Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: A Must-see Destination for the Year Ahead
If you are Ugandan and went to school in Uganda, you must have studied some of the biggest forests in the country. Bwindi used to be one of those forests that were shrouded in mystery due to its moniker, “the impenetrable forest”. In fact, for most youngsters, the word “impenetrable” was never easy to pronounce so once the lessons about the forest ended, interest in Bwindi subsequently died — unless your school organised a trip to the forest.
Yet, Bwindi remains one of the best attractions Uganda has to offer; it is a big green destination filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders — wonders that open your eyes to so much more than you would expect.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is among the many national parks and game reserves scattered all over the country. Each park comes with something unique that makes it stand out from the rest — and Bwindi has just that.
Before it was a national park, Bwindi was divided into two reserves; one accommodating the forest and the other catering to the preservation of the wildlife found in the area. In 1991, the park was renamed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park following the merging of Mgahinga Gorilla Reserve, the Impenetrable Central Forest Reserve and the Rwenzori Mountains Reserve.
Bwindi is currently under the management of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the government agency in charge of wildlife conservation in Uganda.
The park constitutes one of the biggest forests in the county and is located in the south-western part of Uganda bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). From Bwindi, one can easily access Kabale town, which is estimated to be 29 Kilometres away.
Most of the rugged area within and out of the park are in the Western Rift Valley, which was created by the upward warping movements. The undulating valleys and hills and rivers snaking through the region create a veritably picturesque view.
Within the park are amazing creations of nature that you only read about in travel books. Most of them have not been discovered yet, which might be one of the reasons why Bwindi is on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
The park is home to, among others, the iconic mountain gorillas. Half of the world’s mountain gorilla population can be found in this area — about 650 of them. Little wonder they are Bwindi’s biggest attraction.
For a birding enthusiast, Bwindi offers diverse species of birds and over 220 butterfly species. The forest also boasts an array of tree species; you will find here over 300 classifications, some of them listed as endangered. Monkeys, chimpanzees and several species of small mammals can also be found here.
Must-sees and must-dos in the park include mountain climbing, gorilla trekking, forest walks, rift valley views, birding experiences and herbology research. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to bring along someone to enjoy the beautiful and memorable experience that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has to offer.
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5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest in Uganda seated on 3893 square KM. The park lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment tumbles into vast, palm-dotted savanna. Murchison Falls National Park first gazetted in 1926 as a game reserve, it is Uganda’s oldest conservation area, hosting over76 species of mammals and over 451 bird species. Today it is one of the best destination visited by tourists going on safaris in Uganda.
Murchison falls National Park is divided by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45m over the remnant rift valley wall, creating the dramatic Murchison Falls, the centerpiece of the park and the final event in an 80km stretch of rapids. The mighty cascade drains the last of the river’s energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert. This stretch of river provides one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles. Regular visitors to the riverbanks include elephants, giraffes and buffaloes; while hippos, Nile crocodiles and aquatic birds are permanent residents.
Below are the five major reasons for visiting Murchison Falls National Park:
1.Easy accessibility– Its approximately 324km from Entebbe Airport to Murchison Falls National Park. You can reach the park by Air or Road (5-6hrs drive). Murchison falls national park has several gates where one can access the park either from the southern gate of Paraa or the northern gate at Murchison falls national park. Alternatively, you can reach the park on the chartered flights from Kampala/ Entebbe international airport, the park has several airfields such as Pakuba airfield, Chobe airfield and Bugungu airfield. Paraa being a place harboring a lot of wild game offers you an opportunity to sight a variety of animals.
2. Largest National Park – Murchison National park is the largest park in Uganda with the size of 3893 sq km. Being large, Murchison Falls National Park is capable of hosting over 76 species of mammals including four of the “Big Five”, herds of buffaloes and elephants, well-camouflaged leopards and a healthy population of lions. Other mammals include giraffes, bushbucks, Uganda kob, waterbucks and warthogs. Resident crocodiles and hippos as well as other, visiting wildlife are found along the river. Around 800 chimpanzees live in the Kaniyo Pabidi and Budongo Forests and many olive baboons are found in Murchison Falls National Park.
3. A variety of Wildlife -As mentioned above, guest yarning to see the “big Five” Murchison Falls national park is a must visit. Water loving mammals and birds are found along Victoria Nile near the bottom of the Murchison falls. About 451 bird species recorded in Murchison Falls national Park include Shoebill Stork, the Goliath Heron – the largest heron in the world – and pairs of elegant Grey Crowned Cranes – Uganda’s national bird. Also seen along the banks of the Nile are the Blue-headed Coucal, Swamp Flycatcher, Squacco Heron, African Jacana, Sandpipers, Denham’s Bustard, Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill, Black-billed Barbet, Black-headed Gonolek, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Piapiac, Silverbird, Weaver Birds, Pied, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers, Red-throated Bee-eater, White-browed Sparrow Weaver, Speckle-fronted Weaver and African Quail-Finch.
4. Murchison Falls – Murchison Falls is also called Kabalega Falls, is among the major tourist attraction in Murchison Falls National Park. The waterfall is situated between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert on the Victoria Nile in Uganda. It’s amazing to see water squeezing its way through the rocks to the lower ground forming a rainbow-like moist structure. It’s amazing to visit the top and bottom of the falls to be able to take memorable photos.
5. Rich culture – Visit the Luo community for cultural encounter. Expect to enjoy the amazing energetic dancers from Mubako performers. Meet the Boomu women’s group for accommodation, a craft shop and learn weaving skills among others. The village is a cluster of traditional thatched huts, where villagers gather to escape the midday sun under the shade of a large tree. At dusk, the local cultural groups perform at campfire of local lodge, accompanied by the beautiful sound of the “adungu” which is an instrument made of cowhide and twine and the harmonies of different sizes.
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Exploring Karamoja on a Uganda Safari
Karamoja region is a semi arid area home to some magnificent nature with lush savannah and rugged dry mountain ranges. The region is located in North eastern Uganda comprising of five districts of Moroto, Abim, Kotido and Kaabong neighboring South Sudan and north eastern Kenya. The northern tip of Karamoja is dominated by Kidepo Valley National Park, declared Africa’s true wilderness, it is one of the largest wildlife rich areas home to 77 mammals species and 475 species of birds.
Karamoja is a unique region by the cultural traditions of several ethnic communities. The largest communities are the Karamajong of Nilotic origin. They are semi-nomadic traditional cattle keeping warriors living in huts called Manyattas made built with mud, cow dung and thatched with grass. Karamajong are uniquely identified by their patterned scars on the forehead and unique way of dressing- wrapping a traditional sarong and wearing beaded jewelry to decorate their neck and arms. Their life is quite similar to the Turkana and Masai of Kenya. There’s also the Ik tribe who are hunter gatherers.
Places to visit in Karamoja region
Kidepo Valley National Park
Traveling to Karamoja region, you will get the most out of your Uganda safari in Kidepo Valley National park. This is without doubt the true African wilderness, home to 77 mammals and 475 species of birds. Kidepo has the largest herd of up to 4000 buffaloes and offers the chance to spot lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and various antelope species such as Uganda, kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, grants gazelle’s. Most popular activities are guided game drive safaris conducted in jeeps by naturalist Uganda wildlife authority guide and rangers. They offer an incredible view of the animals in the Narus valley like cheetah, Aard wolf, stripe sided jackal which are not found in other parks of Uganda.
There are several tours to do throughout the park. Birding tours offer a chance to spot a huge variety of birds by hiking the Lomej Mountains and walks inside the park through the Narus valley. For birds, this can yield sightings of many birds of prey such as vultures, eagles, Abyssinian ground hornbill as well as bee-eaters, rollers, and the endemic Karamoja apalis among the 475 species which Kidepo boasts.
Kalapata Village – Manyatta settlements
Kalapata is a village in Kaabong located off the road going inside Kidepo valley. This is the tour that will show you the villages and lifestyle of the Karamajong. A local Karamojong guide will show you how they herd cattle, live in huts called Manyatta settlements forming a beautiful landscape. Beautiful scenery is found in Nakapiripiti on the way to Moroto and also in the park.
Some of the villages near the park can be visited for a traditional cultural dance performance and learning how they make their beaded jewelries. The lorokul wear their wraps and can be invited to your lodge for entertain you.
Karamoja museum and cultural center
Karamoja museum and cultural center is found at the foothills of Mount Moroto, in Moroto the largest town in the region. It showcases the culture of the Karamajong and other ethnic tribes in the entire Karamoja region with both object collections and scholarly programs to interpret history. The museum is worth a stopover when going or returning from Kidepo valley national park.
Treasures of Africa Museum
This is another private museum named the treasures of Africa located in Kitale just south of Moroto town. The museum has got a theory called a “stitch in time” which explains the history of Karamoja and north eastern Kenya. You can see artifacts and tools the people use as well as handcrafted materials.
How to get there
Karamoja region is remote area located in north eastern part of Uganda along the border with South Sudan and North Eastern Kenya. Depending on your interests and time, you can fly for 1 hour by light charter aircraft or drive a car from Kampala covering a stance of about 571 km take which can 12-13 hours. While the journey may be long, it offers beautiful scenery of the country side. There are two routes, one that goes through Murchison falls National park, Gulu and Kitgum town and another through Eastern Uganda.
Accommodation
You can stay at one of the luxury lodges or stay at budget and self catering campsites.
There are 3 lodges inside the park where you will hear the lions roaring in the night. Apoka safari lodge is for the luxury experience. The choice for budget travelers is limited to Apoka rest camp and Nga Moru wilderness camp outside the park. If you are so adventurous, there are self catering Kakine self campsite. This camp provides local food, but if you are in for self catering, then you have to bring your own food and supplies.
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Top 6 Places to visit on a Fantastic Uganda Tour
A little phrase “The Pearl of Africa” is enough to explain how remarkable Uganda is, an unmissable destination for your unrivaled Wildlife Safari in the Eastern part of Africa.
The credit goes to Sir Winston Churchill who expressed it in his book “My African Journey” after a visit to Uganda in 1907. Churchill’s appreciation is not by exaggeration but honestly based on the profuse unmatched natural wonders, palatable cuisine and authentic culture.
This phrasing has given a go-ahead for a trip to Uganda to a number of travelers from different parts of the World including those who had a doubt about Africa.
If you are among those who doubt Africa with its hotspots, Uganda should be your next destination to witness the secrets in Africa, you will live to tell unending stories to the ones you left home.
Uganda has plenty to awe that keeps positioning it among resplendent localities hard to compare around the globe.
Of its highlights, Wildlife is exceptional. On a Uganda Wildlife Safari, you cannot stop admiring the rarely seen species of Mountain Gorillas in the Western region, African big fives, Chimpanzee primates, species of the Old World monkey family (Golden monkeys), uncommon bird species and more to wonder at.
Wildlife is not the end, other draws, varying from stunning sceneries such as mountains of the moon, towering volcanoes, stretching forests, and streaming rivers to welcoming locals delights.
Several adventurers including first-timers have achieved their dreams or impressed their relatives, partners in this exquisite destination, why not you to add on the list? Favorable destinations with a handful of intriguing attractions and rewarding adventures like Uganda are rare to find.
All activities offered are awe-inspiring starting from Gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee and Golden monkey tracking, different water sports, game drive to jaw-dropping mountain hiking adventures.
Planning a once in a lifetime Safari to the Eastern part of Africa without Uganda is really a big miss on some of the highlights to turn your trip unforgettable for the rest of your life. If it’s Uganda, let it not be a hustle about top hotspots not to miss, below is the list.
National Parks. A trip to Uganda seems boring without a visit at least to one of its ten national parks that are scattered in different regions of the country. This highlight of top parks can be of importance to any person who is hoping for a safari in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
For those who are interested in hard to compare Gorilla trekking adventures, Uganda is unbeatable. Remaining gorillas are totaling to about 1000 inhabiting the three countries Uganda, DR Congo and Rwanda.
Of the world total numbers, Uganda dominates with the highest population approximating to 480 species of Gorillas. Gorillas in Uganda inhabit two parks including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with the most gorilla species in its Jungles.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is placed in the Southwestern part of Uganda. Most of the travelers pack for it mainly for the Gorillas though there are other additions to be part after an amazing Gorilla trek.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Similarly, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is tucked away in the southwestern part of Uganda. Stands the smallest among Uganda ten Parks but rewards all what to turn your trip to southwestern Uganda an incredible one.
Over 80 mountain gorilla species call it home and one Gorilla family is habituated for trekking “Nyakagezi Gorilla family”. A visit to Mgahinga is not only about Mountain Gorilla encounters, but numerous options also exist to occupy your days in the Park.
Meet the rare species of Golden monkeys, explore the three Virunga Volcanoes or immerse the ancient life of the Batwa people. With all this, Mgahinga is precisely a true delight for all travelers of different interests.
Kibale Forest National Park
Undeniably Kibale National Park, a home to thirteen Primate Species is the capital of Primates in East Africa.
Out of the 5000 chimpanzee primates in the World, Kibale is recorded with over 1500 chimpanzee individuals in addition to diverse forest primates, mammals, butterflies and bird species.
While in this park dominated by tropical rainforests, chimpanzee tracking and Chimpanzee habituation are the main activities to let you get exposed to these human-close primates.
On top of that, birders meet their dreams while on the walk through the Bigodi wetland, a home to various unique bird species including the shoebill storks.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Not rumors, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s mostly visited Parks. It hides its self in the south western Uganda. Travelers visit for many reasons.
Starting from diverse range of Wildlife, ease of accessibility, stunning scenery to possibilities of connecting to other parks after great encounters in this spot where Wildlife speaks.
There is nothing more exceptional than spending days in a locality where you can sight different Wildlife species, admire sunrise/set, track chimpanzees and embark on a breathtaking cruise.
If you haven’t arrived at that, Queen should be your first layover while in Uganda. The two must be part activities in Queen (game drive & boat cruise along Kazinga channel) offer different experiences.
While on game drives expect sights of the big games and cats including leopards, buffaloes, elephants and more. Then the cruise can’t leave you unexposed to numerous aquatic species such as hippos, crocodiles to mention but a few.
Kidepo Valley National Park
This Park is the only to go in Uganda for an authentic African Wilderness. It’s isolated far in the North eastern part of Uganda recorded with almost every species in Uganda including the unique ones such as cheetah and ostrich.
A safari to Kidepo rewards with remarkable sceneries, diverse biodiversity as well as an adventure just free of crowds.
Murchison Falls National Park
Situated in the north western Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is the largest conservation area in Uganda.
This park is liked both for its huge biodiversity along with an ideal location besides the river Nile where you find the great Murchison falls.
Its lush savanna vegetation provide habitat to variety of species that are sightable including the rare Rothschild giraffes, African big fives, incredible birds and more. On your way to this Park, you can stopover for a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for the rare species of Rhinoceros.
Other than the above top listed National Parks, you can visit the River Nile, one of the seven natural wonders of Africa, Lake Bunyonyi; Africa’s second deepest lake, several towering mountains like Mountain Elgon and Ruwenzori particularly for adventure seekers, along with different historical sites such as the Kasubi tombs, Uganda museum and more.
Read MoreRWANDA SAFARI NATIONAL PARKS
The small country is well known as the country of a thousand hills, Rwanda is a small landlocked country located in the east Africa. The geographically rolled beautiful country is worthy a pay to visit. Visiting Rwanda has rewarding safari adventures of its kind in the endless rolling mountains giving a stunning scenic view of this small country.
However, hearing about Rwanda it’s not only displays it as thousand hills country but the country endowed with beautiful geographical features including lakes, rivers, varieties of wildlife comprising of the world most endangered species the mountain gorillas, the big five, several bird species.
The country in the years of 1900s suffered from the tribal brutal murder between the Hutu and the Tutsi people which claimed tens of thousands among Rwanda people. This caused a real set back of country that made it necessary to strictly tighten in the way of governance to avoid the same incidence from happening, and currently Rwanda in one of the few African countries that realizing progress.
Kigali the capital of Rwanda is one of the worthy a visit destiny with a number of tourist attractions. The capital has one of the Africa’s busiest international airport with a national airline Rwanda air, reaching Rwanda on a direct flight is not a worry. This is one of the few politically stable and free from dangerous viruses like the Ebola among others.
Kigali initiate your safari trip while in Rwanda due to variety of impressive tourist destination you can pay to visit. The town is the conference and business center however not like any other African capital made of chaos, Kigali city is orderly, peaceful and better for relaxation. The things you don’t have to miss when in Kigali is the Kigali genocide memorial Museum-Gisozi genocide museum the massive grave for the not to happen again chaos of 1994 massacre. The presidential palace museum found at the outskirt of the city in the eastern of Kigali, museum of natural history the local market and guided nature walks of Nyamirambo the Muslim quarters among many destinations.
The country has three protected national parks that of varying safari experiences of their kind among them is the Volcanoes national park famously known for its mountain gorilla, the Nyungwe Forest National Park popular known for its birding and Chimpanzee tracking and Akagera National Park known for its big five games and the wild game center of Rwanda.
Visit Rwanda you need just enough time to explore the destination on your holiday vacation. The summarized small country is destination loved most by luxury gorilla trekkers and caters for any person wishing to visit to several wildlife safari adventures the country.
National parks of Rwanda and their safari rewards
Volcanoes National Park
The park is located in the northwestern from Kigali capital, the park is part of the large Virunga Conservation Areas shared among the three neighboring countries of Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo. The well-known mountain gorilla destination for luxury trekkers, Volcanoes national park shares the biggest percentage of the mountain gorilla in the Virunga conservation ares. The Virunga conservation areas has half of the world mountain gorillas that are shared in the Volcanoes national park of Rwanda, Virunga national park in DR Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda. The rest of the half is found in the Bwindi impenetrable national park of Uganda.
Arguably the park is one of the African’s most exciting destinations due to its spectacular mountain gorilla the forest chief inhabitants. Volcanos national park is a rain forest composed of the rolling terrain of hills that favors the existing of the mountain gorillas.
The volcanoes has about 10 habituated gorilla families for trekking, after an American zoologist Diana Fossy found out that these endangered species were finding a great threat from poachers and were seizing to exist she raised an international concern to conserve the remain population of the mountain gorilla. The park is also home for the golden monkeys that live along with the mountain gorillas about 300 bird species, various butterfly species and some other mammal species.
Encountering human closest relative in Rwanda mountain gorilla trekking cost US$1500 per one gorilla trekking permit higher than any other full African safari adventure. Alternatively can also trek the golden monkeys if you can afford the luxury/expensive gorilla trekking permit.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
The rain forest suited in the southern direction from Kigali capital, the park borders Lake Kivu western on the Congo and Burundi. Nyungwe park is popularly visited because of its famously Chimpanzees in the most large preserved rain forest in the central Africa, the 960 square kilometer coverage of land reaching an altitude of 3000 meter was open as a national park in 2004.
The park inhabit the varieties of wildlife including about 10 primate species, 80 mammal species, over 200 bird species and the forest is believed to have the greatest number of the endemic species in the Albertan rift valley.
Akagera National Park
Located eastern of Rwanda bordering Tanzania is the largest national park seated on an area of 1200sq/km. it’s the magical tourist destination of Rwanda featuring on the best African wildlife destination that you won’t miss on your holiday vacation in Rwanda. Crossed through River Kagera which is named from the Kagerala River.
Akagera is the perfect tourist wildlife destination in Rwanda inhabiting large species of wildlife, large of its area is covered by the papyrus and wetlands of the crossing river Kagera. Some of the savannah areas in the late 1990s was settle for the refugee who were affected by the genocide.
Viewing the big five in Rwanda and a one game drive park in Rwanda, the Chimpanzee, over 300 bird species and more game viewing. When planning to explore Rwanda safari experience is also a waiting for your visit.
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FLY TO RWANDA KIGALI AND TREK MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN UGANDA
Fly to Rwanda trek gorillas in Uganda it’s no longer something new to boost about, rather very trending and desirable for many gorilla trek safari lovers.
RwandaAIR flight
Not like many writers have put it to notice that the trending fly to Kigali and trek gorillas in Uganda is for mid-range and budget travelers/trekkers, but quite for all travelers who wish to have the most adventurous gorilla safaris and sometimes combined with other wildlife safaris in the pearl of Africa.
Fly to Rwanda Kigali and trek gorillas in Uganda means leaving the beautiful city of Kigali drive in a scenic countryside of a thousand Hills cross borders to the gorilla hub of almost half of mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the ultimate gorilla experience and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park southern Uganda where silver meets gold.
Mountain gorillas in the World live in proximity of the Virunga conservation areas and Bwindi national park makes it easy to access one gorilla zone from another gorilla country. Finding gorillas for the face to face summit with the jungle gentle giants is the lifetime experience that everyone would with to encounter.
Gorillas in Uganda
Uganda gorillas are located in the parks of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga gorilla National Park southwestern from the Kampala capital, Uganda has almost half of the world mountain gorilla population. Uganda has the most gorilla trekking permits opportunities among other mountain gorilla destinations over 140 gorilla permits available daily.
Why fly to Rwanda and trek gorillas in Uganda?
There many reasons for someone deciding fly to Kigali and trek gorillas in Uganda. Uganda the only country with two gorilla tour safari activities to tourists that’s gorilla trekking where tourists spend an hour with gorillas and Habituation deciding to spend more four hours with the gorillas. List of reasons why fly to Rwanda Kigali and trek gorillas in Uganda.
What is needed to fly in Rwanda and trek gorillas in Uganda?
Gorilla Family
Travelers wishing to fly in Rwanda and trek gorillas in Uganda have to comply with regulations between countries. Tourist must have east Africa tourist visa to fly Rwanda and trek gorillas in Uganda, the visa is sold at the immigration offices at the airport and can be booked in advance online before your traveling date at an extra amount of US$100, the east Africa single tourist visa allows free crossing borders of Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda.
Gorilla trekking permit, gorilla tours in Uganda is affordable for all travelers budget, mid-range and upmarket travelers. At US$600 per gorilla permit indicates which park to trek from and which sector if you are trek from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla trekking is a rare activity internationally need to secure your permit at least three month before your trekking date.
Cost of trekking permit
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is relatively cheaper compared to that of Rwanda which almost triples, the increase in the cost of trekking gorillas in Rwanda doubled from US$750 to US$1,500 compared to that of Uganda which increased from US$400 to US$600 is huge difference of US$900 almost costing two flight ticket from UK to Rwanda. Fly to Rwanda trek gorillas in Uganda saves more an opening to have more wildlife experiences when in Uganda.
At a cost of US$1,500 in Uganda you experience the best gorilla tour adventures spending 4 hour with the gorillas during the gorilla habituation process, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari, even costs the full gorilla and wildlife safari. During the habituation process only 4 tourists join a group of researchers and starting following up the gorillas while studying their behaviors, naming and making of the giant apes familiar to human presence. Habituation process done primatologist continues following the gorillas for a period of not less than two years, and in Bwindi Rushaga gorillas sector tourists are given the opportunity to participate in the habituation process.
The silverback family head
The fly to Rwanda trek gorillas in Uganda trails save more for adventurous activities and is more desirable for budget and mid-range travelers who would wish to have the chance to trek the gentle giants and save for other wildlife adventure activities Uganda.
Benefits why fly to Rwanda Kigali and Trek Gorillas in Uganda
Distance and time saving
Fly to Rwanda and trek gorillas in Uganda. You have a direct flight from UK to Rwanda using Rwanda air or the flight of your choice and helps to avoid the long distance of about 8/9 hours’ drive from Entebbe Kampala it’s tiresome than flying to Kigali and drive for about 3/4 hours to reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park respectively.
Can one day gorilla safari be possible when fly to Rwanda and trek gorillas in Uganda? Very possible, but this means an early wee hours pickup from your hotel at 03:00 hours driving through the border of Katuna, when booking for gorilla permit should be trekking at the Ruhija gorilla sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and if possible to access Mgahinga permit it’s the best alternative.
Other wildlife safari adventures which can be possibly done when fly-in-Rwanda and trek-gorillas-in-Uganda.
Uganda is safari diverse destination and can be easily accessed and combined with gorilla safaris. After your gorilla adventure can decide to search for the rare troop’s tree climbing lions at the ishasha sector southern of Queen Elizabeth National Park and when in this park rewards with the view of various wildlife including the big four, different antelope species, hippopotamus, warthogs among others and bird spotting cause the park is hub for over 500 bird species.
Chimpanzee tracking, in approximate from Bwindi is the Kibale National Park the world primate capital. Chimpanzee tour can be a combine gorilla chimps safari adventure for the ultimate adventure experience that cannot be found anywhere across the world. Kibale National Park has about 13 different primate species in one forest including the rare L’Hoest monkeys, many colobus species and has one of the best bird spots the Bigodi swamp sanctuary.
Fly to Rwanda Kigali and trek gorillas in Uganda saves more money for more adventure safaris in the pearl of Africa. Don’t hesitate to try the trail through contacting our team of experts at Gorilla Hub Tours Ltd to get yourself your tailored safari package.
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THE FOUR GORILLA TREKKING SECTORS IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
The family chief Sliver back Pausing for the coverage
Bwindi Impenetrable national park is a fabulous tourist destination every traveler around the world would wish to stretch. The park is situated in the southwestern Uganda looming DR Congo boarder, it can be titled the hub of world’s Mountain Gorilla having almost half of the world’s population of above 1000 giant apes. Bwindi Impenetrable is a more haunting African destination with steep ranges covered with profuse and treacherous forests that are sealed with mist cover and magnificence roaring sounds of fauna.
The UNESCO world heritage site seated on an altitude of 1160m to 2607m above sea level inhabiting about 120 mammals species and over 350 different bird species and insects. On a nature walk for lucky visitors may sight the 11 primate species L’Hoest monkey and silver back monkeys, duikers, bush bucks, forest elephants, African golden cats and the giant forest hogs and different mammal species.
Adventurous travelers can access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali 4 hours’ drive Kigali international airport Rwanda or can be more adventurous scenic road trip from Kampala about 8/9 hours’ drive. Enter the forest through the four parks entrances including Buhoma the park headquarter from north, Ruhija from the northeast Rushaga from the southeastern direction and Nkuringo entry from southwestern direction.
When in the forest with an armed tracker guide chances of sighting Mountain Gorillas are higher to 99% unless otherwise. The moment is next after briefing about trekking etiquette according to your trekking sector indicated on your permit and the adventure is contingent on the experience and fitness of visitors.
It’s advisable to have your overnight in the sector to trek gorillas from for purpose of time management as trekking starts at 7:30am with grouping and briefing about the etiquette of trekking activity for the safety of giant in their jungle and your safety against the giants. However, you can have your overnight in one sector and trek gorillas from another sector for example you can sleep at Ruhija and trek gorillas from buhoma or either way and the same to Rushaga and NKuringo, but this calls for an early morning preparations to drive to another sector before 7:30am.
Gorilla sectors in Bwindi and habituated gorilla families found of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park together with list of accommodation that can used if opt for a gorilla tour in Bwindi National Park.
Buhoma Gorilla trekking sector.
Buhoma is the park headquarter situated in the northern direction of the park. The sector can easily be accessed from Kabale and kihiki airstrip, here is where Gorilla tours in Uganda was initiated, and currently the sector has four habituated gorilla families for trekking including; Mubare led by a silver back Kanyunyi was the first habituated gorilla family in Bwindi and Uganda. Habinyanja family led by a silver back Makara and Rushagura family led by a silver back Kabukojo and the most recent habituated Katwe gorilla family. Buhoma gorilla sector every day presents 32 trekking permits to trek the four gorilla families at the sector
Accommodation include;
Luxury; Bwindi lodge, Buhoma lodge, Mahogany springs luxury lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla forest camp.
Mid-range; Volcano Bwindi lodge, Silver back Bwindi lodge, Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp
Budget accommodation; Buhoma Community rest camp, Bwindi view Bandas, Gorilla conservation camp.
Ruhija gorilla trekking sector
Ruhija sector is located in the eastern direction and can be easily accessed from Kabale seated on altitude of 2,350 meters above sea level. Ruhija habitats three gorilla families including Kyaguriro gorilla family lead by a silver back Rukara, family considered to be the most entertaining to jumpy juveniles, Bitukura family was the first family to be habituated in Ruhija sector by 2007 and Oruzogo family lead by Bwakata the dominant silver back. Ruhija rewards with strenuous and adventurous hiking through Rwamunyonyi peak.
Accommodation at Ruhija; accommodation here ranges from luxury to budget including,
Luxury; Ruhija Gorilla safari lodge, Engagi lodge,
Mid-range; Gorilla resort, Bakiga lodge
Budget accommodation; include Ruhija gorilla friends resort and Ruhija community rest camp.
Rushaga gorilla family
The Rushaga setor is situated in the southeast of Bwindi park can be accessed from via Kisoro if used Kigali or via Kabale from Kampala. the sector has six fully habituated gorilla families ready for trekking, offering the higher opportunities of 48 gorilla permits daily. While here for lucky trekkers can sight forest elephants, gorilla families here include Nshongi family lead by Bweza silver back, Mishaya family led by Mishaya the dominant silver back, Kahungye gorilla family, the Busingye gorilla family and Bikingi family. Here tourist can decide to do the more adventurous four hours encounters with gorillas for the habituation process at USD $1500 per permit, inquire first to confirm if with the park administration to confirm if you can trek gorillas under habituation process.
Rushaga accommodation facilities include;
Luxury; Gorilla safari lodge, and Ichumba Gorilla lodge,
Mid-range; Rushaga Gorilla camp, Gorilla valley lodge, Bwindi jungle lodge
Budget; Nshongi camp, Nshongi Gorilla resort.
Nkuringo gorilla sector
The sector is located in the southwestern of Bwindi raised on the higher altitude and trekking through the sector one should be physically fit, the sector looks to be more adventurous and challenging with difficulty in trekking, but it can be recommended for the best gorilla trekking adventure experience among other sectors. The sector currently has three gorilla families including Nkuringo gorilla family this was the first habituated gorilla group in the sector led by the silver back Rafiki, this family is considered to be the more challenging to trek as you have to hike through very thick terrain for a summit with gorillas. Bushoho gorilla family habituated in 2012 led by silver back Bahati and the recently introduced Christmas gorilla family led by Christmas who is believed was born on Christmas. The sector rewards with a spectacular view of the Virunga conservation areas of Mgahinga Rwanda and Congo.
Nkuringo accommodations;
Luxury and mid-range accommodation; Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla lodge, Chameleon Hill lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla lodge,
Budget accommodation; Bwindi backpacker’s .
The park has accommodation for luxurious, mid-range and budget travelers to meet their expectations and their dreams coming true while trekking the human closest relatives.
Bwindi National Park is the most rewarding park in the world with over half of mountain Gorillas and has over 120 gorilla permits for gorilla trekkers daily.
Besides Gorilla trekking adventure, the forest is the best alternative for nature walks especially to most adventurous tourist which rewards with sighting of several bird species, mammals, and insects. Cultural encounter with the local forest pygmies the Batwa people visiting their daily local activities like mushroom growing, bee keeping and the local dances and other demonstrations.
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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.
This 9 – passenger Seater Toyota Hiace Safari Van is good for families that want to go for game drives in national parks
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.
4X4 loof top camper van
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.
4X4 WD Toyotal Land cruiser
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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Kidepo Valley National Park: One of Africa’s Best Destination
Safari Booking is the chief online marketplace and leading platform for planning African safari tours. Safari Booking through reviews of different award winner panel of writers writing about Africa’s destinations especially national parks Safari booking rate Kidepo Valley National Park elven among the 50 African destinations to visit in 2019.
The Kidepo Valley National Park is situated in a remote corner of northeastern Uganda bordering both Kenya and South Sudan, the park has rarely been visited by tourists due to expenses and difficulty of accessing, however currently getting more popular. The park is a true African wilderness destination for safaris adventure with rough mountains, often lost in rain clouds, enclosing the park.
Zebras and other wildlife sightings in the wildness
The word Kidepo comes from Dokoth verb ‘akidep’ meaning to “pick up” where the park derives its name Kidepo Valley National and is settled on 1442 square kilometer open also known for its unique culture the karamojongo. The tribe that dances to the beat of their own drums who defied the current civilization holding to the ancient way of life and locally known as pastoralists claiming to own all long horned cattle in Uganda. The park was established in 1958 as a game reserve and become a national park in 1962.
Kidepo national park was occupied by the mighty armed warriors the Karamonjongo and the Ik but was gazetted as a game reserve by the British colonial government in 1958 and in 1962 it was changed to a national park by Milton Obote’s government who was by then the Ugandan prime minister. The park has gone through several Management’s starting from the first Chief Warden Ian Ross.
The park can be accessed from different routes including Kampala Soroti through Amuria to the Kidepo park 592km/h, the route is the most rewarding with scenic view of wildness and the kejongos people in their communities along the way, watching the Manyatta and there chances of viewing half naked person on your drive through the region. From Kampala through Moroto to Kidepo covers a distance of 684km/h driving through Matheniko and Piena Upe game reserves and from Kampala through Kitgum to the park is 575km/h and park is raised at the altitude of 914mm to 2,750mm above sea level.
The most permanent source of water is the kanangorok hot springs found in the extreme north of the park in the South Sudan’s boarder. It has excellent wildlife viewing during the Dry season, featuring several species not encountered anywhere else in the country. The large, open plains make Kidepo feel more like parks in neighboring countries than in Uganda
Sunny days and thin vegetation make the Dry season (September to March) the best time to go for wildlife watching in Kidepo, this is also when animals go searching for a dependable source of water. An advantage of exploring Kidepo when the rains come is that the dust and heat tend to get washed away, and the birding.
This is a sole park in Uganda where visitors can sight both Zebras and Giraffes and on rare occessions you can sight the white Buffalos. There numbers of activities that tourist can engage in while in Kidepo Valley Nation Park from the two sections of the park, the Narus Valley with highest concentration of animals due to visibility of water throughout the year at Narus River and the best observation for games is Narus dam. The Narus valley is also endowed with over 500 bird species more especially on the river banks, some of the birds to be seen here are; Carmine, secretary bird, ostrich, Kori bustard, Abyssinian ground hornbill, yellow billed hornbill, Karamoja apalis, black breasted barbet, silver shrike, Nubian woodpecker, Vivacious bird, Hoopoe, scarlet chested sun bird, white bellied go away bird, singing bush lark and little Weaver to mention a few.
A female setting for a day meal, what a memorable safari?
And the Kidepo basin, this part of the park is mainly covered with montane topography and is rarely visited due to its far distance from the park headquarter at Apoka.
The park has arguably the most diverse fauna of any park in the country. It is particularly rich in predators, including lion, leopard and bat-eared fox, black-backed and side-striped jackal are both present. There are large herds of buffalo, twelve antelope species occur in the park. One hundred Uganda kob were transferred into the park (from Murchison Falls) in 2017 and there are plans to reintroduce white rhino in the future.
The park inhabits the big four games including herds of elephants, Buffalo grassing in the scenic savannahs leopards and lions on a special night game drive there chance to encounter them actively hunting accompanied by many other animals including tower of giraffes, herds of bushbuck, Uganda kobs, orib, zebras, warthogs, water bucks, Kudus, fox, hyena, aardwolf, Jackals, Jackson heart beast, eland, dik dik, ostrich, cheater, civet, hunting dog and very many great encounters.
Around are the indigenous interesting karamojongo people. It’s worth visiting these people, they are believed to be behind the time by the other of the people in Uganda. Besides being backward they cringed on their traditional beliefs like rejected other foreign religions in Uganda and insisted on their own Akuj god whom they believe gives them all the cattle they own. Visiting communities around Kidepo valley national park like Lurukul cultural community rewards with direct interaction and it’s an opening to explore the exotic practices and norms of the Karamojongo people, cultural entertainment like in traditional dances and the process of selecting a lover to marry.
Visiting the manyattas, the housing style of Karamojongos can have a camping overnight in the Manyatta testing their local beer will be an option to accompany while at the camp fire.
You love an adventure safari in a less crowded tourist destination, with no double kidepo valley is the best alternative for you
Read MoreBest 5 National Parks to Go Camping in Uganda
Camping is arguably the easiest and cheapest way of exploring the ‘’Pearl of Africa’’, especially the low earners and those who are not so financially stable. Uganda is a small but naturally a heavily gifted country with beauty, climate and above of all this; is its abundant wildlife. Below are the five best national parks in Uganda that are most ideal for you to go camping:
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo is the most unique national park in Uganda and if you are indeed a true wildlife lover, just opt for this one. The Park has a varied wildlife more than any other Park in Uganda and it is referred to as the ‘’True African Wilderness’’ since it is a refuge to almost each and every African wildlife species, complemented with its magnificent and picturesque landscape which all give you a run for your money. You are guaranteed to view a wide range of wildlife in Kidepo such as; Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Nile Crocodiles, Hippos, Leopards, Giraffes, Jackson’s Hartebeests, and over 500 bird species, and many others.
Kidepo boasts a very well maintained camping site called ‘’Kakine Self-Catering Campsite’’, which is so close to Apoka Visitor Centre; the Park’s tourist centre. The campsite has no provision for meals and thus the travelers should move with their own food stuffs – the campsite has good water and firewood for cooking. The campsite offers a wilderness camping encounter for the camping travelers, hence what you need to do is to contact your tour operator earlier such that it organizes for you good camping equipment, like; dome tents, cutlery, stoves or gas cookers, mattress, and others.
Murchison Falls National Park
This is one of the best national parks to go camping while on a Uganda safari as it comprises of various adventurous things that you are guaranteed to explore and there are camping sites as well, where you will compose your own camp. The Park is locally known as Kabalega National Park and it is under the Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA) – which comprises of the Kabalega Park and other two wildlife reserves, Karuma Falls and Bugungu reserves. The Park is a home to the Murchison falls found on the course of the great Nile and the falls attracts various wildlife species such as; hippos, the Nile Crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants and water bucks. When camping in this Park, you will enjoy several interesting activities such as; game drives, visiting the top of the Murchison falls, launch trips, hot air balloon safaris, nature walks, and birding. Visitors who will travel to Murchison Falls/Kabalega National Park will construct their camps in the Park’s various camping sites such as; Boomu Women’s Group Bandas or Shoebill Campsite.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Are you that kind of traveler who wants to go camping in various extraordinary national parks in Africa or you don’t have enough money to stay in the expensive luxurious accommodation in the Parks and you have decided to go camping? Queen Elizabeth National Park is a better Park to go camping and feel the true nature of Uganda and the African continent at large. Besides being cheap, camping offers a nice atmosphere, in terms of staying more close to the nature. The Park is the second largest national park in Uganda, after Murchison Falls National Park, and it is one of the most sought after destinations in Uganda. Camping is one of the most interesting experiences that you should not miss in the Park and there are different camping grounds in the Park, such as; Engiri Game Lodge and Camping Site, Kasenyi Safari Camp, Crater Campsite and Country Lodge, Kitandara Hippo Hill Camp, and Nyanzibiri Eco-community camp. Among the amazing things you are to enjoy during your camping in the Park, include; the unusual tree climbing lions and very many others that will offer you a great and memorable safari in Uganda and Africa at large.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forests National Park
This is one Park that you should go camping wherever you land to Africa. Bwindi is globally known for its inhabitants, the rare endangered mountain gorillas, which only exist in three African countries; Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo, and in four national parks. The only four refuges in the world for mountain gorillas are; Bwindi and Mgahinga Parks in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo. Out of the four refuges of mountain gorillas, Bwindi is the most recommendable one to visit as the Park harbors almost half of the total number of mountain gorillas remaining in the world. You can therefore enjoy your gorilla expeditions in Bwindi while camping in order to save some money, as the gorilla safaris are somehow expensive since you have to buy a gorilla permit in order for you get involved in this lifetime experience of trekking the gorillas. However, the gorilla permit in Uganda is relatively cheaper, costing US$ 600, as compared to that of Rwanda which costs US$ 1500.
Therefore since camping is very cheap, you will have saved some money which you will have spent on the Park’s luxurious lodges and camps. The most ideal camping sites/grounds in Bwindi include; Buhoma Community Campsite and Bandas, Nshongi Campsite, Bwindi Forest Farm & Campsite, and Lake Kitandara Tented Camp, among others.
Kibale Forests National Park
Kibale, found in western Uganda, is also an ideal destination to go camping especially to the primate lovers. The Park protects several primate species more than any other protected area in Africa, of which the major primate species and attraction in the Park are the common chimpanzees. Chimpanzees have various interesting behaviors that you will enjoy during your camping experience in the Park and of course these primates (chimpanzees) share 98.7% of human DNA, hence you are guaranteed to experience some human behaviors/characteristics possessed by the chimpanzees. The best campsites in the Park include; campsite at Primate lodge, Frog Campsite & Lodge, campsite at Kibale Forest Camp, and Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve & Community Campsite.
Read MoreWHITE 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.
white male Eared kob sighted in Pian Upe
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 2nd 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.
Sun raise at Pian Upe game reserve
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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Uganda Martyrs’ Antiquity
Before Uganda, there were un-united monarchies that always wriggled and battled each other to broaden their territories and were diverse in cultural beliefs. By early 1843 came the nonblack people, Arabs from the East African coast received at Wamala palace by then Ssekabaka Sunna ll king of Buganda kingdom which was the strongest kingdom then. The Arabs introduced Islamic and religions emerged on the land and the converted king Sunna II to Islamic.
Later by 1861 the first European explore John Hanning Speke came to Uganda and visited Ssekabaka Mutesa I king of Buganda, the king wrote a letter to queen Victoria of England inviting missionaries to Buganda. 1877 the group of Church Missionary Society CMS of Anglican arrived, followed the White Fathers from Roman Catholic Church in 1879. The two religions settled on hills of Rubaga hill for the White Fathers of the Catholic Church and Namirembe hill for Anglican Church Missionary Society who always struggled to win many converts on their respective side.
The influx of explores and missionaries initiated the integration of monarchies to form one united nation Uganda. 1880s started silent famous religious wars as they struggled for positions in the political affairs and many converts lost their lives in the process of these wars. By 1890s British sent Sir Gerald portal from Zanzibar coast to come and formalize the British protectorate ship in Uganda.
1884 Ssekabaka Mutesa I died and his son Ssekabaka Mwanga II succeeded him as 31st king of Buganda, religious tragedy started here were king Mwanga II never believed in any of the religions though this never stop religions which were growing at a faster rate. Most of the king’s pageboys had converted to different religions among the three especially Christianity and rose misunderstandings between the king and his pageboys.
The king wanted his people in the palace of Mengo to denounce their converted religions which never happened and left the king unhappy about it. By 1886 the King ordered his royal man Mukajjanga the chief executioner to kill every pageboy who couldn’t denounce Christianity with reasons that instead of serving him in the palace were busy with church always, the execution of believer took place at Namugongo the designated execution for Buganda kingdom during Mwanga’s reign.
Having suspected danger to happen to Uganda’s Christian community on 25th may 1886, Charles Lwanga the leader of Uganda’s Christian Community secretly baptized four catechisms at Munyonyo including Kizito, Gyavira Musoke Mayanja, Mbaga Tuzinde and Mugaga Lubowa. The very morning the king summoned all his court and separated Christians from the rest, the King said those who don’t pray stand by me and those who pray stand over there. He continued to ask those who pray whether they were Christians and they were intending to remain Christians and said yes, with strength and courage King Mwanga condemned them to death. They were imprisoned for a short while then bound to each other on twisted lops escorted by ruthless soldiers started their journey to Namugongo the execution site.
Uganda martyrs basilica Namugongo shrine
On 25th November 1885 Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe who was the king majordomo and one of the leaders of Christian believers from the catholic community pioneered the execution at Nakivubo Kampala city center he was beheaded and burnt to ashes. Mukasa Balikuddembe accused Kabaka Mwanga why he ordered for the killing of an Anglican Bishop James Hannington who the king had was coming to Buganda through eastern and the king believed every person coming from the east was an enemy.
Though Balikuddembe was executed first at Nakivubo, however, Munyonyo is where the King Mwanga launched the execution of Christian believers and converts started here their pilgrim journey to Namugongo the execution site. At Munyonyo three were killed including Denies Ssebugwawo, Andrew Kagwa and Pantiano Ngondwe.
Morning of 27th may 1886 at mengo Athanasius Bazzekuketta volunteered to be executed at the foothills of Memgo palace current place Kisenyi. The same day at Old Kampala Mathias Mulumba on his way to Namugongo from Mengo, he refused to continue walking further and demanded for his execution here. The hands were cut off first, the skin was plead off from his back and legs were cut off, he was left with bleeding open vessels and later after three days Mulumba died.
Prisoners tied on neck and feet to another by cords and stocks, the martyrs moved over 10 miles to Namugongo. At Namugongo the martyrs were confined like a week before their execution, by that time executioners were preparing and collecting enough fire wood and rids for burning victims.
3rd June 1886 was when real executions took place, the martyrs were tied in rids. Ssenkole the guardian of the sacred fused and singled out Charles Lwanga to be the first victim of holocaust. Ssenkole was not allowed to be present at the actual scene of the large execution but in ritual practices had to select one of the victims and burn him apart from the others. At Namugongo 22 young boys were set on fire who kept praising and praying while burning in flames of fire, victims were made to arrange their own fire woods and rids and executioners tied one by one in try rids were they burned slowly to ashes.
Pope Frances visit of Namugongo martyrs museum
In total 45 younger believers we killed for the sake of faith 23 Anglicans and 22 catholic. At the place where Charles Lwanga was executed currently exits the iconic Basilica the Martyrs Shrine which Arch Bishop Emmanuel Nsubuga spearheaded its construction in preparation Pope John Paul VI visit in 1969 who launched the construction of the Shrine. On October 18th 1964 Pope Paul VI solemnly proclaimed the catholic martyrs as saints in St. Peters’ Basilica Vatican Rome. Every 3rd of June multitude of believers all over the world emerge to celebrate anniversary of the Holy Martyrs day at Namugongo Uganada.
The martyrs trails tours taking you around different site primarily initiates your gorilla tour or any other wildlife safari in Uganda. The martyrs trail include sites like Munyonyo, St. Balikkudembe Owino market, Matia Mulumba at Old Kampala and the great Namugongo Martyrs shrine and Martyrs Museum.
Mukajanja the Chief executioner
Tips for Planning a Family Holiday in Uganda
Spending time with your family is now days far beyond just sitting to relax and talk as it was in the old television shows. Did you know you can out the best from your family by taking a trip together?
A family trip is about the only time you can recreate the magic of television by visiting unique Places. So when school lets out, get time to think about such kind of a vacation. It doesn’t matter where you live, whether built up or not, your family needs to have some time away to relax, bond and have fun.
However, choosing your destination can be difficult at times, but by choosing a place that has many different activities for Mom, Dad, sister and brother, you can be sure to make everyone happy. Think of where you would like to go and decide it upon with the family. If it Africa, a number of destinations are awaiting to offer you the greatest adventure and one of them is Uganda.
Also known as the ‘Pearl of Africa’, taking a Uganda Safari in this small land locked ever green country that is located in the East African region can be a perfect place for those who are on holiday with children.
Traveling with the family can be hassle-free and loaded with fun and this can be possible if you’ve planned well. Here are a few tips you can use for an easy, stress-free travel with your family while in Uganda.
Plan with the entire family
Get each family member’s opinion on which places to go. Kids love it when they get involved. The planning may include making a short list of the places to visit. Ask each and every one a place they would like to visit or which things they would like to see and get the majority’s preference.
Viewing the rare tree Climbing Lions in Ishasha as a family would create unforgettable memories for the adventure.
If it is wildlife, then consider visiting national parks and activities that are permitted for children across all ages. Taking a game drive in either Murchison Falls national park to see some of the African Big Five including Elephants, Buffaloes and Lions or Queen Elizabeth National Park to see the rare tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector would be fun-filled and adventurous to you all as a family.
Plan simple yet fun activities for the whole family to enjoy
Choose only activities that will see you enjoy as a family instead of those that will see you separated due to age restrictions or get some of you tired/ boring. Note that most family vacations require sacrificing the interests of the parents to satisfy the needs of the kids.
For instance, Mountain Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking that is only permitted for those above 15 years.
Assign a task to each member
Distribute tasks across Help each other especially when packing. Give each one a responsibility for everyone to be active in organizing the trip. The kids can have to check on the first-aid kit, the father to bring all bulky equipment’s and the mother to take charge preparing the food. This way, your load can be lessened and everyone would feel the importance of each one’s contribution.
Hire a Car to Use in Advance
For any number of the traveling family member, you can always get a suitable car to use. It is better if you make your reservation in time. This is easy via the internet with one of the many Car Rental Agencies in the Country.
This 9 – passenger Seater Toyota Hiace Safari Van is good for families that want to go for game drives in national parks
These offer a number of suitable 4X4 vehicles for families such as a Toyota Super Custom that carries up to 6 people, a van that carries up to 9 people among others. If you are to make your trip within built up centers such as towns, a 2WD Toyota Noah can also be good for a family.
Try to Travel light
Depending on a car you booked, if it is relatively small such as the Toyota Noah, you need to make you luggage a bit light since most of the space of your car would be for people. Pack only the essential things you need. Remember that traveling light doesn’t mean traveling incomplete.
Carry all important stuff you need to bring, carry with you a medicine kit for emergencies and more importantly, bring enough prescription drugs if any of the family members is on medication. Bring enough to last for the entire duration of the trip.
Don’t Forget the Camera
Bring in the fun by taking pictures and videos to document your trip. Take turns in using the camera, this way everyone will get a memorable shot taken. You can take the pictures and put them in a nice travel journal when you get home. This way you can enjoy the fun memories as often as you want.
Remember that the entire objective of a family trip is to have fun.
Summary
You all will love the natural surroundings, scenic views, adventure activities for the family as whole, great hospitality of the residents among others.
When it comes to accommodation, many hotels and lodges offer family room with children discounts policy which is good optional for family term.
Children’s attractions (3 years and above) in Uganda vary from sand and beach activities, cultural activities such as dancing, temple visits, and traditional Ugandan life style experiences; adventure activities such as rafting, cycling, horse rides as well as exploring the wildlife in the National Parks during a game drive and boat cruises among others.
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Quick Guide on Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
Taking an option of doing Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is great decision made which results into an ultimate adventure to narrate as a story to your fellow travelers when you meet up in other amazing destinations elsewhere.
This experiential rewarding activity done in Uganda usually involves meeting with the mostly wanted shy endangered ground dwelling herbivores, Mountain Gorillas in the Jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
It’s not that most travelers just like visiting Uganda because it’s the only destination available but rather it’s due to some major attracting factors that include; ease of accessibility, wide range of different Wild life species, different other exciting attractions, favorable climatic conditions, stable financial status, good service providers characterized, flexibility and stable security among others.
Looking forward for a Gorilla Safari in Uganda on your African Safari vacation, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the best recommended and fascinating Park to go for variety of these apes.
It is located in the South Western part of Uganda lieing along Uganda’s border with Democratic Republic of Congo not very from Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Mother Mountain Gorilla with her Infant
It’s very easy to drive from the Buhoma sector side of Bwindi and access Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha sector route. Bwindi presents thick impenetrable tropical rainforest, bogs, shrubs and swampy areas which provide good habitat to its various species.
Popularly known for hosting variety of Gorilla species, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has over eighteen Gorilla families habituated for trekking experience.
These families are grouped in Bwindi’s four sectors including Buhoma sector, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo sector with each sector inhabiting more than two Gorilla families.
How to get there.
Being located in the South western part of Uganda, the best route of reaching this Park from Kampala is Kampala- Masaka- Mbarara highway including enroute stop over at the equator in Kayabwe before reaching Masaka town for some brief explanation about the equator, photographs and snacks.
Then continue with the journey using suitable 4×4 wheel drive Safari jeep, lunch is usually provided enroute in Mbarara town.
It takes about 9-10 hours for the drive from Kampala up to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the South Western part of Uganda depending on speed used and traffic along the way plus enroute stop overs associated.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
This usually involves meeting with the shy endangered ground dwelling herbivores Mountain Gorillas in the Jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this amazing experience is usually started in the morning after a briefing conducted at the Park offices or starting point to highlight about how to behave while in the Jungle, along the way and in presence of these apes.
Silver back Gorilla in Bwindi Forest
After briefing a park ranger guide and armed officers are assigned to a group of eight trekkers for the journey heading to the Jungle in search of these apes for interaction, Park ranger usually inquire from Gorilla trackers via radio calls about the exact location of these apes in the Jungles.
Gorilla trackers are usually the first to go early in the morning to exactly locate where these apes spent their last night.
After locating these apes in the Jungles, you are allowed to stay in their presence for only one hour while seeing them playing, feeding, laughing plus taking photos and videos of them provided you are not using a flush camera.
After one hour session with the Gorillas, next step is vacating the place back to Park offices or starting point for Gorilla trekking certificate award, its advised that when heading for the Gorilla trek you come along with your packed food for eating while in the Jungle because most of the times lunch time reaches when Gorilla trackers are still in the Jungle being unable to come back for lunch.
Gorilla trekking requires a permit and this permit in Uganda costs $600 USD per person usually booked in advance before your trekking dates such that it’s processed in time.
Besides Gorilla trekking what else?
You can explore the Batwa Pygmies during a Cultural visit in Bwindi Forest
While in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can also do bird watching, visit the Batwa people in their local communities and more.
Read More6 Tips For Self Driving In Uganda’s National Parks
Undertaking self drive adventures to Uganda’s magnificent national parks requires that you hire that perfect car rental which suits your travel needs. Given an ever increasing number of new car hire companies, visitors are presented with variety of car rentals for them to make the best choice for their safari. Our Car Rental Company is one of the best and a reliable company that offers a range of cars for hire right from 4wheel drive Rav4, Toyota Land Cruisers, Safari and extended Land Cruisers, minivans, coasters and many more. Choosing one of these cars will offer you that total comfort that you deserve while on safari in Uganda. To have the most successful self drive adventures in Uganda’s national park, the following should be taken note of;
- Do not over speed; you are encouraged to maintain a slow speed at all times while driving in the national park. By doing this, you won’t only save the lives of the wildlife but it also allows you to catch a glimpse at most of the wildlife species that are of your interest compared if you rushed something that would make you miss to spot them. At least maintain a speed of 40 kilometers per hour to allow you to catch a glimpse at most of the wildlife species.
- Maintain a distance from wildlife species; always be mindful of wildlife species while driving in the park as they can easily cross the road. As you watching these spectacular creatures a distance of 100 meters should be kept off from the animals.
- Remain in car; note that you will be at wilderness and anything can happen so make sure that you stay safe and do not get out while watching these wildlife species. Your safety at the park is very vital. Make sure that you hire a car in Uganda with a pop up roof that allows you to view the animals while inside the car.
- Never hoot at the park; this is not accepted in the national park. This behavior disorganizes wildlife mating and makes them to migrate to other areas which may not allow you to have clear views of what you want.
- Turn off the car engine; always turn off the engine of your car while watching the wild animals. Noise tends to irritate wildlife species and this limits opportunities of you to catch a glimpse at most of the species within a close range.
- Follow the rest and ask; most of car hire agencies in Uganda offer cars on self drive basis but you should be cautios about the rest of the drivers within the park. Be aware of all the rules of driving at the park. There is however an alternative for you to spot out wildlife in the park. Make sure that you follow safari cars where they will be heading and you too should take that direction. The advantage with driving in the park is that, other drivers can also guide you and you will equally have the unforgettable experience.
In conclusion, self drive adventures to Uganda’s national parks requires you to be careful and at end of the day, you will have safe guarded the lives of the wildlife species. To have the most successful self drive adventures, follow the above tips and you won’t regret in life.
Read More9 Magical Places Visited by Tourists in Uganda
Here are the 9 magical places that tourists should not miss while on a visit in Uganda
Uganda the pearl of Africa located in East Africa astride the equator has some diverse landscapes that include western arm of the east African and Albertine rift valley, Virunga volcanoes, Nile valley, snow capped Rwenzori Mountains, tropical rainforests, wetlands and lush savannah plains. The country has perfect destinations and many attractions to satisfy needs of every traveler. That’s why we share and let you know about best magical places that you must visit if you decide to visit Uganda on a safari.
Bwindi impenetrable forest national park
Bwindi impenetrable forest national park Uganda’s premier destination is home to 400 individuals which are half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Many tourists visit the park for a really special wildlife experience; mountain gorilla trekking safaris provide a chance to see some of the 14 habituated gorilla families in their natural wild. Tourist visit are limited to only 8 people per day, so book your gorilla permit in advance.
Bwindi is a wonderful park to visit for nature loving visitors. The park has a stunning location at the edge of the Albertine rift valley in southwestern Uganda. The entire Bwindi landscape is green, wet and misty containing ancient plants and 120 mammals, colorful butterflies and 346 birds including 23 Albertine rift endemics. There are also sparkling waterfalls, orchids, flowers, clean refreshing streams which can be explored by guided nature walks.
Kibale forest national park
Kibale forest national park is an ancient tropical rainforest located in the rift valley floor in western Uganda. Accessible by 5 hours drive from Kampala, Kibale forest is an adventurous place to add to your list of places to visit. Famed as the capital primate of the world and indeed there are 13 species of primates including chimpanzee. There are also over 300 species of birds and large mammals such as elephants, lions which offer game viewing opportunities.
What’s so special about this park is chimpanzee tracking. Standing a few meters away from chimpanzee which share 98.7% of human DNA is humbling and reminds you of our ancestral origin. Then hiking, nature walks offer chances to spot primates, birds, butterflies, medicinal plants just getting you close to nature and breathtaking.
Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru caves
Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru caves are located near fort portal town in western Uganda and can be visited on a day trip from Kibale forest national park. A visit to the caves is all about learning, going back to ancient folklore and local culture of Toro kingdom, exploring waterfalls and hiking around three of the rift valley floor crater lakes that surround the caves. Geographically, Amabere caves are an ancient stalactites and stalagmites which you’ll see dripping calcium carbonate that looks like “breast milk”. But the local traditions make you understand the cultural significance of the caves to the kingdom of Toro. Once upon a time, there was a king of Toro named Bukuku who had recived a prophecy from his ancestors that there would be a girl Nyina Mwiru who will give birth to a son (Nahura) that will kill you and inherit your kingdom. It was bad news to the king Bukuku who decided to attack the girl, chop off her breasts and thrown them in the caves hence the name Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru caves.
Sipi Falls
At the edge of Mount Elgon National park in Eastern Uganda featuring the world’s largest caldera are the Sipi falls. They are a series of three waterfalls falling over 100 meter cliff. It’s a cool place to relax, breathtaking fresh air as you stand beneath the waterfalls. Nature walks around the falls are just magical with eye-catching views of the Mount Elgon and semi-arid plains of Karamoja. Sipi falls being located at the edge of Mt. Elgon, there are a lot of activities for visitors to discover the area. Sipi River provides spot fishing opportunities, there are 14 rock climbing routes, and fit hikers can go for mountain climbing, exploring the Arabic coffee villages with cultural encounters of the Bagisu. A trip to Sipi falls can be easily incorporated in your safari to Mount Elgon national park designated as UNESCO man and biosphere reserve due to its biological diversity. The park is home to big game such as elephants, buffalos, leopards, hyenas, zebras, several antelope species and over 300 species of birds with a special lammergeyer, Uganda’s endemic bird.
Source of the Nile
The source of the Nile evokes a great adventure packed yet relaxing safari for travelers. White water rafting is the major activity, with the White Nile offering grade five to one rapids. Even though rafting isn’t your favorite activity, you’ll find amazing things to and see.
River Nile is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. Definitely a must visit area easily accessible by 11/2 hours drive from Kampala city to Jinja town. It can be a day trip or plan to stay for more days. Book one of the riverside lodges, camps, guest houses and hotels in Jinja town where you can chill, relax enjoy cool weather, drinks and local fish.
River Nile the benchmark of all rivers in the world claiming to be the longest starts to flow northwards from Victoria Nile in Jinja town. This is the real original birth place of the Nile as the British explorer Speke discovered it in 1860’s unlike other countries like Rwanda and Burundi which claim to have the furthest source. A magical experience for visitors is taking a boat ride to the real point marked the source of the Nile with Speke monument. The place is beautiful and gives you a chance to explore the magnificent Lake Victoria by 2 day house boat safari. With everything including accommodation, food and drinks on board, you sleep on water, wake up on colorful sunsets. Visitors can also go for horseback riding, quad biking and mountain through the Nile valley; the river banks are great to spot birds, otters and visit to the crocodile park with turtles and snakes. Bungee jumping is also available if your heart is brave enough to jump over 50 meters cliff.
Murchison Falls National park
Uganda’s largest conservation area, Murchison falls National Park has the 2nd powerful waterfall in Africa after Victoria Falls. And the top of the falls hike welcomes you to the park.
The waterfall is just one feature that makes the park such an attractively beautiful place to visit. The park’s diverse habitats such as palm dotted savanna, Nile delta wetlands, woodlands and tropical forests with a dry hot weather. These untouched ecosystems which are bisected by river Nile provide home to elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, hartebeest, and bushbucks and large predators including lions, leopards, and hyenas can be seen on a game drive. Game viewing safari in the park is excellent as birding with over 451 species including the rare shoebill stork. Many of the accommodations are nestled along the banks of river Nile such as Paara safari lodge, Chobe safari lodge and many more to give you a refreshing stay in the park. Boat cruise to see the bottom of the falls with a trade mark rain bow, equatorial sunset views is exciting as you see hippos, crocodiles, water birds and game along the banks of the Nile. There are also spot fishing opportunities for anglers to fish the Nile perch and the biggest catch on record weighed 80kg.
Besides visiting Murchison Falls National park, the nearby Budongo forest is home to chimpanzees, several primates and a lot of birds. Visitors can drive early from Murchison to arrive early and catch up for chimp tracking. You can even spend a night, the place has eco-tourism center, camps and eco-lodges you can reserve a room in advance.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo valley is unfairly less visited and its remote location far in the north eastern Karamoja region of Uganda tells you there’s a hidden treasure to discover. Kidepo valley has been voted by CNN Travel as the most beautiful park in Africa. The park has expansive mixed semi-arid desert savanna grasslands plains; borassous palm trees, dry mountain landscape crossed by permanent and seasonal sand river valleys. Most of game viewing occurs in the Narus valley during dry seasons. It is an area rich in wildlife with 77 mammals and over 500 species of birds. Animals that are not found in other parks of Uganda can be seen in kidepo including cheetahs, jackals, Aard wolf, bat eared fox, ostrich, greater and lesser kudu. This park is home to largest buffalo herds in East Africa along with their predators like lions, hyenas and leopards. Other game includes elephants, zebras, giraffe and several antelopes. You’ll do game drives, hiking; nature walks in a quite wilderness and get a chance to interact with the IK indigenous tribe.
Kampala City
The capital of Uganda, Kampala formally set on seven hills, it has developed from being the traditional capital of Buganda kingdom into a modern business center and now spreads over 21 hills. Unlike the downtown area around Owino markets with many traders, taxis, boda boda, up town areas like Kololo, Golf course are green with lots of trees and clean streets. Beyond the scenic beautiful hills, Kampala is full of friendly and welcoming people who like to party, drink beer and never sleep at night. For that reason, Kampala is known as a sleepless city, you just need to explore its vibrant nightlife.
Visitors can enjoy a city tour visiting some of the historical landmarks such as Gaddafi national mosque and its tall tower give panoramic views of the whole city. Other notable places to visit include the UNESCO world heritage site Kasubi tombs, Makerere University the oldest in East Africa, Uganda museum, Ndere cultural center offers live cultural performances and places of warship like Bahai temple, Namirembe and Rubaga cathedrals.
Sesse Islands
If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or honeymoon vacation, Sesse islands beaches and lush tropical palm trees surrounding the islands are a delight place. Sesse islands are made up of 84 islands found in the middle of Lake Victoria, the 2nd largest fresh water lake in the world. Bulago islands are the ones with beautiful white sand beaches. Accommodations on the island have electricity and amenities like campfires, swimming pools and Wi-Fi. You can relax, on the beach; enjoy drinks, fresh air and warm sun. Bulago islanda are a great base for boat trips to neighboring fishing villages or just remain and swim, play beach soccer, enjoy biking, nature walks around spotting sea birds, monkeys and interact with locals. Sesse islands are accessible by a 2 hours boat ride from Entebbe.
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5 Best Places for Nature Retreats in Uganda
Whether you want to track gorillas, chimpanzees, or go in search of the beautiful wildlife, birds, watch crocodiles and hippos, chill under the sun and sand, Uganda is the only destination in Africa to experience it all. Most visitors to the country find themselves happy, joyful through their stay no matter what the travel interest could be. Uganda ten national parks own full of natural wonders and one of the most appreciated wildlife species in world. Be one of those to experience a peace mind during your Uganda safari tour to any corner of the country. Can’t say here or there because the beauty of Uganda is in everything from people t attractions.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
One of the most visited attraction in Uganda; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a home to the highest number of mountain gorillas remaining in the world. Unlike other parks in Uganda, Bwindi forest is included on 90% of Uganda safari tours. Imagine yourself in the presence of the most giant primate on the planet as it welcomes you to its home and even introduces you to all its family members. What a great moment and encounter for being with mountain gorillas in the jungle forest. When you meet the gorillas, you forget all the hassles and forest treks and just focus on the thrilling experience.
Tracking mountain gorillas may be expensive in other gorilla trekking destinations but not in Uganda where travelers get discounts on gorilla permits in April, May and November. Also the general gorilla permit price per trek is $600 and tourists can access the park by road hence making backpacking tourism a considered travel option. Tourists to the park don’t only enjoy gorilla trekking tours but also nature walks, cultural tours boat cruise, waterfall hikes, bird watching and more. Since Uganda has two mountains gorilla national parks, tourists also get the best gorilla trekking experience when they decide to go gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National park. However, those planning to track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, Mgahinga are your perfect choice destination.
Murchison Falls National Park
Famous for incredible wildlife and the might falls of the Nile, Murchison falls National Park is one of the most desirable places for tourists both on budget and luxury safaris in Uganda. Precisely wildlife safaris have been the top tourist attraction in the park for decades while other activities include a visit to the top of the falls, chimpanzee trekking, boat cruise and the Rhino nature walk at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Murchison falls provides a very nice introduction to Uganda beautiful wild bio diversities and unique beauty about the Nile Might falls. Tourists flock to Murchison falls every day to experience the thrilling attractions of the wilderness. No best time to visit Murchison falls because it’s amazing every day, every week, month and year. The park can be accessed by both road and Air hence enabling all kinds of visitors to explore the vast blessed of wildlife, chimpanzees and the might fall.
Jinja Town
The best calm city and the best city for water adventures in Uganda, Jinja is a place to explore on your Uganda safari tour. Being a base to the source of the Nile, Owen falls Dam, Bujagali Dam, and Itanda Falls. Kalagala Falls, White water rafting , Bungee jumping really and much more, Jinja is one attractive and adventurous to tourists because of what it offers .Memories and fan is all you get once you visit jinja for a 1-2 days trip. Good to include it on your Uganda safari itinerary to either Bwindi forest or Murchison falls and cool off yourself with lots of relaxing tour adventures in Jinja before your departure flight back home. The city is also unique among Uganda cities that it also allows forest walks, bird watching which tourists enjoy either on their way to or from in Mabira forest and at the twin lake that is said to have been born by a woman. The dramatic scenery with a lot of green road side attractions and tarmac roads make the city very accessible and great for short Uganda safaris and weekend gateways.
Read MoreGorilla Trekking Guide to Bwindi and Mgahinga national park Uganda
African is the only destination for gorilla trekking in the world, when many travelers think of gorilla safaris, the next step is which place to visit the mountain gorillas in as they are only found in four national parks where by Uganda is the only one with two national parks, Congo with one and Rwanda also with one. Always it takes travelers more time to find out which destination will be the best for their Mountain gorilla safari in Africa.
Gorilla trekking takes place in two national parks in Uganda. These two national parks are Bwindi and Mgahinga. Other places that provide an opportunity for gorilla trekking are Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda as well as Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo. So before you decide to book a gorilla tour in Uganda, you need to convince yourself that you have made the right decision on where to trek these gorillas.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is UNESCO world heritage Centre located in south western Uganda in the districts of Kisoro, Kanungu and Kabale. It is best known for its Mountain Gorilla populations and gorilla tracking although, it also offers some of the finest montane forest birding in Africa and is a key destination for any birder doing a Safari to Uganda. Amongst the numerous possibilities are no fewer than 23 of Uganda’s 24 Albertine Rift endemics, including spectacular, globally threatened species such as Shelley’s Crimson wing and the African Green Broadbill. Bwindi is one of the few in Africa to have flourished throughout the last Ice Age and it is home to roughly half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is best known for its outstanding gorilla tracking, but it also provides refuge to wild elephants, chimpanzee, monkeys and various small antelope and bird species. When you a book a Uganda safari without Gorilla trekking then you will have missed an opportunity to see these rare and threatened gorillas, the variant biodiversity is supported by the fact that Bwindi is extremely old and also its slopes extend over a broad altitudinal range of 1447m above sea level.
Mgahinga Gorilla national park is located in the southwestern Uganda on the border with Congo and Rwanda. Covering an area of about 33.7 sq. kilometers, the park is a habitat for man’s closest, the mountain gorillas which roam about the whole forest in search for food. This park is one of the few places in the world where the endangered mountain gorillas live and it attracts people from different countries to come on Uganda’s Gorillas. The park has one habituated gorilla group, although this group sometimes crosses the border into Rwanda, which means Mgahinga is not a reliable spot for viewing gorillas. There is no doubt that Mgahinga Gorilla national park is one of the leading tourism sites in Uganda since it harbors these rare primates. The national park also covers three of the eight Virunga volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo, all of which lie on the Uganda/Rwanda border. Any of these can be climbed in one day from the park headquarters.
One may wonder why gorilla Safari should be done in Mgahinga and Bwindi and no other places but the secret behind it is that these parks have a thick rain forest with a wide variety of tree species and gorillas are known to be vegetarians. There is enough food for them in the park and this is the reason why some even migrate from Congo and Rwanda to this place. Though not in large numbers, gorillas of Mgahinga are easily seen in their natural habitats and this makes tracking more easy compared to other parks.
How to get there
Both Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be accessed by road or Air. You can assess Mgahinga using services of fly Uganda or Aerolink scheduled flights to Kisoro Airstrip. The flight is about an hour or so from where you can then transfer by road to your accommodation facility. Kisoro Airstrip severs both Mgahinga and the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On the other side the north and southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Buhoma and Ruhija respectively) can be assessed by air through Kihiihi Airstrip followed by road transfers to respective lodges. If driving from Kampala, you will pass through Mbarara, Kabale to Kisoro and then to Mgahinga National park. This is the same route used by those tracking in the southern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National park as well. Should you be trekking gorillas in the north and east of Bwindi, then you can branch off from Ntungamo then to Kagaba to Rukungiri.
When to Go To See the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
Although tracking mountain gorillas can be conducted all year round in these two national parks, due to the somewhat damp seasons experienced by the national parks in which these gorillas stay, the majority of tourists prefer visiting from June to September as well as from December up to February. You can visit Bwindi and Mgahinga at any time of the year, the low season calls for cheaper gorilla permit price.
How to Get a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda
Within Uganda, Gorilla trekking is conducted in Bwindi National Park or in Mgahinga National Park. But because of the inconsistency of gorillas in Mgahinga, majority of the sold permits are for Bwindi NP. In Uganda, every gorilla permit goes for US $ 600 while in April, May and November 2016 they will go for US $ 450. On a single day, nearly 72 people travel into Bwindi to see gorillas and only 8 people are allowed to see a gorilla family. We strongly encourage you to book your gorilla permit with a safari agents the most prominent mistake is to book a gorilla family which is far away from your choice of accommodation. The routes to Bwindi and its various regions are often tricky; this is a remote area. If you would like to do the gorilla trek on your own so as to save costs, you might end up incurring more. Safari guides have been trained to help you with this.
What to Wear? Choosing the right Clothing
Gorilla Trekking gear guide, Good quality walking boots if trying any hikes or even climbs, warm layers of cloth for the cold evenings and clothing for wet weather remember it becomes cold and wet at this high altitude.
Accommodation
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park provides several accommodation options in all sides of the forest. You will find budget, mid-range or up market lodges options and then you decide accordingly. In Mgahinga, there few options to choose from as the only up market lodge is the Gahinga Lodge only. Other options are located in Kisoro town.
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Uganda Safari Trail : Why A Safari To Kibale National Park?
Kibale forest national park is one of Uganda’s most visited national parks, it’s a home to over 13 species of primates, and it lies in western Uganda, southeast of Fort portal town amongst gently undulating lush green hills of cultivation. It covers an area of about 766km2. To the west the legendary mountains of the moon erupt in snowcapped splendor, whilst the grassland and lakes of Queen Elizabeth national park away to the south. Kibale forest national park is a primarily for chimpanzee tracking over 500 individuals inhabit the park, tracking activities are on sell in this park since chances of sighting is very high over 90% plus. Chimps are habituated to human standards and they can be tracked safely in their natural habitat, and tracking activities begins early in the morning before 8:00am after reporting at the Kanyanchu Tourist Center which is a starting point for trekking. After the briefing you follow the ranger guide to the forest to begin the search of our close relatives how shares almost 98% of human DNA make-up than any other living creature on earth, they are tremendous fun to watch as they squabble and play in fruitful trees. You strictly allowed one hour with them.
Not only chimpanzee other primate species like the black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, grey cheeked mangbay, civet monkey, red tailed monkey among others can be seen during the process of tracking chimpanzee as well as buffaloes, forest elephant and other large mammals and birds can all be seen. Our eager guides are knowledgeable about most aspects of the forest, both flora and fauna, and may entertain you with their bird calls an stories of local forest lore, but take time to look closer , insect are fascinating part of the forest life so look out for colorful butterflies , fascinating beetles and more. However do please remember don’t litter the park and please do not carry anything out of the park when you leave except when you brought with you.
Guided forest walks are available at the park, morning walks are the most fruitful, although afternoon walks are also popular and night walks offers sighting of nocturnal primates. Whole or half day hikes may be arranged, with long distance trekking opening soon.
From kibale forest national park you can easy cross to Queen Elizabeth national park after chimpanzee tracking, those with time and feeling to linger in the area will be rewarded by excess of activities. The park is blessed with a wide bio diversity of wildlife species including the tree climbing lions in the famous part of the park Ishasha sector; they are fabulous fan to watch when sited in the tree branches. Other games can see in the kasenyi area of the park in a tourist 4×4 vehicle. Don’t also forget the boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel which connects lakes George and Edward for opportunity to spot species of wildlife like hippos and crocodiles plus various species of birds including the rare shoebill. From queen you can also easily connect to Bwindi impenetrable national park a home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Book with us a safari to kibale forest national park we shall help you connect to the rest of other national parks near kibale national park.
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