Uganda Safaris
Uganda Safaris: Uganda the pearl of Africa is one of the best destinations to visit at any given period of time. Uganda offers bot holiday safaris, Vacation safaris, honeymoon safaris, wildlife safaris, gorilla tours and many more. Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries though land locked but with plenty of stunning attractions that are enjoyed by several travelers on a Uganda Safari. The attractions in uganda range from thrilling vegetation cover, water bodies, rolling hills, mountains, and abundant of breath taking fauna species including mountain gorillas, big 5 games, birds, butterflies, reptiles and many more that make your encounter with them while on a uganda safari a rewarding experience.
Primate safaris in Uganda: Apart from wildlife safari, Uganda is one of the top destinations in Africa to visit for primate viewing adventures and the most primates visited in Uganda are endangered mountain Gorillas thus mountain gorilla trekking in the leading primate adventure in Uganda. To enjoy this safari, you have to visit only 2 parks in Uganda that harbor these unique species of gorillas that is Bwindi impenetrable national park a home to the largest population of mountain gorillas with more than 50 % of these gorillas thrilling in this park. Another destination to visit on a Uganda safari for gorilla trekking is Mgahinga gorilla national park a home to only 1 habituated mountain gorilla family known as Nyakagezi that is trekked on a daily basis. Other mountain gorillas are distributed with in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda as well as Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo. To participate in Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda the pearl of Africa, one has to obtain a gorilla trekking permit which acts as the gate pass to access gorillas and as of now it costs $700 for foreign Nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and Ugandan Shillings 250,000 for Ugandans and all East African Community member states. These gorilla permits can be obtained directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) which is the main body responsible for issuing out the gorilla permits and managing all protected areas in Uganda. However, there is an option of Uganda a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris or Focus East Africa Tours to help you in booking those permits and an entire trip at ease.
While on primate viewing safari in Uganda, one may choose to enjoy chimpanzee trekking activity which is mostly conducted in Kibale forest national park at cost of $200 for Foreign Non Residents, $150 for foreign Residents and Ugandan shillings 150,000 for all Ugandans and East Africa Community member states. The permits to trek chimpanzees in Kibale forest national park are as well obtained from the Uganda wildlife Authority just like Gorilla permits. Kibale forest is not only a home to the chimpanzees, but harbors over 13 primate species making it a primate capital of the world. However, there are other destinations in Uganda while one can trek chimpanzees while on a Uganda safari and they include; Budongo forest in Murchison falls national park, Kalinzu forest in Queen Elizabeth national park, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park and Semliki national park.
Now days Uganda as well offers Mangabey monkey trekking safari which is done in Mabira forest reserve as the best way to encounter with these Unique Uganda Mangabey monkeys.
Wildlife safaris in Uganda: while planning for your wildlife safari in Uganda, look no further than visiting the savanna parks such as Murchison falls national park the only place to encounter with the big 5 game as long as one combines it with a visit at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, Kidepo valley national park the most beautiful savanna park yet least visited by tourists on a short uganda safari since it is situated far from the capital city of Uganda, Lake Mburo national park the nearest park to Kampala the capital city of Uganda, Queen Elizabeth national park the only place to encounter with the tree climbing lions in Uganda among others.
Boat cruise safaris in Uganda: Uganda is yet a blessed country with plenty of water bodies thus taking on a boat cruise adventure in the pearl is such a rewarding experience that enables you to cruise on top of fresh waters of Uganda. Most of the boat cruise safaris in Uganda are conducted within the national parks such as boat cruise upstream and downstream along the Nile River in Murchison falls national park, boat cruise in Lake Mburo national park, Boat cruise on Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth national park and many more. One may as well choose to do boat cruise along Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mutanda, Jinja along River Nile and many other stunning water bodies in Uganda.
Birding safaris in Uganda: Uganda thrills with over 1000 species of birds making it one of the best birding destination in the world. Uganda thrills with both water birds, forest birds, species endemic to Albertine rift and many other unique bird species.
Mountain Climbing safaris: Uganda the pearl of Africa thrills with lots of mountains that make one of the best place to place for mountain climbing. Some of the mountains hiked in Uganda include Mount Rwenzori, Mount Elgon, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo and mount Muhavura.
Conclusion,
With the above safaris, Uganda is indeed a top destination to visit and there are many other safaris to do including cultural tours, visiting source of the Nile, city tours, white water rafting, guided nature walks, golden monkey trekking, sport fishing , horseback ride, mountain Biking, quad biking, lion tracking and many other. This shows that Uganda is indeed a blessed country situated in East Africa bordering Kenya in the Eastern part, Tanzania in the southern part, Rwanda in the southern part, South Sudan in the Northern part and Democratic Republic of Congo in the western part. To enjoy any of the above or even more safaris in Uganda, look no further than contacting us to get in touch with our professionals at Achieve Global Safaris or Focus East Africa Tours to tailor out one of the best itineraries that suits your request and you will surely enjoy the best of Uganda the pearl of Africa on a Uganda safari.
Gorilla Trekking Uganda / Uganda Gorilla Safaris/ Gorilla Tours
Gorilla Trekking Uganda; Uganda Once named the ‘’Pearl of Africa’’ offers a bucket of magnificent activities, attractions and above all its conducive weather and beautiful land scape are more rewarding. More fact, Gorilla trekking is the main key attraction and activity to do on Uganda Safaris. And we see the number of visitors are increasing each year flocking into the country to be part of this incredible activity of gorilla trekking. Above all, Uganda is gifted with two gorilla trekking places that is; Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Among the two Bwindi impenetrable National Park ranks as one of the most remarkable destinations to go for Gorilla trekking in all of Africa – this is the park houses half the world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas that still exist in the wild with more than 650 individuals out of the remaining total of 1100 mountain gorillas.
Generally, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was gazette as national park in 1991 and first gorilla group to be opened up for tourism is named as Mubare group in 1993. Unfortunately, the number of mountain gorillas tend to decrease in number due to the result of poaching, human encroachment among others.
What an interesting activity is -gorilla trekking is quite worth an encounter as we see tourist yearning to visit them in their natural habitat hoping to meet up with our closest relatives said to have 98% of DNA to humans. Just get prepared to this awesome opportunity of going to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with the largest population great mountain gorillas in the world.
What is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is quite unforgettable but involves in a long walk into the think forest like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of the gorillas. The activity can take 30 to 7 hours depending on the location of gorilla family you assigned to, you will be lead with an experienced local guide to find a family. So, you should make sure you’re physically fit in the body before visiting the gorilla destination for successful experience. Bwindi National Park stuns with four gorilla trekking sector that is; Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Rushaga are the main trekking sector located inside the park. More so, park is home to over 23 habituated gorilla families divided into four gorilla sectors. Each sector -region have got excellent array accommodation facilities ranging from luxury lodges and campsites as well as restaurants, craft stalls and guiding services, as listed below;
Buhoma sector in the north;
This is the top visited sector consisting of four gorillas’ groups and each gorilla is lead by a dominant silverback including; Mubare, Habinyanja and the Rushegura groups of gorillas.
This sector has many well developed and perfect accommodation facilities like Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Silverback lodge, Buhoma Haven lodge among others.
Nkuringo Sector
This sector is located in the south of the park and known as one of the most popular dominant silverbacks in Bwindi. Gorilla groups in the Nkuringo sector includes; Nkuringo gorilla family, Bushaho gorilla family, Christman gorilla family, Posho gorilla family among others.
Visitor can stay who likely to spend more than 1-day in the park, lodges including; Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Camp, Nshongi Camp and Chameleon hill camp, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Safaris among others.
Rushaga sector
The Rushaga sector is lies in the southern sector of the Bwindi and one of the 4 sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla families found in this region includes; Bweza, Mishaya, Busingye, Nshongi many more.
Visitors having 2 more night here can sleep Gorilla Safari Lodge and Chameleon hill lodge among other
Ruhija Sector
The Ruhija sector lies in the East of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is easily accessible from m Buhoma and Kabale. Ruhija sector is the best sector to trek if you have visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park because it is closely to the park, takes few drives to Queen. It has got three fully habituated gorilla families including the Bitukura family, Oruzogo family and the Kyaguriro group. Visitors having 2 more night here can stay Ruhija Gorilla Safari lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp’ Trekkers Tavern Mist Camp and Ruhija Gorilla Resort among other.
What to Expect on Day of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Ideally, on your trekking day expect begin at an appointed meeting area for example at Buhoma park headquarters – a meeting point for a briefing about gorilla trekking rules and regulations. Athen after, your will be grouped into a group of ‘’8’’ people and you will be allocated to your assigned gorilla group, accompanied by the park ranger who are well experienced with the nature. The trekking experience can talk 30 to 7 hours depending on the movement of gorillas in the forest. Once you find them one hour is given to you to spend with them as you learn about their behavior, feeding and playing habit as well as enjoy taking memorable photography for your future remembrance.
How Long Is a Gorilla Trek?
Take note, that gorillas prefer moving from place to place on daily basis. So, we advise you to be in good shape and health in order to enjoy gorilla trekking in Uganda. But if you have heavy luggage, porters are available who goes at small fee of money – at cost of USD15 to 20USD for hiring.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking Safaris can be done throughout the year but the best time is during dry season which starts from June to September and December to February. But if you’re to visit during peak season, we recommend you to book your gorilla permits in advance to avoid disappointment
You can still visit gorillas in wet season which occurs from March to May and October to November. During wet season lodges lows their rate and the park is out of crowder.
Permit Cost for Gorilla Trekking
Uganda Gorilla trekking permits goes at USD700 per person and Gorilla Habituation at 1500 per person and Rwanda Gorilla permit sold at USD1500 per person ‘’one hour’’. Uganda gorilla permits can be bought from ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority Offices or through help of trustworthy tour operator like we Achieve Global Safaris. Your required to check out Gorilla Trekking permits availability before the travel by your trustworthy tour agent.
Note: Gorilla trekking takes only one hour to stay with gorilla and Gorilla habituation experience -your allowed 4 hours with gorillas and its full day activity, only done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Paek among other three mountain gorilla destination.
What to Carry for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Visitors are advised to carry essential items like; long sleeved shirts, lightweight and waterproof safari clothes, binocular, Garden cloves, Insect repellent with DEET, Camera with enough batteries.
How Your Gorilla Safari Helps Conserve the Gorillas?
Through the money raised from tourism has helped a lot to conserve the few remaining gorillas in Uganda since these animals are highly endangered. This has helped to promote to an increase in the number of great mountain gorillas of lately. Also, part of the money, helps to support the surrounding local communities in promoting education and medical center as well as maintaining road.
Ideally, as a traveler can choose to combine Gorilla trekking Uganda with a visit to Kenya Wildlife Safari could be Masai Mara or Amboseli National Park.
Accessibilities; You can fry from Entebbe International Airport to Wilson Airport in Kenya, then be picked by a safari vehicle by professional driver to appointed safari place in Kenya.
Other Facts About – Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
Gorilla Trekking is one of the top amazing and memorable activities that attracts many tourists to visit East Africa. Fact, Mountain Gorillas are an endangered primate species with less than 1100 mountain gorillas left on the earth and as such they are listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. One to be able to visit mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, should either visit Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo. This activity of ‘’mountain gorilla trekking experience has often been described as a once in a life time experience by many visitors who are primitive lovers. The mountain gorilla trekking experience usually starts early in the morning with short briefing at the briefing point about gorilla tracking rules.
After you will be assigned to different gorilla families with a maximum of 8 individual assigned per group. Then after, the trekkers in accompany will proceed to the thick jungles and bamboo forest in search of the mountain gorillas. Upon meeting the gorilla family, you will be allowed a maximum of one hour to spend with the gorillas as you learn about their behaviors, feeding and playing as well as take memorable pictures as many as possible for your future remembrance.
Note; Gorilla trekking experience has the age limit which starts from 15 years and above, is only age limit allowed to trek gorillas.
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Wildlife Safari Rules in Uganda /Uganda Wildlife Safari Rules
Wildlife safari rules in Uganda; there are different guideline put in place to be followed during wildlife viewing at different destinations in the country.
These rules and regulations help to protect both the wildlife and tourists during their wildlife tour around Uganda which are commonly done in ten national parks found in different parts of the country.
These rules are to be followed during any activities which involve visitors on their wildlife safari and activities include game drives and guided nature walks among others.
Wildlife species to see during safari in Uganda include; elephants, lions, buffalos, leopards, giraffes, hippos, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, buck bucks, kudu, dik dik, warthogs, hyenas, cheetahs, Uganda kobs, jackals many more.
Wildlife rules and regulations are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority ‘’UWA’’ as following;
Keeping a safe distance from the animals
Visitors during their wildlife safari are encouraged to keep a safe distance when adventuring the habitats of the animals. The reason why you shouldn’t get close to the animals is too risky.
During game drives in search of the different wildlife species, guides driving the safari vehicles are discouraged from overcrowding the animals when they are observed in the wild.
Take note; driving close to the animals is unsafe and scary to the wildlife species hence leading to other tourists miss the chance to sight see wild animals.
Not feeding the animals
Another rule tourist is required to consider during their wildlife safari is to avoid feeding the animals. This rule can disrupt their natural feeding habits or risk making the wildlife sick.
Not chasing the animals
During a wildlife safari experience, visitors are discouraged from chasing the animals if they are to come close to the humans.
These rules are to ensure that wildlife species get their right of way which they are entitled to in their natural habitat.
Avoiding noise
Tourists are discouraged from making noise during the search for the wildlife species during safari. This is because the noise scares them away.
This rule-ensures that tourists avoid disturbing other visitors on safari in the same destination. Hooting at the animals is not permitted during safaris in Uganda.
Avoiding sudden movements
Making sudden movements during wildlife safari activities include guided nature walks in the presence of the animals, which scares them away.
Littering is prohibited
Tourists are encouraged to follow during wildlife safaris in Uganda – something that discourages them from littering.
However, Uganda Wildlife Authority also consider putting rubbish disposal in safari destination to discourage tourists from littering and to ensure the rubbish is properly disposed of.
Throwing rubbish in the right places keeps the animals safe.
Staying in the safari vehicle
It is unpredictable to tourists to step out of the vehicle without any permission. So, tourists are encouraged to use 4×4 safari vehicle with an open roof, to watch variety of animals safely. In Uganda, there are designated places where tourists can safely leave their safari vehicle and be able to enjoy spectacular view of the animals and the beautiful environment.
Driving off the designated tracks is prohibited;
During off game drives on the designated road on safari is prohibited. This is because visitors can easily get lost in the vast national parks during the search for the wildlife species.
Driving within the speed limit
When driving around the national park, visitor’s vehicles are expected to follow the speed limit of 40 kilometers per hour.
This helps to protect the animals from being knocked down by the vehicles as a result of over speeding.
No pets are allowed;
During wildlife safari, travelers are not permitted to carry their pets to the national parks around Uganda. This is because the behaviors of the pets in the presence of other wild animals may not be safe.
Following the opening times of the national parks;
Visitors are also encouraged to visit the national park during opening times which is 07:00am to 07:00pm.
Keeping receipts for the park entrance fees for the game parks sounds important during wildlife tours in Uganda. The receipts are inspected by the park authorities and are valid within 24hours upon entering the national parks.
Uganda primate safaris destination include Bwindi National park and Mgahinga National Park known as homes for endangered mountain gorillas and Kibale Forest National park capital home to chimpanzees.
Rules for Mountain gorilla trekking – Gorilla safaris include;
Gorilla safari is done with minimum age of 15 years and above.
Only maximum of 8 peoples are allowed to spend time with gorillas in Uganda.
Keeping a distance of about 7 meters away from the gorillas during gorilla trekking tours.
Flash discs are prohibited in the park, because they scare gorillas away.
Trackers are only allowed one hour to spend with the gorillas in their nature habitant.
