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

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

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

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

Sipi falls

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

Kidepo Valley National Park

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

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

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

Murchison Falls National Park

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

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

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

Kibale Forest National Park Chimps experience

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

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

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

 

 

 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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RWANDA 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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Popular Adventure Activities you can do on a Self-drive in Uganda

Opt for self-drive adventure safari in Uganda, the alternative has become extremely popular and possible for many adventurous travelers wishing for a private trip. Great there has been high improvements in the road infrastructures and signage making it easy to access any destination opt for.

Looking for a car hire agencies, we don’t end on hiring car services but also give advisory tips to our clients concerning different matters, and now we as selfdrive4x4 Uganda Ltd we bring popular adventures safaris that you can consider when planning a selfdrive trip in the country.

Car inquire

Inquire from car Rental Company the best car deal you would like to use, we offer variety of car rental services ranging budget, midrange and luxurious travelers offering comfortable and in good condition 4x4WD tourist vehicle. Just make it a complete inquire with all camping tools it’s our pleasure to meet and service to your tailored requests. The car hire period is 24 hours and unlimited mileage in arrangements with your trip requirements which may include; GPS, map, spar tyre.

Popular safaris and activities

Traveling in Uganda for safari adventure is among the world’s most rewarding safari destinations with numbers of adventure safaris some note even found elsewhere in world. Seated behind of your 4×4 selfdrive safari vehicle below is the list of different safari activities and destination from which you can choose to explore on your self-drive.

Gorilla tours

This is the highlight of all African safaris in Africa, here you drive southwest of Uganda about 8/9 hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to trek the world most endangered species. Trekking the mountain is an amazing and the most popular activity in Uganda as it involves walking through the thick jungle in search for mountain gorillas. The activity takes about one to eight hours looking for the giants is more challenging and tiresome search however, summit on a face to face with gorillas is a lifetime experience as you have an hour in their presence.

Uganda has more than half of the world mountain gorillas in the two parks of Bwind Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with about 19 habituated gorilla families makes Uganda offering more trekking opportunities than any other gorilla destinations.

Game drive

Game drive is one of the most rewarding safari activities in Uganda, seated behind the wheels in your 4×4 selfdrive tourist vehicle there opportunities of viewing a wider range of wild inhabitants in an open Savannah parks. sighting the big five for which in summary the five Savannah national parks including Murchison falls national park, Queen elizabeth national park, Lake Mburo national park, Kidepo valley national park and Semuliki are sightings for the big four including elephants, leopards, lions and buffalo. And rhinos can be located at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary along Kampala Gulu road, there several of wildlife catches on your selfdrive on need to just to settle for more game sightings.

Chimpanzee tracking

Beside Mgahinga and Bwindi Uganda’s gorilla parks, Uganda’s Kibale National park is the world’s primate capital with 13 different primate species and Chimpanzee tracking highlights the park activities, the best destination in Uganda to track Chimpanzees in their natural home. As well Chimpanzees in Uganda can be tracked from Budongo forest in Masindi your way to Murchison falls national park gives the same one hour experience in the presence of chimpanzees

Mountain climbing

The Rwenzori Mountain also known as the mountain of the moon rewards with world first class hiking experience. Reaching the snow caped magharita peak the 3^rd tallest range in Africa after Kilimanjalo and Mount Kenya respectively is spectacular. Trekking Mount Rwenzori you experience different climatic ranging from alpine, montane, bamboo, tropical and savannah.

Mount Elgon hike taking you to the highest altitude and the hike can take about 5-17 days. Depending on which mountain range trekked trekking to the tallest peak takes about 7/15 days.

White water rafting

This is a lifetime experience not ever to miss on your adventure trip in Uganda adventure safari list. Rafting up to grade 5 for advanced rafters, the beautiful rivers that Nile with super wander rapid water falls, rafting is accompanied by other adventurous you can do in particular on your safari to Jinja the adventure capital including; Kayaking Joining prince Williams of Great Britain kayakers who kayaked in 2015, speed boat.

Bungee jumping this adventurous activity that bring the whole body in use as you facing gravitation with the head leading. The standards at which high bungee jumping was built is a 5 stars and was made to that of Australia standards, operated by professions to ensure the safety of jumpers. Nile high campis the only bungee jumping service providers with the best technologies to ensure comfort ability and softness as jumpers surrender their whole body suspending jumping ropes.

Boat launch

Boat launch is of the rewarding safari activities done on Lake Victoria, river Nile, Lake Gorge and many other destinations. On a boat cruise sailing leads to viewing a number water animals and concentration of many other animals gathering to draw water at river banks.

Boat cruise in Uganda safari parks is done in three parks of Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park and Lake Mburo national park. Boat launch at the Nile Rver leads to the source of the longest world river and the long boat ride from Entebbe to Jinja rewards with wide scenic view of different islands on the Africa largest lake.

Bird watching

Bird watching is among the trending tourist activities in Uganda, Uganda in 2016 hosted the world birding expo at one of the beautiful Botanical beach at Entebbe due to its fantastic flora. Uganda is home to over 1030 different bird species where some are seasonal and much of the species inhabit here and with species birder guide you can catch a good number of bird species on a sight. Due wide range of Uganda forests, Savannah and several water bodies makes Uganda genuine and birders catching destination.

Uganda birders safari crossover the all country starting from the central covering the rest of the regions. Topping the birders destinations in Uganda Queen Elizabeth National Park has the highest number of 600 bird species, Murchison falls national park has about 450 different bird species, semuliki national park the birders heaven with over 300 bird species and traveling to any of parks in Uganda be expectant of spotting a number of bird species.

 

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Uganda Rain Forest National Parks and Tourist Forest Reserve 

 

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

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

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

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

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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

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

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

Mgahinga gorilla national park

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

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

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

Kibale National park

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

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

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

Budongo Forest Reserve

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

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

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

Bugoma Forest Reserve

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

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

Mabira Forest Reserve

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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How to Choose the Right Car for Uganda Self Drive

Hiring a self drive vehicle is the best thing anyone can ever experience on any safari in Uganda. This is because of the unlimited mileage, the serviced cars and everything about it is so good especially when it’s a 4×4 vehicle. You move through the terrain smoothly. Planning a self drive safari is as not easy as you might think since its demanding. Most cars for hire in Uganda need an effort on to decide on. Below are the best tips that will help you in getting the best out of your Uganda self drive trip.

The exact safari route, you should always know your route before choosing a vehicle, its vital to determine what route you are going to take in yourself drive tour. The vehicle is able to pass through any type of terrain. The land cruiser and RAV 4 rental cars are the best for the up country safaris. These cars are so many and endless and you just need to choose the best for your trip.
Size of the Vehicle; this is so important when hiring a vehicle that will offer you comfort that you deserve. It’s also advisable to know the number of passengers that will suit in a vehicle. The self drive vehicle hired should have enough space for the luggage of the travelers and other facilities including the camping gears for the guests interested in camping tours.

About convenience and timing; it’s also good to keep time and avoid driving during night hours, you need to be aware of the travel distances to different areas in Uganda so that you travel so safely. These cars are provided with unlimited mileage and always drive at your own pace not to over speed to cause accidents and end up missing variety of what to see at the final destination.
The Kind of vehicle to pick for a self drive safari. These companies offer variety of vehicles like the extended land cruisers, TX land cruisers, sedan cars, suvs and many more. From many different brands of vehicles, you can as well get luxury cars like the sports cars, BMW and many more. For those who love driving and adventuring on a safari in Uganda, you need to get a big car enough to accommodate you and the luggage.

Always don’t ignore many other costs; when you are opting for a self drive vehicle, you are not paying for the rent, the vehicle companies always ask for other charges as the refundable security deposit, cost of penalties and damage. These security deposits usually range between 50000 to 400,000 and the damage costs are removed from the deposit.
Consider checking the network at your chosen destination; always check the network coverage of the area before choosing a self drive car. As you move around the city or up country, you will need to stay online to keep a tab on the nearby places and stay connected during the emergency times.

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Simple tourist’s adventures experiences around Kampala

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

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

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

Ngamba Island

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

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

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

Uganda Wildlife Education Center

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

Entebbe Botanical Gardens

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

Mabamba Swamp Wetlands

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

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

Mpanga Forest Reserve

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

Sezibwa Falls

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

Mabira Forest

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

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

Jinja tours

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

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

 

 

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Tips on getting discount/cheaper car rental deals

Desire for travelers to operate their travel trips is widely trending with increasing number of travelers across the world looking forward for self-drive trips. Well, have your private way of enjoying the African nature. Planning for a self-drive business trip, safari adventure or any kind of excursion it’s a better idea.

Concentrate more  to see how you can save more money on car rental while in Uganda. Maybe you would like to spare more days exploring the pearl of Africa though limited with not enough money.

Hire a car in a group

Hiring your 4×4 WD for a self-drive safari trips in a group of two or more helps to share some common expenses, for instance the cost of renting a car is shared among group members, fuel costs any kind of repair, even camping materials are shared. However, every number of  members a group calls for a separate amount and the larger the group the higher the costs of renting comfortable and fitting for a group but still remains cheaper just because cost are shared. The simple the smallest 4×4 tourist safari rented car can accommodate a maximum of 3 people than hiring it alone costs can pooled with other members.

Whenever looking forward to save more for self-drive trip in Africa particularly in Uganda, then mobilize about three to ten members this will not only make your trip more enjoyable but also keep spending less and getting superb safari experience.

Spend more days with the hired car

Looking for discounts, many car hire companies write about discount coupon on their websites which on many occasions in unrealistic. The only common way you can have discount with car hire companies is spending more days with the car, spending about 5 and above, it doesn’t guarantee but request there higher chances of lowering the car rental cost.

Use affordable cars

Driving to African wildness on a self-drive can be scarily especially during rainy seasons for first time travelers to Africa, and you may desire to hire a strong and large 4×4 self-drive vehicle think of a jeep or land cruiser which may look to be more expensive than the other smaller 4×4 WD.

For our case, we focus on perfect services to our client and taking a smaller 4X4WD Toyota RAV4 on any safari adventure in Uganda rewards with an excellent experience. These are stronger 4x4WD vehicle that can cruise to any of your safari destinations around the country.

Hire your vehicle in advance

Hire your self-drive car in Uganda you save more when book in advance than hiring on spot and in panic the same day when you need a car. The mystery behind this, you have enough time to negotiate with several car hire companies until you get the one with cheaper costs. Also avoid renting a car on your arrival at the airport they are more expensive than any other car hire companies that are scattered around the country.

Ask for discounts

When contacting and comparing car hire companies, negotiate for the favorable and cheaper car hire deals, you ask for the real hire quotations and inquire if they can offer on discount, because of competition in car hire business many will lower their prices to beat their competitors. Just make your request rolling for better rates.

Don’t pay for insurances you don’t need

You bought your travel insurance when coming to Uganda, so when renting a car do continue buying unnecessary insurances like border insurances and any of its kind. The rented car already is comprehensively covered and valid car tourist license, you have to ensure that from the hiring company. Because you are to spend few days with the car it may not be necessary to have many other insurance, this will help you reduce on the cost to spend on car hire vehicle.

 

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Is There an Upper Age Limit for Uganda Car Hire?

 

Is there an Upper age Limit?

Have you ever asked yourself if there is an upper age limit for car rental? If you are planning to rent a car for your vacation in Uganda or Rwanda, you will notice that some car rental companies set a maximum age for car hire. Whereas there are more travelers who come for African safaris, there are still some areas where age has become limiting factor to some other interested visitors. Most of these challenges are faced while renting a car for a vacation in one of the car hire companies. In many occasions, most travelers are left stranded especially the old brackets as they are looked at as very old to rent a car.

However, you can save up to 10 percent on car rentals during your vacation in Africa. Insurance agencies set an ultimate age for car hire and this always lies within 70 or 75. Various car hire agencies have different insurance providers and the only way that you will know about this is when you are accepted to drive off in that specific booked car rental, is if you inquired about age limit before for your vacation. Other car rentals can as well inquire for doctor’s note prior traveling.

Most car rentals in Uganda pay attention to age limit, wisdom and driving experience given that these factors ensure safety of travelers while in the new destination. This comes with some discounts and incentives that clients enjoy. Where there is no upper age limit for car rental, clients can enjoy 10 percent discount and a free additional driver.

In conclusion, if you are planning to rent a car for your vacation in Uganda or Rwanda, note that there is specific age limit attached if you are to embark on a self drive adventure.

 

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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.

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?

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 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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10 Expert Tips to Choosing a Good Hotel in Uganda

Your choice on which hotel to stay in matters a lot when planning for a safari to Uganda and what is most important to take note of is that too many choices also can get be that overwhelming. When reserving a hotel, you will be presented with many of them to make a choice on and that is why you a good plan so as to take a right choice. Therefore, the following are some of the important tips you need to put into consideration if you are to pick a good hotel in Uganda.

Do some filtering and sorting

It doesn’t matter what booking site you can be using, what is important is you have put a city and dates. In your search, you are basically filtering so many of them and within your price bracket. Where they are many, you find those with lowest prices, middle range and luxury. However, be keen enough because you may land into something better enough and also within your budget. In case the site has filters for amenities, choose the ones that are most significant to you. In other words, you can decide to go with those with Wi-Fi, swimming pool and ample parking space. Besides, you may also consider its rank which star is it? By so doing, you will be in position to eliminate those that are not within the range that you desire and you remain with fewer options to choose from. You then sort your list perhaps this time round, consider the price or go through review ratings.

Check at the map

Find out if there are some attractions that nearby to a hotel that you wish to stay in. The other significant factors you need to consider include its proximity to the airport and to the public transportation. In most cases, when you cross check, such things always feature in the hotel description. However, it may take you long to go through each of them. Rather, you can look for the map view, move the map around till it shows the part of town you wish to stay in and then open up hotels which exist around that area. Some Uganda hotel booking sites display all hotels on the map though they do not even meet the criteria. This means that you should be in position to differentiate the ones that are within your budget and travel interests.

The price

The most important factor you need to put into consideration is the cost of hotel you desire to stay in. Note, the price for a budget hotel is never the same to that of a luxury. However, do not be taken up by the high price and start to think that it is the best or cheaper one as the best. Consider a hotel that also comes with other offers and with competitive prices.

Decide what is significant in a hotel

In most cases, some people tend to choose a hotel with free breakfast whereas others desire to have their morning meals at a local restaurant or bakery. In case the free breakfast is not of any significance to you, do not allow that become a determining factor. For those who may need a hotel with Wi-Fi, go through and find if such a hotel provides it for free or at a cost and in case it is available throughout the hotel facility. Equally, determine if the hotel has Wi-Fi only on computer with internet available for use. In case you are getting there late, check if the reception is 24 hours and in case it is not, then you have to let them aware of your arrival time.

Define the purpose of your trip

Visitors, who are in search of relaxation vacation, normally consider a resort style property with amenities like a nice spa and pool. It should be where you wish to have the happiest moment. The sightseeing focused trip equally may mean that you have to spend a little time at a hotel and meaning it serves more as a place to sleep and recharge in the evenings. For such cases, it is good to find a centrally situated around major attractions and you may not need to spend more for supreme luxury or on-site amenities.

Location

Depending on what your travel interests are, however it is usually good to find out if the hotel you desire to spend a night on is in a well-established area, touristic site and other factors. In case you have a destination before, it is usually worthwhile to pick a hotel which is in a part of town which you do not already know.

Choose a hotel which matches your priorities and budget

Take note of what your budget is and what you want out it. At $400 a night in some cities, you can get a good small room at a five star hotel or 4 star hotel that may come with breakfast inclusive. The size of hotel must also be put into consideration and a night in a small facility like a boutique hotel with fewer rooms or bed may seem different from a night stay at one with hundreds or many rooms.

Get the loyalty points

In case you are a frequent visitor and you desire to spend a night in a specific hotel brand or chain to earn points towards its loyalty program, it may make sense to choose a property that is part of that brand’s portfolio in case their hotels are an option where you are traveling. But your priorities should come first.

Inquire what your style is

Most visitors do not immediately think about this and your style also matters a lot when choosing a hotel for a stay. Others may prefer properties with a hip scene and modern room décor while other need traditional hotels with white glove service and other accommodation with a local feel that encourages them to get out and explore. Whereas the adventurers may prefer independent properties and those who want predictability are the best off sticking to brands which they already familiar with.

Sustainability

Most visitors may prefer staying at a hotel that is eco-friendly or gives back to local communities. Equally, there are many of these types that you can take a choice.

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THE FOUR GORILLA TREKKING SECTORS IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

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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Basics for safety on a Self-drive in Uganda

Sought of renting a car, it sounds the best alternative for your holiday safari adventure, business trip into the pearl or a short one day city tours. From many reputable car hire agencies like Rent a Car in Uganda you can ensure the best car rental deal at any time of your traveling season.

For any African journey deciding to sit behind the wheel for a self-drive is very costless compared any other alternative available. Like any other country even in Uganda there basic set that are aimed to ensure your safety whenever you are for a self-drive.

Down are basic tips that you can follow to ensure your safety throughout your trip.

Car insurance. Before you board for tailored trip ensure first about the validity of car insurance details. The car for rent must be comprehensively insured, this will help to avoid uncertainty like paying for damage.

Valid license. For foreign travelers whenever you opt for a self-drive always have be secured with your driving international license when seated behind the wheel. This helps you to avoid sabotage from the traffic officers whom may even arrest you if found driving without any permitting license at hand.

Road consciousness. As one of the roads slogans, if on the road take yourself to be wise driver among other. This keeps you not getting angry over actions of other inpatient drivers who always driving carelessly especially public taxes drivers, buses, rolls and even few private saloon cars. This slows down your panic as other drivers recklessly and carelessly pour out their ignorance. Also mind about speed while driving should not go beyond 80km/h on highway, 50km/h in town areas and not beyond 40km/h in any of the national parks to avoid penalties by responsible authorities.

Avoid shortcuts as some are dangerous and even may cause losing the right track, always keep the highway and avoid driving on pedestrian roadside ways.

Keep door windows closed especially within cities and towns this limits chances for thugs who are always looking for chances of open moving vehicles in traffic jam to drag out people’s properties from their moving vehicles. Likewise keep your vehicle locked at any stopover for the same case to safeguard your valuable items in the rented car with you, please keep them away to disposal.

Have a spare tyre in your car. Driving in Uganda on a self-drive car rental necessitates one to always have and extra spare tire with and yes fixing the flat on your next stop or gas station should be a must. Flat tyres on the bumpy roads of the countryside usually cause flat tyres after a long drive, these cannot be a problem if you know how to change tires and when you have a good aerated spare tire with you.

Certainly not to drink and Drive. Like anywhere even when on a self-drive in Uganda avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or any other antoxic drugs. Some of the road drivers are very crazy drivers and need sober concentration to avoid uncertainty. Car rental settlements, this would fall under reckless driving and the driver would be responsible for all the damages and costs incurred. For insurance policies they don’t cover up such uncertainties verified under reckless driving.

Driving hours. According to agreement from most of car rental agencies clarify driving hours for any self-drive on car rental. The car should go road atleast at 6:30am and get off the road before 7:00pm on any trip.

Never let your vehicle run out of fuel: You would want to avoid being stuck in the middle on your trip or else in the middle of the jungle with an empty tank. Wouldn’t you? Always keep a full tank of fuel whenever driving in Uganda and can keep it at half when you are yet to return the rented car in Uganda to the car rental agency in agreement with the company fuel policies. Avoid buying fuel from any flue station around, the best fuel stations in Uganda are Total and shell gas station.

Never allow any other person to drive you along the journey or never offer a lift to strangers. In anycase you may need a driver contact your car hire company It’s polite and hearty to give lifts to people on the road but for safety with the persons is paramount. Please avoid giving lifts to strangers you meet along the way. Some maybe criminal minded persons and in cases of unfortunates, you take full responsible. We understand you would like to help but we would also like to keep you safe on the road with a self drive in Uganda.

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LAKE BUNYONYI- “the amusement of Africa’s Switzerland”  

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 2^nd 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.

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 2^nd 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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Why Chimpanzee Tracking is a Great Wilderness Experience

Just want to relax off  may be on your holiday and searching for that experience that would reward and satisfy your travel desires. While in Uganda choosing to track Chimpanzees the human closest cousins sharing 98% human DNA is a prevalent tourist activity next to gorilla trekking is best alternative, this shouldn’t miss on your African safari. Chimpanzees are one of the most exciting apes to see on a safari in Uganda, Uganda has one of the largest Chimpanzees population in the world recorded with about 5000 chimpanzees in different parks and forests.

On African continent their 21 countries where you can bargain for chimpanzees in the wild. However, Uganda stands the best East African country offering Chimpanzee sighting and in their natural sanctuary. gazetting Kibale National Park that signified in protecting variety of primate spices including the Chimpanzees. In west and central Africa, there is a lot of human encroachment on chimpanzee habitats and hunting them for meat, which has eventually threatened their numbers.

Excites about Chimpanzees in Uganda even under aged travelers can encounter them in their protected zones like Zoo (Uganda Wildlife Education Center UWEC). There primary encounters of these apes in sanctuaries like Ngamba Chimpanzee sanctuary where orphans and injured Chimpanzees are kept and left in their natural setting. Tracking Chimpanzees at Ngamba Island at Entebbe rewards with direct contact of the Chimpanzees by feeding them and playing with the young ones.

However, what makes Chimpanzee tracking one of the greatest wild experience, the adventurous nature of the activity where you have to hike into slopes of exotic topography looking for them. Tracking can’t be done by week and sick tourists as well children under 15 years, it’s done by physically fit trackers.

For visitors who can’t afford gorilla trekking can go for instead, tracking these great apes of the wild highlights all African safaris. Any tracker should not be sick and cough free because a simple cold cough can cause its death, being the fact that Chimps share 98% of human DNA and because they feed on green vegetation they have a weak immune system and any kind of human infection can cause their earth.

From different parks and game reserve you can encounter the giant primate in their natural setting from the wildness. Tracking Chimpanzees you can decide to take an hour encounter in their presence or have more hours with chimpanzees in the forest. In the number of exotic environments you can encounter the apes including Kibale National Park the world primate capital, Budongo forest reserve with more number of habituated Chimpanzee families in Murchison falls national park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park, Kalinzu forest near Queen Elizabeth and Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve.

More visitors are tracking chimpanzees and have an hour in their presence, there is however another option that allows you to be with chimpanzees all day long in the forests of Budongo and Kibale forest, the habituation experience all day with chimpanzees in their natural setting.
The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience is not for the faint of heart it means an early breakfast a packed lunch and enough drinking water you are off before dawn breaks into the forest. You meet your guide and you head to where the chimpanzees built nests the night before. Dawn is just breaking and the chimpanzee community you are going to be with the rest of the day is rising from their sleep.

Habituation process takes not less than two years long process, so you get to spend the day watching and following the apes of forest studying and learning their behaviors.

Kibale National Park

The park is found in the western direction 308km/h from Kampala capital and embraces the highest number of primate species in the world. The park is the world’s primate capital with 13 different primate species including the rare L’hoest monkey, red tailed colobus, white and black colobus, vervet monkey, bush babies, mangeby. However, the giant apes is dominant in the forest attracting a reasonable number to traveler around the world. In Kibale there about 1500 Chimpanzees that rewards lifetime experience to trackers, before tracking you choose when booking your tracking permit either one hour encounter with the apes or full day habituation following the giants to study their behaviors and making them used to human presence.

Budongo Forest Game Reserve.

Budongo forest is only 4 hours from Kampala and is the nearest of the chimpanzee tracking destination. At Budong a one day chimpanzee trekking experience is possible and driving back to Kampala on the same day, but ensure your overnight before tracking either at Masindi town or Murchison fall National park. However, you can choose exploring other parks and tracking rhinos while on your trip which may cover only three days. The well-known mahogany tree forest on the other hand offers chimpanzee habituation experience where you experience a day with researchers who are involved in the chimpanzee habituation process but this is only available during the off season months. The forest located adjacent to Murchison Falls National Park and is 2^nd forest that rewards best experience of tracking Chimpanzees in the wildness and while in the forest there higher chances to encounter the Chimpanzees.

Kyambura Gorge

The Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth Park is another descent place to spot chimpanzees in Uganda. Kyambura Gorge is part of the Western Rift Valley and it provides such a unique setting and backdrop for chimpanzee tracking. BBC called this gorge the lost valley and the Valley of the Apes by others. The terrain is a bit on the rough side, it means crossing creeks and rivers all part of the excitement of being with the chimpanzees of Kyambura Gorge. Tracking chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge is 3 hours well spent, and the chimpanzee permits here are usually cheaper US$50.

Every now and then, you might come across a chimpanzee outside a national park such as in the Buniga forest, the Bigodi wetlands sanctuary, and the Bwindi impenetrable forest on a gorilla tour. Tracking Chimpanzees is a generational narration documentary in an exotic forest.

Permit Prices of chimpanzee tracking in Uganda vary from one Chimpanzee destination, “tracking at Kibale National Park costs US$150, Bigodi forest costs US$80 and at Kyambura Gorge at Queen Elizabeth National Park a permit costs US$50″. And it’s advisable you book your tracking permit at least three month before your tracking date.

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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.

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.

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

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DOUBLE GORILLA TREKKING ON A SELF DRIVE SAFARI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Best 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.

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WHITE EARED KOB SIGHTED AT PIAN UPE GAME RESERVE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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