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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LAKE BUNYONYI- “the amusement of Africa’s Switzerland”
Aerial-view-Lake-Bunyonyi-Islands
Also known as a “Lake of little birds” lake Bunyonyi is located in southwestern region of Uganda in districts of Kabala and Kisoro, this is the world most romantic Lake. Its depth is expected to be between 44m to 90m making it the 2nd deepest lake in Africa, it stands at 1962m above sea level, and it’s a small lake covering an area of 61 square kilometers with the width of 7km and length of 25km. Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded by hills raising at 2,200m to 2470m above sea level, and is composed of 29 island with the famous punishment islands.
The lake is believed to have been formed due lava flow which merged from Virunga Mountains that occupied river Ndengo, it continued and blocked river Marko and resulted into a created dam. It is thought that the lake was formed 8000 million years ago, the lake stretches south wards touching north of Rwanda through steep hills contours that separates Kabala and Kisoro.
Spectacular Bunyonyi is a loveliest lake to have your honey moon, and a private relaxing place from your Uganda wildlife safari from Queen Elizabeth National Park or Gorilla trekking safari. Commonly known for its fresh waters, moderate temperatures and ever changing climate that is mostly cool in the mornings and evenings, let alone the scenery that is characterized by the blossoming green terraced hills and the breathtaking 29 Islands that are scattered diagonally in the central part of the water, prolific morning mist terms the lake one of the best destinations attracting travelers to reach. The word “bunyonyi” means many little birds where the lake derives its name from and it’s an evidence of a birding spot.
Around Lake Bunyonyi are many adventurous, attractive and interesting activities one can engage in which may include the following.
Boat ride to some of the beautiful Island
Cruising through beauty of scenic islands including the famous Akampene Island commonly known as Punishment Island, traditionally before it was forbidden for a girl child to pregnant before marriage and any girl caught victim she was taken to this island left naught, these girls starved and died, and others also died while trying to swim through deep waters to escape. sailing to any of islands you make a choice to use either a canoe or motorized boat, also taking a night boat ride is very fascinating accompanied by sounds of nigh bird melody and luring waters.
Birding
Acknowledging the origin of the name bunyonyi it’s a guarantee about birding activities at the place. Bunyonyi is a hid out destination offering a best rewarding experience for birders, the lake has wide range bird species with over 190 bird species including; the grey crowned crane, the white tailed blue monard, herons, African Harrier Hawk, egrets, slender-billed baglafetch, levillant cuckoo, levillant cuckoo, and cardinal woodpecker, Pied kingfisher, Malachite kingfisher, Cinnamon-chested Bee eater, Bronzy sun bird, Pied wagtail, Grey shrike, Grey crowned crested crane, Hadada ibis, Swamp fly catcher, Great cormorant, Fan-tailed widow bird, Streaky seed eater, Speckled mouse bird, Pin tailed whyder, Bronze manikin among many. Crossing through the see a collection of bird species some are home species while others cross boarder to the lake.
Visiting communities around Lake Bunyonyi
Visiting the Batwa pygmies Bakiga culture at Bufuka community where tourists are welcomed, you can’t leave Bunyonyi with out visiting the original black smith the Baheesi and see how these people are making their own cultivating tools and you can buy your self a souvenirs. Cultural walk visting the natural and cultural sites including the Bakora cave, also can take a cruise communities in some islands of Akampene, Habuharo and Bucuraniko islands. Visiting communities’ illustration authenticity of the local applies including presentations and learning customs and norms of the local. Nature walks through terrains of hillsides around the lake sighting birds, insects and flies.
Canoeing and Cruising
A number of activities are engaged in when it comes to cruising, dugout canoeing is one interesting activity on calm, quiet and peacefulness of water and the night canoe riding with choir of frogs, birds and water waves luring makes it exceedingly wondrous. There is also motor boat cruising taking you islands within the lake. Boat cruise takes through Islands one by one narrating their background.
Lake Bunyonyi Amazing-Canoeing
Swimming
Not like other lakes, Lake Bunyonyi is free from crocodiles, hippopotamus and water like sickness like bilharzia and other water threats making it free for swimming. Being the deepest lake in Uganda and 2nd in Africa swimmers tends to be experts and experienced to achieve the benefits of refreshments and body fitness.
Lake Bunyonyi can be combined any of the Gorilla tours or a combination of wildlife safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park you can decide to have one or two days exploring its beauty.
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Tips on Hiring a Car in Uganda
You are planning to visit Uganda for your holiday, short course research or can be for any other reasons. You may like to have a private and quite adventure or doing your task of traveling in a private way, then this stands the best option of getting around, well, rent a car.
Toyota 4x4WD land cruise, suitable for group of 5/6 people
Hiring a car in Uganda will help you to avoid the unreliable public transport, and not getting biased on your trip as you get around due to its tiresomeness. Renting a car in Uganda rewards you with freedom to having your trip at the beats of your tunes and with opportunities of having a memorable, and relaxed traveling.
Well, if you could wish to have a self-drive trip in Uganda, note some few essentials you have to consider when renting a car.
Book in advance, soon as you decide to design a travel itinerary, get a car hire company that will enable you get the best car hire deal, and it’s advisable you book for a car at least one month before your travel date. This will help you avoid costly car rental deals when book on spot and sometimes may not avail you with good condition vehicle.
When negotiating with car Hire Company, tell your travel dates and how many days you may need to have a car, it’s advisable you inquire with the company about all essentials that you may need on your car; may be GPS, camping equipment for adventure safari or any of your request can be and make your reservation confirmed as soon as possible.
Determine the rates of car rental with the company, car rental rates of different companies are relatively the same, however rates differ according to the type and model of vehicle to hire, comparing from different car renting companies would be the better alternative to get your desirable rate. As you comparing your car rent deals make known the reason why you renting a car and where your trip, this will help you have a safe car according to the geographical location of your trip, for instance all safari adventures in Uganda are done with 4×4 WD car, and city trips possible with small saloon cars.
4X4 Toyota Land Cruiser, Safari Tour Vehicle
For foreign travelers, renting a car for self-drive you need to have an international valid license, and always should be at hand when seated behind the stirring to avoid uncertainty from the road law enforcement unite which may even stop/cancel your trip. If lucking the valid international driving license, then inquire for a driver from your hire company.
Renting a car at the airport it’s more expensive than using any other car rental company around the country. It’s more important and help to save if you inquire and book your car away from the airport.
Rent a car in Uganda we bring you the best car rental deals taking you across the country for Luxury, mid-range and budget travelers. Don’t hesitate inquiring from our team of expert
Read MoreDOUBLE 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.
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
Best 5 Uganda Safari Deals for 2017
Cool off with Uganda amazing wildlife, game and Scenery on your upcoming Uganda safari tour to any part of the country and escape the city noise plus life hassles. When you think of great summer vacations in Africa, Uganda probably comes up among the best gorilla trekking destinations, chimpanzee habituation & trekking, wildlife viewing, bird watching and much more. Uganda wildlife and primates will change your mind to visit Uganda once again and even recommend it to friends and family. After tracking gorillas and meeting up with the silver back in the jungle forest, you will be surprised that you curious to check out other amazing country attractions including wildlife in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison falls.
A Glance at Uganda Safaris
Did you know that landscape, weather and the friendly people are just enough to make you love Uganda the Pearl of Africa and its fantastic holiday experience that it offers every day? Visit Uganda and get a classic African Safari experience of the Big five game viewing, beautiful landscape and the breathtaking scenery. The famous “Big Five”, that is, Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Elephant, and Buffalo can be viewed in Uganda. Uganda’s safari destinations complement each other, in terms of wildlife, scenery and adventures. Each game park possesses something unique and exciting to offer on a safari .However, a classic Uganda safari needs a minimum of 7 days in order to explore at least three national park and the city attractions. The 7 days wildlife and gorilla trekking safari to Kibale forest, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi National Park is a paradise exposure for primates and wildlife and the most desired for primate and wildlife lovers. The trip takes you to most of Uganda best primate and wildlife park making experience only the best of Uganda.
Prime Game viewing Destinations
The best game viewing destination in Uganda is Murchison Falls National Park, which is the biggest with beautiful kinds of wildlife, followed by Kidepo Valley National Park a home to most of the world impressive wildlife species, Queen Elizabeth National Park a place to see rare tree climbing lions, Lake Mburo National Park the smallest but the most accessible when coming from any park of the country. Other wildlife sanctuaries in history are Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Sanctuary a place that no one misses out during a trip to Murchison falls. However, can’t forget to single out Bwindi forest, Mgahinga and kibale forest national park the best primate capitals for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Also take a look at the most trending Uganda wildlife safari tour activities that will change your holiday into memories. Game drives done both in the morning and evening where you view plenty of wildlife, Boat cruise best enjoyed in the afternoons on the Kazinga channel , murshion falls and other uganda lakes, Gorilla trekking, done once a day either in Bwindi forest or Mgahinga national park, Chimpanzee trekking done twice a day,among others.
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