlight tourist activity at the swamp with over 260 bird species while navigating within the swamp it’s an amazing one.

Canoe riding best set leading to the to viewing several bird species however famously the shoe bill stork dominates the sighting.

Mpanga Forest Reserve

Situated at about 35km away from Kampala along Masaka road, the reserve if famously visited for its 181 butterfly species. On a nature walk in the forest common sighting are several bird species, red tailed monkeys and bush babies.

Sezibwa Falls

This is along Jinja road in Mukono district about 40 km from Kampala. The visit to Sezibwa falls is worth as it introduces experience of nature and traditional cultural experiences, while at the falls the tropical breathtaking atmosphere spread over introduces to sounds of several bird species. Sezibwa is believed to have been born like any other human being and it’s a twin River. Several sighting over trees the red tailed monkeys, squirrels, butterflies and the bush duiker on rare occasions.

Mabira Forest

This is famously known the largest tropical forest in Uganda, best among all other destinations for the nature walk it’s much desired by nature lovers. The forest has enough activities to make your day fully and well occupied due to several activities. Mangabey monkey trekking and you can encounter several primate species including the red tailed monkeys, bush babies, white and black tailed monkey.

Birding activities, the forest home for over 315 bird species you can sight about 40% of all forest birds in Mabira. The forest due to its canopy trees zip lining is another adventurous activity you can do when in the forest, flying like primates of the forest. And nature walks due to immense of the forest and its variety of rain forest, tree species and butterfly species all are rewards for nature walks.

Jinja tours

Jinja located in the eastern from Kampala capital about two hours’ drive, with assortments of adventure undertakings jinja can style your day stunning. Boat ride to the source of the Nile initiates everything to undertaken within the location.

Jinja is famously known as the east African capital of adventures due to its more adventurous activities including white water rafting for both first time and advanced rafters doing at the more challenging grade 4 and 5. Kayaking and Bungee jumping done at world class standard.

 

 

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DOUBLE GORILLA TREKKING ON A SELF DRIVE SAFARI

Looking forward for a perfect self-drive adventure safari, Uganda offers the best of it. Safari tips and helping you choosing your self drive safari in the pearl of Africa. May be you can be interested in trekking the world’s most endangered species and endemic to the rain forests of the Virunga conservation areas.

The world has a population of over 1000 mountain gorillas and Uganda alone holds over half of the world’s population of mountain Gorilla. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has over half of the world’s Mountain Gorillas and the half found in the Virunga conservation region including, Virunga National Park in DRC, Volcanoes National Nark in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Arguably double gorilla trekking Uganda is the best suggestion for any travel, don’t mind can luxury, mid-range or budget travel try it out. only in Uganda one can double trek gorillas in two different of Mgahinga Gorilla Park where gold meets sliver and Bwindi impenetrable park the ultimate Gorilla experience.

In Uganda from several car hire companies you can negotiate and be offered the best 4×4 self-drive tourist vehicle that can maneuver matter the weather conditions leading you to trek the most endangered world species. With wide range of car rentals including the 4×4 safari land cruiser TX, Nisan patron, Toyota hiace, RAV4, land cruiser JX, all on the list of best tour vehicle and can come along with camping equipment if requested.

It is very easier and cheaper with a self-drive adventure as you can have plenty of time to explore your tailor made gorilla safari adventure. Double Gorilla trekking with a 4×4 WD avails you enough time to exhaust to the pinnacle of desired Gorilla adventures.

Be fully equipped with gorilla trekking gears for instance rain proof as the weather in these gorilla rain forests can’t be predicated, trekking jungle boots, have your 4x4WD tour vehicle. Visitors on a self-drive must have a valid international driving license, whenever you behind the wheels it should be at hand . Driving to the southwestern of Uganda about 8/9 hours, can have stopover at the equator photographs and Mbarara town for lunch, then continue south wards through Kabala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to one of the four sectors. Advisable to have your overnight at your trekking sector as indicated on your permit.

Early morning the next day after your breakfast, before 800clock be at your trekking point/sector as located on your permit among are Buhoma Headquarter of the park in the north of the park, Ruhija in the eastern, southeaster is Rushaga and Nkuringo southwestern. After briefing you are led by an armed guide ranger searching the giants through hilly, muddy, and thick eco-rainforest.

some times you may need a porter and packed lunch with at least two liters of water because trekking may take 30 minutes to 10 hours because you’re not sure of where to find the giants within the thick forest. The trekking could be challenging, however finding them then the exhaustion disappears and start adoring the view of man’s evolution. trekkers are given one hour in gorillas presence watching them at a distance of 7 meters as young ones are hopping in tree branches and the old one bothering the tree buds. Then turning back to your campsite or lodge to rest after full day of enjoying the gentle giants and appreciate the ultimate Gorilla experience of Bwindi repeatedly habitat of over half of world’s population of the mountain Gorillas.

The next day continuing to far southwestern Uganda to Mgahinga Gorilla Park where gold meets sliver about 10okm/h from Bwindi via kisoro districts. On the same day at evening hours you can decide to do a community visit to typical pygmies the Batwa people to learn about lifestyle how the co-existed with the gorillas in the forest for cultural entertainment.

Through Ntebeko entrance early morning before 800clock visitors are briefed and grouped in the number of 8 to trek a single family of mountain gorillas,  those infected with cough cold flue are not allowed trek, Gorillas share 98% of human DNA but has weak immune system that can be easily affected by that simple cough which can certainly kill them, then with an armed park ranger hiking through forest to trek the special mountain gorillas and there chance of encountering the golden monkey to living along with the gorillas.

Trekking from Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla Park make Uganda offering one with the only opportunity of double Gorilla trekking.

To trek the world’s most endangered Mountain Gorillas you need to book for your trekking permit at least three month before your trekking date due to high demand for the activity worldwide.

Then in your 4×4 tour vehicle return back to Kampala after you have fully exhausted the real Gorilla world. Don’t hesitate to inquire from our team of experts to hire your self drive 4x4WD tourist vehicle.

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WHITE EARED KOB SIGHTED AT PIAN UPE GAME RESERVE

On Monday 27 May 28, 2019 there was a rare sighting of a male white Eared kob at Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, this was an amazing encounter as it had never happened here.

Pian Upe located in the northeastern Uganda and is habitat for rare sightings which include the recently sighted white male eared kobs, cheetahs, Roan Antelopes, Ostriches, Heart beast, zebras and other mammals. The wildlife reserve grants the best stunning scenic view of the Savannah landscape, best intact culture and viewing sun setting both morning rising and evening setting.

Pian Upe game reserve is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The reserve is one of the less visited tourism destination and is best recommended for travelers who would wish to spend their holiday in a less crowded adventurous tourism destinations.

The climate at the game reserve features a semiarid climate with only one rainy season throughout the year, the rainy season usually starts in month of Match to around June during this season the roads and drive tracks are impassable, grasses are tall makes it difficult to spot wild animals on a drive.

The best season to visit Pian Upe is from November to February during sunny seasons, during this period temperatures are high grasses are short and the wildlife reserve management at times carryout controlled bush burning making it easier to sight animals especially drawing water at the river bank. The reserve is fed by Girifi River from the southern boundary whose brown water feeds the wildlife inhabiting within the game reserve.

While at the Pian Upe game reserve there more several sightings of flora and fauna including. The main tree species in and around the reserve include the red acacia, desert date, bush willows, harrisonia, Abyssinica, and red spike thorns as well as shrubs such as butterfly pea and woolly caper bush.

The Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is also composed of numerous mammal species like lions, elephants, black rhinos and giraffes also zebras and common elands. Oribi and impalas were recently relocated from Lake Mburo National Park broaden variability. There are also magnificent reptiles sights especially the rock pythons and puff adders as well as harmless water snakes. The biggest population of lizards that are found in this remarkable reserve is mainly the savanna monitors and the reserve also inhabits common agama and skinks, chameleons and geckos. Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is another tremendous wildlife paradise that visitors must not miss out while in there wildlife safaris in Uganda.

There are openings to sight about 300 bird species including the karamoja apalis, kingfishers, starlings and shoe bill storks found in Lake Opeta, 50 kilometers away from the headquarters. There also Hartlaub’s Turaco, Eastern Bronze-napped Pigeon, Lemon Dove, Dusky Turtle Dove, African Hill Babbler, Alpine Chat, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Thick-billed Honey guide and Grey Cuckoo-Shrike.

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is the biggest game reserve in Uganda and the 2^nd biggest protected area next to Murchison falls national park, the wildlife reserve covers an area of 2043sqkm. The reserve is 338 km/h about 7/8 hours drive from Kampala capital and can easily be accessed using Sipi  Kapchorwa the foothills of Mt. Elgon using Moroto road from Kampala through Mbale town. On my advice its better you make a combined adventure safari to Kidepo Valley National Park about 5 hours’ drive from Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.

Using a local tour operators is a better alternative if you would wish for a wildlife safari adventure to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve and 4X4 land cruiser suitable to camouflage the challenging roads especially during rainy seasons. You can contact the reserve management to know the best period to visit Pian Upe game reserve.

This game reserve covers districts of Nakapiripirti, Amudat, Bukedea, Kween, Moroto, Katakwi, Napak and Bulambuli and is boarded by Bokora Metheniko Wildlife Reserve in the north and stretches to the foot hills of Mt. Elgon in the southern direction.

The wildlife reserve was gazetted as the Debasien animal sanctuary by 1958, after some period the boundary of the reserve were threatened when the government established an agriculture project south of Girifi River. 1964 the threats to this reserve forced the government to extend northwards and was renamed Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.

By 2003 there was proposal to regazett Pian Upe for fruits growing which was obstructed, and by then the government had plans of upgrading the reserve to a national park and there more processes of restocking with many animals like recent impalas from Lake Mburo National Park.

The fabulous game reserve is composed of hot springs and is seen as an incredible destinations with mercury wells at Mount Kadam.

Community tours to the northern directions comes with nature walks experiences of viewing the Manyatta wood caving shops, cultural entertainments and visiting the Karamoja gold mining sites widen your documentation about the region.

With varieties of Uganda famous safaris including Gorilla tours, wildlife safaris, cultural safaris you can add Pian Upe on your Uganda safari list.

Don’t hesitate discovering one of the uncovered fabulous destinations in Uganda if looking forward experiencing the real African adventure safaris in the remote.

 

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Choosing the best travel accommodation in Uganda.

As the prominent tourist destination, Uganda has abundance choice of accommodation scattered all over the country. The accommodations in Uganda range from Guest houses, Shoestring hotels, Budget hotels, Mid-range, Cottages run by the local people. The accommodation spread up throughout Uganda.

Cluster accommodation is not only to be found in centre tourist area, but also found even at sheltered area. Hotel styles vary from traditional style to modern design. The tourists in Uganda mostly favour Balinese style hotels. You’ll be easily to find a hotel that suits your needs either beach/lake side, cool mountain area, rice field view, hilltop, riverbanks, tropical garden, traditional village surroundings, town-centred, etc.

However, there are many things to consider when choosing your travel accommodations. The decision could make your trip fun or a disappointment. Choosing the right hotel is a must. Most travellers spend more time in airline ticket reservations and bargains but less time in choosing the right accommodations. Thus they may end up on the wrong side of the bed during their stay.

To get the most out of your hotel accommodations, remember to book as early as possible and make your dates more flexible. Hotels that specialize for business people will consider weekends as off-season. Family vacationers could tap into these special packages during weekends. Primarily, you should choose your hotel based on name, amenities, features, price, packages and location.

Here are some considerations in choosing your best travel accommodations:

1. Accommodations should be family-friendly. Always ask if your hotel offers children activity areas with educational and fun activities supervised by duly trained caregivers.
   2. Your hotel should provide a swimming pool for children, day care service, crib rental and child-proof electrical outlets.
   3. Stay in a hotel that has electronic room-key cards and has a security viewer installed on their doors.
   4. Make it a priority to choose a room on the upper floor.
   5. If you’re the one who likes to spend more time in your hotel room and the balcony, you should ask for the available amenities and the conditions of the surrounding environment.
   6. Depending on whether you’re on a private or business trip, ask your hotel about the availability of laundry service, hair dryers, coffee makers, newspapers, free meals, fax machine, bar, cable television, parking, shuttle service, internet connection, etc.
   7. The hotel property layout and its location may speak more of its surrounding environment. Noisy locations such as construction on adjacent property, car traffic and noisy waterfalls are not specified on hotel flyers. So be sure to ask about it.
   8. Beautifully landscaped surroundings with trees, flowers and inner courts also enhance your travel pleasure. Moreover, gift shops and restaurants all add up to a wonderful travel experience.
   9. The location of your hotel with respect to main attraction is equally important. It could save you money on taxi and bus fare.
   10. Make sure that the room service is provided 24 hours a day.
   11. Check out the room itself. Is it brightly coloured or classical? It sets the mood of your travel. In order to get the most out of your travel, whether for business or family vacations, be sure to know everything about the hotel you are planning to check in to. Ask friends and relatives who have been there. Don’t just depend on the hotel’s web page, which is undoubtedly biased. Having to stay in a hotel, which you don’t like, could ruin your safari in Uganda.

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Visit Uganda The Best Gorilla Safari Destination In The World

Those tourists who have got the opportunity to track in all the three nations’ gifted to host the endangered mountain gorillas have affirmed that Uganda is the best gorilla safari destination in the world. Many factors contributed to this.  The distance from Kampala to the park is too rewarding especially to those who want to explore, it’s about 7-9 hours’ drive from the capital Kampala to Bwindi impenetrable national park. On the way to the park you can stop at the equator crossing for informative talks and snacks, view the long horned Ankole cattle as well as the beautiful scenery, people’s homestead and plantations among many other things before you arrive at the park. However those who don’t prefer to travel for long hours choose tracking with Rwanda gorillas which is just about 2-3 hours’ drive from the capital Kigali.

Gorilla Viewing is a guarantee and photography in Uganda is clear as compared to Virunga forest of DRC. Gorillas in Uganda normally can be found on short grass or on the ground that has made it better when it comes to viewing plus photography; this factor has made Uganda to be considered as the best gorilla safari destination. However since they are wild animals, easy viewing is not a guarantee, you can spend almost a full day in the wild searching for them.

However much gorilla tracking is one of the most expensive activity, it’s the most done tourist activity not only in Uganda but also to other countries that offer the same activity. A Uganda gorilla permit cost usd $600 during periods of high season and usd450 during the low season and this cost is per person per tracking. Over 80% of travelers to Uganda go gorilla tracking, and this has contributed to the increase in revenue collection to the government. Looking into the eyes of these giant apes in a very close distance of about 7-8 meters in their natural habitat is a moment in life very difficult to forget. Uganda houses almost a half of these giant apes over 480 individuals out of 900 that left worldwide live in Uganda. Over11 gorilla families are habituated Bwindi impenetrable national park and 1 gorilla family called Nyakagezi is habituated in Mgahinga National park, although tracking in family is not a guarantee as the group tend to migrate to the nearby countries Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in search for adventure, so before booking tracking with this family it’s better to confirm the group availability.  . Eight members are only allowed to track in each gorilla family which means that 88 people track mountain gorillas every day in Bwindi national park.

It’s really a magical encounter, the one hour you’re allowed to stay with these giant apes while observing as well as taking photography is regarded as a breathtaking moment in life very difficult to forget. Rush and book with us a Uganda a gorilla safari at a very friendly price.

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Gorilla Tracking In Uganda

Uganda is among the few gifted nations in the world to house the endangered mountain gorillas. Uganda is a land located country located in the East Africa and has no sea port, it’s sometimes referred to as the pearl of Africa due to many incredible features it houses and one of them is the endangered mountain gorillas. Uganda has become famous in terms of tourist attractions as very many people all over the world leave their beautiful homes and office to come to this small country to spend at least one or two days in the wild with these incredible features who shares almost 95% of human DNA make-up.

Uganda houses almost a half of the world population, over 480 species live in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorillas forest national park both parks are located in the south western part of Uganda. Mountain gorillas are listed as endangered by the IUCN, and not like other wildlife species that can be seen in zoos mountain gorillas are only found in their natural habitat very deep in the forest. Over 60% of travelers to Uganda go gorillas tracking and this has generated a lot of revenue to the government and it has improved the wellbeing’s of the people in the country particularly those live near the park.

Many trackers in Uganda prefer tracking in Bwindi impenetrable national park; sighting in this park stands on a very high chance over 96% and above, the park houses over 11 gorilla families and two gorilla groups for research purpose only. All these gorilla families are habituated to human standards and are ready to receive visitors every day. This means that 88 members can track in Bwindi national park every day and only eight members are allowed to track in each gorilla family guided by a ranger guide.

Mgahinga gorilla forest national park has only one gorilla family called Nyakagezi and the leader of the group likes traveling, they normally cross borders to DRC and Rwanda in search for new adventure so before booking tracking in this area it’s better to first confirm the gorilla availability before booking to avoid missing sighting.

No one is permitted to track without a gorilla permit which costs a fee of usd$600 per person per tracking during the high seasons and in the law season mountain gorillas permits costs usd$350 during the months of April, May and September, you are also advised to book in advance at least 2-3 months prior to your tracking dates to avoid disappointments, Uganda gorilla permits are issued on first come first served basis the earlier the better. And it’s very better to book your permit through a tour operator or travel company organizing your safari as they have easy access to these permits than an individual.

Tracking begins very early in morning and it can go for a half or full day since meeting them depends on where they spent their last night from, a reasonable degree of fitness is needed as well as tracking gears like sturdy pair of tracking gears and shoes, ,long sleeved shirts or blouses among others. The one hour you are allowed to stay with these apes is a memorable one. On a Ugandan safari trail you can still see gorillas and wildlife at a very affordable rate together with transportation and accommodation wrapping up your experience in Africa.

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Do Local Communities Benefit from Tourism?

Uganda is a land locked country situated in East Africa. It is bordered by Kenya in the east, Tanzania in the south, Democratic Republic of Congo in the west and Sudan in the north. According to lonely planet, Uganda is among the top tourist destinations in the world having host a variety of wildlife, wonderful relief and drainage among others – thus SIR WINSTON S. CHURCHILL stated that Uganda is “the pearl of Africa”.

The Lonely Planet Travel Guides: Uganda voted #1 Best in Travel for 2012, the ranking was based on National Parks in Uganda include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – the park is known for hosting half of the world’s mountain Gorillas. Today there are 14 habituated gorilla families that are visited by tourists who take gorilla safaris in Uganda‘s misty tropical rainforests of Bwindi. Mgahinga Forest is another Gorilla park with only one gorilla group known as Nyakagezi though unreliable for being mobile and some times cross the boarder to Rwanda or Democratic Republic of Congo. Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second largest in Uganda and well known for hosting a variety of birds and animals- boat cruises of Kazinga channel is also amazing. Murchison Falls National Park is the largest in Uganda with lots of animals including four of the “big five” ; Cape buffalo, elephants, lions, leopard are best to be seen in the northern part (above the Nile). Mountain Elgon and Rwenzori are among the world heritage sites and hiking is the major activity there. Lake Mburo National park is the smallest National Park in Uganda but with lots of wild life including the giraffes which have just been introduced from Murchison Falls National Park. Semliki National Park is well known for hot springs and Kidepo valley National Park in North Eastern Uganda.

Other famous tourist attractions out side National Parks include Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, River Nile, Mabamba Shoebill sanctuary, Ishasha tree climbing lions, the Uganda Equator, Kasubi Tombs, Uganda Martyrs shrines Namugongo, Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary among others. It should be noted that around each tourist attraction, there are communities of people who are benefiting from tourism in the following ways:

Many people are employed in Lodges, Hotels, parks, game reserves among others. They serve as rangers, Hotel attendants, guides, guards to enable then earn a living.

Local communities are secured in terms of security- the guards keep on patrolling the areas around the tourist potentials – Therefore, people operate their business with our fear.

Tourists provide markets for Ugandan products like art and crafts, local food stuffs, local shoes among others.

Visitors to Uganda bring in near ideas and empower citizens with new skills of producing quality products – tourists with special skills trains Ugandans in industrial work and so on.

Some visitors sponsor Ugandan projects like schools, health centres, small scale industries, babies homes/ orphanages among others.

Profits from tourists’ income are used to improve Ugandan infrastructures like roads, accommodation, health centers and so on.

Tourism has led to the general development of the country in terms setting up of new Hotels/ Lodge, road hence developing the remote areas.

People projects are empowered – people around the tourist attracts have set up local music, dance and drama groups to entertain tourists to earn a living.

Uganda has become famous internationally because of tourism – the country exhibits her potential in world tourism markets per annum.

Contests like Miss Tourism have been initiated and many people have benefited.

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Mabira Forest – Home to Endangered Species

Embattled by those who want to ¼ of it into a sugar cane plantation, assaulted by illegal loggers seemingly enjoying protection and eating deep into the core of Mabira, as recent over flights amply demonstrated, the forest never the less still has much promise and holds the key for at least part of Uganda’s future, as a green lung and water tower for sprawling and polluting Kampala, spewing out Carbon dioxide which the 28,000 hectare forest then helps to absorb.     Mabira’s integrity is a way of life for those who through the ages combed through it in search of medicinal plants, edible berries, fruits and roots, which if sustainably harvested can provide a continuous livelihood for the communities living at the edges of it and it holds yet more promise a s a resource for research, as many answers for questions raised by modern medicine for cures may be contained in it. But over and above those issues, which could fill a book of course or make for some added dissertations. Mabira is also an important source for nature and wild life based tourism, and that is the focus of this particular article, to show just what amazing bio diversity can be found 60 odd kilometers outside Kampala.

Surprisingly few people actually visit the forest, or stop at the Eco Tourism Centre established by the National forest authority (www.nfa.org.ug).The figures given vary between 2000 and 3000 visitors per annum, many of them school grouse for that matter, commendable co-circular activity to bring the need to preserve our forest closely to the next generation but talking foreign visitors or residents, the number seems abysmally low. It is understood that NFA was lacking the promotional and marketing efforts, unlike their wildlife counterpart UWA, where PR marketing and in particular the use of social media has made waves. Several trained guides are ready to take local and foreign visitors on to one of the four main hiking trails, or else on one of four cycling trails, the later requiring some experiences with mountain bikes of course.

As the map of Eco tourism shows, the four trails for hiking are red-tailed monkey trail, which can be done between 45 minutes and 15 hours, while the buttress tree trails, about 5 kms long, may take us as much as 3 hours to complete. The grey Cheeked Mangabey Trails is the longest of the four,6 kilometers long and can take as many as 4 hours to complete, at times longer as the guides try to track the famously elusive primates, seen in about one in three attempts according to peter Nsubuga ,one of the guides I found on site during my visit. The more recent discovery of the black mangabey is even rarer to find and would indeed take several hikes, even off the trails, accompanied by one of the guides with knowledge where these rare primates are actually located on given day.

A short ‘Picnic Loop’, almost not worthy to be called a hike, as it is rather a stroll, of less than a km can be completed in 20-30 minutes and at least gives an insight, a peak really, of what to expect when venturing deeper Into Mabira forest. The cycling trails, mountain bikers are welcome to bring their own bikes though basic models are available for hire at the at the centre at a modest cost of 25,000 Ush for the day, are notably more demanding in terms of time and come from ‘easy’, the blue trail of 5 km length taking about an hour or so even for novices, over the ‘medium’ rated yellow Trail of 12 km, taking depending on skills and fitness between 2 – 3 hours, to the longer and more demanding sections of the red trail, which has a shorter version of 30 km-seeing cyclists take between 4-5, and even more hours.

The ultimate challenge is the ride to the Griffin Falls, of late in the news over alleged contamination and pollution from a nearby sugar factory, which is called the White Trail and takes up to 8 hours to and from. Before I moved to the rainforest lodge I obtained a few of the impressive facts from the guides, including an eye opener when I compared the mammal inventory by nature Uganda with the ‘official’ guide books.

312 shrubs and tree species, 287 types of butterflies, 316 species of birds, many of them endemic, 23 species of reptiles, 97 species of moths and according to nature Uganda 51 mammals, where as the ‘regular’ guides only talk of thirty. If truly so, a marked improvement over the past and all the more reason to actually visit Mabira forest and hike it or cycle it.

And then it was a very careful crossing over the Kampala – Jinja highway, and be careful as you do because the number of food vendors at this spot at times make it hard to spot the cars, trucks and buses, which zapped at at high speed.

I moved for a few nights to the rainforest lodge, to enjoy the forest, the hospitality and facilities the lodge offers. Set just about 2.5 km off the main highway, this lodge is the only one within the NFA frame work of national forests. Access is via a good murram track, soon entering the forest proper. The mood immediately changes into anticipation as eyes scan the trees for monkeys, for bright flowers, orchids perhaps, the birds and butterflies, but not taking the eyes off the road for too long as there are some steep hills and sharp blind corners ahead.                          Bookings can be done with ease by email though payment still requires to be processed at the lodge office in Kampala, and all meals are included in the price. Ugandans and residents get special rate for a stay in any of the 20 wooden cabins. Meals are taken in the main restaurant but above it, almost as perched between the trees, is a bar and ‘lookout’ from an elevated vantage point, which permits for bird watching or simply looking into the evergreen foliage while sipping ones favorite cocktail, wine or spirit.

Depending on occupancies, there is either a buffet with a variety of dishes to choose from, starting with a soup all the way to the desert or salsa meals are served by the waiters, with a choice of dishes also available from the daily menu. Accommodation is spread out, the cottages well set apart from the next, and that allows for total privacy and the quiet, if not silent enjoyment of the forest. This is a ‘silent’ lodge, walkways to the cottages often steep but well lit to come for dinner and then return to the solitude of one’s own cabin securely.

The eerie calls, of the forest hyrax echo through the night from deep in the forest. Surely causing goose pimples to those who hear these screams for the first time, when the guests at the Mabira Rain forest lodge retire to their rooms after their dinner. The best magic in the forest is experienced at full moon of course while at new moon the darkness is almost overpowering before getting used to the various night sounds that emerge from the thickets, crickets, insects, moths flying circles around the balcony light unless it is switched off, or the whoosh of bat wings, the calls of the night owls or the rustling of leaves in the breeze, to permit a close up experience of sounds and scents of the forest, engulfing those seeking this special solitude.

A resident guide is available to take guests for walks around the lodge and beyond, explaining about birds; the red tailed monkeys, the shrubs and trees and has answers for just about any questions the visitors may throw at him. And for those not wishing to hike, there is a swimming pool and a sauna available for resident guests to use, and many in fact do to take advantage of steaming hot visit to the sauna as outside the evening chill creep up on the swimmers at the nearby pool. Mabira, so near and yet it feels so totally removed from the hustle and bustle of the city that it is always worthy a visit, for a weekend or a mid week break which will be remembered for long, at the Rain forest lodge inside Mabira forest or using the basic bandas at the Eco Tourism Centre. Just as long as you go and do visit.

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Uganda Does a U-turn to Travel Visa Fees

Uganda, a country that had increased its tourist visa fees from USD50 to USD100 abruptly seems to be doing a U-turn in its decision to hike the entry fees. Rreliable sources from Uganda intimated to us that after South Sudan putting up a strong protest to the Ugandan government about what has been described as “unaffordable fees for our people”, the authorities are reviewing the new visa fees that seem to be high. The government is now considering an instant review about the visa fees so that a better price for all kinds of travellers can be got.

In July 2015 the government of Uganda increased the cost of visa fees by 100% surprising tourists on arrival as well as tour operators in the country. The abrupt and uninformed increment caused consternation and disbelief among visitor who were taking prebooked safaris in Uganda as well as tourism operators. Sources from the Uganda Tour Operators indicate that the agencies are still trying to come to terms with the government to revise the fees that had made Uganda more expensive to tourists if compared with Rwanda that charges only USD30 for a single entry visa. In addition to that the rise in fees at the beginning of July, caught many tourists unaware at the airport as neither Uganda’s embassies abroad as well as the local tour operators who had booked safaris for their clients.

Tour operators are also against the decision by the Ugandan government to make special provisions for citizens of South Sudan, to pay only a US$50 visa fee, reversing the decision of last month which raised visa fees broadly to US$100 per person, per entry. “If they can reduce the visa fee for South Sudanese, they can surely reduce them for everyone else. We are already struggling with high taxes here which made safaris upcountry a lot more expensive compared to last year. Now the visa fees are doubled. Does our government think the markets can absorb such sudden changes? We are working against the odds to bring more tourists here and for the last year things were very tough. Make no mistake, higher cost for travel to Uganda will be counterproductive.”

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