Travel info

Where To Stay On a Uganda Safari

Are you planning your safari in Uganda? Wondering where to stay? Ultimate safaris in Uganda come with exceptional safari lodges and accommodation facilities for visitor stay in the destination! With wide range of accommodations in most of the national parks in Uganda, visitors on their African safari in this country have more options choose from.

Because Uganda safaris are largely conducted in the parks and other tourism areas, below are some of the safari lodges and accommodation facilities for you to stay in.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

If you are traveling for gorilla trekking or any activity in this park you can stay in either luxury or budget safari lodge which include the following;

Luxury safari lodges include the following

Buhoma Lodge

Buhoma Lodge is an up market facility in Northern part of the park-Buhoma area, and it comes with elevated lounge area, solar power, bar, fire place, mosquito proof rooms, gravity fed water supply, dining facilities, Wi-Fi, recharging facilities with UK square 3 pin plugs 240v in the central area.

Chameleon Hill Lodge

Chameleon Hill Lodge is located on the shores of Lake Mutanda offering views of the Lake and the Virunga Mountains as well as the Bwindi National Park. For tourists tracking gorillas in the southern sector-Rushaga and Nkuringo this is the best place for you. It comes with 10 private cottages with distinct colors that feature the background. Its restaurant takes 20 people, five twin rooms.

Clouds Mount Gorilla Lodge

This lodge is situated in Nkuringo sector and stands at 2000 meters above sea level. It faces the 8 Virunga Mountains when you are within Bwindi National Park and also comes with eight cottages, lounge, bar, restaurant, reading room and many more.

Gorilla Forest Camp

Gorilla Forest Camp is situated in Buhoma sector to the north of Bwindi where the treks starts from just at the entrance of the park. It features eight chalets which comprises of adequate space, two queen sized beds, comfortable warm beds and huge bath hub overlooking the park. It has the lounge, camp fire place, dining area with silver service, small spa and bar.

Gorilla Safari Lodge

This features eight cottages offering en suite with hot and cold running water along the flush toilets, solar lights, fire place and private veranda, restaurant, bar and many others.

Mahogany Springs Camp

This features super and presidential suites with twin, double and triple, luxurious double doors and windows, private terrace overlooking its surrounding, advanced mosquito net;

Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge

This lodge is located in the north and comes with 8 bandas and stunning views of the forest canopy and has private terrace and en suite bathrooms.

Budget safari lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

For budget travelers, they can stay in;

Broadbill Forest Camp

This lodge is situated within Ruhija area, east of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and ideal for visitors who wish to track gorilla groups like the Oruzogo, Kyaguriro and Bitukura. It has four tents with self contained wash rooms and offers twin, double and single bed arrangement, bar and restaurant.

Buhoma Community Rest Camp

It comes with six en suite safari tents, 3 en suite cottages, six bed dormitory, two non self contained twin cottage bandas and campsite.

Other budget lodges in Bwindi National Park include Bwindi View Bandas, Gift of Nature Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Nshongi Gorilla Resort, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, and Eco Safari Camp.

Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for more information on where to stay in the park.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The notable safari lodges in Mgahinga National Park include;

Mount Gahinga Lodge (Luxury)

Mount Gahinga Lodge lies at the Mgahinga National Park entrance offering an ideal ground for you to track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys and also engage in breathtaking volcano hiking. It features open fireplace, bar, restaurant, Laundry service, outdoor sitting space for birders and wild plants, solar power and sun room overlooking the volcanoes.

Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp (Budget)

This camp is situated near Mgahinga National Park entrance and it is about 12 kilometers from Kisoro district and 505 kilometers from Kampala. It offers stunning views of the 8 Virunga Massifs especially the Gahinga, Sabyinyo and Muhabura. It features five bandas at the camp and two of them are dormitories.

Mucha Hotel Kisoro (Mid range)

This is situated on the banks of River Mucha with amazing views of the banana trees and other flora. It is six kilometers from Kisoro town and spectacular views of volcanoes and River Mucha. It features 10 en suite bed rooms, with single, double and twin bed. It has restaurant, bar, garden area, lounge and may other facilities.

Visit Mgahinga National Park for more information on where to stay.

Where to stay in Kidepo Valley National Park

The notable safari lodges for visitor stay in Kidepo Valley National Park include; Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury) which features as the best safari lodge in Kidepo National Park and Uganda at large, Apoka Rest Camp, this comes with 16 self contained chalets, 14 bandas with two beds, Nga’ Moru Wilderness Camp this is situated at the border of Kidepo National Park.

Murchison Falls National Park

The park is known for wildlife game safaris.  This park features as the largest in the entire Uganda and the notable safari lodges for you to spend night over include;

Nile Safari Lodge (Luxury)

This lodge is situated in the southern part of the park and comes with 10 private chalets offering occupancy of about 20 people.

Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury)

It is positioned on the banks of the River Nile, Northern part of Murchison Falls National Park. It offers comfort, relaxation, quality and adventure with each room giving that privacy any traveler deserves with private balcony and en-suit wash room. There are about 54 rooms in this lodge that range from standard, queen’s cottage, the suites and safari tents.

Baker’s Lodge (Luxury)

This is a newly established luxury facility in the park which comes with spectacular views of the Mighty River Nile on the southern part. It was named after Sir Samuel Baker famous English explorer who discovered the Murchison falls.

Chobe Safari Lodge (Up-market)

The lodge is situated in the northern bank of River Nile and it is a 4 star lodge offering over 36 guest rooms, 21 luxurious tents, and four suites together with a presidential cottage.

Murchison River Lodge

Murchison River Lodge (Mid range) is situated in the southern bank of the mighty River Nile.

Bwana Tembo Safari Camp (Mid range)

This is owned by an Italian family that came to Uganda in 1986. It is located about 10 kilometers from the Tangi to the Murchison Falls National Park.

Fort Murchison (Mid range)

It is positioned on the bank of Albertine Nile to the North of Murchison Falls National Park and this is perfect for mid range visitors or budget travelers. It is close to Aswa Lolim game reserve

Sambiya River Lodge (Mid range)

The lodge is situated about 20 minutes’ drive to the top of the Murchison Falls. It comes with 26 double rooms crafted as individuals and family thatched cottages with en-suite and fans.

Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid range)

This lodging facility is located in the northern part of the Murchison Falls National Park and ideal for mid ranger or budget travelers. It is strategically located as it comes with spectacular views of various wildlife species.

Red Chilli Rest Camp is found on the southern side of the park and very near to Paraa jetty where the ferry crossing to the northern side and the departure point for boat cruises both upstream and downstream the River Nile.

The Heritage Safari Lodge which is found outside the northern boundary of Murchison Falls National Park near Tangi gate offering comfortable and pocket friendly accommodation. This comes with the local Acholi cultural architecture and the cottages are step thatched. It offers views of the vast savanna towards the shores of the Albert Nile

Bomu Women Group Bandas (Budget), if you are a budget traveler this is the ideal place for you. These bandas are located about 13 miles from Masindi town along the southern border of Murchison Falls National Park near Kichumbanyobo gate.

Lake Mburo National Park

Mantana Tented Camp (Luxury)

This is an up market accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park and it is situated on Rwamahungu hill at the border of the park. It offers nine tents with wooden platforms, dressing room, private veranda, double or twin bed rooms, hot water, en suite bush shower and toilet, solar, bedding and linen while the camp facilities include bar, lush sitting room and dinning area

Mihingo Safari Lodge (Up-market)

This is found on the southern boundary of Lake Mburo National Park. It is situated on rock kopje and overlooking the vast savanna grassland of the park. It comes in 12 luxury tented rooms that are crafted to provide visitors privacy and conducive atmosphere. Its tent comes with en suite bathrooms, cold and hot running water, flushing toilets and showers.

Arcadia Cottages Mburo (Mid range

This lodge offers mid range or budget travelers to Lake Mburo National Park. It lies around the tropical garden near Lake Mburo shores and about 2 kilometers from the Rwonyo park headquarters. It comes with 8 self contained cottages with restaurant, bar, Wi-Fi, lush gardens, open fire pit and valley ball coat.

Mburo Safari Lodge (Mid range)

This is another exceptional mid range accommodation facility at the border of Lake Mburo National Park that comes with ten luxury cottages, one honey moon cottage, two family cottage and space for camping.

Rwakobo Rock (Mid range)

This is found on granite rock outside Lake Mburo National Park offering mid range accommodation for mid range travelers on safari in Uganda. It is situated one kilometer from Nshara gate, offering thatched cottages with solar lights, flush toilets, solar heated showers and filtered drinking water.

Eagle’s Nest Mburo (Budget)

For visitors who desire budget accommodations Eagle’s Nest Mburo should be a must for you to stay in. Each of safari tents offers private verandah that overlooks Lake Mburo National Park. There are 12 safari tents with private veranda overlooking the park the Lake Mburo National Park with each room fearing 2 distinct beds and décor.

Rwonyo Rest Camp (Budget)

This is situated to Rwonyo Tourist Centre just within Lake Mburo National Park. The camp is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority and comes with bandas and tented rooms.

Conservation Education Centre (Sanga)-Budget

This is situated at the boundaries of Lake Mburo National Park about one kilometer from the Sanga gate. This is best for students and researchers but also good for workshops, seminars, community meetings with capacity of about 40.

Semuliki National Park

The notable safari lodges for visitor stay in Semuliki National Park include;

Semuliki Safari Lodge, Ntoroko Game Lodge (Luxury) and this is situated on the shores of Lake Albert to the west of Uganda. Kirimia Guesthouse (Budget), this is a budget facility about 100 meters from the Kirimia trail head. It offers a chance for visitors to sight birds, black and white colobus monkeys, and chimpanzees.

National Park Bandas and campsite

This also features the Uganda Wildlife Authority bandas and campsite at Bumaga that is nearly 2 and half kilometers from the Sempaya the starting station for a range of explorations into the Semuliki National Park.

Kibale Forest National Park

While on safari in Kibale National Park, you can spend a night at the following safari lodges;

Primate Lodge (Luxury)

This is situated near Kanyanchu visitor center for Kibale National Park. It is located inside the park and features the best place for primate walks.

Ndali Lodge (Up market)

This is a five hours’ drive from Kampala and after 300 kilometers to Fort Portal, the guests follow other 11 kilometers towards Kibale National Park. You turn to your right at Kisisi and drive for 12 kilometers to the junction with Ndali Lodge sign post to the left.

Kyaninga Lodge (Luxury)

This Lodge is situated in the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains on the rim of Lake Kyaninga which is one of the spectacular Craters Lakes in the area.

Crater Safari Lodge (Luxury)

This is situated at the boundary of Kibale National Park where chimpanzee adventures are carried out. It lies on the rim of Nyinabulitwa Crater Lake providing spectacular scenic views to tourists.

Papaya Lake Lodge (Luxury)

This lodge is situated about 350 kilometers from the city center on the boundary of Kibale National Park in the Ndali Kasenda Crater Field. It lies within a 20 extinct volcanic crater fields which offer range of Lakes with rare shapes, colors and size. The lodge also allows visitors to catch a glimpse of the Rwenzori Mountains of Moon.

Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (Mid range)

For visitors looking for the best mid range lodges to stay in Kibale National Park, Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse should be your choice. It lies along the Kamwenge road, 23 kilometers from Fort Portal town in stunning Isunga tea plantation on high elevation offering spectacular views of the Kibale jungle.

Chimps Nest (Mid range)

This is situated at the boundary of the park and offers stunning views of the forest and the Rwenzori Mountains.

Kibale Forest Camp (Mid range)

This features about 10 safari tents and lies within the stunning forest and mainly ideal for the budget travelers.

There are other places for you to stay while in Fort Portal and they include the Mountains of the Moon Hotel (Mid range), Rwenzori View Guesthouse (Budget) and Nyinabulitwa Country Resort and Safari Camp (Budget).

Mount Elgon National Park

While on Uganda safari to Mount Elgon National Park, you can choose to stay in;

Masha Hotel (Mid range)

This is situated in Kapchorwa side about one kilometer from Kapchorwa town to the Sipi area. It has 23 rooms both single and double.

Noah’s Ark Hotel (Mid range)

This is found on Mount Elgon slopes and offers al types of accommodation right from Luxury tom mid range. It has 3 branches with the capacity of over 100 people.

The Sipi Falls Resort (Mid range)

For adventure safaris to Sipi area, this is the best place for you to stay. It is situated about 100 meters from Mbale-Kapchorwa.

Kapkwai Forest Cottages (Budget)

This lodge is located about 2050 meters at the entrance of the Mount Elgon National Park and it is mainly used as a student center.

Rose’s Last Chance (Budget)

This is strategically located near Mount Elgon National Park information center at 1250 meters above sea level.

In Mbale town, you can spend a night at Mbale Resort Hotel (Luxury). Other accommodation facilities include the Moses Campsite (Budget) and Suam Guesthouse (Budget).

Queen Elizabeth National Park

While on safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park, visitors can stay in;

Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury), this offers bed rooms and swimming pool, Jacana Safari Lodge which offers luxurious lodging services, Kitandara Hippo Hill Camp and it is built within the buffer zone of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha Wilderness Camp which is situated in the southern area of the park, Mweya Hostel for basic travelers, Ihamba Safari Lodge which comes with stones and thatched cottages, Kingfisher Lodge Kicwamba it is a temperate lodge in the park and Simba Safari Camp for budget travelers on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

For adventure traveler on safari to Rwenzori National Park, they can stay in;

Tours Holiday Inn (Ibanda) which takes about 40 visitors and it comes with self contained rooms and extension structure; Ruboni Community Camp which features as the oldest facility in Nyakalengija and it next to the Rwenzori Park gate, Equator Snow Lodge, Mihunga Safari Lodge which comes with 5 self contained wooden cottages, The Rwenzori Turaco View Campsite-this comes with bar, restaurant, 3 rooms in bandas and the campsite.

In conclusion, when it comes to lodging and accommodation facilities in Uganda, visitors have not to worry about where to stay while on their safaris. There are many safari lodges in and around most of the protected areas where safaris in Uganda are largely conducted. They range from budget, midrange to luxury and you won’t fail to make a choice.

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What To Expect On Gorilla Trekking In Uganda

Going on a gorilla safari in Uganda ? Here is what to expect.
Trekking to view a gorilla group in their natural habitat in Uganda is best described as magical experience of a life time. Mountain gorillas are Africa’s and second largest apes in the world. In Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the two options for you to realize your dreams in the wild. Over half of these critically endangered primates all call Uganda their home. The parks are located in the misty valleys of Kabale Southwestern Uganda at the border to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Usually, the actual trek begins at designated briefing points and there are four main trail heads in Bwindi-Buhoma sector, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo sector where trekking begins from, each of these tracking areas feature gorilla groups. The early morning briefing begins at 7:00am and the actual trek starts at 8:00am. Mountain gorillas are our second closest living relatives in the wild that share about 98% of their DNA with humans. For visitors who want to strike their imaginations with these fascinating apes, the best time to visit Uganda is usually in a dry season also known as the peak season in Uganda and starts from June to September and from December to February. For those who want to visit during the low season, they can travel in months of March, April, May and November.

Below is what you should expect on your gorilla trek in Uganda.

You will be divided into small groups of a maximum of eight persons per group to trek one habituated gorilla family. There are about 12 habituated gorilla groups in Uganda but only one will be allocated to you to track. Gorilla families are assigned based on visitors’ physical fitness and age and given that there is no one who knows about your fitness, it is advisable that you communicate in advance such the park management allocates you less demanding families to track.

Concerning the length of trek, the tour guides may not know the length of the trek since these apes keep roaming around the forest. These large apes live in higher altitude of about 2500 meters and this means, your trek can take about 2 to 8 hours and you have to be physically well and be prepared with adequate food and water. Though people don’t like long hike, those who encounter this get rewarded with stunning sceneries of the park and by the time you meet a huge silverback gorilla, that will be a magical encounter in your life. Given the fact that these species are wild animals what may seem easy to find may not necessarily be the case as they keep roaming looking for food and this may not guarantee a 100% to find and even those who choose to track the challenging groups may also track these apes easily and at the end of the day, the whole experience becomes unpredictable and amazing. If you are not sure of your fitness level, you are advised to hire a porter around the park which costs about $15 to $20. The porter will help you carry the heavy luggage and you only concentrate on looking for these charismatic creatures.

Gorilla trekking doesn’t come that cheaply, trekking permits in Uganda cost $600 per visitor and when you report at the park headquarters, on your trek, you will required to present your passport and gorilla permit for verification to certain if you are the right owner of the permit. This is a moment that you have to be really prepared with your packed lunch since the trekking time to see these primates in the wild is uncertain. You are advised to book your permit in advance at least four months before the actual trek.

What to wear

You will need rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots but they should be light weight, backpack, gardening gloves, rain pants, long socks, insect repellents, hat, sun glasses, water proof bag, snacks and bottle of drinking water.

Each gorilla trekking group is assigned tour guide and escorts who carry AK-47 guns, one will be in front and one behind. This shouldn’t scare much because this is for your safety in the forest against forest elephants or irritated gorillas. These guards are well trained to scare shot but it rarely happens in the gorilla habitat. There will also be a group of trackers who are always sent to the forest early in the morning to ascertain where the gorillas are found before the next group of visitors is set off to track them.

While with the mountain gorilla in the wild, you have only one hour to explore the behavior of these beautiful apes. You will be required to maintain a distance of about 7 to 8 meters while on a face to face encounter with gorillas. It is not bad for you to stare at these apes directly but the challenge comes in when they become irritated, here you need to stand still but lower your eyes to show that you have submissive. Photographing these apes is everyone’s dream but flash cameras are not recommended and if you happen to have one, it is advisable that you turn off the flashlight while taking your photos. Gorilla trek involves hiking through thick tropical rain forests and steep slopes but there are trackers to help you clear the vegetation using their machetes and the process will also make up part of your experience.

In conclusion, gorilla trekking has become one of the most sought after and breathtaking adventure. For visitors who are planning to par take this life changing adventure, you need to be physically fit to be able to hike through the jungles and steep slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

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Top Tourist Attractions In Uganda

Uganda is known to be a country with wildlife natural beauties and most of the major attractions that are included on a traveler’s bucket list are natural wonders and resources and historical sites. Here are the top attractions in Uganda every traveler should encounter while a Uganda tour.

The mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national parks

Mountain gorillas are known to be one of the most sought after wildlife in the whole of Africa. Many people come to Africa to watch these amazing animals in their natural setting. Uganda is one those lucky places to have been embraced with these huge primates. These animals are endangered species and are put in the red list of International Union of Conservation for Nature (IUCN) and Uganda has half of the world’s population of the mountain gorillas which is 420 out of the 900 individual. This makes the pearl of Africa to rank as the best destination for gorilla safaris in Africa and the world at large. These are huge apes inhabit in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park both located in kigezi region southwest of Uganda. Interacting and coming close with the mountain gorillas is an exhilarating experience that can never be forgotten in one’s life.

Kampala city tour

Kampala city is not the biggest and commercial city of Uganda but also a top attraction. This wonderful city boosts historical, cultural and religious sites which include Kabaka’s palace and lake, Namugongo shrine, Namirembe cathedral, Gadaffi mosque, Bahai temple and Kasubi tombs amongst the special. The latter give visitors an insight of some of Uganda’s rich history. It also has fine Asian architectural marvels that are a beauty to watch as a visitor rides around. Kampala also has fine restaurants to dine in, hangout places like pubs and discotheques to blow someone’s mind off and also those who love window shopping there a chain of exquisite shopping malls and market placed.

The source of the Nile in Jinja

This is one of the most popular tourist sites in Uganda. There isn’t much about the source of the Nile but the history about it is worth to listen to and also the boat ride on river Nile is a breathtaking one. In Jinja, the Nile the longest river in the world bolsters lots of features that support tourism activities. It has very nice elevated cliffs that are used for bungee jumping and also has Itanda falls one of the most powerful falls in the world which harbors the most dreadful white rafting grade the 6^th grade. Still at the source of the Nile, a traveler has an opportunity to taste one of the most delicious and hugest fish type the Nile perch at one of the resorts.

Hike on top of Murchison falls

Here the Nile, the longest river in the world, is forced through a narrow gap in the rock (only 7 meters wide), before ferociously plunging down 43 meters into Victoria Nile basin. The rainbow water that sprinkles back looks so wonderful. This is also an ideal place for taking some nice pictures that can be posted on social media like facebook, instagram, snapchat, twitter and google plus among others.

Chimpanzees in Kibale forest

Kibale national park is known to be with the highest concentration of chimpanzees in Africa. Coming up-close with the chimpanzees is one of the most electric moment a traveler can ever have in his/her life. Chimpanzees are the closest relatives of mankind in the animal kingdom with 98.8% DNA. These small primates are so intelligent and some of the intelligence is evidenced with their ability to use tools like sticks and stones in the jungle to gather food, protection and also shelter. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is always a lifetime experience.

Tree climbing lions at the Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth national park

Lions are always fun to watch in their natural setting as these amazing creatures are so bossy, majestic and act like royals with predatory antics in the jungle. This is why they are called the kings of the jungle. Finding lions on top of the tree branches is very rare to encounter but at the Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth, lions always rest on fig tree branches to get rid of satisfaction after a successful hunt of prey.

The big five African animals

During the hunting age, there were five animals that were so hard to hunt down in the jungle and these were the lions, leopards, buffalos, elephants and the rhinos. Uganda is one of the safari destinations with these powerful animals. These animals are found in national park like Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison falls national park and Kidepo national park other than the rhinos which are only found in Zziwa rhino sanctuary. Many travelers always embark on game drive in these national parks in search of these animals.

The watching the elusive shoebill

Uganda is the best birding site in the whole of Africa. It has over 1065 species of birds and over 35 species are endemic to the country. The elusive shoebill is the one of the most sought after birds in the world and it is every birders dream to lay a sight on the majestic bird. This bird can only be found in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Sudan but Uganda is the best place to watch this bird since it has the highest concentration of it. The elusive shoebill can be watch in Mabamba birding site, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls national parks.

Boat ride at Kazinga channel Queen Elizabeth national park

The unique 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward is one of a kind. This trip passes through possibly the highest concentration of Hippos and many animals may be seen drinking at the water’s edge. This launch cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing, ideal for the Uganda safari. The prolific bird life is colorful and stupendous with well over 550 resident species.

Amabere caves

Situated in fort portal municipality, Amabere caves are one of the most intriguing tourist sites in Uganda due to the breast like features in the caves and the rich history of the place. While at Amabere, there is also hiking up to see the two magnificent crater lakes at the top of the dormant volcanic

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Untamed Wilderness Of The Kidepo Valley National Park

Located in the North Eastern region of Uganda, the Kidepo National park is an eminent conservation area sheltering over 80 species of mammals and numerous birds. The park was condoned off for game conservation in 1962 and grows parallel with the nation. Kidepo valley national park lies in rather the remote Karamoja region, Uganda’s semi-arid region that’s just about 700km from the bustle of Kampala. Karamoja is Uganda’s best kept secret and treasure chest as it holds years after the colonization, the region has remained pure and unadulterated preserving its rich cultural heritage.

This conservation area derives its name from the Kidepo River. This seasonal river is often a lifeline for animals during the wet season as they congregate to drink water and catch the predators look to get their next prey. “Kidepo”; in the local dialect of the Karimojong, Kidepo literally means ‘to pick’. Before the park was gazetted, the Karimojong used to come to the riverbanks to collect fruits. The banks favour the growth of tall coconut and palm trees that bear exceptional fruits.

The Kidepo Valley National Park today plays host to a variety of flora and fauna. While taking a wildlife tour in Uganda, a stop at the Kidepo allows you to catch a glimpse of the unique striped hyena, cheetah, hunting dog, bat-eared fox, aardwolf and caracal. It also offers you the opportunity to view elephants, bush pigs, warthog, eland, Rothschild giraffe, Burch ell’s zebra, reed buck, and Oribi. The king of jungle can also be spotted chilling on the rocks within kidepo’s undulating plains.

More fascinating about the beautiful wilderness of the Kidepo, it is a true birder’s haven; the best birding safaris in Uganda are conducted here with over 475 bird species and second to only Queen Elizabeth National Park in the number of host birds. The presence of the most sought after rare bird species make this park an interesting birding paradise; these include the Apallis and Black breasted Barbet found which are found here coincidentally with Abyssinian roller, Abyssinian scimitarbill, Black-breasted barbet, Carmine bee-eater, Chestnut weaver, D’Arnaud’s barbet, Fox kestrel and Golden Pipi. The prominent birders that visit Uganda look out for the famous ostrich in this park. This bird runs faster than any horse alive and offers a breathtaking sight as it’s the only place in Uganda where one can sight an ostrich in their natural habitats. Birding excursions in Kidepo Valley National Park can be done all year round however March to April offers the best time to see a variety including the migratory birds.

Cultural encounters in Kidepo valley national park

Nothing quite compares to the Pearl of Africa cultural tour experience with the Karamojong. They live in homesteads known as manyattas. Manyattas can be described as small hunt villages housing a particular country and clan. As the boys become men, they move into their own huts. The men are also required to wrestle the lady they wish to marry; and if he becomes victorious he is allowed to go ahead with the marriage but if unfortunate he becomes a disgrace and is asked to leave. Karimojong are also described by splendid art ranging from their hats and sculptures. They are nomadic pastoralists and worship there cattle. Today when planning a Uganda Safari Encounter, plan to include a cultural tour with the Karimojong as they reach for the skies during their interesting traditional dance.

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Rules & Regulations For Self Drive Tours in Uganda

While a self drive tour is the most sought after experience by many travelers today, interested travelers ought to understand Uganda rules and regulations. Provided that you have a valid driving license from your respective country of residence, you can be allowed to take a self drive Uganda safari for a period of 90 days and provided that driving license is in English. As soon as that period elapses, then you can acquire Uganda driving license. In case the driver license if not translated in English, then you are required to get a confirmed notarized translation of license. The other option can be acquiring an international driving permit prior coming to Uganda.

The following are some of the rules and regulations that you can observe while on your self drive in Uganda:

You are not allowed to drive a car if you do not have a valid driver license.

In case you have been stopped by traffic policeman at least have some money with you just in case of charges.

Don’t overtake another anyhow.

You should be 18 years and above if you are to drive in Uganda

Drivers and all persons on board should put on their seat belts tight

For motorcyclists, they are supposed to put on their safety helmets

If you are drank or you are under the influence of drugs, you are not allowed to drive. The allowed blood alcohol level is 0.08%.

Driving speed on highway is 80 kilometers per hour and 50 kilometers while approaching the trading centers.

Don’t pass on the right when you are supposed to pass left and this happens with people joining the highway.

The 3^rd party insurance is recommended

Drivers are not allowed to drive while using their mobile phones

For anything, Fist contact your car rental agency then contact police on 999

Other information includes:

In case of any accident, you as a driver should deliver your details to any nearest police officers. The details include names, address, contacts, name and contacts of the car owner. That driver should also report the accident personally at a nearest police station immediately and not beyond 24 hours after the occurrence of the accident.

In case a driver wants to put on glasses or contact lenses, he should do so throughout the safari. Uganda traffic police at times encourages drivers to undergo eyesight test at all time.

In case of accidents, a driver must report or contact the insurance agency where he insured the car as soon as possible and where possible take photos at the scene of an accident and car damage.

In case you want to hire a car with a driver, he should be above 23 years and a must to have a valid driving license for not below two years.

In conclusion, Uganda rules and regulations are of help for travelers as it ensures their safety. By observing these traffic rules, you will certainly enjoy your safaris in Uganda. We hope this will help you while in your safari in Uganda.

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All About Mountain Gorilla Trekking Permits

Just like any other consumable product that has a price tag on it, a gorilla permit also has a price tag on it depending on the country you are doing it from. In all the three East African countries (Uganda, Rwanda, Congo) where gorilla trekking takes place, there are various procedures that one should adhere to before being given a green flag to go in the actual process of gorilla trekking. The most paramount procedure here is securing a gorilla permit which can be done through agents or directly from the responsible authorities. Below is a detailed account of how one can attain these gorilla permits;

When booking a gorilla permit from outside Uganda, you first have to contact UWA’s reservation office by email inquiring about availability of the dates you intend to track the gorillas. Note that you need to consider a full day of travel from Kampala to Bwindi after you have landed in Kampala.

If the exact dates you want are unavailable, you can request UWA to let you know of the nearest dates. You then reply to them expressing your intent to book those permits, and requesting them to temporarily hold them as you make payment. At this time, they will advise you of their banking details, so that you can proceed to make an electronic transfer of the money. Please remember to immediately send a copy of the transaction voucher/ receipt by email or fax to UWA.

The transfer should usually take not more than 3 days and UWA will keep your tentative booking for at least 7 days as they await the transfer to go through. Please ensure that you instruct your bank to deduct the bank charges from you. Otherwise if the money sent is less, your permit may not be booked.

Gorilla Permits are also booked through a Tour operator or travel agent. Many intending gorilla trekkers have however found the above procedure tedious and have sought our quicker and less tedious ways of reserving their gorilla permits by working with local Uganda tour operator. Gorillas and wildlife safaris will not charge you for buying gorilla permits if you are getting other tour services like transfers and tours  through them .The procedure is almost similar as above, except that the tour agencies tend to speed-up the process and most likely you will get your gorilla permit confirmation faster. However, there are certain things that you have to put right before your permit is issued like the dates you want to track these primates, your full names plus those of other people you are travelling with as they appear in your passport. There are situations when some tourists buy gorilla permits and then eventually end up not making it to the actual tracking due to various reasons beyond their control. So these permits remain in the hands of these tour operators who now begin looking for buyers of these permits.

Ugandan tour operators through their umbrella association (AUTO) almost buy up to 80% of the available tracking permits at up to 2 years out from the intended month of tracking. Each member may purchase up to 20 permits in any month. Individuals and non-members of AUTO can purchase a maximum of 2 permits each in the month 3 months prior to the intended month of trekking .So you can contact AUTO members an purchase these permits from them.

However, in Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is proposing to put all gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park on line to be accessed by all people within and outside Uganda. According to management of Uganda Wildlife Authority, putting gorilla permits online will increase sales thus more money into the government’s treasury and to the Uganda Wildlife Authority to be used in conservation of wildlife in all protected areas. UWA management also argue that Tour Operators have been complaining about failure to get availability when they call Uganda Wildlife Authority central reservations office in Kampala and that if permits go on line then one can see them instantly.

Putting gorilla permits on line is yet to be seen as it has received a lot of resistance from the Private sector most especially from Ugandan Tour Operators under their umbrella organization called the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) who argue that by putting gorilla permits online will not only put them out of business since International Tour Operators will be able to buy them directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority offices but will also kill the tourism industry as a whole since clients will only be coming to Uganda for gorillas and then go for wildlife viewing in other neighboring countries of Kenya and Tanzania that have a competitive advantage over Uganda. Uganda Tour Operators argue that the role of selling gorilla permits should be left to them since their businesses create employment to several people and that if they are deprived of this, they will run out of business. They further say that the role of Uganda Wildlife Authority is not to market Tourism products such us gorilla permits but is to conserve Wildlife in and outside Protected Areas. The role of Marketing Uganda as a tourism Destination is supposed to be done by Uganda Tourism Board and therefore conflict of interest has been sighted.

Following the above issues, several meetings were convened to discourage Uganda Wildlife Authority from putting gorilla permits online and this ended up attracting the attention of the Minister of Tourism and Wildlife who has instituted a committee comprising of representatives from AUTO, Local Communities, Uganda tourism board and Uganda Wildlife Authority and is to be chaired by The Ministry of Tourism. Outcomes of this committee will be communicated later. Therefore as of now this system to put Ugandan gorilla permits online has temporarily stalled till further notice.

  Just as in Uganda, even in Rwanda this mechanism has also totally failed due to various issues that have created divergent views towards the application of this module. The private sector also smelt a rat in being driven out of business yet in Congo this mode of online gorilla booking has never been thought of and there are no signs of conceiving such an idea.

So when it comes to the actual scenario of going for a gorilla trek in Uganda,there are mainly 3 modes of transportation to the gorilla trekking territories of Uganda especially Bwindi impenetrable forest which is the major park where gorilla trekking takes place unlike Mgahinga which receives very few people.

The first mode is when one takes a chartered flight especially Aero link from Entebbe airport and to either Kisoro or Kihihi air strip depending on which section of Bwindi you are going to be trekking these primates. Then from here you will be transported to your section of gorilla trekking the following day. However, this mode is for the financially viable tourists as it is a little bit expensive compared to the other modes.

The other mode of transportation is when the tour company provides transportation in the whole safari package. So you are picked up from either the airport if at all you are landing on that day or from your hotel and then you are driven in a safari land cruiser to this impenetrable forest.

The last mode of transport though not commonly used by tourists and very taxing is the use of public means to and from the National Park. The first step is to know which part of the National Park you will be visiting so that you establish which Bus you will be using. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has two sections and that is the southern section and the Northern Section.

If you are going to trek gorillas in the Southern Section, you will need to take Buses that go to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Mbarara, Kabale and then Kisoro Town. But if you are going to track gorillas in the Northern Sector of Bwindi, you need to take Buses that go through Mbarara, Ntungamo, Rukungiri, Kihihi and  the boarder town of Butogota.

Whether you are to visit the south or North of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, no public means will transport you up to the park head quarters. If you decide to go to the North, then you need to budget for a motor cycle transfer from Butogota Town to Buhoma Park head quarters. Please check with your Lodge/Hostel if they can offer you transfers to and from Butogota Town. If you decided to visit the southern section, Buses are likely to drop you either in Kabale or Kisoro and from there, you will need to organize transport either to Nkuringo or Rushaga.

Gorilla Families that can be trekked from the south include Nkuringo gorilla family on Nkuringo Side, Nshongi, Kahungye, Mishaya, Bweza, Busingye gorilla groups in Rushaga. Gorilla families that can be trekked from the north are Rushegura Gorilla Group, Habinyanja and Mubare gorilla families. Other gorilla families that can be trekked from Buhoma include Oruzogo and Bitukura. These two can also be trekked if you stay in Kabale town but you will need an early rise to start the drive up to the starting point.

Several Bus companies do operate daily on these routes and they include: Post Bus, Gateway Bus Services, Horizon Buses and Bismarkan Bus Company.

While travelling in these buses, you need to be extra serious with your luggage as there are so many thieves that may target you. Please ensure that you hold your luggage all the time, move with it when moving out of the Bus at all times. Most targeted items include Laptops, Money among others. We as companies don’t recommend travel by public means of transport as the risks are more than the benefits but should you decide to do so please take extra care.

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