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7 Reasons Why Travel to Rwanda this Year

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Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills

While considering a visit to any African country this year – Rwanda should be the first country to click your mind as it is regarded as one of Africa’s most beautiful, most peaceful, cleanest and one of the most stable and smallest countries in all of Africa. Rwanda is known for its Volcanoes, Montane Forests, Pristine Lakes, clean towns and cities, its culture and history which alone is a very good reason to visit Rwanda. Rwanda is a home of misty rolling hills, terraced mountain sides but read on as to why you should visit Rwanda – the Land of a Thousand Hills.

1. Serene Beauty

Explore Rwanda’s hills and mountains that attract people to come and see. Rwanda’s thousands Hills are a place where God comes to rest – a gentle nudge toward “Rwanda” by the creator himself who find rest, peace, renewal in the Hills of Rwanda. Every visitor is deeply touched by the seeming endless hills that dot the Rwandan countryside in the heart of Africa. Sounds like a good enough reason for you to come and visit Rwanda – the land of a thousand Hills.

2. See the Mountain Gorillas
Have ever watched a movie entitled “Gorillas in the Mist” by Dian Fossey? Then come to Rwanda to practically see gorillas in the mist in Volcanoes National Park. Wake up in the morning and look toward the volcanoes where you will be heading to track the endangered mountain gorillas and what greets you is the pleasant mist over the mountains and valleys of Rwanda shrouding the Virunga Volcanoes – home of the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda.

3. Wild Chimpanzees

With a visit to Rwanda, you will be able to reveal the hidden treasures of Nyungwe Forest National Park–a vast track of Montane Forest that spills even over into Burundi. Nyungwe is a home to 13 different primates – almost 25% of Africa’s primates including chimpanzees, hundreds of birds some only found only in this Forest. Nyungwe is also a home to East and Central Africa’s only Canopy Forest Walk. 50 meters above the ground – you can observe the primates, birds and butterflies as they move through and among the treetops of the Park.

4. Explore the Volcanoes National Park

Spend some time in Rwanda exploring Volcanoes National Park – not only for mountain gorilla trekking and Golden Monkey tracking in the Bamboo Forests but also volcano climbing and hiking in day-hikes or overnight hikes. Visit Lakes in the foothills of the volcanoes, hike up to the former research station of Dian Fossey – see the remnants of her former home and the graveyard of her beloved Gorillas and her own final resting place. The Virunga Volcanoes – more than home to the Mountain Gorillas but also a place for hike and climbs, for birding, for golden monkey tracking.

6. Immerse in Unique Culture

Don’t leave without exploring the Rwanda’s unique Culture and rich Heritage–living treasure to be experienced and admired by visitors to the Land of a thousand hills. Enjoy Intore dance in cultural performances or learn arts and crafts from Villages. Whether it is a village stay or village visit – Rwanda’s culture is all around you for you to experience and take with you in thoughts, pictures and lasting memories.

7. Visit Genocide Memorial Sites

Discover the Trail of Tears and Sorrows through visiting Rwanda’s Sacred Places including the Genocide Memorials found in various parts of Rwanda. The Genocide of 1994 in Rwanda left close to one million people cruelly murdered– It was a tribal war by the Hutu against the Tutsi People. The memorials not only are a place of mourning and remembrance but places of triumph over evil that being so visible all over the new Rwanda where people are no longer Tutsi, Hutu or Twa but Rwandans. “Never Again.”

9. Relax at the Lake Kivu

In a landlocked nation, Lake Kivu gives you another reason to visit the Land of a Thousand Hills. Come, relax and chill out after volcano climbs, gorilla and chimpanzee treks across Rwanda in a place of scenic loveliness and enjoyable beaches where you can be instead of just do while on safari in Rwanda. Spend a few days along Lake Kivu’s sandy beaches, enjoying its tropical islands, maybe some fishing, boating, nature walks but mostly relaxing under the tropical sun along Lake Kivu.

 

Uganda Safari- A Way to Discover the Secrets of The Pearl of Africa

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Ugandan Elephants

Uganda qualifies to be Africa’s most exciting holiday destination for a list of catching safari reflections. The small East African country is a sun-setting paradise, with vast game parks, and reserves, unbothered cultures, peaks of cordial folks, inland beaches, an adrenaline adventure hub, the untamed rolling landscape, and whatsoever to mention.

Uganda is a land of extraordinary natural wonders when mentioned just mark an ear-to-ear smile and leave you marveled. Well, get to know about Uganda safari and mark what would be your next type of interest when opting for that special moment in the land.

The British Premier considered the land to be a nature basket for Africa and renamed Uganda the “Pearl of Africa.” According to the RTI report described that “Uganda is home to an incredible array of animals and plant species, making it one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet.”

Not much that you would find missing on Uganda safaris, and unlimited to find only here and will not catch anywhere else. Less, count the Big Five, wildlife species, boasts over the highest concentration of mountain gorillas, best chimpanzee tracking experience, track tree climbing lions, untouched cultures, and varies of landscapes, 3rd and 4th Africa’s peaks, the warm weather throughout the year, sand beaches. The list still counts the Nile Adrenaline adventures, one of the annual overcrowded events, and many considerations.

The incredible part of taking up a Uganda safari, you either go for a guided tour or self guided one. The guided tours involve visiting and exploring the different tourist sites on your itinerary under the stewardship of a safari guide. These kinds of expeditions are tendered by local tour operators who organize, most of the tour items into a package.

Whereas a self guided tour also known as a self drive safari involves hiring a car to discover the pearl of Africa on your own. Self drive safaris are offered by car rental in Uganda which arranges a 4×4 vehicle and can also advise on the lodges to stay, the parks to visit, and the activities to do.

Both kinds of safaris are exciting and breathtaking in equal measure. The onus is on the tourists to choose the best expedition to take if they wish to explore Uganda and discover its hidden secrets.

Why Uganda Safari?

A list of natural wonders that always have been the puller for digits of vacationists imminent to the realm. The marketing of Uganda as a natural tourist/safari destination has been extremely concerted on these brands, which are particularly national parks. Uganda has 10 national parks that offer various series of adventures, a safari adventure in the realm will never miss any of them. These national parks include;

–         Murchison Falls National Park – is most known for the world’s most powerful waterfalls

–         Kidepo Valley National Park – the true African wildness being the remotest park in Africa

–         Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Ultimate gorilla experiences with about 50% of the world’s gorillas

–         Kibale National Park – the world primate capital with about 13 recorded primate species

–         Queen Elizabeth National Park – the medley of wonders

–         Lake Mburo National Park – the whispers of the wild

–         Mt Rwenzori National Park – the magical challenge

–         Mt Elgon – the world’s largest mountain caldera

–         Semuliki National Park – the true birder’s haven

–         Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – where gold meets silver

The warm weather mixture of rainy and sunny seasons that each doubles a year. That stature of the country a chilly destination with a warm day and cool nights, the weather also observe the landscape varies and the mountainous western region receive the highest amount of rainfall, and nights here are much cold than other regions, we ass the flat northern region also dominate in warmth, especially during day time. The moderate description of weather in Uganda enables safaris activities to be done throughout the year.

A variety of adventures also brands Uganda an admirable safari terminus, bearing in mind the mentioned parks, just discern they offer varying adventure undertakings. Among these most catching is the mountain gorilla trekking which is next to wildebeest, and game drives which is the major safari consideration to the huge number of travelers. Thirdly, chimpanzee tracking next, wild boat cruises, mountain climbing, tracking the tree climbing lions, bird watching, visiting upcountry designated communities for cultural experiences iconically the Karamoja people northeastern Uganda and the Batwa of Bwindi and Mgahinga parks.

Hiking and adrenaline adventures are naturally mindful, hiking mountains to the peak of Margarita suggests the best and most challenging magic in hiking. The source of the Nile River, always makes it perfect for adrenaline adventures like rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping among several considerations.

The question of why Uganda safari? Is summarized for easy noting when outlining your travel highlights for the next trip.

–         The endless breathtaking sceneries in the tropics and savannah orders

–         Spectacular wildlife watching with endless landscape

–         A spot of endangered species that are as well endemic (gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, certain bird species, etc.)

–         Amazing people and their authentic cultural displays

–         Organic cuisine tastes (matooke, luwombo, Rolex snacks, and many more).

–         Honeymoon hideouts islands (Kalangala Island)

– Bird-watching spots

–         Real African City tours

Special Adventures to do on Uganda safaris

Trekking mountain gorilla

Routinely recognized as Uganda’s most catching adventure undertaking, and marked as Africa’s highlight for the rest of the adventures. Gorilla trekking offers visitors a kind of jungle ownership sense when searching for these human closest cousins. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park monopolized the adventure being endemic volcanic forests for the endangered mountain gorillas.

Not like the wildlife game drivers where everything is comfortably enjoyed within your 4×4 safari car rental, for gorilla trekking, the comfort tops on restrictions as one has to wander through the tops and lows of the impenetrable within these Alps imitators.

Gorillas in Uganda are fully habituated to ensure an up-close encounter, that is next after hours of wandering in search of the species. The trek can last about 30 minutes to 4 hours to encounter the gorillas depending on the location of where the gorillas are found.

Mountain gorillas are endangered species, that are endemic to only two volcanic tropical forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Conservation Areas shared among triplets (Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo). Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famously the capital of gorillas with about 50% of the world’s population and the rest of the population splinted into the Virunga Massifs (Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda, Volcanos National Park Rwanda and Virunga National Park DR Congo).

Opting to undertake gorilla trekking tour, then must have a permit that costs $700 to trek for a day. Your day starts with a briefing on trekking etiquette, rolling into the thick tropic Alps, starting a search for the gorillas, and finding there is an hour left for you to interact with the species.

Wildlife game drives

Uganda’s highest point of safaris, reputedly the most adventure activity is done on Uganda Safaris. Wildlife game drive is the birth adventure for African safaris and Uganda boasts in. well, 5 of the 10 national parks have availed space for encountering and watching plenty of wild animals. Wildlife game drives stature the most adventure done within the Pearl of Africa and the most rewarding on safaris to these parks of Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Semuliki National Park.

Done seated in your safari 4×4 vehicle with a pop-up for the 360-angle viewpoint, and the most catch here are some of the Big Five, Prides of Lions and Leopards, herds of Buffalos, African Elephants, several antelope species, zebras, towers of giraffes, schools of hippos, warthogs, hyena, monkeys among a great number of wild animals. Also bird species where Uganda is rated as the 4th with the highest bird population on the African continent meaning a wider range of view, especially with a safari birding guide.

Taking an adventure to Uganda without doing a game drive, is considered an incomplete safari. The wildlife abundance of Uganda avails an opportunity to undertake wildlife game drives.

Tracking endangered chimpanzee

Another amazing moment of rolling into the forest and start seeking out the unbothered creatures. Tracking chimpanzees in Uganda is considered the best around the continent, Kibale National Park is a premier mention on matters concerning chimpanzee tracking in Uganda. Chimpanzees here are habituated, they are aware of human presence and guarantee an up-close encounter. Also in Uganda chimpanzees are tracked from Budongo forest reserve, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth, and Toro Semuliki game reserve.

Hiking the Mt. Rwenzori challenge

Right after Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya, Mt. Rwenzori comes next in Africa’s heights, with hiking experience Mount Rwenzori has always suggested that more challenging magnificent hike. Mount Rwenzori is located in western Uganda sharing regional borders with DR Congo. Mount Rwenzori is a special snow-capped mountain one of the few remaining snow-capped peaks on the African continent due to continued global warming activities.

The mountain was formed with various folds (ranges) and the highest fold being Margarita peak which suggests the longest hiking trail in Africa to reach the peak. Walk-through folds to the 5109m elevation can last between 6 to 7 days to and fro which is the longest hike. However, various trails can last for hours, days, and a week. For your Uganda hiking safari, Mt. Rwenzori presents the best.

Boat Cruise in the Wild

Some savannah parks are dotted with significant water bodies which are channels, rivers, and lakes. For this case, Uganda safari presents three parks Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Parks for the wild boat cruise/rides. Taking a wildlife boat cruise is a breathtaking and relaxed adventure, seated or standing on the boat balcony you got to watch a full scale of wild species as they display.

A boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park is done along the Victoria Nile leading to the bottom of the falls to gaze at how the rapids fuse right through a narrow gorge. At Queen Elizabeth National Park the boat cruise continues on the amazing Kazinga channel that connects the two lakes of Gorge and Edward great view of wildlife and hippo pools. And the Mburo is a perfect naming as well for a boat ride as another major undertaking in Lake Mburo National Park that is aimed at mainly game-watching and birding opportunities.

Visiting communities for culture

Uganda’s diversity continues with people who hold on to various backgrounds and beliefs. People and their communities have now become one display expected on the menu of Uganda safaris. The upcountry mainly has kept people in love with what their grand were taught and not willing to turn. The authenticity of culture makes sure an ideal destination to consider for safaris. Almost all parks have availed community-based tourism and activities which has turned into a significant role in sustainable conservation.

The Karamoja people are authentic and none staged that only tells what these people are indeed are. And the Batwa pygmies have become famous for opposing the recent government action of denying them and evicting them with land heritage without compensation. Today, these people are displaying their cultures in which they earn money for a living.

Other adventures to do on Uganda safaris

Uganda is naturally a basket of adventures, besides most adventures, there is a line of enchanting safari activities. These include golden monkey tracking, gorilla habituation, tree climbing tracking, and rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is very crucial when opting to count the Big Five mammals, birding safaris, horse biking, quad biking, volcanic hiking, trekking the Sipi falls, source of the Nile adventures, Kampala city tours, visiting the honeymooner Kalangala island, sport fishing, sunbathing along the beaches on lake Victoria, visiting Sempaya hot springs, a drive through chain of crater lakes among other adventures.

Top 5 destinations to consider on a Safari to Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is currently the most visited tourist destination in Uganda, the park is majorly famous for having the world’s most powerful waterfalls. Located in northern Uganda, also is the largest protected area in the country and an adventure here is an opening to watch the Big Five mammals. The park is crossed by the Victoria Nile which bisects the park into the northern and southern sections.

The golden savannah is dotted with acacia thickets and a relatively open landscape, particularly on the northern court of the part that stretches along the Victoria Nile joining the Albert Lake to form an amazing Nile delta a hub for a larger concentration of wildlife. A drive to the park introduces you to watch some of the big five mammals and the park avails a wider chance of spotting all the big five alongside Ziwa Rhino tracking.

Wildlife game drives, boat cruises to the bottom of the falls, driving to the top of the falls, wild camping, nature walks and chimpanzee tracking at Bundongo forest reserves, and spots fishing are the major adventure undertakings on Uganda safaris leading to Murchison Falls National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

At the rim of the Western Great Rift Valley in southwestern Uganda is this fabulous volcanic tropical forest. The park is a UNESCO world heritage site that was declared due to the ancient and very biological ecosystem rainforest that dates to more than 25,000 years.

This is a biodiverse packed forest that boasts of about 450 mountain gorillas as per the 2019 gorilla census approximately half of the world population, about 400 plants species are recorded and about 360 bird species are recorded, other mammals include various primate species, forest elephants, buffalos, forest hogs, bushbucks to some 120 mammals are recorded here.

Gorilla trekking safaris started at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in late 1999. This ancient rain-tropical forest bargains the highest opportunities for seeing the mountain gorillas with about 17 fully habituated gorilla families. There are 4 trekking sectors of the Buhoma sector in the northern that also hosts the headquarters of the parks, the first sector where gorillas first trekked before other sectors were open. And the other sectors include Ruhija, Rushaga, and the amazing hills of the Nkuringo sector.

To trek gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable must have a permit which costs $700 per permit to trek per day. As well, Bwindi Impenetrable also avails habituation adventures which are uniquely done here only for $1,500 per permit and have a 4-hour experience, the offer is a great experience compared to the Rwanda one-hour experience that equals the rates.

Kidepo Valley National Park

African authenticity and wider wild background outlooks are the boasts of Kidepo Valley National Park. The park is located in northeastern Uganda sharing a border with South Sudan. The park is the most isolated considering its accessibility by land, CNN termed the park as Africa’s remotest park. The virgin part of the world is here, almost everything about the park is authentic right from nature to people who have negligently rejected the global trends of civilization.

The park is spread about 580km by road from Kampala using the Kampala –Gulu – Kitgum – Kabong road which can take about 10 hours’ drive. Advisably, when driving to Kidepo Valley National Park not consider a one-day trip but can consider an en-route night. But also can take a scheduled flight from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airstrip to Apoka airstrip which can take about an hour.

The special treatment of the park lies along the Narus Valley and Kidepo valleys which houses higher concentrations of wildlife, the Nga’Moru wilderness campsite, communities, and the extinct volcanos of Morongoru are special consideration on a safari to Kidepo Valley National Park.

The park is a spot-on nugget of wildlife profusion with some of the endemic species which are not listed in other parks, and hosts about 75 mammals species among these include some of the Big Five, zebras, giraffes, hyena, fox, warthogs, many antelope species among other mammals. About 450 birds are recorded with Ostrich being the premier particularly seen in the Kidepo valley, and the secretary bird at Narus Valley.

The wide range of wildlife and vast landscape avails space to take various adventures at Kidepo including; Wildlife game drives, nature walks, cultural community visits, mountain biking, and wild camping.

Jinja Source of the Nile River

The source of the Nile is a unique spot of greater adventures in Uganda. Located in Jinja eastern of Kampala, the city can be reached via the Kampala-Jinja highway about 80km. Jinja is theoretically named the East African capital of adrenaline adventures. River Nile is a unique world drainage system that accelerates right from Lake Victoria in Uganda and pours to the Mediterranean Sea via Egypt. African countries that benefit from the Nile River drainage system include Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt.

The source of the Nile stretch with various features particularly waterfalls and cliffs that have influenced several adventures. The rapids here are better places for adventures; the world-class white water rafting to the advancement grade 4 and 5, kayaking, tubing, and incredible bungee jumping are rewards of the source of the Nile River.

Along the Nile rewards, cultural performances like at Bujagali, horse riding and quad biking, and boat ride to the source point where you water springs. As the water continues through the rush chlorophyll backdrop it leaves a series of spectacular features of rapids and beautiful scenes that have attracted a huge number of travelers making Jinja a capital of adventures.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

The paramount domicile to spot lions, Queen Elizabeth for decades has lingered in the most popular park in Uganda. The biodiversity of Queen Elizabeth National Park with gust terrific savannah grasslands, forests, gorges, water bodies, series of craters, and wetlands are home to a vast number of mammals, birds, aquatic life, and insects among others.

The park got its name to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth of UK visit to Uganda in 1954 turning from Kazinga national park. The park is located in Western neighboring Mt. Rwenzori National Park and Kibale National Park. Queen Elizabeth is adjoined with Kyambura reserve in the eastern, Ishasha in the south, and Kigezi wildlife reserves to form the larger queen Elizabeth conservation area.

The vast land is home to a variety of natural wonders that accommodate over 95 mammal species, the highest concentration of bird species in the country with about 600 species recorded, and about 10 primate species are counted at the park with several aquatic life.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a park with a long list of adventures done just in one park. Expectations at the park are high, one can do, wild game drives, boat cruise adventures, cultural community visits, chimpanzee tracking, tree climbing lion tracking, visiting the salt mining Lake Katwe, lion tracking experiential, mongoose tracking, hippo census, birding all are adventures which can be done on a safari visit to Queen Elizabeth National park.

Another destination to go on Uganda Safaris

When opting for the safari in Uganda, the list of destination natural and cultural destinations includes Lake Mburo National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary, the source of the Nile, Mt. Rwenzori National Park, Kibale National Park, Kasubi tombs, Uganda Wildlife Education Center and many other destinations.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Driver in Kenya?

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Kenya works with a number of experienced and truly lovable driver- guides, who speak good English as well as fluent Swahili. This option is great for Self Drivers who don’t fancy driving themselves, want a more relaxed experience, or want to learn more about the local culture and wildlife in Kenya.

You can expect from your driver that he will get you to your destination safely, he will also do game drives in the safari parks of Kenya and he knows the best places to go for a lunch-break or stocking up supplies. In case you haven’t finalized your Kenya travel itinerary yet, then it’s good to know that our drivers are like a walking Lonely Planet, they can surely help in designing your route. Renting a car in Kenya with driver-guide is essentially the ultimate tailor-made private safari which is also flexible.

The cost of hiring a driver is 40USD per day and all the proceeds go to the driver. This fee also covers his meals and accommodation when staying at a safari lodge. You don’t need to arrange accommodation for him, as most lodges have facilities for the driver-guides where they can eat and sleep for a reduced rate. He is happy to sort out himself.

In case you go on a camping trip in Kenya, we also supply your driver with camping gear. As there are no facilities to eat elsewhere inside the national parks, we appreciate you take into account an extra person when buying groceries, and cook your meals together. Most drivers are pretty good bush cooks and know how to start a camp fire. The driver is provided with a ground tent for accommodation by the company.

When you visit a national park and / or camp overnight inside a safari park, you are also expected to pay for the driver’s entrance fee of $ 5- $ 15 / day, and the camp fee of maximum  $ 15 / night, the exact amount depending on the parks, conservancies or reserves visited.

5 Benefits Of Hiring A Driver

Self-drive trips may be cheaper but the benefits of traveling with a hired driver exceed driving yourself and as much as un-private it gets, there is no denying that you will always feel safe and comfortable with a local in your presence.

We have a team of dedicated and well-trained drivers ready to take you to any destination and if you have been thinking about a self-drive road trip in Kenya, here are some reasons why we recommend you hire a driver in Kenya if you want to travel comfortably.

Reduces Frustration – Driving a car can be a stressful experience especially if you are driving for long distances or stuck in traffic. You don’t have to worry about all this when you have a personal driver as he is trained to handle even the most stressful of situations. Total concentration is always vital when on road so if you have a lot on your mind then it’s best you leave it to someone who is composed and fit for the road.

Safer– The biggest benefit of hiring a driver is that you don’t have to worry about getting lost or falling into the hands of a fraudster as you have your personal bodyguard, to guide and protect you most especially if it’s your first time in the country.

Informative – As much as you have read about the city, attractions and all that travel information about Kenya, no one can give you more accurate info than a local driver/ guide. A professional driver has adequate knowledge including history and current facts about a destination or attraction making him/ her perfect travel companion if you want to learn more about Kenya or any other tourist destination.

Relaxing drive – You get time to relax and do other things if you are not driving yourself and this mainly applies to business and leisure travelers. Get out that laptop or phone and do some chatting or business deal as they transfer you to your destination. Relaxing is always a big part of getaways and so you have to maximize that every chance you get. This helps you fully enjoy your destinations with out fatigue.

Punctuality – A professional driver is trained to get a client to the desired destination in time, something that is no easy task when you are driving yourself. If you are planning a business trip in Kenya, then you should consider hiring a driver for timely arrival to the meeting.

Your rental car is delivered with a fuel to the next gas station and returned with a quarter tank. The amount of fuel you consume on your road trip in Kenya is for your own expense. The driver is responsible for the wellbeing of the car, and the security bond will no longer apply.

8 Things to Do on a Uganda Safari

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Uganda the Pearl of Africa

With a wide range of activities at the exposure of the tourist, anyone who visits Uganda can’t help it but to just have a wonderful and memorable experience. Where else in this world can you trek through the dense jungles, meet face to face with the iconic mountain gorillas, climb the snowy mountain peaks, visit interesting cultures, enjoy adventurous activities like bungee jumping, or canoe past crocodiles and hippos, enjoy breathtaking views of different landscapes, sight the three horned chameleons and watch a wide range of bird species in one single country? It is only in Uganda.  There is more to Uganda than meets the eye. The spectacular landscapes across the country, wildlife species in the national Parks including an encounter with the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas and the Big five animals among others, water resources with endless adventurous activities, a wide range of compelling cultural values and practices, over 1061 bird species that make the country a true bird watcher’s paradise and other vastly unexplored destinations. The list of attractions is endless. No wonder the country is referred to as “the Pearl of Africa”

The country has faced several challenges which include economic crisis, political unrests due to demonstrations from the opposition among other challenges. Never the less, tourism has continued to flourish due to commitment from the conservationists and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. Uganda was ranked the fourth in top 10 “must see” countries globally in 2017 by Rough Guides. This is not a surprise with the variety of natural wonders that the country offers.

If you participate in any of the following activities while on your Uganda safari holiday, you will appreciate the country with a true African beauty and understand why she was referred to as “the pearl of Africa and was also ranked as the 5th best tourism destination in the world in 2017 by CNN. The interesting things include;

1. Life changing gorilla trekking

This riveting activity takes you through the dense jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and culminates in having a face to face encounter with the phenomenal mountain gorillas. This activity is one of the indispensable reasons as to why tourists visit the country and after spending one hour with these Giant Apes, it still leaves you wanting more. Although the process of trekking is strenuous, the moment you sight these exceptional and captivating creatures you will be exhilarated by their appearance and unique behavior. But as the saying goes “no gain without pain”, you can endure the process of trekking for the greater good. That’s why it is advisable to be physically fit before engaging in this captivating adventure.

2. Encounter with the wide range of engrossing cultures.

With over 56 tribes that have unique cultural practices and values, a tourist has a reason to be excited after being exposed to the interesting practices of the tribes. Their unique traditions, songs, music vary from tribe to tribe. You can choose to visit Uganda for just a ‘cultural safari” which starts with  a journey  to  the Northern-Eastern  Uganda to visit the  Ik people of Morungule and experience this small tribe with their interesting dance practices, visit the Acholi  (in Northern Uganda) and enjoy their dances for example the “Laraka raka” dance and taste their traditional delicacy (Malakwang and kwon kal (millet bread). You can also visit  the Alur in West Nile and relish the “Adungu”- a stringed instrument that comes in all sizes, learn how to grind and mingle millet bread, prepare medicinal plants and taste their delicacy (“Angara”).In Central Uganda, take your time to visit the Baganda and be filled with excitement as they entertain you in their traditional dances (for example Bakisimba) where men and women dance as if they have strings in their waists. Also enjoy their traditional recipe luwombo (chicken luwombo, beef luwombo, fish luwombo among others).

The South-western Uganda still has more in abundance for you. When you venture into Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks for gorilla trekking, you will get the opportunity to encounter the Batwa-one of the exceptional people in Uganda. They were originally the people/inhabitants of the forests before being gazatted for tourism. To be able to have a full doze of their interesting practices, a tourism activity called “the Batwa trail” (within Mgahinga Park) was documented to allow tourists explore their traditional hunting skills, ancient fire making skills out of sticks and skills of harvesting honey. Don’t  leave out a visit to the Ngarama Sacred Cave (the home of the Batwa King) where the women perform sorrowful songs which reflect eerily about the profundity of the Dark cave and leaves tourists with a conspicuous and heartwarming sense of the richness of their dwindling culture. If you are not able to explore the entire country, a destination in Kampala called “Ndere Cultural Center” offers you an assortment of all the traditional dances, music and costumes from all regions of Uganda.

3. Explore the adventurous tourism activities

The pearl of Africa is endowed with a riveting adrenaline-filled adventure industry. While on this adventure filled safari, you will get the chance to participate in experiential tourism (including lion tracking and hippo counts in Queen Elizabeth National Park), bungee jumping, rafting the Nile/Nalubale, Kayaking the Nile (Jinja), Kampala Boda boda city tours, Mabira Forest Canopy zip-lining and Quad bike safaris. Other activities include boats rides within Lake Victoria, lake Mburo and Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Mountain climbs to the Peaks of Mount Elgon and snow capped Mount Rwenzori are really mind blowing.

4. Visit the beautiful National Parks

A safari to Uganda would be incomplete without visiting one of the ten (10) beautiful National Parks in this country. Each one of these National Parks has unique wildlife species and activities that makes it stand out from the crowd. Visiting all the national Parks would be a fantastic idea to be able to experience what each of them offers. It would be costly to visit all the Parks at once. You can visit one at a time to be able to explore all of them. Murchison Falls National Park in Northern Uganda is a home of over 76 mammal species and 451 bird species including the exceptional shoebill stork. Several activities like Launch cruise, game drives and forest walks can be relished from this Park. Queen Elizabeth-A medley of wonders is located in western Uganda and is a home to 95 mammal species and 600 bird species, Kidepo National Park a true African Wilderness is situated in North-eastern Uganda and is where you will sight predators that are nowhere else in other Parks including Cheetahs, the striped hyenas and more than 475 species of birds. Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks are known for the iconic mountain gorillas and Kibale National Park is known for Chimpanzee tracking. Other National Parks worth visiting include Semliki National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Rwenzori National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.

5. Bird watching

With over 1060 species of birds (10% of the total world’s bird species), Uganda is a True Birdwatcher’s Paradise and a place to be. Perfect locations for bird watching include Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Mabira Forest and all the 10 national Parks (including Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semliki and Mount Elgon National Parks) can be visited for bird watching. Other important bird areas include Sango bay, Nyamiriro Swamp, Kyambura Reserve, Lake Opeta and Bisina, Nabugabo Wetland, Echuya Forest Reserve, Budongo Forest Reserve and Mount Moroto Forest Reserve. Some of the bird species you will encounter include the rare Shoebill stork, 17 species of Bitterns, herons and egrets, African Darter, 2 species of Cormorants, 2 species of Pelicans, Hammerkop, 7 species of Ibises and spoonbills among others.

6. Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

If you have a dream of visiting all the big five animals while on Safari in Uganda, endeavor to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary  the only place that you will see the Rhinoceros and make your dream come true hence have a memorable safari holiday. You can drop by this destination before proceeding to Murchison Falls Park to see four of the big five animals. This extraordinary Sanctuary is situated in Nakasongola district on the Kampala – Gulu highway towards Murchison Falls National Park .Ziwa sanctuary is about 176 kilometers North of Kampala and is a home to 19 Southern White Rhinos and over 250 species of birds. Activities you are likely to engage in include bird watching, guided nature walks, on-foot Rhino tracking and night walks to be able to see the elusive leopards.

7. Ssesse Islands

Can the Ssesse Islands be left out when a topic about important places in Uganda is brought up? Definitely no. With over 84 Islands in Lake Victoria collectively known as the “Ssesse Islands”, Tourists who prefer quiet authentic destinations have a reason to smile. Visiting the Ssesse islands is a perfect choice for honey mooners because they can also enjoy beach life and watch sunset in the Evening. Several accommodation facilities exist for your comfortable stay. Besides the Ssesse Islands, visiting Ngamba Island (part of the Koome group of Islands on Lake Victoria) is not a bad idea too. The Ngamba Island Sanctuary is a home to 49 orphaned chimpanzees rescued throughout Uganda.  Some of the activities at the Ngamba Island Sanctuary include Day trips (Feeding chimpanzees, kayaking, visiting a neighboring fishing village, bird watching and wildlife encounters) and overnight excursions that involve spending nights in an East African Style tented Camp will leave you totally satisfied . Other activities include Caregiver for the day experience, Sport Fishing, Long stay Visitor Programme, Sunset cruises and the Ngamba trail.

8. Exploring the Lakes

Uganda is blessed with crater and fresh water lakes. Some of the important lakes that draw the attention of visitors include Lake Victoria (Africa’s second largest fresh water lake).A voyage on this stunning Lake and several other activities like sport fishing and boat trips will leave you breathless. There are pristine sand beaches on the shores of Lake Victoria that lure tourists and they include Lido Beach, Lutembe beach, Spennah beach and One Love beach among others.

Another engrossing Lake that tourists should not miss to visit is Lake Bunyonyi. This Lake is a natural wonder and of the must see place while in Uganda. It is situated in Southwestern Uganda near the border of Rwanda. The beautiful scenery of this Lake is characterized by lush, green terraced hills that stand from 7218-8130 feet above sea level. The Lake also has a beach “Lost Paradise Beach where tourists can relax or just take a walk on the sand and is a home to over 29 islands of different shapes and sizes that make the Lake magical and outstanding.

Besides the fresh water lakes, the scenic views of the alluring crater lakes such as  Katwe crater lakes in Queen Elizabeth National Park are worth visiting because they are also famous for the migratory species of birds for example the Flamingos.

In conclusion, with the variety of interesting tourist activities to do in Uganda including gorilla trekking, visiting the beautiful national Parks, the lakes, exploring the adrenaline-filled activities, relishing the wide range of cultures across the country, visiting the Ssesse Islands and bird watching, Uganda deserves to be ranked the 5th best tourism destination in Uganda by CNN and the 4th must see place in the world in 2017 by Rough Guides.

Explore Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda

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Kidepo Valley National Park

Are you a tourist interested in visiting a remote destination that is greatly unexplored? Then visit Kidepo valley National Park, a remote Park nestled on the jagged semi-arid Valleys, in North-eastern Uganda on the border with South Sudan and Kenya. It was gazetted in 1962 hence the third Park to be gazetted in Uganda. Covering an area of 1442 square kilometers, Kidepo Valley National Park is the third largest Park in Uganda after Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

This Park boasts of the most spectacular landscapes in Uganda but in undeniably the most isolated National Park in the country. Tourists who endure this lengthy and tiring journey to this Park will totally agree that Kidepo Valley National Park is the most spectacular and was ranked as the third best destination in Africa by CNN. Visiting this Park is not an ordinary wildlife safari but it’s a safari to a true African Wilderness experience like no other experience. The savanna landscape expands from Apoka (the heart of the National Park), far beyond the gazetted area to the horizons demarcated by distant mountain ranges.

Because this area is a semi-arid region, the only permanent water during the dry season is noticed in wetland and remnant pools in the broad Narus Valley next to Apoka. These seasonal water holes/oases together with the open savanna terrain make this Narus a perfect and principle game viewing site within Kidepo Valley National Park.

What to See and Do in Kidepo Valley National Park

The vegetation of this Park is characterized by four ecosystems including the Savanna woodlands and the Narus Valley with grey-haired acacia (acacia gerrardi) among others. There are over 86 species of mammals, about 475 species of birds and more than 692 species of plants (second after Queen Elizabeth National Park) in this magnificent National Park. The interesting thing about visiting Kidepo Valley National Park is that over 28 of the mammals species cannot be sighted in any other National Park in Uganda. This is why you should not miss exploring this Park while for a safari in Uganda. Some of those wildlife species only unique to KVNP include Aardwolf, Striped Hyenas, African wild dogs, Greater and Lesser Kudu, Caracal, Cheetahs, Dik-dik, Beisa Oryx, Klipspringer, Bright’s gazelle and the Roan antelopes among others. Other wildlife species sheltered in this Park include African Elephants, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Zebras, Jackals, Lions, Jackson’s hartebeest, waterbucks and Lions among others. Of all the 475 species of birds, there are 58 recorded species of birds of prey and some of them include pygmy falcon, lammergeier and Egyptian vulture among others. There are also 14 species of raptors that are only unique and native to this Park and five species of hornbills are found in KVNP. This Park will never stop impressing tourists because even some of the world’s rarest and most desired species of birds are found here and they include Black-breasted barbet, Karamoja apalis and Ethiopian swallow. Other species you are likely to encounter include Red billed Oxpecker, Clapperton’s francolin, Hartlaud’s bustard, Ostriches (only found in this Park), and the Nubian woodpecker among others. Therefore some of the activities tourists participate in include game drives, birding nature walks, visit to Karamajong Village, and visit to the Ik people of Mount Morungule

How to Access Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is located in a strategic position in that it can be accessed through several routes. Please note that it is about 10 to 13 hours from Kampala and Some of the routes tourists can use to reach this Park include those through Eastern Uganda like; Kampala to Mbale to Soroti to Moroto then finally to the Park. This takes about 13 hours going and is about 792kms. Another one is Kampala-Mbale-Sironko-Moroto-Kotido-Kaabong-Kidepo (740km/12 hours).

Tourists going through Northern Uganda commonly use Kampala to Karuma to Gulu to Kitgum to Kidepo (571km/10 hours) and Kampala to Karuma to Lira to Kotido to Kaabong to Kidepo (705kms/12 hours). These Northern routes are the most commonly used to access Kidepo Valley National Park. You can avoid the long hours and fatigue involved in using road transport. Charter flights can organized by Eagle Aviation or Kampala Aeroclub from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Apoka Airstrip. This even reduces on the number of days you would spend, or the hours that you would spend on road would be used to enjoy the beauty of Kidepo Valley National Park.

Therefore, Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the must visit laces in Uganda because of the unique wildlife species like Cheetahs, Greater and Lesser Kudu and Caracal am0ng others and unique bird species like the Karamoja Apalis. Because it is remote and receives few tourists, most of its attractions are unexplored; hence is a perfect destination for tourists interested in wildlife viewing in an African wilderness.

Where to Stay while at Kidepo Valley National Park

Few but comfortable accommodation facilities exist in this Park to make your stay memorable and they include Kakine Self-catering campsite (budget), Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury), Nga’ Moru Wilderness (mid-range), Buffalo Base, Apoka Rest Camp (a budget facility managed and run by Uganda Wildlife Authority) and Kidepo Safari Eco-lodge.

7 Tips to Help You Stay Safe on Safari

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Safety on Uganda Safari

Planning a trip to Africa with eager to explore Africa’s culture, beautiful wilderness and wildlife, you need to ensure better selection, of where to stay and things to see and do during trips. Then you need to pride yourself with an experienced operator. Yes safaris are aimed at improving the safety of travelers. Whether you’re visiting less known destinations or most popular ones. Keep in mind that even though most of the countries in East, Central and Southern African including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Namibia are safe and secure, visitors must take certain standards safety measures. Remember that you’re in an African environment of cultures and laws different from those in your home country. It is always a good idea to look for latest travel advisories regarding prevailing situation which may affect your travel such as healthy risks.

1. Make photocopies of all your travel documents

You should always have separate copies of identification documents during all your trips. From a safety standpoint, you should be able to identify yourself during travel with copies of passport, travel insurance or itinerary. These documents are required upon arrival as well as when entering wildlife reserves and national parks for wildlife viewing. But pay close attention if you’re self driving, traffic laws also require you to have international or national driving permits.

2. Hire a Guide

Guided safaris are more exciting as guides narrate all sorts of myth and facts about wildlife and local cultures. Safari guides at most of wildlife national parks or lodgings have basic rules and regulations that they follow and take. Be respectful and listen because even in national parks with plentiful of wildlife, you have to wait for a guide to identify or find an animal.

For instance, doing a walking safari with a ranger you know you’re safe especially if you’re doing active adventure activities such as game drives, bird watching or primate tracking. Also consider factors like knowledge of wildlife encounters and the rest that encompass trip experience including transfer preparations, fun and entertaining stories with other visitors.

Visitors need to know the requirements for guiding services which are different in safari destinations. For instance in East Africa, game drive vehicles take limited number of people. You can be helped to select a quality guide to add an experience to your trip as you enjoy fun with other visitors. Most importantly for enthusiastic travelers, it is possible to hire a private guide for your special interests and desires such as photo safari or wildlife research tours.

If you never want to be rushed along by other visitors you traveled with, and then consider joining a solo trip. This is a selective way of being with people who share your interests.

3. Wear protective gears

As you will be spending much of your travel time in the wilderness, you need to protect your body from harmful insect bites. Wear long sleeved shirts, boots and long pants whenever you go for nature walks or game drives. Generally weather is sunny and warm but nights and evenings tend to get extremely. Pack clothing and equipment that suit vegetation, landscape or weather your trip is headed for. Wear something that blends with environment, you’re not likely to be seen by wildlife than if you wore shouting colors.

Often times in East Africa, even during rainy season, hot sun can be experienced. So you know sunscreen and hat are necessary. When it is a wet season, think of wearing layers as well as rain jacket, sweaters and waterproof bags.

4. Health safety

Before you visit Africa, make sure to get vaccinated against diseases that are rampant in most safari destinations. You need a yellow fever card to enter in one of the countries in East or central Africa.

When visiting Africa cities, you’re lucky most have standard health facilities where you can easily pop in for medication. However, in most rural areas you may find basic health care, so you have got to carry all your medical prescriptions and supplies while traveling.

Malaria infections are common in tropical east and central Africa. Although there are malaria free destinations in southern Africa, you need to prevent against malaria. As you are ready to hit the African wilderness, better prevent malaria by taking ant-malaria medication before your safari. Carry mosquito repellant whenever go out for a game drive or hike.

Another major concern for your health is to avoid tapped water. It is not suitable for drinking as it contains germs causing typhoid, cholera, and diarrhea and running stomach. Visit your doctor to be sure you are up travel with necessary medications and you’ll be safe.

Even though most road side food is not healthy, there are organic foods offered by various cultural villages. Consider visiting one for cultural adventure or if you’re driving long journeys, take packed food with you.

5. Stay inside the vehicle

You’re always briefed by guides especially when going for nature walks or game drives. You don’t have to stand up or get out of the vehicle to get a closer shot of animals. Except when with a ranger, visitors are often moved out for bush breakfast or sundowners at designated stopovers while game viewing. This is to keep you safe from animal attacks and also avoid wildlife disturbance especially with animal encounters during guided drives.

Most game drives are conducted with open air or roof topped safari vehicles which wild animals are used to. No wonder that leopards or tree climbing lions are spotted in trees as the vehicle sits under and they never jump into. That’s why visitors are not allowed to move separately from the vehicle for good shots. There’s no danger while in the vehicle with windows up. However, you might encounter angry animals which might even come to your vehicles. so you must keep yourself inside all the time and that isn’t something to scare from going on a safari.

6. Do not swim in Rivers and Lakes

Avoid swimming in rivers and lakes as there are crocodiles, hippos which can kill you. In addition, you could get infections like bilharzias just by stepping in water.

7. Follow the national park rules

In some wildlife national parks, self guided safaris offer a great experience while in others is not optional. However, when you’re alone avoid disturbing wildlife by moving out of your vehicle, mimicking voices or shouting. Failure to take hide and being charged at by animals is the worst experience. Even if you’re to do self drive, have a guide for your safety. You also learn about wildlife than just seeing.

Some travelers have a preference for a camping safari to sleep out in the open amidst wildlife. Safety during camping is paramount, don’t store food or move out unless if you call a ranger. Some animals like hyenas, warthogs, bush pigs like to wonder around your tents. You’ll tell by the foot print next morning.

Going on African Safari – Budget Style

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Africa Safari

Has an African Safari always seemed like a dream that was just out of reach? The funds seem to always pose a problem, and spending that money never seemed like a feasible option… But now you can bid goodbye to all those concerns….

Because believe it or not, African safaris can also be planned within a budget!

Planning your Africa Safari on a Budget in 5 Steps

If you are a person who’s used to budgeting, you will know how important a role pre-planning plays. So here goes…

  1. Plan your budget: Africa isn’t really a cheap place for travelers so you’ve got to first decide on exactly how much you are willing to spend and accordingly plan out the rest.
  2. Decide on duration of the trip: In most cases, you will be able to calculate cost on a daily basis, so planning a trip that is not too long and yet gives you the opportunity to do your share of sight-seeing is good. However, keep in mind that if you try to cram too much into a few days you may end up burning quite a hole in your pocket!
  3. The dates for travelling can also be significant:

Travelling off season means the rates are lower, and you can take advantage of that. Also air fares can be more affordable if you travel in the middle of the week. And finally, self-drive safaris can be a good way to save money.

  1. Pick on a place you want to visit: Another way to limit expenditure is to fix 1-2 places to visit, and not deviate from that plan… Also, make sure you book the right kind of transport… Because if you get delayed you will actually be increasing your expenditure.
  2. Plan your accommodations: Do a bit of research online and from guidebooks, and book the best accommodations with your budget in mind. Camping out (with the know-how of course) is also a cheaper, more exciting option.And now for certain areas in Africa which will offer you good and affordable deals:
  • Kruger National Park, South Africa
  •  Namibia
  •  Tanzania
  •  Kenya
  •  French Colonies in West Africa

So get planning so that you can enjoy your African Safari without spending too much!

Planning a Golfing Safari in Africa

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Golfing Safari

Ardent golf fans might not be so reluctant to skip their day out in the course for an African safari once they learn about Golfing Safari! Exactly as the name implies, a typical Golfing safari will combine the best of both the sports and adventure zones…This is where you can indulge your love of golf amidst the natural terrain of the African wilderness!

Let’s take a deeper look at the concept of Golfing Safari:

Contrary to popular belief, South Africa boasts of some of the world’s most natural and extensive golf courses, chartered out by none other than professionals and top players. The golf course and the mild weather attract golf players and enthusiasts from all around the world!

You have a myriad of options when it comes to golfing safari….given that the course comes with permanent residents like a herd of giraffes, crocodiles, hippos or antelopes!

The visitor’s fees are affordable and the easy access to South Africa’s many natural tourist attractions makes it a highly striking golfers’ destination.

It is no wonder then that you have prosperous resorts like the Legend Golf & Safari Resort in South Africa!

It combines:

  • Spa treatments
  • Fantastic game viewing options
  • And a unique 18 hole golf course that will delight every golf enthusiast past, present and future!!
  • Each of these golf holes were created by renowned Golfers and bear their personal signature of sorts in the creation!
  • And you have varieties of small courses featuring some specific points of African culture.

No wonder then that this resort has won multiple prestigious international awards!

What’s more…you even have the Rovos Rail Golf Safari:

  • Not only is this railway one of the most fascinating ways to traverse and discover the African landscape but caters to golf lovers as well!
  • The Rovos Rail is a Victorian-era -inspired steam locomotive, designed with close attention to detail.
  • The train sports guest sleeper cars (you can choose from either of the Royal Suites, Deluxe Suites, Pullman Suites), a non-smoking lounge car, 2 non-smoking 42-seat dining cars, a kitchen car, a smoking lounge, and an “observation car”.
  • Finest cuisines are served aboard.

And now for the golf courses you might avail and enjoy!

  1. Leopard Creek,
  2. Royal Swazi
  3. Durban Beachwood Club
  4. Champagne Sports Resort
  5. Sun City Lost City
  6. Kruger Park game drive
  7. Swaziland
  8. Ngwenya Glass Factory
  9. Guava Gallery
  10. Mkhaya Game Reserve
  11. Hluhluwe Game Reserve
  12. Drakensberg Mountain Range
  13. Battlefields tour
  14. Durban
  15. The Lost City at Sun City
  16. Pilanesberg Mountain Range
  17. Pretoria – Jacaranda City

If this doesn’t satisfy you, you have the liberty of creating your own Golf Course! How cool is that!! ?

So, are you up for some Golfing + Safari?

A Safari in Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park

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Murchison Falls Uganda

Driving towards the northern side of Uganda via the Luweero triangle is Murchison falls, Uganda’s largest national park covering an area of about 3840 square kilometers and the home to almost all the big cats, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes among other animals. Located in the Albertine rift valley where the beautiful Bunyoro escarpment meets the doted savanna. Its Uganda’s oldest conservation area since it was first gazetted as a game reserve and later to a national park. Its home of over 76 species of mammals and over 451 bird species.

Areas of interest with in the park

Murchison Falls

These falls are comprised of a war between the rocks and water. The waters violently penetrate through a very narrow gorge spraying their droplets of about a 50metre radius. This creates a very nice looking rainbow over the battlefield. From the baker point on the southern side, you can also get glance at the Nile splitting into the small uhuru falls that was created in 1962 when the river burst its banks. At this point you just appreciate that nature is the only thing should not even be tampered with.

Paraa

The word paraa means “home of the hippo” in the Luo language and this is the parks hub. All the access roads of the park just converge here. Several accommodations are located here, a small museum and a gift shop is also located here and most game drives, nature walks and launch trips start or commence here. All along if you have been wondering where you can view all the hippos behavior, paraa is just the place to be at the Murchison falls national park.

Karuma falls

Located in Chobe the north eastern side of the park, these charming water falls of the Victoria Nile are made up of a series of rocks which cause the waters to ripple making them look in a foamy white appearance. It is really an ideal spot for sport fishing. For the honeymooners, oh my God, guess what awaits you, it is one of Africa’s most beautiful and spectacular lodges, The Chobe lodge. This is just a magnificent experience and you just can’t miss it.

Kaniyo pabidi forest

In the southern side of the park, is this small amazing forest that harbors the colobus type of monkeys, olive baboons and a habituated chimp group which can be tracked. The great elephants and the leopards are also very frequent visitors to the forest including the beautiful birds like the chocolate backed kingfisher, white thorned horn bill and the puvel’silladopis that is found nowhere else in the whole of east Africa. The forest also has a campsite for camping, forest walks and good bird watching.

Rabongo forest

Surrounded by grasslands, the forest is a good place where most birders have their paradise, with the endangered species of birds. The visitors can also enjoy camp fires and relaxation on the banks of the Waringo river.

Buligi game tracks

Lying between the Albert and the Victoria Nile, it’s one of the Murchison’s popular safari destinations covering an area of about 120 to 170 km in length. The tracks try to pass though the savanna grassland, acacia and the river rine vegetation. Most of the parks wildlife can be viewed here most especially in the early morning and the early evening hours

River Nile

The meaning stills comes out that it’s the longest river on the planet because you can view its source in jinja but still find on its way to the Mediterranean at Murchison falls. The boat cruise along the river is the greatest experience for the nature lovers when they have a great view of the mammal, birds, reptiles and the guided nature walks.

However, unlike other parks, Murchison falls also has got some areas of attraction outside the park and they are also worthy to pay a visit to for example the Budongo forest that harbors almost 800 chimpanzees and a variety of beautiful birds. Forest walks are very possible at Busingiro Eco-tourism site on the Masindi-Bugungu route to Murchison falls national park. The olive baboon is also another attraction that are common along the road routes. Please make sure that your car windows are closed if you don’t want to loose your spicy lunch to these funny creatures. You will not also miss the savanna dwelling patas monkey is also found here.

Activities with in the park

Launch trips

The launch trip that starts at paara gives you an astonished and wonderful experience where you have to have a frontal view of the falls. The launch mainly departs at 9am and 2pm daily and takes three hours. And for the birders, the morning cruise downstream the Nile delta provides the best chance to view the African shoe bill and the return gives you a fantastic view of the hippos, elephants and the birds.

Sport fishing

On the banks of the Nile below the Murchison falls, a memorable experience of sport fishing is also awaiting you and you will get a chance to see the Nile perch that go as heavy as even 100kilogrammes. The fishing is permitted in the designated places and your required to book before and come with your own equipment and also secure a permit from the Uganda wildlife authority.

Chimpanzee tracking and habituation

At the kaniyo pabidi, you will also get chance to track theses close relatives of man. The track takes about 3 to 4 hours and it is limited to a group of visitors and takes about a period of one hour watching these chimps play, eat and interact. This is just also a memorable experience at the park.

Game drives

Along the Buligi tracks, you will also be able to view all the animals on your way like the lions, reedbuck, bushbuck, buffalos, giraffes, duikers. With the help of the guides, you will even be able to spot the leopards at dusk. They mainly start in the morning and the afternoons.

Birding

Both the game drives and the launch trips can make you able to view the various species of the birds in the park. The commonest species found in the Albertine region include the Abyssinian ground hornbill, black bellied bastards,open billed storks, widow birds among others, closer to the river, you can also be able to have a glance at the malachite king fishers, francolins,hornbills,woodpeckers,cukoos. However the park’s main birding attraction is the shoebill that is best sighted in the dry season from January to march.

Other activities include the nature walks and hiking in the Budongo forest outside the park and the Rabongo forest, bush camping and the Mubako cultural campfire performances among other activities

The accommodation is also a memorable and astonishing experience at one of Africa’s most beautiful lodges known as the Chobe lodge, the paraa safari lodge is also another place that is a must to be.

Why Low season is Perfect Time to Visit East Africa

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The Travel Industry can be a cruel beast. One month you’re booked solid and can’t find a leopard up a tree without being swarmed by other safari vehicles and the next you’re practically alone in the wide expanse of the Serengeti. But, travelling in the traditional low season definitely has its perks…

Savings! Savings! Savings!

The first, and most obvious, reason to go on a safari in low season is the specials! Every tour operator and lodge owner is trying their best to fill up their rooms and vehicles – and this means they’re content to drop their prices and take a loss, just to give their staff something to do for these months.

Although many an agent might tell you otherwise, there’s nothing wrong with travelling out of season and saving a few bucks. After all, destinations like the Serengeti and Maasai Mara are filled with animals year round as well as kitted out with some of the most luxurious camps in Africa, so you’ll still see game and get to live like a king (or queen) for a fraction of the cost.

Photography

The reason most people come to Africa in the first place is because one image or photographer somehow captures something so absolutely stunning that you simply have to see it first-hand. Africa is lucky enough to have a multitude of stunning photographic destinations and the low season can offer you some of the best opportunities to hone your photographic skills. In the Serengeti rain clouds can create pictures with immense depth and colours that you may not have thought possible in nature. In many southern African countries, low season is actually the best time to see animals as the summer rains have passed and animals flock to water sources. This is the best game viewing time of the year and most foreigners completely miss it.

Exclusivity

While the camps and lodges in many of Africa’s parks won’t be full, that doesn’t mean you will be treated any less luxuriously than in high season. Quite the opposite usually, as the staff have even more time to pamper and serve you. A partially full camp is the best kind of camp when you want to be treated like a true VIP.

As a child I was lucky enough to travel to many of Africa’s best game reserves and what I learnt in my youth is that nothing compares to the feeling of finding a rare member of the Big 5 – and getting to watch it alone for as long as you want. Not crowded by safari vehicles and loud tourists, simply relaxing and observing without disruption. A true safari experience!

Travelling Alone?

Travelling alone can be daunting for many reasons. You may worry about making friends or see it as too much of a risk to visit Africa on your own, but one of the biggest obstacles for the single adventurer is the cost. In high season you will be charged a single supplement in order to make up for not taking both beds in a room or tent. Luckily, during low season, a lot of operators lower or waive the single supplement in order to fill their camp. There is no better time to tick Africa off your bucket list by yourself than low season. Wild Frontiers offers singles and ladies only scheduled departures in order to make travelling alone even easier. Check them out here.

Wild Frontiers owns three seasonal Serengeti Camps as well as three properties in Uganda and we are running a low season special for April and May 2017 where your 4th night in any of our camps/lodges will be completely FREE. If, however, Tanzania and Uganda aren’t that high on your “must-do” list then feel free to contact our offices on reservations@wildfrontiers.com and let us tailor-make a trip to almost anywhere in Africa for you and your family.

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