Walking Safaris

walking safaris

Lake Mburo National park walking safaris

Lake Mburo national park is one of the best places to undertake a Ugandan walking safaris.  It’s surprising how close you can get to animals for example in Lake Mburo you can spot zebras, giraffes, buffalo, topi, eland, impala and even a leopard on foot with experienced armed ranger. Lake Mburo is Uganda’s smallest savannah national park and the only one to do  walking safaris. It’s located in western Uganda about 253 km (3-hour drive) from Kampala, the capital of Uganda. The park has few predators which makes it ideal and safe for a walking safari. Walks usually take 3-5 hours in the morning depending on the walking capacity of the visitors. You will be accompanied by an armed ranger to look after your safety. The guide will have knowledge of identifying animal tracks, droppings, explaining savannah plants can be used for medicine and so on. Essential items to carry with you include camera, binocular, drinking water and snacks.

Nkuringo walking safaris

The ultimate tropical forest walking safari, Nkuringo walking safaris offers an opportunity for visitors to walk through Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, a UNESCO world heritage site home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The walk simply connects two gorilla centers of Bwindi which are Buhoma the park headquarters in the north and Nkuringo sector in the south. Buhoma lies at the lowest altitude of Bwindi about 1100 meters while Nkuringo is at 2000 meters and above sea level. This means that when you walk from Buhoma to Nkuringo you will be sloping down and climbing the other way round. It follows what used to be a road that closed down due to people exploiting the forest by cutting trees, littering the forest with waste which would eventually kill gorillas. The walk is now dedicated for tourists who are accompanied by a guide. It’s a chance to experience the rainforest and spot flora and fauna such as primates, birds, butterflies, insects, plants and flowers.

 

 

Safari Lodges in Rushaga Sector

safari lodges

Safari Lodges in Rushaga Sector (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park)

See our recommended mid-range and luxury safari lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 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.

Gorilla Safari Lodge

Gorilla safari lodge is one of the best safari lodges which is 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-minutes walk which means that you don’t have to stress alarm clock to wake up early.

Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge

The location of this lodge along with comfortable rooms on the shores of the lake Mulehe, offers luxury accommodation. Its an area for relaxation in the midst of nature. Lake Mulehe Gorilla Safari Lodge contains spacious 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 a disadvantage 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 is one of the chalet styled safari lodges which 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 is one of the luxury safari lodges in Bwindi which 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.

Gorilla Valley Lodge

COVID-19 In Uganda

covid-19

Frequently asked questions and procedures about COVID-19  in Uganda

They are a lot of questions asked about the COVID-19 pandemic for travelers visiting Uganda and how they can avoid the transmission, below are some of the most asked questions and what you will need while in Uganda.

  • What are the COVID-19 PCR Test Requirements in relation to children?
  • Children below five (5) years are exempted from the requirements of a negative PCR test certificate and are not required to present a vaccination card on arrival or departure.
  • What are the requirements /arrival process for arriving passengers at Entebbe?
  • A negative PCR COVID-19 test undertaken within 72 hours prior to boarding is no longer a requirement for fully vaccinated passengers. It is only passengers who are not fully vaccinated that are required to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test undertaken within 72 hours from the time of sample collection to boarding aircraft from the country of origin. Children below 5 years are exempted from this requirement.
  • What are the requirements for departing passengers?
  • Passengers departing EIA are required to know, understand and interpret COVID-19 requirements of the country they are traveling to.
  • A negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate for outbound travelers who are fully vaccinated is suspended for passengers with proof of full COVID-19 Vaccination certificates except where it is a requirement for the destination country. Airlines will guide passengers on destination requirements. It is only children below 5 years that are exempted from the COVID-19 PCR test on departure (subject to the destination requirements)
  • What are the requirements for air transportation of human remains into the country?

The following conditions should be fulfilled:

  • Medical certificate of cause of death
  • Post-mortem report or comprehensive Medical Report from the attending doctor/health facility.
  • Embalming certificate (including embalming certificate due to COVID-19)
  • Copy of passport/identification document of the deceased (The original passport/travel document/identification document to be presented to immigration authorities)
  • Import license/import authorization from the Director General of Health Services
  • Appropriate packaging-wrapped in a waterproof body bag then placed in a zinc lined coffin and outer metal or wooded box.

 

Powerful waterfall in the world

3 day Murchison falls national park

Murchison Falls National Park- The world’s most powerful waterfalls

Murchison Falls National Park is bisected by the River Nile which form Murchison falls, the world’s most powerful waterfall. The River Nile waters support an astonishing wildlife found in Murchison falls include 79 mammals and 451 species of birds.

For your adventure in Uganda, visit Murchison Falls National park and experience big 5 safaris. Game drive safaris in the park provide visitors with sightings of large mammals and antelopes including elephants, lion, leopard, buffaloes, Uganda kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, topi, eland, and warthogs.

Boat cruises on the River Nile offer a relaxed way to view wildlife such as hippos, Nile crocodiles, and water birds.

Birding excursions are conducted on the Albert-Nile delta wetland in search for the rare bird species such as shoebill stork and papyrus gonolek.

Murchison falls is located in western Uganda about 4-5 hours’ drive from Kampala/ Entebbe. Ziwa rhino sanctuary is situated in Nakasongora along the route to the park. Ziwa is home to 23 rhinos. Visitors are allowed to track rhinos on foot with ranger.

How’s Murchison Falls the most powerful waterfall?

Who visits Uganda and doesn’t visit the world’s most powerful waterfalls in the north-western side of Uganda. About 5-6 hours driving through the famous Luweero triangle, Murchison Falls National park is found in Masindi district. With the waterfalls as the highlight of every traveler visiting this Uganda’s largest park.

Every second, Murchison falls powers water equivalent to 3000 cubic meters from the Victoria Nile just a wide gorge of about 7 meters powering down a 45 meters deep to the albert Nile.

But besides the waterfalls, this park is home to about 79 other mammal species with 4 of the African Big 5 inclusive. Also it a protects a vast number of birdlife of a bout 345 bird species.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

queen elizabeth national park

Tree Climbing Lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park (ishasha sector)

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

Among the big cats, only leopard and jaguar can climb trees efficiently. So why do Ishasha lions climb trees? National geographic explorer Alexander Braczkowski visited Uganda in 2018 to prove why Ishasha lions climb trees. Firstly, hefound 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 9am, 11pm, 1pm to 3pm 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 tree climbing 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. most visitors drive through Ishasha from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi forest or from Bwindi to coming Queen. If 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 pains 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 (found only in Ishasha). There 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 you will be able to spot wildlife such as buffalo, elephant, Uganda kobs, buffalo, leopard, hyena and lion. Better option to see wildlife is to book a boat cruise on Kazinga channel to see hippos, crocodiles, water birds and mammals that come to drink on the shores.Kazinga channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George.

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.

You can visit lake Katwe to see the process of salt mining.

Chimpanzee trekking can be done 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.

 

 

 

Safari in Uganda

safari in uganda

 

Guide to planning a safari in Uganda 2022

We share our specially prepared itineraries and look at the most popular Uganda wildlife national parks for safaris to help you plan your adventure safari in Uganda.

When visiting for a safari in Uganda, the pearl of Africa many will emphasize that your itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a trip to see mountain gorillas. that’s because, gorilla tracking is Uganda’s main tourism activity and the best things to do on any African safari. However, when it comes to deciding what safari in Uganda, a lot of things for your choice.

So, you are considering traveling to Uganda, there are various factors that you need to understand. For instance, what kind of tour you are going to be on, for how long to spend in each place and what it shall include.

This guide is for those who would like to their first African wildlife safari to Uganda.

So, what are wildlife safaris destination in Uganda?

A Uganda wildlife safari is all about covering a lot of ground as you drive from one place to another doing activities like early morning game drive with afternoon boat safari, treks through the jungles in search of gorillas or chimpanzees, hiking, nature walk, bird watching, sightseeing, community tours…. You can do all this by opting for a safari in vehicle which is the most popular, walking safari, hot air balloon safari or safari of other kind.

Of course, there are many adventurous activities such as white-water rafting and kayaking on the Nile river, canoeing, horseback rides, spot fishing. Its better to have a trip that allow you to try as many activities and view wildlife as possible.

There are many options for different types of travelers regardless of budget. What differentiates one itinerary from the other is the choice of accommodation and whether you fly in.

Yes, you will be glad to follow advise regarding the lodges and things to do.There are many posts by bloggers, tour operators and travelers on various forums discussing their experiences in Uganda.

For instance, a solo traveler who spent 8 days on safari Uganda reviewed like this “It was a memorable trip. It would have been a very good journey even without the gorillas, but of course gorillas were the icing on cake”.

Some overall thoughts:

Wildlife viewing in Uganda may not be as good as a traditional Kenya or Tanzania safari. Though, the ability to combine that primate trekking safaris and other activities like boat safaris in Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth and lake Mburo national parks is great. If you have been to Africa before, you can attest to that. But if you have never been to Africa before, you will be happy with what you see in Uganda.

As for the best time to visit, Uganda can be visited all year round. Though, this depends on the activities you wish to do. The high / dry season (December to February and June to September) are considered the best time for primate trekking like gorilla tracking and chimpanzee trekking as well game viewing. However, visiting off season (March to May and October to November)shouldn’t be overlooked. Because the number of visitors is low, you are able to get discounts for value and the landscape is green.

Getting around, Uganda has improved its road network which is good even for the self-drive enthusiast. However, expect to cover a lot ground with some drives involving long distances such as over 400 km sq about 8-9 hour-drive. This is dependent on how your itinerary is scheduled and variable road conditions.

 

Going on safari in Uganda, the most popular national parks

There are 10 Uganda wildlife national parks wherein you can go for a safari. Take some time to research which itinerary best suits your budget and other needs and go for it.Make sure that you find a registered tour operator. Here we look at 6 most popular for safari.

Safari in Murchison falls National Park

Most famous for the Murchison falls, arguably the world’s strongest waterfall. Murchison falls is formed as the waters of the Nile river squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges over a 45-meter cliff with a thunderous roar. The mist around creates a trade mark rainbow. The view from the hike to the top of the falls is beautiful.

Murchison falls is the largest conservation area in Uganda and covers a diverse habitat with tracts of woodlands, open grasslands dotted with borrosous palm trees, Nile-delta swamps.

Wildlife to see in Murchison falls

There are 79 mammals including leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, hartebeest, hippos, giraffe, oribi, waterbuck, bushbuck, Uganda kob, bush pig and many more. 415 bird species including the pre-historic looking shoebill stork. Reptiles include Nile crocodiles

The park offers a wonderful Uganda safari experience, activities you can do include game drive, boat cruise on the Nile, night game drive, top of the falls hike, day nature walk, hot air balloon safaris, spot fishing, rafting and community tours.

When visited on its own, the minimum number of days is (3) with an option to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary or add an extra night in Budongo forest reserve for chimpanzee trekking.

Several accommodation options are available in the south and north side of the Nile. Murchison falls is located 5-6 hours drive from Kampala.

 

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Uganda’s most visited park, Queen Elizabeth lies in the shadow of the Rwenzori mountains on the rift valley floor. Its diverse habitats include tropical forests, kazinga channel, grasslands, wetlands, crater lakesprovide home to 95 mammals and over 612 bird species. Big 4 mammals including tree climbing lions which are found in Ishasha the area where you pass driving from QENP to Bwindi southwestern Uganda.

What makes this park popular is its ability to offer travelers a variety of activities, one can do in a single day. For instance, in the morning you can do chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu forest or kyambura gorge. In the afternoon take a boat cruise along Kazinga channel and end with evening or night game drive.

There are experiential tourism activities such as lion tracking, hippo census, bird counts and mongoose tracking.

Kibale forest National Park

This park is known as the primates capital of the world because its home to 13 primates species including man. Therefore, Kibale forest national park has the highest concentration of primates in Africa. The primary activity is chimpanzee tracking which can be done in the morning and afternoon. Chimpanzee habituation experience gives a full day encounter with chimps. There’s also Kibale forest walk which can be done during day and at night. Its enjoyable but you may not see as much as you expect, just go for it if you love nature. Outside the park, you can as well visit Bigodi wetland for a community walk usually done in the afternoon.

Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park

Lake Mburo National Park

Kidepo valley National Park

Off the tourist radar

Semuliki national park

Rwenzori mountains national park

Sample Itineraries

Days 1-4 visit Bwindi impenetrable forest national park with game drive in Lake Mburo national park. Activities you can undertake include gorilla tracking, walking safari or game drive in Lake Mburo.

Days 5 – 7 visit Kibale forest national park, queen Elizabeth national park, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and lake Bunyonyi. Activities include gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest, game drive and boat cruise on Kazinga channel which teem with birds, hippos, crocodiles, elephants and buffalos. From Queen Elizabeth NP to Bwindi via Ishasha wilderness offer potential sighting of tree climbing lions.

8 days Uganda visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison falls, Kibale forest national park, Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi forest/ Lake Bunyonyi. Activities you can undertake include rhino tracking, top of the falls hike which boasts breathtaking view of river Nile, game drive and river Nile boat cruise, exclusive boat ride, hot air balloon safari, chimpanzee tracking, Bigodi swamp walk, second boat cruise Kazinga channel, gorilla tracking, canoe or boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi.

One thing to note for trips starting at Entebbe going to Murchison falls and ending in southwestern Uganda. You should choose one leg of your flights to/from Kigali instead of driving long distance from south west to go through Entebbe both times. It might save you some time.

 

Days 9 – 15 You can include Kidepo valley national park far in the north, Murchison falls, Kibale forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Mgahinga. Possible sightings in Kidepo include cheetah and ostrich which are not found in other parks. Also unique is golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga gorilla national park.

Other activities not included here can be added into any of the above itineraries. For instance, white water rafting and kayaking can be done for 1-day visit t Jinja which is 2 hour-drive east of Kampala city.

Gorilla Trekking Tips

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla Trekking Tips

Gorilla trekking can be done in Uganda, Rwanda or Democratic republic of Congo. in Uganda, gorillas are found in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. In Rwanda gorillas are found in Volcanoes national park Rwanda and Virunga national park in eastern democratic republic of Congo.

Trekking gorillas in their natural habitat is a wonderful wildlife experience. Visitors are accompanied by guides and rangers into the forest hiking on foot in search of the habituated gorilla families. The chance to see gorillas in the wild is 99%. However it can be challenging due to a number of factors such as terrain, season thus it requires thorough preparation and planning.

Assess your fitness levels for gorilla trekking

The chances are 99.9 % seeing gorillas in their natural habitat in Uganda or Rwanda. But on the flip side, believe that hiking on foot through the tropical forests in search of the habituated gorillas is not easy; it requires physical strength and good health condition. How long does it take to see gorillas is the number one question asked by so many elderly visitors.

Mountain gorillas live in dense and steep forested mountains and move wherever they want looking for food.  Thus it’s difficult to predict how easy, short or longer a gorilla trek will be. It can range anywhere between 30 minutes to more than 8 hours when the trek gets longer. However you can still track gorillas regardless of your fitness level. Mental preparation is important too.

There are some visitors who get problems along the way and end up being airlifted to and from the gorillas on emergency, though that incurs extra high cost paid to the porters. Visitors who feel are not fit enough can hire porters to assist carrying backpack and giving you a push where necessary.

Take not of the altitude and terrain. Bwindi forest is divided into four sections which are located at varying altitudes. Basing on your fitness level, getting to know the gorilla tracking sectors it can help determine which sector to book for a gorilla permit. For instance Buhoma Sector north of Bwindi forest lies at lower altitudes of 1100 meters and the trekking can be relatively easy. While the southern sectors including Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga lies at higher altitudes 2200 meters thus treks can be difficult.

In Rwanda, volcanoes national park is dominated by steep virunga volcanoes but the vegetation cover is not thick as it is in Bwindi. Trekking in Rwanda isn’t strenuous as it can be in Bwindi.

 

Generally, you don’t have to be in a shape of an athlete. Anyone including visitors of 70 years old age plus can have a successful and memorable gorilla trekking experience.

Book a gorilla permit in advance

Plan your gorilla tracking adventure well in advance at least 3-5 months in advance. No limit you can even book a year in advance. The reason for that is to have first choice of the gorilla permit at a preferred destination. Due to many travelers planning for gorilla tracking, often times gorilla permits are sold out and one can’t find out availability during the peak season for gorilla tracking between December to February and June to September. That’s true for those planning to track gorillas in Bwindi; you have to book in advance to secure a gorilla permit at one of the park’s gorilla centers as well as accommodation of choice.

If you are planning for Rwanda, gorilla permits may be available all year round but advance booking for accommodation is required. So check with your operator.

What else to do besides gorilla trekking?

Once you select your destination and secure gorilla trekking permits, it’s time to look to other activities you can whether its game viewing or cultural tour. It takes an itinerary tailored to your needs, budget and time by a safari expert. One day gorilla tracking is only possible in Rwanda due to the short drive time from Kigali to volcanoes national park. While it’s impossible to have such in Uganda, It’s possible to have 2 days gorilla trekking in Uganda only if you arrive at Kigali Rwanda. But if you arrive at Entebbe airport Uganda, the shortest itinerary is 3 days gorilla trekking safari. If you have more time, when visiting Uganda for gorilla tracking, it’s recommended to add Queen Elizabeth national park for game drives and boat rides to view elephants, tree climbing lions, hippos, and lots of game which can take 5 days itinerary. There are many options for those extending their gorilla safari in Uganda up to 7 days and it can include chimpanzee tracking in kibale forest national park.

When is the best time to track gorillas?

The months of December to February and June to September mark the peak/ dry season, which is the best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo. During the dry season, the tropical forest trails are drier and easier to navigate on foot while searching for gorillas. Nevertheless, make sure to bring a rain jacket because rainfall is unpredictable. It can rain any time of the day in Bwindi. The dry season is great for wildlife safari if you’re combining gorilla trekking with other activities such as game drives, birding, and hot air balloon safaris.

On the other hand, the wet/ rainy season from April to May and October to November are characterized by short and heavy rains. This season has its own advantages, despite the rains; gorilla trekking can be spectacular too. Visitors should expect and prepare for drizzles, heavy rains, muddy forest trails and a lot of plant foliage.

Special Credit for the featured picture: @Rod Waddington

Uganda Beach Vacations

Uganda beach

Uganda Beach

While Uganda is known for its mountain gorilla safaris, it’s also home to beautiful tropical Uganda beach and islands which are found in Lake Victoria.

Approximately 84 islands make up Sesse islands in Lake Victoria a Uganda beach vacation is absolutely something you shouldn’t miss while on a safari, but only 2 of those; i.e. bulago and Bugala and kalangala fishing villages are developed for tourism.

Bulago and bugala offers white sand beaches, a great mix of activities such as nature walks, boat rides, amazing sunsets and a variety of accommodation facilities for families and budget travelers.

Uganda’s gateway Entebbe international airport nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria is also one of the most popular beach holiday destinations.

Entebbe town being the main port of entry and exit, it’s easy to add a visit to the Sesse islands at the end or start of your Uganda safari. Entebbe town itself has everything from resort beach hotels, botanical gardens, national zoo (the Uganda wildlife education center).

Beaches to visit while in Uganda.

Entebbe is the nestling center of many travelers for a beach vacation and because of it’s beautiful lake Victoria surroundings there’s just a lot of unique holiday beaches you can find here.

But besides, Uganda is a wide country with a lot of beautiful islands on different lakes, along the Victoria islands in Kalangala it is one of the best beach holiday destinations you can immerse yourself into.

While in Entebbe for a beach vacation or stay, you can opt to add the botanical gardens and Entebbe zoo for the most sightseeing activities as well as relaxing comfortably at your lodge for overnight with a lake view.

And for reptiles lovers, there’s an amazing home of different reptile species just within Entebbe and you can pay a visit and have a look as well as learning about these beautiful creatures.

 

Contact us @https://ebstoursandsafaris.com/make-a-reservation/ 

Golden Monkey Tracking

Golden monkey

About Your Golden Monkey Tracking Safari in Uganda and Rwanda

Would you go on a primate adventure to see some of the old-world monkey species in Africa? If yes, you have a chance to enjoy close encounters with golden monkey without risk as in the scenario above.

Golden monkeys inhabit the Virunga volcanoes at elevations of 2,227 m and 4,127 m along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and democratic Republic of Congo. This area is also home to mountain gorillas.

GET UP CLOSE TO GOLDEN MONKEYS

Your trip to Rwanda or Uganda can include golden monkey tracking. And it is pretty affordable at $90 per person in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda and $60 pp in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda.

 

Some troops of golden monkeys have been habituated in the respective parks where you are sure to have close-up encounters with them in their natural habitat. Golden monkeys spend most of their time in bamboo vegetation. Therefore, the hike to see them is not strenuous as with a gorilla trek.

Expect the hike to you through the vegetation in the parks comprised of bamboo combined with fairly dense tropical forests. On the lower slopes of the volcanoes the altitude range for your trek is between 2000 meters to 2500m above sea level.

 

Golden monkey permits give you access to visit the primates and spend 1 hour.

Exclusive golden monkey habituation permits allow you to spend almost full day with these primates. Golden monkey habituation experience is only available in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park at $100 per person.

That’s way too little money compared to gorilla tracking. And it gives you a hand to add more optional community tours.

 

In Mgahinga, there are ancient human tribes… the BaTwa pygmies. You would watch them tell stories around campfire or walk the BaTwa trail and there are a couple of ancient cultural practices to witness like fire making, collecting water using bamboo. You will learn more deeply about these ancient hunter gatherers. BaTwa trail can take 3-4 hours.

Rwanda is famed for its Instore cultural dance. While in volcanoes national park take full advantage to visit Iby’Iwacu cultural village for a truly authentic Rwandan cultural experience.

 

 

 

 

 

Safari Destinations in East Africa

safari destinations

The fastest way to visit East African destinations – Fly – in Safaris

Though East African safari destinations like Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania generally have good road infrastructure, the distances needed to reach attractions and national parks can be long and tiresome.

Fly-in safaris allow travelers who have limited time to cut out long road transfers and combine various destinations in East Africa by charter light aircrafts. There are various small airstrips where charter planes can land to access remote wildlife destinations with comfort.

East Africa’s most famous wildlife safari destinations

A wild realm of safaris is found in Africa and East Africa particularly is one of the greatest safari destinations in the world if not the greatest. Diverse landscapes and iconic terrains are found here and some of the best must see include Uganda’s  Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, volcanoes national park, Kidepo valley national park in northeastern Uganda, masai mara wildlife reserve, Serengeti and Ngoro Ngoro crater. These can be combined into one fly in safari itinerary or on a short safari. Opportunities for wildlife viewing activities are endless including gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, game drive for big five and wildebeest viewing, bushwalks, hot air balloon safaris, boat rides among others.

Fly in safaris make long drives short and provide spectacular aerial views of the east African scenic landscapes. However, there will be short distance transfers in air conditioned root top safari vehicles between airstrips and lodges.

Fly -in safaris use small light aircrafts which can carry up to 13 passengers using some of the safest and reliable charter plane operators such as Aero link, Eagle Air, Jumbo jet. These provide more comfort and the best quickest way to get to your safari destination. Flights do overlap with road transport where you arrive at an airstrip and transfer shortly to the lodge.

Contact us for your tailored fly-in-safari through: https://ebstoursandsafaris.com/make-a-reservation/

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