10 THINGS YOU CAN'T MISS ON A SAFARI IN UGANDA

Uganda is endowed by very many natural wonders waiting for you to explore and are very difficult to miss when you’re on a safari to this ‘’Pearl of Africa‘’. Uganda is regarded as the best safari destination and loved by those who have visited it. Visitors to Uganda can enjoy many outstanding attractions found in the Uganda’s national parks and reserves which provide uncrowded viewing of the varied animals, birds and plant species.  To mention some of the secrets you can’t miss when on the Ugandan safari include!

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  Mountain Gorillas- with no question Uganda is known for its mountain gorillas and its one of the three countries in the world where these species still exist, the other two are Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo. Uganda is refers to the best gorilla safari destination as it houses almost a half of the world’s population over 480 individuals live in Bwindi impenetrable forest nationalpark and mgahinga gorilla forest national park out of 880 individuals that live worldwide, the rest is shared by Rwanda and DRC. Several gorillas tracking family are available for tracking in the three regions of the park that’s Buhoma side in the northwestern side, Ruhija in the North east, Nkuringo in the southwest and in Rushaga area in the southeast. Many tourists whole over the world come to Uganda purpose to track gorillas making it a must not miss activity when on a Ugandan safari.

·          Mountain Hiking – Hiking is one of the most interesting activities you can’t miss on a Ugandan safari, hiking can be done on the Rwenzori Mountains which is sometimes referred to as mountains of the moon. it provide challenging climbing expedition for those who are physically fit. The Rwenzori Mountains is the third highest mountain in Africa, hiking also on the Mt. Elgon/Sipi Falls is also rewarding to all sorts of tourists. reaching at the top of the peak is a memorable experience you can’t miss on the Ugandan safari

·         Lake Expeditions—Uganda is the home to the second largest lake in the world and also the source of the Nile which provide stunning activities like swimming and water rafting or one can perform a bungee jump into the fresh river for adventure lovers, other small lakes that you can’t miss to visit when on a Ugandan safari include lake George and Edward, Lake Mburo, Lake Mutanda, Lake Bunyonyi and lake Murehe in the south western Uganda are very clear and in a breathtaking environmental setting. All these offer attractions like boat cruise, fishing white sand beaches among other activities.

·         Kidepo Valley National Park – this far Uganda national park has very many untouched wonders waiting for you to discover, it’s one of Uganda’s top gifted national parks with very many attractions ranging from the big five mammals such as  Lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopard and countless other wildlife are waiting for you. You can reach the park by a plane from Entebbe up to the park or you can go by road, you have to reserve an extra day if your road transport.

·          Adventure Safari – Bungee jumping, abseiling, and white water rafting – Uganda is well known among adventure travelers. On the White Nile, one can perform a bungee jump into the fresh river or go for white water rafting. In Kapchorwa, our travelers love to hike along the Sipi Falls, but also abseiling is possible from these more than 100 m deep falls.

·         Ugandan Kitchen – no visitor come to Uganda minus testing the traditional Uganda food. Local food like matooke, kaloo, yam, G.nut Chapati, are just a few of the many traditional food found in Uganda, try to test a different ingredients Ugandans use when preparing food that you might have never tested before.

·         Primates and Culture Hiking – Uganda is one of the gifted countries in the whole world for housing almost 13 species of primates coupled with chimpanzee the most close relative of man sharing almost 98% of human DNA make- up. Other primate species include the black and white colobus monkey, baboons, civet monkeys; golden monkeys grey checked manga bay the least is endless. Go to Kibale forest National park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Semulik valley national park, Budongo forest national in Murchison falls national park. Chimps plus other primate species, they are fabulous fan to watch when playing in fruitful trees as well as taking as many photos as you can.

·          Cultural hiking on a Uganda safari is also breathtaking as you will meet the neighboring people around the park, explain to you how they have managed to live in the area for a long period of time and also learn more about their culture. You can join them during their song and dance performances, it’s so interesting.

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  Tree Climbing Lions – this is a must not miss activity at the park, visit the queen Elizabeth national park to have a glance at these rare animals lion climbing trees and they can be spotted in the southern sector of the park that’s the Ishasha part of QENP.  

·         Night Safari Game Walks/Drives :  its only in Uganda where you can do a night game drive to catch up with more games like leopard, hyena among other nocturnal predators in Murchison falls  national park, QENP and  Lake Mburo N.P.

AMAZED BY THE GORILLAS OF AFRICA

With no doubt, there is no word that can explain the magical encounter with the remaining mountain gorillas in the world, unless you personally take a visit to their home and spend at least one hour with them what you will see you won’t see it anywhere else. It’s an extraordinary moment to sit with the few remaining mountain gorillas in the world. Only about 900 mountain gorillas are said to be left in the world and they are shared by three countries in Africa which is Uganda, Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo. There are three subspecies of gorillas including the low land gorillas, western low-land gorillas, cross river gorillas and the, mountain gorillas all these apes are found in Africa. Mountain gorillas are the most visited subspecies since they are habituated to human standards and they can be tracked safely in their natural habitat without any harm caused to human. Lowland gorillas can be tracked in the Democratic republic of Congo although meeting them is not a guarantee chance of meeting them stands very low.

My friend who had visited Uganda for a gorilla safari told me how great it is when you come across the remaining mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, he tracked the gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable national park and he tracked in the buhoma side of the park since it’s regarded as one of the easy to track gorilla family. He advised me this time round that I should include gorilla tracking if am to take a safari to Africa. I started saving money since he told me that to a Uganda gorilla tracking permit costs usd$ 600 per person so I had to prepare in advance since I wanted to travel with my wife on this magnificent gorilla safari.

After acquiring the money I needed, I booked with the same company Elephant Safaris Ltd) which he referred me to. I wrote to them inquiring for a 3 days gorilla safari to Uganda indicating my dates of travel, within few hours Augustine replied to me with a friendly price, I couldn’t wait to book with them. They sent me my safari itinerary indicating accommodation, safari activities, meals, transportation among others. On our day of travel, we jet into Entebbe international airport where we met our safari driver/ guide who briefed us about the safari and later drove us to our booked accommodation in Kampala. We were so excited, following the morning our driver came and picked us and drove us to southwestern part of Uganda to Bwindi impenetrable national park. On the way, we made stopovers at any interesting places including at the equator crossing at Kayabwe, we took snacks and photography, we also stopped at the drum making area and we bought some locally made items. From here with a fantastic view with rolling hills and fantastic views we continued up to the park, we arrived late in the evening, we relaxed at the lodge (Mohagany springs) as we wait for tomorrow’s most breathtaking moment in life gorilla tracking.

 I was always wondering how one can come close to these endangered mountain apes close in their natural habitat very deep in the forest. However since my friend had already shared the gorilla tracking experience with me and the film I read like that of Diane Fossy(gorillas in the mist) made me to realize they can be met safely in their natural habitat deep in the forest since they are habituated to human standards. Our guide informed us earlier that we should wake up every early on the day of gorilla tracking which we maintained. On calling us we were already awake, we took up our breakfast then after our guide drove us to the park headquarters where we met other trekkers, we were briefed by the park wardens about the dos and don’ts while with gorillas.  We joined other members and we become eight in a group, we followed the ranger guide to the forest to begin the search of our close relatives’ mountain gorillas. To each of us, since it was our first experience we were so excited, we trekked for about 3-4 hours passing through muddy and steep slopes until when we find them. We forgot all the troubles we met while searching them and we utilize the one hour strictly allowed with them. It was a breathtaking moment looking eye to eye with these few remaining endangered mountain gorillas, I wouldn’t believe that I was the one, a silver back started moving towards me but immediately my guide told me to squat down and let it to pass  but I was scared I thought it was going to harm me. In the process of tracking we met many other forest dwellers including primate species, birds and many butterflies. After observing as well as taking photos we went slowly back to the park headquarters, we received certificate of participating in the gorilla tracking activity, from here we drove back to lodge for late lunch. In the evening, we had time to visit the local community who entertained us through their cultural songs and music.

Our last day of the safari was reserved for departure back home. Really this was a great experience, those who haven’t got this chance it’s high time to book a gorilla safari to Africa.

AMAZED BY THE GORILLAS OF AFRICA

With no doubt, there is no word that can explain the magical encounter with the remaining mountain gorillas in the world, unless you personally take a visit to their home and spend at least one hour with them what you will see you won’t see it anywhere else. It’s an extraordinary moment to sit with the few remaining mountain gorillas in the world. Only about 900 mountain gorillas are said to be left in the world and they are shared by three countries in Africa which is Uganda, Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo. There are three subspecies of gorillas including the low land gorillas, western low-land gorillas, cross river gorillas and the, mountain gorillas all these apes are found in Africa. Mountain gorillas are the most visited subspecies since they are habituated to human standards and they can be tracked safely in their natural habitat without any harm caused to human. Lowland gorillas can be tracked in the Democratic republic of Congo although meeting them is not a guarantee chance of meeting them stands very low. 

My friend who had visited Uganda for a gorilla safari told me how great it is when you come across the remaining mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, he tracked the gorillas in Bwindi impenetrablenational park and he tracked in the buhoma side of the park since it’s regarded as one of the easy to track gorilla family. He advised me this time round that I should include gorilla tracking if am to take a safari to Africa. I started saving money since he told me that to a Uganda gorilla tracking permit costs usd$ 600 per person so I had to prepare in advance since I wanted to travel with my wife on this magnificent gorilla safari.

After acquiring the money I needed, I booked with the same company Elephant Safaris Ltd) which he referred me to. I wrote to them inquiring for a 3 days gorilla safari to Uganda indicating my dates of travel, within few hours Augustine replied to me with a friendly price, I couldn’t wait to book with them. They sent me my safari itinerary indicating accommodation, safari activities, meals, transportation among others. On our day of travel, we jet into Entebbe international airport where we met our safari driver/ guide who briefed us about the safari and later drove us to our booked accommodation in Kampala. We were so excited, following the morning our driver came and picked us and drove us to southwestern part of Uganda to Bwindi impenetrable national park. On the way, we made stopovers at any interesting places including at the equator crossing at Kayabwe, we took snacks and photography, we also stopped at the drum making area and we bought some locally made items. From here with a fantastic view with rolling hills and fantastic views we continued up to the park, we arrived late in the evening, we relaxed at the lodge (Mohagany springs) as we wait for tomorrow’s most breathtaking moment in life gorilla tracking.

 I was always wondering how one can come close to these endangered mountain apes close in their natural habitat very deep in the forest. However since my friend had already shared the gorilla tracking experience with me and the film I read like that of Diane Fossy(gorillas in the mist) made me to realize they can be met safely in their natural habitat deep in the forest since they are habituated to human standards. Our guide informed us earlier that we should wake up every early on the day of gorilla tracking which we maintained. On calling us we were already awake, we took up our breakfast then after our guide drove us to the park headquarters where we met other trekkers, we were briefed by the park wardens about the dos and don’ts while with gorillas.  We joined other members and we become eight in a group, we followed the ranger guide to the forest to begin the search of our close relatives’ mountain gorillas. To each of us, since it was our first experience we were so excited, we trekked for about 3-4 hours passing through muddy and steep slopes until when we find them. We forgot all the troubles we met while searching them and we utilize the one hour strictly allowed with them. It was a breathtaking moment looking eye to eye with these few remaining endangered mountain gorillas, I wouldn’t believe that I was the one, a silver back started moving towards me but immediately my guide told me to squat down and let it to pass  but I was scared I thought it was going to harm me. In the process of tracking we met many other forest dwellers including primate species, birds and many butterflies. After observing as well as taking photos we went slowly back to the park headquarters, we received certificate of participating in the gorilla tracking activity, from here we drove back to lodge for late lunch. In the evening, we had time to visit the local community who entertained us through their cultural songs and music. 

Our last day of the safari was reserved for departure back home. Really this was a great experience, those who haven’t got this chance it’s high time to book a gorilla safari to Africa.

WHEN TO GO FOR GORILLA TRACKING

Tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda is possible throughout the year due to favorable weather. However most people prefer to track for the gorillas in Uganda between the month of June and September and between December and February, these are the highest seasons. And during these months permits are at Avery high demand and it is recommended to book your gorilla permit earlier prior to your tracking date because permits are issued on first come first served basis the earlier the better. And the high seasons permits costs $600 per person including the park entry fee. However, tracking for the mountain gorillas over the low seasons is also possible and the gorilla permits are cheaper over the low seasons they cost $400 per person in the months of April and May. So tracking gorillas depends on client’s interest about when and how the budget is but either high seasons or low seasons gorilla tracking is a rewarding experience. they’re very many tour companies in Uganda that offer gorilla tracking services, and its highly recommended to use a duly registered and recognized tour companies to arrange your gorilla tracking and other safari activities in Uganda and Rwanda. It must be a member of the association of Uganda Tour Operation (AUTO).

Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park has about 12 gorilla families; most of these are located in the northern part and southern part of the park which have a tropical rain forest. To mention some of the bwindi gorilla families include the Oruzogo, Kyaguiriro, Bitukura,Habiyanja, Rushegura, Mubare, Kahugye, Nshongi,Mishaya,Businye,Bweza and Nkuringo families. Only eight members are allowed to track in each group and you are escorted with a well-armed ranger guide to take you through the tropical rain forest. The tracking time is unpredictable it can go to a half or full day in the wild searching for our relatives, as meeting them depends on where they spent the last night from. Ounce their met you strictly allowed to stay with them for only one hour while observing their characters as well as taking as many photos as you can (flash cameras are not allowed).

Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in the south western part of Uganda close to the Rwanda border and about 540kms from Kampala Uganda’s capital and its largest city. The park is about 7-9 hours by road from Kampala. The park is also easily accessible by road from Kigali in Rwanda. The road trip from Kigali to Bwindi takes about three hours. There are a lot of accommodations options in Bwindi national park that range from budget to high end accommodation and are scattered within the park. It is best to book your accommodation through a Uganda based tour operator who would also be in charge of arranging your gorilla tracking permits and ground movement.