NGAMBA ISLAND CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY

Ngamba Island is located off shores from Entebbe, Lake Victoria the biggest lake in east Africa; it’s about 23 km from the main land. The sanctuary is sited on about 100m acres in size. It was recognized as a refugee camp to chimpanzee in 1998, and it’s managed by Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) the sanctuary houses over 33 confiscated orphaned chimps. Not only chimps that live in the area but it also boast over 50 different species of vegetation that chimps consume, you can’t also fail to spot various species of birds. Chimps are free to roam at any time exploring their environment and foraging for food. During the feeding time, visitors to the Island are fortunate to join the guide feeding of chimps and the feeding time brings the chimps to within meters of the raised fence which offers good photography and viewing of our close relatives who shares almost 98% of human DNA it’s really a great opportunity. By visiting the sanctuary you’re supporting this project and the entry fees paid goes directly towards helping cover the costs of running the sanctuary and ensuring the wellbeing of the chimpanzees.

A safari to the island

You will be picked up at the airport or hotel by our safari driver-guide who will brief you about the safari and later transfer you to the island. You will take a boat or a ferry to the island which is about 45kms if you take a speed boat. When you arrive at the island you are free to explore the visitor’s center and enjoy the facility. You may decide to enjoy optional activities like swimming, Kayaking, Bird watching, over 150 species of birds are recorded in the area, enjoy sun set cruise or fishing along the lake. Dinner and an overnight at the island

Go chimpanzee viewing which is the main activity done at the island and the daily viewing times are as follows:

The first feeding session begins at 6.30am, here you are fortunate to see the chimps early in the morning in a close eye while the guide feeding them with porridge and then after they are let to go back in forest to begin the day. 

The 2nd feeding session commence at around 11.00am, the chimps get out of the forest to feeding platform along the edge and here viewing them is very clear and photography is fantastic, you can also get the opportunity to join the chimp keepers in feeding them, it’s really very amazing watching the chimps eye to eye in their natural environment.

Another opportunity for photography and watching is at 3.00pm which is the afternoon feeding; chimps come to the feeding platform to receive their meals. They are fabulous fan to watch when seizing food from one another; it’s really a memorable experience to view chimps in a close distance. After they are allowed into the overnight facility and checked for any medical condition, in the evening session you can get opportunity of watching them making their nest for the night. You are recommended to come with your camera, swimming gears if interested in swimming, suntan lotion, insect repellent. There are a lot of bears and sodas for sell at the island but Visitors requiring other drinks should bring them along with them. with elephant safaris ltd we are ready to take you to the island and spend some good time with these giants

WHERE TO TRACK MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

  Where to track mountain gorillas

Mountain gorillas are regarded as endangered species, there are only about 880 individuals left in the world. Gorilla tracking is one of the most interesting activities done on earth and very many tourists whole over the world come to African specifically to track these close relative of human in their natural habitat. Gorillas are regarded humble and they rarely attack human, making it possible to meet in a close distance of about 7-10 meters. Few countries in the world house mountain gorillas, for any traveler who is interested in tracking gorillas here are the three countries where these species of primates are found and they can be tracked safely in their environment. Let us examine one by one of these countries

Uganda is one of the three countries blessed to host these endangered species, they are found in two national parks that’s Bwindi impenetrable national park, and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Uganda is known as the world’s premier safari destination for gorillas tracking and it houses almost a half of the world’s population over 480 individuals with Bwindi impenetrable national park housing over 400 individuals and Mgahinga about 80 in number. Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in the south western part of Uganda about 530 from Kampala Uganda’s capital and its largest city passing via Kabale Kanungu to Buhoma about 7-9 hours on a clear day weather condition, or you can use a charter flight from Entebbe international airport or Kajansi to the modern tarmac airstrip at Kisoro town. 

Mgahinga gorilla national park is also located in south western region of Uganda near the border with Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo; the park is reached in a drive of about 8 hours on a good tarmac from Kampala up to the park. Mgahinga has only one gorilla group called Nyakagezi gorilla group and this group tend to cross to Rwanda or to the Democratic Republic of Congo in search for new adventure, so it’s not reliable. When interested in tracking in this group it’s always advanced to consult from your tour agencies or tour company organizing your safari about its presence before booking.

Bwindi impenetrable forest N.P has 12 groups gorillas and each group is readily available to be tracked every day, however each group has its own experience so a reasonable degree of fitness is needed, since tracking is done in the tropical rain forest, it can rain at any time and become muddy so you are reminded to come with tracking gears such as strong pair of shoes, long sleeved shirts or blouses, rain jackets, battled water and sometimes packed lunch since meeting gorillas is unpredictable it can go from a half or full day in the jungle searching for them. Gorilla tracking is unforgettable experience as it’s worth the money you pay for this activity and the effort needed to reach the park and the trek from the forest. To be allowed to be among the 8 members allowed to track gorillas in each group you are required to pay a fee of $600 per person in the high season per tracking including the park entrance fee during the high season and $350 per person in the low seasons during the months of April and May both in Bwind and Mgahinga National parks. Permits are obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) headquarters in Kampala in both Bwindi impenetrable national park and in Mhahinga gorilla forest National Park.

In Rwanda gorillas are tracked in Parc national des volcans (volcanoes national park) which is located in the far northwestern part of the park Ruhengeri Musanze district. From Kigali Rwanda’s capital and its largest city it takes about 2-3 hours’ drive up to Kinigi park headquarters. Due to its nearness a one day gorilla safari tour can be arranged. Mountain gorillas have made Rwanda very popular due to a very big number of travelers who flop in in large numbers to see these rare species; however this was due to the works of Diane Fossey a prominent primatologist who studied and habituated these giant apes to human standards for a period of over 20 years. 

Gorilla tracking is a major highlight to any traveler who makes it to Rwanda and it’s regarded as the number one activity done in Rwanda. Rwanda house over 380 gorillas sharing almost a half of the world’s population, and tracking begins very early in the morning at 7:00am after reporting at the park headquarters to receive a short briefing about how the whole process will be, and then after you will be lead to the forest to being the activity. Like Uganda gorillas, Rwanda gorilla tracking time is unpredictable as it can go from a half to full day making the whole process exciting, and ounce they are met you are only allowed to stay with them for only one hour studying their behaviors as well as taking photos. Rwanda has 9 gorilla families ready for tracking each day and these include: the Susa group, group 13, Kwitonda, Amahoro, Karisimbi gorilla group, Sabyinyo, Agshya, Omubano and Hirwa gorilla group. Only eight members are allowed to track in each group, and each group is assigned to an armed ranger guide who led you through the whole gorilla tracking process. And porter are readily available if you need them at a fee of 10-20 $UD per person to carry your bags and other items in case you get tired during the process of tracking. 

To track gorillas in Rwanda you are charged a fee of USD 750 per person per tracking including the park entrance fee. Permits are issued at the Rwanda Tourism Board offices (ORTPN) in Kigali or Ruhengeri (near the PNV). Gorilla tracking in Rwanda and Uganda are at a very high demand so you are advised to book earlier prior to your safari; permits are issued on first come first served basis, so the earlier the better to avoid disappointments on the last date.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is another country blessed to house the rare mountain gorillas in the Virunga national park. However some insecurity problems have hindered tourism industry and gorillas are not tracked much as its in Uganda and Rwanda. Gorilla permits in the democratic republic of Congo are sold at $450 per person per tracking with park entrance fee. At www.elephantsafaris.co.ug/ we are their to organize for you a pocket friendly gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, for more information about mountain gorilla tracking send us an inquiry at info@elephantsafaris.co.ug our staff is their to get back to you ASAP

WHY YOU HAVE TO TRAVEL WITH US

Main goal:

Elephant safaris LTD has a vast experience in safaris with experienced tour guides and 4x4 cars with open tops convenient for travelers and better viewing. Our expertise in expedition, safaris, hotel booking and travel makes the right choice to help make travel plans a reality. Unlike many organizations, our major aspect is ensuring our clients and agents retention and satisfaction making sure that our service meets all customer expectations and creates value for their money.

Credibility and Tourism Authorizations:

We are registered members of the association of Uganda Tour Operators, Tourism board of Uganda, and Africa Travel Association and also work hand in hand with Uganda Wildlife Authority., tourist boards and authorities of Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda to regularly update our services.

Tailor made Safaris.

We are very flexible and accommodative. Every adventure is private and customized to your exact needs, start and end your vacation whenever you want, make any literary you want. In other words we arrange our safaris according to clients’ needs and interests.

Confidence

When you travel with Elephant safaris LTD, you benefit from both the confidence and convenience that comes with a fully registered member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators, Tourism Uganda and many other tourism fraternities worldwide as well as the 24/7 support and expertise of our local staff and guides who will always give you speedy, accurate first-hand information on whatever you’re interested to know.

Experienced Tour Guides

Experienced local guides together with our on the ground team gives you the personal expert and 24/7 attention to make your trip of a life time. We use very experienced guides who are also very knowledgeable about any flora and fauna. We have English, Italian and German, speaking guides but can also arrange for alternatives should clients have particular requests for other languages. For every group of over 6 pax we use vehicles for extra comfort and allow enough room. For more information check on our website www.elephantsafaris.co.ug or write to us directly at http://elephantsafaris.co.ug/contact-us.php we shall get back to you very soon

POPE FRANCIS’ VISIT TO UGANDA WILL BOOST UGANDA’S TOURISM

After announcing his visit to Uganda in November, people started jubilation from different parts of the country and also from the neighboring countries and the world at large. The coming of the pope excited mostly the Christian world, since Uganda last received the pope Paul VI in 1993 and the first time Uganda hosted the pope was in 1969 five years after the martyrs had killed by kabaka Mwanga for failure to renounce their religion. Indeed it has been a very long time ever since we last hosted him. Uganda’s hosting the pope will be a record breaking visit as it will mark three times and hence becoming the fourth most visited countries by the pope on the planet. Very many countries in Africa and the world at large have not yet received this chance; only three countries in Africa have hosted the pope two times that’s Angola, Cameroon and Benin. Uganda has been yearning to get that chance again of hosting the pope; Uganda had hope last year of receiving him, however he didn’t turn up due to his tight schedules. Hopes remained in people’s hearts and this year their faith has been pleased by the acceptance of the man on God to visit the nation.

Tour operators are expecting to gain from the pope’s visit as it will market the country’s fraternities to the rest of the world. Very many people are expected to come to this country so they will be persuaded to explore more about this east African country. Since he will visit the cultural and religious sites like Namugongo shrine, this will attract very many tourism to the site and hence boosting Uganda’s tourism and these will be astonished by the magnificent atmosphere in the country full of natural wonders. Let us wait his visit come this November worm welcome pope Francis,

IS UGANDA THE BEST ANSWER TO ALL YOUR TOURISM NEEDS?

 IS UGANDA THE BEST ANSWER TO ALL YOUR TOURISM NEEDS?

Many travelers worldwide scratch their head when they start asking them self which of the country in the world can answer their tourism needs, however this is a very simple question and you have the answer within you, simplified within three things. 1^st what is your interest?, 2^nd why traveling?, 3^rd what do you want to see?. Many countries are adventurous and Uganda can meet all these. However Uganda according to the reviews from previous travelers who visited the country has it clearly that Uganda is the only country in the world which can answer well to these questions. Uganda recently was declared as the best safari destination in Africa which has created a competitive advantage over other countries on the continent. Travelers to Uganda annually have increased when compared to previous years meaning that it has answered many tourists needs and interests hence a must include see list. 

  

Uganda has gained that momentum of answering all travelers needs and interest due to the fact that it has been realized that mountain gorillas is one of the most interesting activity done on earth, making Uganda gaining that added advantage being on the list of the three countries in the whole world housing these rare and giant apes. However much there are three countries that Uganda, Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo, Uganda is considered the best safari destination for gorilla tracking and it houses almost a half of these remaining endangered mountain gorillas over 480 out of 880 individuals that live worldwide live in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga gorilla forest national park. 

Many travelers whole over the worlds live their beautiful houses and offices and come to Uganda to spend at least one or two days in the wild with these giant apes, over 70% of travelers to Uganda go gorilla tracking, this has helped the government of Uganda to gain a lot of revenue from the tourism industry and it has also benefited the people that live near the park. The areas where these giants’ apes are tracked register the big number of traveler compared to other areas. In terms of the amount paid to for this activity (gorilla tracking) it’s some how much expensive compared to other tourism activities in other parks but surprisingly it’s the most done activity by visitors. This  means that, it is not only interesting but also a memorable experience one should not miss as it involves moving deep in the forest searching for our cousins and meeting these giants is unpredictable it can go from a half to full day. It is a really a great encounter everyone should not miss on a Ugandan safari.

Not only mountain gorillas, but a number of tourist activities answer many travelers question, Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where you can mix the love of gorillas with chimps our closest relative which shares almost 98% of human DNA make up. And it’s only in Uganda where these two primate species (mountain gorillas and chimpanzee) co-exist in the same environment and that’s Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. 

Other interesting tourism activities you can’t miss on a Ugandan safari include, game drives for an opportunity to see various species of wildlife  in over 7 Uganda national parks, bird watching is superb for bird lovers over 1032 species of birds live in Uganda , spot fishing an interesting activity done on River Nile, Lake Victoria, Lake Mburo national park. Cultural tours, Uganda is a country with a very rich culture each tribe has its dance so ounce on a Ugandan safari you are privileged to join the Africans in their cultural music and dance to learn more about their culture, hiking, this challenging but interesting activity is a breathtaking moment, hiking can be done on Mt. Rwenzori sometimes referred to as mountain of the moon, is the third tallest mountain in Africa, hiking can also be done on Mt. Elgon.  Nature walks, this is a must not miss activity while on a Ugandan safari exploring the forest on foot is a memorable activity, but don’t forget city tours to meet more interesting things and many more. These adventurous activities are enough for someone to appreciate the true natural experience at its source; it is really a best safari destination for all travelers whatever you  want to meet/see Uganda has but the most adventurous activity is rafting done at the source of Nile.