Uganda Safari Guide

Top 2011 Gorilla Adventure Safaris

2011-01-15T15:54:00.002+03:00

There are many safari companies offering gorilla trekking safaris - trips to see the rare mountain gorillas of the world that are only found in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo! As usual, there is high demand for gorilla permits from clients all over the world, including those who have already visited the gorillas as well as new ones who would like to meet the gorillas for the first time. But before booking a gorilla tour for 2011, one can ask himself, what is the best gorilla adventure that i should book?

There are many gorilla tours that are offered by different tour operators in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. These tours offer different options and according to the 2010 tour experience below are the best gorilla safari options for those who would like to meet the gorillas in the wild.

3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari - This is the most demanded of all Uganda Safaris! It is the best option for business travelers and travelers with less time for holidays in Uganda. The trip takes you to Bwindi for the trek and its purely a gorilla safari.

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour - This is another thrilling adventure safari in Rwanda that include a gorilla trek in PNV and either Kigali City Tour, visit to the Genocide Memorial Site or Local Community Tour. It is the best seller of all Rwanda Safaris and Tours.

4 Days Gorilla Adventure Safari - This is a 4 days (3 nights) adventure in either Uganda or Rwanda. It includes tracking the gorillas twice in either Bwindi or PNV. BEST EXPERIENCE OF SEEING GORILLAS IN MORE THAN ONE GROUP!

7 Days Uganda Safari - This is tr the best trip to see the gorillas in Bwindi and Uganda's other destinations such as Queen Elizabeth and Kibale National Parks, a forest hosting thousands of chimpanzees.

Please note that as with all wildlife safaris, please be sure to enquire a long way in advance as gorilla trekking permits are sold out on first come, first serve basis. Even by now some of the gorilla permits for 2011 are already full!

Safari in Uganda - How To Book It Cheaply

2010-11-14T15:24:00.004+03:00

Are you looking for a cheap safari in Uganda? Wise spending on a Uganda Safari does not always mean just looking for a very inexpensive tour comapny. Wise spending doesnot as well mean just closely watching your bank account to assure you make it through your trip without breaking the bank. More importantly, wise spending means carefully choosing where and with whom you are spending your money, especially while on safari in Uganda.

Uganda offers countless adventures that travelers look for. These include gorilla trekking safaris, mountaineering adventures, bird watching tours, wildlife safaris, cultural tours as well as many other tours in Uganda. From any kind of safari, there are many tour operators offering a great range of tour packages, how can one travel and tour Uganda cheaply?

There are many options of booking an inexpensive tour in Uganda.

1. Look for the best package from the cheapest tour operators. There are many tour operators in Uganda offering tour packages at very cheap prices without compromising the quality of the trip. Some of these companies that i know and have been used by several travelers include Africa Adventure Safaris, Birding journeys specialist in birding safaris, Connect Hemisphere Safaris specialists in gorilla tours, etc. When contacting these tour operators, don't hesitate to ask for a bargain. They will organize the best tour for you!

2. Ask for a great range of accommodation options while tailoring your trip. There are so many cheap hotels in Uganda that offer good accommodation at very good prices. If these hotels are included in your package, the tour will be cheaper.

3. Don't travel as a solo traveler. Solo travel is expensive if compared with travelling in a group! During your planning stage for a Uganda Safari, always ask to join a group. However this can work well only if your travel dates are in the same timeline with other travellers in that group.

Nice Safari in Uganda!

Top Uganda Safari Activities

2010-10-13T16:01:00.002+03:00

Uganda is one of the best places for adventure in Africa. Below are the top 5 adventure activities that tourists took in the month of September;

1. Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking is the most sought after activity in Uganda. Gorilla tracking is carried out in two Uganda's national parks; Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga National Park. Many tourists visited Uganda in september to trek the rare mountain gorillas.

2. Game Drive

A game drive safari is by far the second most popular way of exploring the African bush. Game viewing is typically conducted early in the morning (6-8:30 AM) and late in the afternoon (4-6:30 PM) when animals are most active. Vehicle types range from open 4 x 4′s to minibuses with sunroofs. Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls and Kidepo National Parks are the best national parks for game viewing safaris and they are the most visited.

2. Night Drive

Night drives are especially great to spot nocturnal animals such as leopard, porcupine, bushbaby, wild cat, African civet or spotted hyena. Also be on the look out for bird species like nightjars and owls that haunt the area. NB: If you get a chance to use the spotlight, make sure you don’t shine the light directly into animal eyes as this may blind them! Night game drives are taken in Semuliki Forest, one of the best parks for chimpanzee tracking,

3. Boat Cruise
The most relaxing way to enjoy nature! Boat cruises enable you to encounter aquatic species at close range: hippos, crocs, and a variety of bird life (pied kingfisher, fish eagle, goliath heron, etc.). Some safari operators even offer sundowners where you can enjoy refreshing drinks whilst admiring stunning scenery.

Where it can be taken: River Nile in Murchison Falls, The Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo in Lake Mburo National Park, Along the Nile in Jinja).

4. Camping/Sleep Out in the Bush

Camping can be an adventure in itself, especially when your tent is set in the middle of nowhere. The most exciting part of the experience is night time, when wild animals are out and about doing their business. They can be rather “loud”, and their midnight “concerts” are entertaining.;) Most common “intruders” include hungry hippos, noisy elephants and sneaky hyenas.

NB: Do not leave any food leftovers (or any personal items for that matter) outside your tent, as you will most likely not find anything left the next morning. Monkeys (vervet monkeys and baboons especially) are regular “thieves” during the day, while hyenas become highly active after sunset.

5. Walking Safari

Safari walks give you the opportunity to “feel” nature in a totally different fashion than safari activities like game drives. Learn about various aspects of the bush like bird spotting (and the calls they make), tree identification and animal tracking. Walking safaris also give you a chance to approach animals from close distance, although in the majority of cases they will flee as soon as they sense you. For walking safaris in Uganda. Lake Mburo national park is the best place to go. The park has several animals and a walk to the Salt Lick area is quite adventerous but should be taken in company of an armed ranger guide.

Advice: Try to wear neutral colours (dark colours, e.g. Khaki). Bright colours tend to scare animals away.

For such safaris in Uganda and other lifetime adventures, www.ugandasafariadventure.com has exclusive Uganda Safari Packages for both budget and luxury enthusiasts.

Choosing Right Accommodation for a Uganda Safari

2010-01-27T10:59:00.001+03:00

Uganda has thousands of hotels and safari lodges offering accommodation in Uganda. These include both budget and luxury options. However choosing the right accommodation for your Uganda Safari holiday is vital for a success full adventure in Uganda and the following should be observed.

LEVEL OF SERVICE

There are several levels of service offered in Uganda's hotels. on most of the prebooked Uganda tours offered by tour operators, be keen to the understand the level of service of a particular hotel included in the tour itinerary and the nature of the hotel; Standard accommodations, mid-range accommodations. or low-budget accommodation

Top Uganda Safari Parks Not to Miss

2010-01-26T17:56:00.002+03:00

Uganda has 10 most outstanding national parks. Amongst these there are 5 top visited national parks that are ommissible to anyone interested in seeing a summary of Uganda's wildlife. According to the recent survey carried out amongst several tour operators, travel agencies and tourists, below are the top 4 parks in Uganda;

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - This park is the most visitred in Uganda. The park has more than of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world and thus it is the most famous for mountain gorilla tours. In this park there are three sections that are currently open for tourist visitors - Buhoma which is the headquarters, Ruhija which is 30km from Buhoma, and Bwindi South which is only accessed through Kisoro - where there are the other two gorilla families of Nkuringo and Nshongi. At Buhoma there are three gorilla groups that are habituated for tourist viewing. These are Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura.Then there at Ruhija is the Ruhija Gorilla Group, which was fully open for tourism in February 2009.

2. Queen Elizabeth National Park - This is another wonderful place famous to tourists interested in wildlife safaris in Uganda. This park is one of the most lovely places to see. From open savannah to rainforest, from dense papyrus swamps and brooding crater lakes to the vastness of Lake Edward, it is little wonder that Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game reserve in the world. Almost 100 mammal species and a remarkable 606 bird species makes this superb Uganda safari territory.

3. Kibale Forest National Park - This is the most accessible of Uganda's major rainforests. Kibale is home to a remarkable 13 primate species, including the very localised red colobus and L'Hoest's monkey. Kibale's major attraction, however, is the opportunity to track habituated chimps - these delightful apes, more closely related to humans than to any other living creature, are tremendous fun to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. A chimpanzee tracking tour in Kibale is always combined with a gorilla tour in Bwindi or wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls national park.

4. Murchison Falls National Park - This is Uganda's largest national park protecting a chunk of untamed African savannah bisected by the mighty river Nile. It is named for the dramatic Murchison Falls,one of the most spectacular falls of Uganda. Animals in this park include elephant, buffalo, giraffe and a variety of antelope are regularly encountered on game drives, while lions are seen with increasing frequency. A tour to Murchison Falls National Park can be easily combined with a willdife safari in Queen Elizabeth, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale.

Equipments You May Need on a Uganda Safari

2008-12-23T11:12:00.002+03:00

The equipments you may need on a Uganda Tour depends very much on personal preferences and areas that you will be traveling, but the following are recommended:

* a good pair of sun glasses
* a sun block cream
* a canteen or water bottle. Some companies provide free water during the safari.
* binoculars
* a Swiss army knife or a leatherman-style knife (remember not to pack it in your hand luggage as it will be confiscated at the airport security checks!)
* flashlight and spare batteries
* mosquito/bug repellent
* toilet kit including biodegradable
* soap/shampoo etc
* towel and wash cloth
* ziplock plastic bags
* Camera

Clothing on a Uganda Safari

2008-12-23T10:42:00.000+03:00

Uganda has the same climatic conditions all the year. However there are are two major seasons; dry and wet seasons. The recommended clothing items while on a Uganda Safari during the day are shorts and a T-shirt. However if you are going to a forest like Bwindi, Kibale long trousers are advisable to put on. If you sunburn easily consider taking long-sleeved T-shirts for day wear. Choose clothes of dull and/or neutral colours. In the evenings, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.

Bear in mind that packing space is limited on all modes of safari transport so you will need to restrict your baggage to 12-15 kg (preferably packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable amount of camera equipment. You will be allowed two separate pieces of luggage on safari; one duffle bag and one carry-on. Below is a checklist for laundry that you may need:

* khaki cotton pants
*sturdy shorts
*skirt or dress slacks for hotel evenings (optional)
*short-sleeved t-shirts
*sleeved shirts (for sun protection as well as warmth)
*sweater or sweatshirt
*raincoat/windbreaker or a waterproof poncho
*walking shoes or trainers/sneakers, for a gorilla trek, chimpanzee tour or nature walk in Uganda, jungle shoes are a must!
* sandals or rubber thongs (for showers and boating)
* underwear
* swimming suit for those interested in swimming
* bandannas or handkerchiefs (many uses!)
* hat with a broad brim (a baseball cap does not cover your neck and ears!)

Have a wonderful Uganda Holiday as you take your safari in Africa!

What to Bring on a Uganda Safari?

2008-12-23T10:35:00.000+03:00

What to Bring?

While leaving your home country for a safari in Uganda, please don't forget the following items

You MUST bring:

1. Valid passport for international travel. Passports must be valid for at least six month. Tourists visiting Uganda with passports, which do not comply with these requirements, will either be stopped from boarding the aircraft or risk deportation on arrival in Uganda.

2. Visa if required - Citizens of COMESA countries do not need a visa to visit Uganda. Only a passport is enough. A visa can also be obtained at Entebbe international Airport on arrival and it doesn't take long to get one.

3. Reconfirm travel documents requirements with your carrier before departure
* Additional form of photo ID
(e.g. driver’s license)
* Photocopy of passport, visa and travel tickets to carry separately from your travel documents
* Air tickets
* Travel Insurance

Great Dream Uganda Safari and Holiday in Africa

Uganda Mountains Best for Hiking in Africa

2008-12-23T10:14:00.000+03:00

Uganda is a unique safari destination. Its mountains are the best to hikers who are interested in climbing and trekking over small hills, medium sized and high mountains. Most important of Uganda's Mountains are the Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Elgon and the Mgahinga Volcanoes in South Western Uganda. The snow capped Rwenzoris, famed in ancient times as the mountains of the moon, running along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, have now been developed and opened to travelers interested in climbing. Climbing Mount Rwenzori in Uganda is a thrilling adventure. A climb takes you for 8 days to complete only one circuit. For a detailed tour itinerary or hiking safari to Uganda visit http://www.ugandansafari.com/safari-packages/rwenzori-mountaineering-safari.html. The Rwenzori ranges are not only the tallest ranges in Uganda but also ranks among the top mountains of Africa and the world as well. The Rwenzoris offer some exceptional walking to both trekkers at lower altitudes as well as mountaineers who would like to meet the challenge of ascending to the glacial peaks of over 5100 metres. Reaching the Magherita peak only invites for senior climbers. Good health shape is a requirement for a hike to this one of Africa's tallest mountains.

In the eastern part o the country Mt. Elgon with its caldera is quite another popular destination for medium and high climbers. It is actually a heavily forested ancient volcano with its base covering an area of more than 3000sq km. Though the mountain straddles at the Kenyan border, its peak (Wagagai peak) is found on the Ugandan side. This presents a wonderful mountaineering experience to tourists who are ever interested in attempting to the highest peak.

The Mgahinga Volcanoes are also worthy to hike. Volcano Climbing is quite an interesting and challenging activity. Mt. Gahinga (3,474 m), Mt. Muhavura (4,127 m), and Mt. Sabiny (3,645 m). The scenery of these mountains is quite amzing. Seeing the 'Old man's teeth' on the top of Mt Sabinyo is another awesome adventure. Like an old man, the crown of Mt. Sabyinyo's has been eroded and it is quite interesting to gaze at.

Uganda - Home to Mountain Gorillas

2008-06-12T12:27:00.000+03:00

Uganda is home to more than half of the remaining 700 mountain gorillas. There fore Uganda offers a unique opportunity to track the endangered mountain gorillas in their spectacular volcanic montane setting, densely covered by tropical rainforests at Bwindi or Mgahinga national park. The population of the mountain gorilla is estimated to be around 700 in the whole world with a half of these residing in the Ugandan national parks of Mgahinga and Bwindi. Apart from the mountain gorillas, the country offer great opportunities to track our closest primate relatives-the chimpanzees, in their forest habitat at Kibale, Budongo, Kasyoha-Kitomi and Kyambura River gorge. A visit to the Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary where orphaned chimpanzees have been habituated is simply magical and interesting.

Uganda is also a home to a number of other primates including the black and white monkeys, red colobus monkey, Blue and red-tailed monkeys, the Grey-Cheeked Mangabeys, the Rare Golden Monkey and the Olive baboon. These can be seen from nearly all national parks and tropical rainforests found in Uganda.

Uganda - a Gifted Safari destination

2008-06-12T12:10:00.000+03:00

Uganda

is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa with fantastic natural scenery, half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population and some of the friendliest people in Africa. It is also a unique and captivating tourist destination straddled across the Equator and perched on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. Situated at the heart of the African continent,

Uganda

offers a range of adventure and holiday activities which range from gorilla safaris, chimpanzee tracking tours, world class white water rafting at the Source of the Nile and game viewing / wildlife safaris within the peaceful unpolluted and undegraded national parks.

In terms of its size, Uganda is relatively a small country roughly the size of Great Britain or the State of Oregon in the United States America. Despite its small size, Uganda is the most alluring safari destination in Africa given its features which include undegraded and unpolluted forests, shimmering lakes and mountains. Most of the country is 1,000 m above sea level and there are three mountainous areas - the Rwenzoris, Mount Elgon and the Virunga volcanoes.