Wednesday, 29 November 2017

Night GameDrives in Uhganda - Uganda Safaris

The destination Uganda has a range of safari activities that are provided to the satisfaction of those that take up tours to Uganda. Night game drive is recorded to be among those exciting activities and it is great to know where to do it from.

Of all the ten (10) National Parks where many of the Uganda Safari holiday activities are carried out including Uganda gorilla trekking safaris, wildlife safaris and mountaineering adventure tours, the Night game drive activity is done in only three of these. These include; Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.

In Murchison Falls National Park, the Night game drive is undertaken in the open savannah stretches to the north of the Nile River gaining remarkable views of the nocturnal and the cats which tend to do the hunting in the late evening. The view of the Nile River in the moonlight is also rewarding.

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Night game drive is undertaken in the famous Mweya peninsular in between the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward. The night game drive is prohibited in the Kasenyi Sector to minimise stress on wildlife since most travellers on Safari in Uganda tend to flock this sector for day game drives.

In Lake Mburo National Park, the night game drive is undertaken in its savannah stretches traversing the acacia woodland gaining possible views of a range of nocturnal species like porcupine, hare, Aardvack, honey badger, white-tailed mongoose, side – stripped jackal, bush pig, serval cat, spotted hyena, jenet cat, civet, black galago and thick – tailed Galago.



The Night game drive activity can be done in Uganda Wildlife Authority Vehicle or Tour Company Vehicle but with the company of an armed ranger along with a Spot light torch.  It is such a unique encounter to explore the wild game and beautiful landscapes under the stars of tropical Africa.

Friday, 27 October 2017

EMBARK ON A SAFARI TO TREK MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK

On your Uganda Gorilla Safari, you will Locate Mgahinga National Park 510km far southwest of Kampala City the Capital of Uganda which is just 42km from Entebbe International Airport, this park rests in the district of Kisoro and is Uganda’s smallest but arguably one of the profoundly biome-diverse National Park. Mgahinga is one of the only two Uganda Gorilla Safaris destinations where tourists can physically say hello to the world’s remaining population of endangered Mountain Gorillas.

Its three (3) volcanic peaks of Sabinyo (3,669m), Gahinga (3,474m) and Muhavura (4,127m) interface with five (5) different volcanoes which all together shape the Virunga Conservation Area (VCA) shared among the nations of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo DR. Its varied altitudes offer rise to various types of fauna, some of which can't be seen anywhere else in Uganda.
The park offers chances to birders to do what they cherish best, with a bird list ranging bwetween 179 and 184 species including the Rwenzori Turaco and the White-starred Robin. Uganda Safaris Tours to Mgahinga National Park additionally also present opportunities to see various extraordinarily species like the giant forest hogs, and the spikey South African Porcupines

In any case, the park's horn is sounded louder by its habituated mountain gorilla family called Nyakagezi. Led by an alpha silverback called Mark, the Nyakagezi mountain gorilla family makes seasonal excursions to the neighboring nations of DR Congo and Rwanda. But luckily, of later, the family appears enjoy most of their Ugandan home more and can therefore making it possible for Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda in Mgahinga National Park. Its unsettled nature has constrained the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to sell gorilla permits for this mountain gorilla family right at the National Park as opposed to permits for Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest National Park that can be reserved at the UWA headquarters in Kampala

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park is a less tedious activity as compared to Bwindi Forest National Park the only Gorilla tracking area in Uganda, a maximum of eight tourist are allowed to visit this Mountain Gorilla family in a single day. Also, once the gorilla family is tracked down, tourist get to can enjoy an entire hour with the Nyakagezi family. The family's two blackbacks (Rukundo and Ndungutse) regularly win the hearts of visitors with their high sense of humor and their photogenic nature. It has turned into their thing to pose for the camera and they'll most likely pose for yours too.

Today the family has 10 members including an aging Bugiingo who is the father to most members of this mountain gorilla family including Mark and Marfia the other two silverbacks.
Set out on a Gorilla Safari to trek Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga National Park and you will win yourself an affair of a lifetime decorated in amazing views of the true African montane forests protecting a big number of animal and bird species; not forgetting the reward of mixing with the Forest habitats, Batwa community; one of the world's few remaining highly neglected and marginalized groups of people. With the Park's "gold and silver", you will part very lit up. Welcome to Mgahinga!

Monday, 23 October 2017

KAMPALA CITY FESTIVAL; THE LEADING CITY STREET PARTY IN EAST AFRICA – UGANDA SAFARI NEWS

Happening for the sixth time, the Kampala City festival 2017 was a blast mesmerizing both local trevelers and those who had come for Uganda Safaris and tours.
The event which occurs in the first week of October every year is apparently the biggest street party in the region of East Africa and has become signature brand attracting multitudes of people to explore the Kampala’s epitome social life, innovation, culture and unity. The travelers planning East Africa Safari tours in the month of October have started expressing interest in making the event part of their itinerary.
The Kampala City Festival presents the much awaited moment for the participants to learn, share and network while presenting an economic ground for small businesses, organisations and companies to thrive.  The festival offers that special moment where the city residents themselves get a real feel of happiness besides the normal routine and business endeavors. The festival is becoming a Uganda tour product enhancing domestic tourism.
Marked with vibrant sounds, flamboyant lights, lively rhythms, incredible street dancers, a wide array of musicians, gospel sessions, unlimited foods and beverages among others, the Kampala City festival makes the every point of the Central Business District lively and fascinating. Besides the foods and beverages along with other personal items, all other festival wonders are enjoyed at no cost!
The youthful travelers on holiday safari in Uganda would definitely find this event beyond the ordinary!



Wednesday, 18 October 2017

Go Gorilla Trekking In Mgahinga Uganda - Uganda Gorilla News

Bwindi-Rushegura-gorilla-family-MWIRIMA-SILVERBACK-1
Before taking on your gorilla safari tour in Uganda, we invite you to get briefed more about these amazing creatures with their interesting facts.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is considered to be one the most satisfying activities done by tourists in Mgahinga national park. This park has only one habituated gorilla family known as “Nyakagezi” originally consisting of 9 family members, 2 silver backs, 3 female adults, 2 infants and 2 juveniles.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda can some if the times be tiring and occasionally cover the whole day as the guide takes you through this amazing world and also giving you information on their ecology and wild behavior. There is a good chance of spotting these gorillas of Mgahinga national park however success is never guaranteed as these creatures are wild animals, never fixed in their daily routine and finding them requires a guide with extra skill, experience as well as luck.
For the travelers on Gorilla Safari in Uganda, before setting of for the actual gorilla trekking activity, the guide will always suggest how long this activity may take. However while moving do not hesitate to ask the guides to slow down their pace in case they are moving so fast or if you need to rest. This guide will not leave you behind.
The daily routine of a mountain gorillas in Uganda includes foraging early in the morning and have a rest during the late morning and midday. In the late afternoon they forage before they rest at night. The mountain gorillas leave their sleeping nests at 6am in the morning except when it’s too cold, that’s when they stay up their nests.
Uganda Gorillas don’t have discrete territories and instead they roam in home ranges. When the sources of food are sparse, the ranges between groups also become larger and when there is abidance of food the distance between home ranges become shorter.
Gorillas get infected with most of the diseases suffered by human beings as well. It is for this reason that Uganda safari visitors to these gorillas are advised to keep a distance. Respiratory diseases suffered more especially pneumonia are the most frequently causes of deaths of most mountain gorillas.
The gorillas basically live on ground and almost 20%of their day time in trees. They climb trees either to play or harvest fruits and rarely jump from branch to branch due to their weight.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be physically demanding, so be prepared well enough. These Gorilla facts prepare you for this safari activity and give you guidance on conservation of the Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga national park. Please read these Gorilla facts before your tour to Uganda.

Thursday, 21 September 2017

A BREATHTAKING SAFARI ON HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT


It is evident, the popular activities that people undertake apart from the Gorilla safaris tours in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include game drive safaris and boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth national park.  Those two activities are done at intervals giving tourists who would wish to partake in both activities a chance to do so, since each activity has its unique excitement levels.

Now there is a lot more ways to enjoy the game park with more exciting activities being introduced here. Among the prominent is the hot air balloon. The hot air balloon is must-activity of late if you have some extra dollars to spend on a Uganda safari. Hot air balloon to date is only done in two national game parks in Uganda –Queen Elizabeth national park and Murchison falls National park.
The hot air balloon Safari in Queen Elizabeth national park is currently operated by Balloons tours Uganda. The only company so far that holds a license by the Uganda Aviation authority to fly balloons in this game park.
The company boasts of well-trained staff that has experience of over 10 years flying balloons. At the present time, only one balloon is operational which carries 16 passengers. But there are plans to source the second one that shall accommodate 24 passengers. The flight is usually an hour long of seeing all the wildlife from the skies. The balloon flight sets off before dawn and by sunrise you are almost done watching the wildlife and beautiful nature. And there is more to this balloon safari after the flight, you will be taken care of- take for example there will be bush breakfast for you prepared by one of the best lodges in Queen Elizabeth national park, Mweya safari lodge. And finally, the pick-up time is usually around 05.30 am at Kasenyi gate to complete your amazing balloon safari experience.

Monday, 18 September 2017

CHIMP TRACKING IN THE PRIMATE WORLD OF KIBALE


For anyone looking to discover someplace beautiful and off the beaten track, Kibale Forest National Park is a top tourist destination with something unique. This forest offers Africa as you have always imagined it - wild, green, and beautiful. Famously known as the home to a remarkable 13 primate species including the Chimpanzees.

CHIMPANZEES – Track into Kibale National Park and on arrival you will be greeted with a swarm of butterflies mostly in the dry seasons, and should be noted that during these drier months are the optimum time to track chimpanzees.
Kibale Forest National Park has been a reserve since 1932, but it was not until 1993 that this 700-square-kilometer wilderness was declared a National Game Park, pulling tourists and researchers from around the world to come and experience its unique flora and fauna. And standing at altitudes between 3,000 and 4,500 feet, it is refreshingly cool to climb to.
Expert trackers mostly known as guides lead the way into the forest ready to take visitors on walks in search of our closest cousins the chimpanzees.
How to Get There…
On landing at Entebbe International Airport, which is located just outside the capital Kampala, you will need to connect Kibale National Park by road. And the easiest way would be booking a driver guide to meet you at the airport or through a local tour operator. The journey from Kampala City to Kibale takes maximum three hours on road in a 4x4 Safari Landcruiser since it might get bumpy in some parts but this cannot take away the beauty of this place, as you go through forest and savannah and winding between tea fields.

Arranging your Safari
Chimpanzee trekking costs US$150, which includes the guide fee. The National Game Park fee for Kibale is US$40. Private tours to Uganda's national game parks can be taken with the help of a professional guide assigned to you by a tour operator. The same professional driver and guide will accompany you and at the same time give you great insight through your well-tailored Safari to Uganda.

Where to Stay
There is quite a number of good places to stay in on your Uganda Safari to Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking.  Ranging from budget to luxury, take for example Primate Lodge, an eco-lodge run by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), that is set within the game park with safari tents, cottages, a tree house, and a campsite would be a great pick.



Saturday, 9 September 2017

The Unexplored Wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda


The Park is best known for its Spectacular landscapes and Great buffalo herds. Boasting of sprawling savannah and soaring mountains, Kidepo Valley National Park is arguably the most picturesque game park in Africa. Kidepo sees far less visitors than Murchison Falls National Park-famously known for its spectacular powerful falls, Queen Elizabeth National Park-known for its very rare tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park-very well known for its wild Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda. And this is mainly because of its remote location and few lodging options in Kidepo game Park.

Kidepo is located in northern Uganda, sharing borders with South Sudan and Kenya’s Northern Frontier District, it is Uganda’s most beautiful, remote and least-explored park. And it requires a full day of driving on road to get to Kidepo using a 4x4 safari Landcruiser, but just an hour flight from Entebbe International Airport.

And as of now, the main lodging option is the all-inclusive Apoka Lodge, but once you arrive at the lodge, the first thing you’ll notice is all the wildlife casually calm grazing outside your chalet.
And you don’t have to worry of getting attacked by any wild animal since each chalet has an enclosed porch where you can sit and watch the resident wildlife move about.

Game drives in Kidepo
The fact that there are only a few lodges in this area, and Apoka Lodge has several vehicles on hand, and you will get an impression that you are on a game drive in your own private park. At the very most, you will have like three other people with you in the same vehicle, and free to move about within the vehicle making it easy for you to take photos from any angle.

And for those who take the trouble on a Uganda Safari to get here,  they are rewarded with remarkable wildlife sightings and a level of exclusivity that can rarely be had at any cost in neighboring countries. 

Tuesday, 29 August 2017

TOP MUST VISIT TOURIST SITES ON A KAMPALA CITY TOUR


Kampala city has increasingly turned out to be among the most visited destinations in East Africa boasting of a number of sites and attractions among these is its rich culture, religious and political history of Uganda. Most typical Uganda safaris often start day 1 in Kampala as it gives a visitor the feel of the weather and native people before embarking on their adventurous journey into the wildernesses. First its's drive through the streets of Kampala and as you get to visit Buganda kingdom's most famous traditional sites, temples, cathedrals, craft shops, ghettos, local markets among other amazing attractions in and around the city under guidance of a very well experienced guide in a comfortable 4x4 safari land-cruiser.
There are plenty of remarkable attraction destinations to visit on a guided Kampala city tour excursion but we have narrowed them down to the top 5 must visit destinations for a full and exciting cultural and historic experience in Uganda’s capital.
Buganda Kingdom sites
Buganda stands strongest and most popular centralized kingdom in Uganda, their one of a kind culture and traditions have pulled in a huge number of visitors across the globe.
Visits to Kabaka's (king) royal Palace, Kabaka's lake, Kasubi tomb and the Buganda parliament offers you an opportunity to explore more about the history and traditions of Buganda kingdom. Kasubi tombs which are burial grounds to four of the past Kabaka's (kings of Buganda) are almost completely revamped and ready for tourism following since being burnt down 6 years ago.

Religious Attractions
Missionaries from both the protestant and catholic churches arrived in Uganda in the mid 1800s and introduced their religions setting up in schools and churches of worship which still stand ground to this very day. A visit to the hills Namirembe and Rugaba cathedrals should give you a glimpse of the religious history of Uganda. The unique amazing exterior and interior architecture of these ancient cathedrals portrays the history even before you ask the guide. And the good thing they are located just a few minutes’ drive from the city plus they are close to each by road.

Uganda Museum
There’s no better way to learn more about Uganda’s history and culture than in the Museum a majority of tourists add this place to their Kampala city tour itinerary and rightly so because of the huge collection of things you can lean in a short time on this tour around the Uganda museum. The historic items and fascinating videos here give a clear image of the ancient Kingdom traditions, war items, royal regalia handmade local clothes, local way of life in the past.

Visit markets and local craft shops
Make sure your guide takes you to the nearest craft shop in Kampala city if you looking for some souvenirs to carry back home. The craft shops along Buganda road and Uganda crafts on Bombo road are two major places you should check out for the best local hand-made crafts including animal and human clay models, traditional clothes, baskets, beads, necklaces, bracelets among other amazing African handmade items. You can also make your way over to Owino market, here you will easily interact with the local Ugandans as many converge here for shopping.

Visit Night Hangout spots
A tour in Kampala city is never complete without a night trip to one of the happening places and restaurants. If you’re looking to unwind and spend more time with friends and family before or after a Uganda safari tour up country or long road trip.  There quite a number of popular hangout spots in Kampala city and if you wish to relax in the city, you just have to ask your guide to take you to the most affordable and tourist friendly spots around town.
And if you planning to embark on a Kampala city tour and still not sure of which places to visit, the above 5 should give you the best sample of Ugandan culture and history to start with. 

Monday, 28 August 2017

TOP PRIMATE TRACKING DESTINATIONS IN UGANDA


Primate tracking is such a popular Uganda Safari activity for visitors with most more interested in Gorilla trekking Safaris and Chimp tracking. However, with over 14 primate species found in the country, there is plenty for primate lovers to see from the black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkey and L’hoest’s to the baboons. These primates are usually come across and easily spotted during nature walks in the forests and during game drives or boat launch trip safaris. With all the so many destinations where tourists can go for primate tracking in the country, there are some of these destinations that are praised more for offering the best encounters and experience in this regard and they include the following;

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Forest National Park is the destination for Wild Gorilla Safaris in Uganda considering that it’s home to half of the world’s only remaining Gorillas in the wild. Over 450 gorillas are found in this forest and a couple of these are habituated Gorilla families that are open to tourists for tracking.

Kibale Forest
Kibale Forest national park, also commonly known as “the primate capital of the world” since it has the highest concentration of primates in Africa. Chimpanzee tracking is the major attraction in this park and with a remarkable number of over 1450 chimps inhabited in this forest, this does not come as a surprise. 12 other primate species can be found in Kibale forest which include the black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkey, l’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, the grey-cheeked mangabey and nocturnal among others.

Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge also famously known as “the valley of apes” is found in Queen Elizabeth national park and offers nature enthusiasts a great opportunity to easily see chimpanzees, red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus monkeys in the wild.
Budongo Forest-Kaniyo Pabidi
This forest is believed to have a resounding over 600 chimps in its forest cover and Kaniyo Pabidi is the best place to go chimpanzee tracking. Six chimp groups have been habituated in this place thus offering quite an exciting experience for tourists. Monkeys can also be seen roaming around here.

Tourists wishing to visit these amazing destinations do require to make prior booking to avoid any disappointments since a certain number of visitors are allowed to visit some of these places for each single day.

Saturday, 26 August 2017

TOP WILDLIFE SAFARIS IN UGANDA


Selectively named the 'pearl of Africa' by Sir Winston Churchill, Uganda is indeed a naturally beautiful tourist destination, you must visit.
Uganda is a land-locked country located in East Africa and the source of the great River Nile, the longest river on the planet. The country is blessed with a number of wildlife attractions that can be explored and enjoyed by tourists looking for a true African wildlife adventure.
A drive from Kampala City, Uganda’s capital towards the countryside, you will be introduced to the true natural beauty of Uganda, as you adventure into the major wildlife wonders the pearl has to offer.
Uganda's Raw Natural Beauty
Mabira Forest
From Kampala to the source of the River Nile in Jinja, one goes through the splendid Mabira Forest, one of the huge natural forests in Uganda. Split through by the Kampala Jinja highway, Mabira Forest is of an unmissable eco-tourism destination. The forest is home to a number of wildlife species, including over 300 bird species, primates like baboons, monkeys, mangabey, and a number of butterflies and insects among others. Tourists visiting the Mabira Forest Reserve can engage in a number of adventure activities like primate tracking, forest walks, birding among others.

White Water Rafting
Just after Mabira, you will come across the great River Nile, the longest in the whole world in Jinja in its source where it forms a number of rapids. Adventurous tourists can go white water rafting across the five different stages of the rapids, including the most thrilling stage where the rafting boat is over turned by the great force of the waters of the Nile. White water rafting is not for the fainthearted but it is quite a thrilling adventure for many tourists. While on a Jinja source of the nile tour, one has got lots of options of activities to per take in, take for example boat cruise to the source of the River Nile, go bungee jumping or even horseback riding.

Murchison Falls National Park
Exploring Murchison Falls National Park comes with yet another thrilling adventure with amazing scenic views of the Murchison Falls that forms a permanent rainbow. The falls can be explored while on a launch that takes tourists to the bottom of the falls. You can also hike to the top of the falls for clearer views.
Home to over 75 mammal species and 450 birds, Murchison Falls National Park is surely one place in Uganda that offers a great opportunity for a Uganda wildlife Safari. While in on a Uganda Safari to Murchison    Falls national park, one cannot miss seeing elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Nile hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, baboons and many other species. There are many other savannah national parks in the country where one can view other wild animals while on game drives and boat cruises take for example Queen Elizabeth National Park in the South-Western side of the Country.

Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks
The critically endangered mountain Gorillas in the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks are other natural wonders one should not miss while on a Safari to Uganda. These gentle apes are highly endangered and the total population remaining on the planet is estimated at a mere 900 of them.  Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has half of the mountain Gorillas over 450 with 12 habituated mountain Gorilla families that are open to tourist for Gorilla trekking safaris.
Each mountain Gorilla family can only be visited by a group of 8 tourists a day. This group treks through the forest to search for a specific mountain gorilla family, with whom they spend an hour learning more about them and taking photographs, call it Gorilla tracking experience.
Spending time with these critically endangered species in the wild on your Gorilla Safari tour in Bwindi is fascinating and exciting and is truly an experience one should not miss while on a Uganda safari Tour.
All these remarkable wildlife experiences in Uganda can be enjoyed all year round. And what makes the wildlife experiences special in Uganda are the very hospitable and welcoming people, especially the guides who are committed to take the tourists around and have considerable knowledge and information about the major wildlife species.


Monday, 31 July 2017

OH UGANDA! HERE ARE THE TOP REMARKABLE DESTINATIONS


If you decide to take trouble and head off for a Uganda Safari, you will surely be rewarded with phenomenal wildlife sightings and a level of exclusivity that can rarely be had at any cost in neighboring countries.
Located at the point where the East African savannah meets the Central African rainforest, the country is one of the most bio-diverse in the world, and within its comparatively diminutive frame lie the continent’s highest mountain range, its largest lake, and the source of the world’s longest river, and visitors are at last waking up to its compelling mix of spectacular scenery, incredible wildlife and warm and welcoming people.  Here are just some of the reasons why you should be one of them…

1. To track chimpanzees in Kibale

A beautiful wrap of thick equatorial rainforest, Kibale National Park Uganda boasts the highest concentration of primates in all of Africa. Its thirteen species include black-and-white colobus monkeys and impish grey-cheeked mangabeys but everyone is here for the chimpanzees. On a day-long Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, you’ll follow a troop of whooping and hollering chimps as they swing through the forest, gathering in the treetops to play, doze or feast on figs.
When the midday heat burns through the upper canopy, the chimps descend, sliding down vines and striding right past you. If such an extraordinarily close encounter doesn’t give you goosebumps, the sound of the males messaging each other will: they drum on the buttress roots of giant fig trees with such force that the ground around you shakes.
Where to stay Primate Lodge Kibale is set slap bang in the middle of the park, just a few minutes from the start of the tracking trailhead. Swish refurbished cottages look out into a wall of forest, and there’s a tree house for the intrepid.

2. To raft the Nile

The unassuming colonial-era town of Jinja is East Africa’s adventure capital, its wide range of watersports growing out of the unique opportunity to raft at the Jinja source of the Nile. The surge of tumultuous white water that runs 20 kilometres downriver from Lake Victoria rivals the Lower Zambezi, and is a heart-thumping ride over rapids bearing names such as Hair of the Dog and Bad Place. 
Where to stay, occupying an island in the middle of the Nile, Wildwaters Lodge is spectacularly sandwiched between two sets of deafening rapids, with lovely wooden cottages and a natural riverside swimming pool.

3. To meet the Karamojong

Rubbing shoulders with Kenya and South Sudan in the far northeast of the country, the disparate Karamoja region sees only a few visitors bound for the remote wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park. Yet the area is home to one of Uganda’s most intriguing peoples: the Karamojong, a historically fierce tribe of cattle-raiding pastoralists. Visits to a Karamojong manyatta and explore their traditional homesteads – beehive huts encircled by a protective wall of spiky brushwood – and usually feature cultural dancing, or “high jumping”, which is similar in style to the more famous Masaai just across the border.
Where to stay, Apoka Safari Lodge in Kidepo can arrange visits to nearby Karamojong villages. 

4. To swim in a crater lake

There are dozens of volcanic crater lakes in and around the Ndali-Kasenda region of western Uganda, but shimmering Kyaninga is the jewel. Fringed with forest and crisscrossed by gliding hornbills, the lake is a mesmerizing granite blue. It’s semi active, so although 225 metres deep in parts, the water hovers around a pleasant 21 degrees. Add in the fact that it’s one of East Africa’s few lakes that are free from bilharzia and you have the perfect place for a spot of wild swimming.
Where to stay, the gorgeous thatched cottages at Kyaninga Lodge are staggered along a ridge overlooking the lake. The huge rooms all have stunning views, and the range of local activities include an early morning Crater Walk and time spent with village elders at a nearby farm.

5. To spot a prehistoric beast

Uganda’s oldest conservation area, Murchison Falls National Park draws visitors to its famously thunderous waterfalls, where the full force of the Nile is explosively squeezed through a gap in the Rift Valley Escarpment. But this is also one of the best places in the country to see the primeval-looking shoebill, a towering, hook-beaked bird that feeds on baby crocodiles and looks like it was dreamt up by the creators of The Dark Crystal.
Where to stay, Baker’s Lodge enjoys a superb setting on the banks of the Nile, its eight cottages hidden among acacia trees and fronting the river. Watch out for hippos munching on the grass outside your room at night.

6. To hike the Rwenzori

Forming an imposing border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and snow-capped even at the height of summer, the legendary Mountains of the Moon are Africa’s highest range. The hiking is tough – it’s a good eight or nine days to complete the Kilembe Trail in the southern section of the park, though much shorter routes are available – but the rewards are considerable: remote trekking through a pristine wilderness of craggy peaks, glacier lakes and a lunar landscape dotted with giant groundsel plants.
Where to stay, Rwenzori Trekkers located in the shadow of the mountains, is the closest accommodation to the Kilembe trailhead, but you’ll be more comfortable, and still within range, staying in the Ndali-Kasenda region.

7. To cruise the Kazinga channel

Queen Elizabeth National Park is blessed with a variety of beautiful habitats, from the open plains of the Kasenyi sector to the densely wooded scrub of the Mweya Peninsula and fig-tree-studded Ishasha. But it’s the boat launch on the Kazinga Channel that’s the real highlight of a visit to Uganda’s most popular national park.
You’ll drift lazily past huge pods of hippos; close-up encounters with buffalos, crocodiles and Nile monitors are virtually guaranteed, and herds of elephants regularly come down to the water to drink and bathe in the shallows.
Where to stay, It’s worth spending a night in different sectors of the park. Mweya Lodge is a fairly large bush hotel with a personal feel, and an infinity pool that overlooks the Kazinga Channel. In the far south of the park, spectacular Ishasha Wilderness Camp makes the most of its beautiful setting, with luxurious safari tents spread along a scenic stretch of the Ntungwe River.

8. To track gorillas in Bwindi

A full day spent tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Uganda is probably the most remarkable wildlife experience on earth, something you wouldn’t wish to miss on your Uganda Safari is a Gorilla Safaris tour.
On the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s new Gorilla Habituation Experience, you’ll be accompanied by park rangers as you track (and monitor) these powerful yet peaceful creatures, first locating their overnight nests before following a trail of broken branches and tell-tale silver hairs to the gorillas themselves. What follows is 3 or 4 hours of lifelong memories, as you watch immense silverbacks tearing up and munching on huge bundles of vegetation while playful youngsters roly-poly amongst the undergrowth.
Where to stay, one of the groups of gorillas currently being habituated in Bwindi are tracked from the trailhead at Rushaga, where the staff at the forest-facing Gorilla Safari Lodge are super-friendly and the chef serves up some of the best meals in Uganda.

Friday, 21 July 2017

PHOTOGENIC ZEBRAS OF LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest of Uganda's savannah parks located in Kiruhura District, Western Uganda.  The park boasts of a variety of zebras, hippopotami, impala, warthogs, buffaloes among others. The park is also a bird lovers haven boasting over 300 bird species
Lake Mburo National Park is the nearest game park from Kampala City, located 240 kilometers by road in western Uganda. Reachable within about a two and half hours’ drive, the park offers visitors an opportunity to see some of Uganda's wildlife and beautiful countryside in just one day of your Uganda Safari.

But let’s talk about the amazing beautiful zebras in Lake Mburo National Park, there is nowhere else in Uganda you will find the biggest group of zebras and Impalas like in Lake Mburo.
Before even making an entrance through any of Park’s gazetted entrance gates, as you close in to the park you will start seeing these amazing zebras some even mix with the local farmers’ Ankole Long Horned Cattle common in the area as they graze together. Foreign tourist and even citizens are required to pay park fees before proceeding into the park and this can be done at any of the three main entrance gates, that is Sanga, Nshaara or Kanyinanshaara gates.
And it is quite amazing seeing these zebras snuggle on a beautiful evening game drive as they graze and the energetic young ones hopping around in satisfaction after suckling their mothers.

And to those who love taking photos of these beautiful zebras, you will surely get that moment as these black and white crossed wonderful animals are not really scared of your safari cars as you drive through the park as most of the other animals will be keeping a distance, some will actually pose as they gaze at your movements and other will just continue grazing and not be bothered by your presence. Make your trip to lake Mburo National Park and take your best shot of a zebra to proudly show to family and friends back home. 

Wednesday, 19 July 2017

LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK - UGANDA



LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK - UGANDA

Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s smallest national parks,  extending over 260km2 with an altitude range from 1220m-1828m above sea level. This park is situated in the Ankole Sub-region in Mbarara district and derives its name from one of its distinct feature Lake Mburo, one of the five lakes that lie within the park boundary and part of a cluster of 14 lakes that are fed by River Rwizi and connected by several permanent and seasonal swamps.
Before the area was gazetted, it was used as a hunting ground for the Ankole people who would graze their livestock from the area as well. It was gazetted in 1933 as a controlled hunting ground and later upgraded to a game reserve in 1963. However, the Bahima continued to graze their cattle from the area and in 1983 the area was transformed into a National park by the government of Milton Obote.
The Park mainly consists of open Savannah and acacia woodlands, with some more common trees being acacia hockii, acacia gerraddii, and acacia sieberiana. The western part of the park is covered by Savannah interspersed with rocky ridges and forested gorges with patches of papyrus swamp with narrow bands of riparian woodland lines on the verges of the lakes.
Lake Mburo is an underrated gem of park, dominated by the eponymous lake which is scenically reminiscent of the more celebrated Lake Naivasha in the Kenyan rift valley. The park is by- passed by the most of the travelers on Safaris in Uganda and other independent travelers, though it’s relatively accessible. It presumably has low big five count, and in particular the lack of elephants and lions. Despite the absence of such heavy weights, Lake Mburo still offers some excellent game viewing opportunities for Uganda safari lovers as you are likely to see many Uganda wildlife species over the course of the day. Lake Mburo is positioned strategically on a break-up of a long drive between Kampala and other national parks along the country’s western border that is Mgahinga national park, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Rwenzori Mountain national park and QueenElizabeth national park.

Lake Mburo harbors several species that are not easily observed elsewhere in Uganda, and is the only reserve in the country that supports large populations of impalas, from which the name Kampala Uganda’s capital city is derived and one of only three protected areas country wide where the Burchell’s zebra occurs, the other two being the far less accessible Kidepo Valley National Park and Pian Upe Game Reserve. Other antelopes likely to be seen are Topi, bush back, common duiker, oribi and bohor reed buck. Two diurnal primates occur in the park and these are the Vervet Monkey and the olive baboon. Over 315 bird species have been recorded in the park and it is one of the best places in Uganda to see the acacia associated birds.
Whether you are a first time safari traveler or a seasonal African traveler, a Uganda safari to Lake Mburo National Park with its unique blend of Savannah, creatures, and its wealthy grassland plus lake habitats are simply dazzling.