Explore Uganda

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Explore Uganda|Best Time to Visit Uganda 2022-2023

The country located East of the African continent is among those worth a phrase Explore Uganda.  Blessed with effortless virgin beauty with almost everything a traveler would wish to have on the bucket list. It’s one of the unknown destinations in terms of a safari but with almost the same potential as those most known destinations even though in Uganda its different in its own way.

Exploring Uganda| Diversity of The Country

The country so green with its vast abundance of lush flora and fauna,rolling hills and mountains found all over the country’s wide-sides, Uganda remains among those destinations one needs to explore on an Africa safari.

The country has over 20 National parks and wildlife reserves which you can combine for a safari. Most tourists who visit Uganda opt to do gorilla trekking which is the highlight of a Uganda tour but the country has a lot to offer besides seeing only gorillas in their natural habitat. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga gorilla National parks are the only destinations where gorilla tracking can be done in Uganda.

SAFARI IN UGANDA | Explore Uganda

For safari kind of people, Uganda’s wide range of Savannah parks is an opportunity for many tourists visiting the country because they have a wide range to choose from. Most travelers combine these National parks to get broad and wide experience of wildlife viewing and some of them choose to do short safari tours for example, a safari to Uganda’s Murchison Falls National park for starters can be done in 3 short days just if you combine it with Rhino trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

The Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most famous parks in Uganda and it’s not often left out for Uganda’s visitors. Wildlife viewing here is in plenty because the park is home to about 354 birds species which makes it a popular destinations for ornithology and besides that it is also home to 79 mammals with 4 members of the African Big five animals.

The Murchison Falls National park is where the world’s most powerful waterfalls are found and it is here where the mighty River Nile forces itself into a narrow 7 meters gorge and drops down 45 meters into the Albert Nile. A trip to this world wonder is one of the many life changing scenes you can ever have on a Uganda safari.

Besides wildlife viewing in a safari vehicle here, most often tourists who visit Murchison Falls National Park, their highlight is a boat trip to the bottom of the falls. This is 17 km cruise down on the mighty River Nile to the point where the Murchison falls drops down.

Explore Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park | Explore Uganda

Often known as the “medley of wonders” the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park is actually the most visited of all parks found in Uganda. The park located south of Kampala city, about 410 km which makes it about 6-7 hours of driving through the scenic landscapes of the country.

Queen Elizabeth National Park wasn’t actually the park’s name not until the former Queen Elizabeth of the great Britain visited Uganda in 1954 and this park formerly known as Kazinga National Park and they decided to name it Queen Elizabeth. The park is home to about 600 of all Uganda’s bird species, 97 mammals with 4 members of the African big five animals and among them are the rare “Tree Climbing Lions” in the southern section of the park (Ishasha).

Most tourists visit this park because of it’s scenic potential especially for wildlife photography. The Rwenzori mountains borders this park in every corner so tourists can enjoy the spectacular beauty of the so called mountains of the moon even without a single step into them.

The park is also dotted with beautiful crater lakes which makes the destination even worth a visit.

Best Time To Visit Uganda.

Uganda can be visited all year round because of its stable climate which often favors travelers to travel any time of the year but besides all that, there’s of course that specific time of the year which is better for almost anyone.

First of all, from March-May and September-December its rainy seasons in Uganda and East Africa and from June-August and December-February are dry seasons. Most tourists visit Uganda in high/dry seasons and the parks are almost crowded everyday. During the low seasons that is wet season when it’s raining in East Africa, most of the tourism activities are discounted and its actually the best time to view the wildlife in their natural habitat.

Even though the wet seasons ain’t recommended, there are actually the best time of the year for adventure kind of tourists to visit Uganda. A lot of experiences can be seen during these hard times when on a Uganda safari.

 

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/

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.