Guide for a Uganda Safari

VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK

A First timer’s guide to Uganda- and what to expect

Uganda is a landlocked country situated across the equator in East Africa. Due to its geographical location, a Uganda safari is one of the best things you should not miss while in East Africa, with dry and rain seasons in a year. North eastern parts, Karamajong region experiences dry spells in its semi-arid Kidepo valley national park the true African wilderness.
In the western region where the altitudes are high, cold weather and high amounts of rainfall are expected due to tropical rainforests such as Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and the large amounts of snow on the peaks of Ruwenzori Mountains.

Uganda is a country of diverse wildlife and culture and is commonly referred to as the pearl of Africa. In the travel media, Uganda is well known for its mountain gorillas and most visitors would travel to this beautiful country mainly for gorilla tracking experience. There are 10 national parks and 13 wildlife reserves protecting diverse wildlife including more than 1000 species of birds and big 5 mammals. There are also interesting geographical points such as the official source of the Nile the world’s longest river and Lake Victoria the largest fresh water lake with tropical islands.

Beyond the wildlife and natural beauty, the people of Uganda are very friendly and welcoming and their country is politically safe and secure for travelers. You can obtain visa on arrival at Entebbe international airport given you have your documents, apply online or at Uganda diplomatic embassy, thus traveling to Uganda is hustle free. The capital city Kampala is located 40 km away from the airport.

When traveling to Uganda for the first time, you need an understanding of what to expect on a trip. You could land on information that’s little confusing about the political situation. But if dealing with the right kind of tour operators, your research will pay off. And you will arrive in Uganda aware of the culture, common words in local language and the nature of transportation.

Survival tips for a Uganda safari

Don’t show off your valuables such as money, smartphones, computers or cameras. Keep all your belongings and don’t leave them un attended in public places.

Carry cash in dollars and local currency Uganda shillings because payments in local markets, craft shops are made both in cash but credit cards are also use in lodges and hotels.

TRANSPORTATION IN UGANDA

Uganda now owns a national carrier in Uganda Airlines . However there are several airlines which travelers use to fly to Uganda including Rwanda Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Emirates, Brussels, British airways, Royal Dutch among others.

Upon arrival, most travelers spend their first day/ night in Kampala city or Entebbe town which is an opportunity to explore Kampala or Entebbe by night. The following day you embark on a safari to your destination.

Getting around the country is reasonably easier with many tarmac roads and highways linking national parks and remote areas. While major roads are tarmac, it is not the case you expect to drive on rough dirt roads connecting national parks with dust and mad if it’s a rainy season.

And also expect long journeys from one destination to the other. However, in between long drives, you find amazing stopovers and en route attractions. For instance, Kampala to Bwindi national park in southwestern Uganda can take 9-10 hours’ drive.

Depending on the nature of your trip, there are options to travel around. Most tourists use private tour companies which provide a car with a tour guide/driver to take you on a trip.

There also public buses which can be used from Kampala going to different parts up country if you know where to get off. Payments are made in Uganda shillings as you enter the bus you are given a receipt which you must keep for verification.

Taking taxis in Kampala. There are two different taxis; the public taxis and private carbs. Carbs are highly recommended for visitors especially for pick up at Entebbe airport. Carbs are also good for privacy and safety.

When you are in Kampala, you will encounter traffic jam in the morning or evening hours. Bodaboda/ motorcycles are the most reliable and efficient way to beat traffic. Local people use Boda or taxi apps such as Uber, Safe Boda, Taxify which you can download and order a ride online at ease.

LANGUAGE

English is the official language of Uganda however local languages like Luganda is widely used too. Other international languages like French, German and Chinese are taught in schools and they are hardly spoken save for a few special linguistic tourist guides. No matter the language, Ugandans are always willing to help tourists out of any situation.

As a survival tip, we encourage travelers to try hard and master a few local language phrases such as greetings in Luganda.

ACCOMMODATION

There are different types of accommodation in Uganda. In Kampala and around Entebbe town there are a variety of accommodations ranging from budget friendly hotels, mid-range and deluxe to luxury hotels.

In and around Uganda national parks, accommodations are unique. There are lodges, tented camps with traditional style such as grass thatched lodges, home stays which offer a taste of Uganda culture. Most accommodations provide free Wi-Fi in the main lounge but rarely in rooms. For those who prefer low cost accommodations, there are also guest houses.

The service level and amenities are different depending on the type of the accommodation. Generally amenities provided in rooms include drinking mineral water, sandals, bathing soap, bath tabs services. Personal items like tooth brushes are not provided.

WHERE TO VISIT

The best places for safari are the Uganda national parks where visitors enjoy wildlife viewing and natural scenery. The capital Kampala is a great introduction to Uganda’s culture and hospitality. The city itself is located in the Buganda kingdom, a traditional dating back from 13th century. Because of its cultural significance, there are several cultural and historical attractions. Mengo royal palace and Bulange building on Mengo are the official places for the Kabaka of Buganda kingdom. The Buganda tourism board has done a great job creating beautiful monuments along the royal mile walk where visitors can learn history and culture of Buganda.

The Uganda national museum and other places of worship such as the Uganda martyrs shrine Namugongo.

THE POPULAR NATIONAL PARKS

A Uganda safari takes you to 10 of the country’s national parks most of which are located in western Uganda. These are destinations for wildlife viewing safaris. The most popular are primate tours which include gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking and golden monkey tracking activities. Game viewing safaris include game drives, boat cruises, game walks.

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

The best of a Uganda safari destination  is Bwindi impenetrable forest national park where tourists are guaranteed to see mountain gorillas in the wild. The park is home to 430 gorillas about half of the world’s mountain gorillas including 17 gorilla families that are habituated for tourism. Gorilla tracking is the main activity and visitors are allowed to spend 1 hour up close with gorillas in their natural habitat. Those planning their gorilla safari must first book a gorilla permit through a tour operator or Uganda wildlife authority. The Park also has over 350 birds including 23 species endemic to Albertine rift valley.

MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Who does a Uganda safari and doesn’t visit the mighty Murchison falls, visitors looking for famous big 5 safari experience should consider a 4 days trip to Uganda’s largest conservation area-Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison falls is home to 79 mammals and 451 species of birds including Nile crocodiles and large pods of hippos. The park is bisected by the River Nile which forms the Murchison falls, the world’s strongest waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy game drive safaris and boat cruises on river Nile to view wildlife including elephants, zebra, buffalo, lion, leopard, Uganda kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, topi, errand, spotted hyena. A trip to Murchison falls is about 4-5 hours’ drive from Kampala. Along the way, there’s Ziwa rhino sanctuary home to 23 southern rhinos. Before going to Murchison Falls, make a stopover at Ziwa for rhino tracking on foot with a ranger.

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

Located in the great east African rift valley in the shadow of the mountains of the moon, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited park in Uganda because of wildlife and beautiful scenery. Big 4 mammals including the rare tree climbing lions are found in the park’s southern Ishasha wilderness along with several antelopes such as Uganda kob and topi.

KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Kibale forest national park is one of the best destinations for a Uganda safari and it is home to 13 species of primates including chimpanzees. There are several groups of chimps that are habituated, making the park one of the best chimpanzee tracking safari destination. Guided chimp walks allow visitors to see chimpanzees and also spot several species of primates.

LAKE VICTORIA ISLANDS

A Uganda safari is not only about wildlife, with the great Lake Victoria around, it  is the largest tropical lake in Africa. It’s shared by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Ugandan section of the lake has scenic tropical islands which include Sesse islands, Bulago islands and Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary. Sesse and Bulago have white sand beaches where visitors can relax and chill after a safari. While Ngamba is exclusively a chimp rehabilitation sanctuary where visitors can participate in chimpanzee feeding and care giving. These islands are located off Entebbe airport shoreline and accessible by boat ride or ferry.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Honeymoon safari

Accommodations in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

See our recommended mid-range and luxury lodgings in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your choice of stay when you shall be visiting to track mountain gorillas. With more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas in the world, Bwindi forest is one of the few places on earth where you can see habituated gorilla families in their natural habitat.

This park has four gorilla tracking sectors which include Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo. Each of the four sectors offers unique gorilla tracking experience. Besides the gorillas, these sectors have something to offer. For instance, Nkuringo is best for landscape photography, Ruhija for birds, Buhoma for waterfalls, birds as well butterflies. So, you might need to do more activities than just seeing the gorillas.

Lodges in Rushaga Sector

Gorilla Safari Lodge

Perfect for families or small groups of people traveling together, Gorilla safari lodge is a luxury lodge located in Rushaga gorilla sector. Perched on of the edge of the forest, the lodge is just a short walk away from the Rushaga gorilla tracking point. The lodge features 18 luxury cottages which join the main lodge with bar,lounge, restaurant and a fire place.

All cottages have the following amenities;

  • Private en-suit bathroom with cold and hot water
  • Solar powered lighting
  • Flush toilets
  • Private balcony
  • Breakfast in bed can be provided for your comfort.

The bar is fully stocked and the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gorilla Safari Lodge also has spa where you can have massage after a tiresome gorilla tracking experience.

There are five special cottages each with double rooms with nice of view of the forest. These rooms have a fireplace inside which provide warmth during cold nights and are spacious for families and smalls groups of travelers. There’s a fireplace for those who don’t have fireplaces inside their rooms to wind down in the evening by gathering around for storytelling and local music performances.

Ichumbi Lodge

One of the new luxury lodges in Rushaga sector, Ichumbi includes 9 double rooms which are elegant and incredibly comfortable. The lodge also has a restaurant, mini bar, free Wi-Fi, standby generator and parking space.

Built on the edge of Bwindi, all rooms have amazing and direct views of both the forest and terraced hills. There are rooms which can host up to 4 people and offer king size beds, private balconies, en-suit bathroom, hot and cold showers. It is a favorite for couples.

The staff at Ichumbi offer great service and hospitality such as free laundry service after gorilla tracking. The lodge is close to the gorilla tracking center only 10-minute walk which means that you don’t have to stress alarm clock to wake up early.

Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge

The location of this lodge along with comfortable rooms on the shores of the lake Mulehe offers luxury accommodation. It’s an area for relaxation in the midst of nature. Lake Mulehe Gorilla Safari Lodge contains spacious 12 cottages. These include double/twin, single and triple rooms which can accommodate couples and parents with children. These rooms include hot and cold showers, private balcony and fantastic views of the lake. The family cottage includes a private tub and extra spacious rooms.

In addition to the comfortable cottages, the lodge offers restaurant for delicious food and a bar for cocktails, juices, cold beer, wines, spirits and soft drinks. Boat and canoe rides are available to explore Lake Mulehe, giving you great views and birding. Try out community walks to visit BaTwa pygmies.

Accessibility of this lodge may be an advantage or disadvantage in one way or the other. Because it is located in between Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga gorilla national park giving you a chance to explore both parks. The southern Bwindi Rushaga gorilla center is 20km away while Ntebeko center in Mgahinga is 25km away from the lodge.

Lake Mutanda Resort/ Chameleon Hill Lodge

This chalet style lodge offers luxury accommodation and is situated on the shores of Lake Mutanda at 1,800 meters above sea level. It is just 14 km away from Rushaga gorilla tracking and 20 km from Mgahinga gorilla national park. Thus, it offers guests a chance to explore both parks for gorilla tracking and golden monkey tracking. The roads leading to the parks are not in good condition thus require 4WD vehicle.

This luxury accommodation contains 20 rooms including single, double/twin and triple. The rooms are equipped with en suit bathrooms, hot and cold, mosquito nets, safe and veranda overlooking lake mutanda. Some of the rooms are about 50 meters away from the main lodge building. Concrete walk ways connect rooms to the main lodge building which features a bar and lounge, fireside dining area and mini library.

The lodge offers a cool atmosphere for relaxation because of the lake and a backdrop of Virunga volcanoes. Guests can explore lake Mutanda for boat and canoe rides, hiking and birding, visiting the local school on the island. The Vegetarian visitors are catered for with a range of fruits and vegetable dishes such as fresh mushroom soup, egg plants because the lodge has a backyard garden.

LODGES IN RUHIJA SECTOR

Ruhija sector is situated between 2000 to 2605 meters above sea level. It is the highest elevation point of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Therefore, it experiences coldness and temperatures can drop to 10 degrees Celsius. This sector has few lodges but a few of them include the following;

Bakiga Lodge

Built on top of the valley, Bakiga lodge offers mid-range accommodation and has nice view of Bwindi forest and Virunga volcanoes.

The lodge contains 4 family cabins with a capacity of 6 visitors and 2 twin tents which are all self-contained. Rooms have en-suit bathrooms. Wi-Fi is provided at the bar and dining area with fireplace.

The lodge does not have nice looking structure but the staff are hospital and friendly which makes it a favorite for some tour operators.

For travelers who would like to give back to the community, Bakiga Lodge runs a non-profit organization dedicated to help the local people benefit from tourism. The Bakiga community development project has established several clean water projects.

Agandi Uganda Eco-Lodge

The newest lodge in Ruhija sector, Agandi Uganda offers mid-range accommodation. To differ from other lodges in the area, the lodge has traditional Ugandan style kind of accommodation. There are 2 cottages, 2 tree nests, 2 traditional Ugandan huts which are self-contained with flush toilets, cold and hot water shower.

For those who love camping, the lodge has 2 platforms with grass roofs with public showers. Campfire is available and most times guests are offered barbecue and hot water bottles are provided in the bed to make it simple and warm. The lodge has a reception where Wi-fi is accessed and dining room with a balcony overlooking the forest.

Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge

This lodge offers accommodation in Ruhija gorilla tracking sector for luxury and mid-range visitors. Ruhija gorilla Safari Lodge has 8 en suit cottages including 4 superior and deluxe room cabins each with a capacity of 8 guests.

There are standard room cabins with a capacity for 12 guests and each room is equipped with twin beds with en suit private flushing toilet and bathrooms, side bed lamp stands, overhead hot and cold-water showers, extra blankets. Hot water bottles are provided during cold nights, two pairs of slippers, reading chair and table.

Ruhija gorilla safari lodge has everything you need for a comfortable stay including DSTV, coffee making machine, bar and restaurant, gift shop, traditional cultural entertainment, free Wi-Fi connection, mini library, winery, laundry and housekeeping services, fire place at each of the cabins.

Visitors with special dietary needs will be catered for such as vegetarians. Their restaurant prepares Ugandan traditional dishes as well as Indian, European, Chinese and tea is served in the afternoon. The dining area faces the surrounding rolling hills.

Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija Sector

Gorilla Mist Camp provides classic accommodation in 4 grass-thatched cottages including twin and double bedrooms with showers, flushing toilets.

The lodge has a fully stocked bar, lounge and dining area where you can useWi-Fi. Dining is good in the restaurant providing African dishes and vegetarian options. Visitors who stay here enjoy quick access to gorilla tracking, bird watching around Mubwindi swamp and Rwamunyonyi peak since the lodge is located about 5 minutes from the visitor briefing center.

BUHOMA SECTOR

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (GFC)

This is the lodge for a keen nature lover/ birder because it is located inside the Bwindi rainforest next to Buhoma gorilla center. You shall be staying only minutes away from the start of your gorilla tracking adventure. The forest surrounding Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp allows visitors to view different monkeys and birds. Not only that, sometimes gorillas may come to feed around the lodge. There are nature trails around the lodge such as river Munyaga, River Ivi and waterfalls trail.

The lodge itself is an exclusive camp and contains 10 luxury private tents set on wooden decks raised above the ground. Each of the tents is styled with local materials and offers a private en-suit bathroom with hot and cold water.

The bar, restaurant and dining area are in one communal cottage that connect to rooms by walkways. SPA services are available including herbal treatments, manicure, pedicure, foot and facial massage. You can enjoy reading a book in the small library, delicious meals and drinks in the restaurant and mini bar respectively.

The campfire outside in the gardens allows guests to enjoy a cool atmosphere and enjoy story telling entertained by local BaTwa pygmies and Bakiga performers.

The policy of the lodge is that the longer you stay, the lower the rates you pay per night. Committed to conservation and sustainability, GFC involve the local community in protection of Bwindi ecosystem as well research in human health through the philanthropy project at Bwindi community hospital. As an exclusive experience for elderly travelers, the lodge provides customized sedan chairs which allows guests with disability or less able to walk to be carried into the rainforest to track gorillas.

Buhoma Lodge

One of the three Exclusive Camps and Lodges’ properties in Uganda, Buhoma Lodge offers luxury accommodation in a peaceful and natural setting. With 10 grass thatchalets located about 100 meters from the gorilla tracking center, you are sure to feel immersed in the rainforest. The lodge was built with local materials plus solar lighting to offer low environment impact on the forest

Each chalet room is fully equipped with comfortable en-suit bathrooms, bath tub, flush toilets, cold and hot water rain like showers and insect proof window screens. In addition to the regular chalets at Buhoma Lodge, there’s also a family/honeymoon chalet which has a lounge room with open fireplace. This lodge offers discounts for children below 12 years.

Not only offering excellent accommodation, Buhoma Lodge also a massage and spa area where you can choose from a range of treatments.

All lodge chalets and open-air restaurant and bar are built on a raised platform to the level of tree vines. The hours you spend relaxing are rewarding with sightings of monkeys and several bird species such as western green tinker bird, waxbills, weavers, cuckoos, trogons, woodpeckers.

The full bard package includes 3 multiple course meals with featuring Ugandan flavors, hot beverages, bar snacks and complimentary massage. This lodge offers a good selection of activities; nature walk through the forest to the waterfalls, visit the local community and hiking. Several excursions are available such as self-guided Munyaga river nature walk, water fall walk, Buhoma cultural walks with professional community guides.

Silverback Lodge

This lodge is owned and operated by the Maarasa Africa hospitality group which is well established and provides great mid-range/ luxury accommodation. Silverback lodge has 12 luxury rooms including 1 single, 4 doubles and 7 twins featuring en-suit bathrooms with hot and cold water and large terrace. All room types are comfortable, modern and welcoming, but guests have a choice of standard, deluxe or superior.

Built on top of the hill above Buhoma gorilla tracking center, you have clear views of the valley and the entire Bwindi forest. The lodge is only 10-minute walk to the gorilla tracking

On site restaurant prepares a selection of local dishes along with international cuisines. Dinning can be arranged in the gardens with a laid-back atmosphere. Fire place is available for cold evenings.

Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge

One of the most luxurious and comfortable lodges, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge sits at the edge of Bwindi Forest near Buhoma gate. The lodge consists of 9 bandas and has recently upgraded2 bandas into deluxe plus standard rooms. It has also addeda new sauna added to spa and dining room. Each room has its own veranda and views of the forest. Each banda has charging facilities while free Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge building. The lodge offers personal butler service for all guests.

Outside the lodge is a bar with premium wines, whisky and cocktail menus. The Bwindi bar along with tea project were set up by Volcanoes Safaris partnership trust to help train local people with disabilities in hospitality. This means that majority of the employees come from local community. Local guides accompany guests on walks along the river in the valley below the lodge.

Mahogany Springs

Set on the edge of the Bwindi rainforest few meters from park entrance gate, Mahogany Springs is a wonderful place for family stay, honey moon couples visiting Buhoma to tack mountain gorillas.

Their luxury rooms include, family, honey moon, presidential and superior suites with twin/double, triple and quadruple beds. All rooms have spacious terraces where you can relax with views of Munyaga river valley. Bush breakfast or dinner can be arranged on the side of River Munyaga.

The main building includes, restaurant, living and the bar is well stocked with several wine and spirit brands as well as beverages and cocktails. The living room is spacious enough with a double sided fire place, library and craft shop with souvenirs such as traditional clothing.

Mahogany springs offer a variety of cuisines in its restaurant ranging from African, European, Asian and Middle East. Tea is freely provided throughout the day to compliment your meals.

Engagi Lodge

Positioned on the entrance gate of Buhoma, Engagi lodge provides mid-range accommodation in 8 en-suit cottages each with double/twin beds which are suitable for individuals and small group travelers. The distance to gorilla tracking center is just 2-minute walk hence there’s no rushing to wake up early morning.

This lodge tries to run in an environmentally friendly way. Its powered by solar, the cottages are thatched with banana fibers. Stay in comfortable rooms with great views of the valley. Room amenities include towels, bed linen, flushing toilets, hot and cold running water. Visitors on full board are served 3 meals per day and vegetarian meals are also prepared.

The also has bar and TV lounge, dining area and parking space. The staff offers laundry services so your shoes and trousers are cleaned freely after gorilla tracking. Being at the edge of Bwindi forest, guests can take a walk from the lodge down to River Munyaga to spot a variety of birds, trees and primates that live on the forest edge.

Eco marvels Gorilla Resort Lodge, Buhoma Sector

Gorilla resort lodge has 8 luxurious rooms with twin/double beds. Visitors can also stay in the walk-in safari tents set on raised wooden platforms giving you views of Bwindi rainforest and Munyaga river valley. Both tents and cottages have wooden beds, chairs, and ball and crow foot brass bathtub, hot and cold-water showers.  The restaurant serves African dishes and fresh fruit juices are prepared in their well-stocked bar.

Trackers Safari Lodge

LODGES IN RUHIJA SECTOR

Like Ruhija, the Nkuringo sector also lies at 2000 meters above sea level. At this altitude mosquitoes are rare. Lodges in this area have great location for landscape scenery than in other sectors.

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

The lodge provides mid-range accommodation including 2 family cottages. These cottages have fireplace and the bedrooms have en-suit bathrooms. The family cottage share balcony and overlook the forest.

Other facilities at the lodge include mist spa, dining and lounge area with Wi-Fi and charging sockets. There’s also a cozy restaurant, bar and craft shop.

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge has a good location on Nteko ridge about 2000 meters above sea level. Therefore, offers uninterrupted views that cut across Bwindi rainforest, Virunga Mountains and Albertine rift valley. Other activities besides gorilla tracking include forest walks, bird watching and community tours.

To get to Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, you can walk on foot with Nkuringo walking safaris from Buhoma through the Bwindi forest which takes about 3 hours. The lodge is 5-hour drivefrom Queen Elizabeth national park.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Situated at high altitude 2,000 meters above level on Nkuringo ridge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is an award-winning eco lodge offering exclusive luxury accommodation and access to gorilla habituation experience.

Built with natural materials such as volcanic stones, the lodge was designed to blend seamlessly with natural surroundings and was built by a partnership of USAID, African Wildlife Foundation and Nkuringo community.

The lodge has 5 and 2 family cottages with a total capacity of 18 guests in 7 rooms looking out at the rainforest. Each of the family cottage has 2 private bedrooms, en-suit bathrooms and baby-sitting services are provided. The air-conditioned cottages are made of volcanic stones, reclaimed wood, decorated with local art work, and contains arm chairs, hand woven carpets, double sided fireplace, and bedrooms have their own private veranda. The lodge offers private dinners and massage.

The main building has a perfect luxury setting including reception, well stocked bar, dining area, gift shop, fireplaces and spacious balcony to lay back and soak in the views of Bwindi rainforest and virunga volcanoes. The highlight of course is to see gorillas but children who are below 15 years can do other activities like birding, community walks, BaTwa cultural experience.

Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions

ishasha tree climbing lions

Tree Climbing Lions in Uganda, what you did not know

Uganda wildlife authority identify about 5 prides of Lions that have a behavior of climbing fig trees in Ishasha wilderness, Queen Elizabeth National Park.

This park receives the highest number of visitors in Uganda, because of its combination of activities such as game drive safari, boat cruise on Kazinga channel and chimp trekking.

So why do Ishasha lions climb trees?

So among the big cats, only leopard and jaguar can climb trees efficiently but we have lions that climb trees also.

National geographic explorer Alexander Braczkowski visited Uganda in 2018 to prove why Ishasha lions climb trees. Firstly, he found that there are stinging insects in Ishasha that fly close to the ground. As a result, lions learn to climb trees where its comfortable to relax especially after a kill. Secondary, the lions also climb to the tree branches to get a good view of prey.

These lions climb trees at different times of the day. Between 9:00am, 11:00pm, 1:00pm to 3:00pm most visitor going through Ishasha spot the lions. However, it’s also true that a number of visitors miss to see them as well.

Lions with a behavior of climbing tree have also been reported in two Uganda national parks – Kidepo Valley National Park and Murchison falls national park. Around East Africa, tree climbing lions are also reported in Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. It’s not clear if the reasons for Ishasha lions to climb trees are same for lions else in East Africa.

Best Chance to see ishasha lions?

Queen Elizabeth national park is divided into two sectors.

They include; Kasenyi area in the north includes Kazinga channel, Mweya peninsular, kyambura gorge, several crater lakes including Lake Katwe where salt mining takes place.

Ishasha lies in the south west of the park. So  most visitors drive through Ishasha from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi forest or from Bwindi to coming Queen but if you are just driving through, you may or may see tree climbing lions.

However, if you overnight in Ishasha it gives enough time for game drive and high chance to see tree climbing lions. Likewise, when you leave Kasenyi early morning, it gives you enough time for game drives in Ishasha before you continue further southwest.

Lion Tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kasenyi plains has lions that do not climb trees. Although it’s no guarantee to see lions, the Experiential Lion tracking does. Paying for lion tracking allows to go off road (what other visitors are not allowed to do) to look for lions and get close to them for 2 good hours.

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Over 79 mammals live in Queen Elizabeth National park.

Large mammals include African elephant, cape buffalo, hippo, leopard. Antelopes include Uganda kob, waterbuck, topi and there are also over 600 bird species including flamingos.

Do not expect to see large herds of animals such as those in Masai Mara kenya or Serengeti Tanzania.

However, on game drives in the park, you will be able to spot wildlife such as buffalo, elephant, Uganda kobs, buffalo and other wildlife in the park.

Also you will be able to sight a lot of other mammals while on the boat cruise along the famous Kazinga channel but also the scenery of the park is beautiful particularly the crater lakes, Ishasha, rift valley and a backdrop of Rwenzori mountains.

Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Besides game drives and boat cruise, there are a number of activities. Experiential tours include lion tracking, mongoose tracking, bird counts and hippos census.

These are booked in advance and you can visit lake Katwe to see the process of salt mining and you can also do Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest reserve.  Nature walks are available in Kyambura gorge. Community and cultural tours are available as well mostly outside the park. Kasoga community experience is found in Hamukungu landing site on the shores of Lake George. The experience offers several activities such as canoe rides, village walks and fishing tours.

How you can help save the tree climbing lions of ishasha

It’s unfortunate one pride of 11 lions was poisoned in 2018 after attacking livestock in the community. Along with the Uganda Wildlife Authority community conservation programs, National geographic explorer Alexander Braczkowski who had been filming the lions started GoFundMe, a charity that is raising money to compensate local people that loose livestock from predator attack.

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

chimpanzee trekking

How to choose your destination for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?

If you desire to do chimpanzee trekking, Uganda offers the best chances than any other place in East Africa. Because, there are four places which you can visit to see chimpanzees.

Where to see chimpanzees in Uganda

1. Kibale Forest National Park

Home to over 1400 chimpanzees and 12 primate species, Kibale forest is regarded as the primate capital of the world. There are more than 10 troops of chimps that have been habituated since 1993. They are accustomed to humans which means the chance to see chimps is almost 100% guaranteed. Chimpanzee trekking permit is $200 per person. Chimpanzee trekking can be done during the morning at 8:00am or 2:00pm afternoon. Visitors spend up to 1 hour with chimps. It’s great and definitely one of your must do activities in Uganda. Besides chimp trekking, Kibale forest offers chimpanzee habituation experience where you observe chimps for full day at $250 USD per person. Optional activities to view more primates in Kibale include Bigodi community swamp walk and night walk.

2. Budongo Forest Reserve

This eco-tourism spot is home to over 700 chimpanzees including 6 troops that are habituated for tourism. The chance to see chimps in Budongo forest is high because of there are no reports of visitors missing to see chimps despite the time of the year. Chimpanzee trekking at Budongo is done in the morning session starting 08:am or afternoon at 2:00pm. This forest reserve is located south of Murchison Falls Conservation Area which presents an opportunity to view more wildlife in Murchison falls national park. Options also include visiting Ziwa Rhino sanctuary.

3. Kalinzu Forest Reserve and Kyambura Gorge

The two central forest reserves located in Queen Elizabeth, Uganda’s most visited National Park. Kalinzu forest is the most popular for chimp trekking than Kyambura gorge because of the following reasons Kyambura gorge also known as the valley of apes has a rough terrain that make it difficult to locate chimps. On the other hand, the terrain of kalinzu forest is gentle and undulating making it relatively easier to search for chimps. The chance of seeing chimps is high like 80% and while in Kyambura its 50% thus the price to see chimps is $50 USD per person.

4. Toro-semuliki Wildlife Reserve

The number of days you wish to spend on safari in Uganda will determine where to see chimps. Sample itineraries for chimpanzee trekking tours in Uganda.

For shorter trips less than 4 days, you can still see Chimps and view Wildlife.

This is suitable for travelers with less than a day in Entebbe or Kampala and includes a boat cruise on Lake Victoria.

What is the difference between Chimpanzee Trekking and Habituation Experience?

The two offer visitors a chance to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. However, chimpanzee tracking provides the chance to observe chimps for 1 hour. At Kibale forest, it is done in 2 secessions. The morning secession starts at 8:00am and the 2:00pm in the afternoon.

On the other hand, chimpanzee habituation experience involves watching chimpanzees for a full day starting between 6 to 6:30am in the morning when chimps leave their nests up to 7:00pm. There’s much more to learn about chimps and their behavior because visitors can observe chimps leaving their nests as they begin their day to hunt for food. Chimpanzee groups allocated for habituation are less accustomed to humans than those for tracking. In East Africa, the other places to see chimps include Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda, Mahale Mountains National Park in Tanzania.