Uganda Named one of Nat Geo’s Top Ten Wildlife Destinations

Gorillas at Mgahinga National park

National Geographic has placed Uganda among their top ten ‘Must see Wildlife destinations’ in the world.

National Geographic singled out gorilla tracking as among their top ten recommendations.

In Africa, it is only Madagascar which received a mention, the other destinations being Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, Alaska and New Mexico in the United States, Scotland, Trinidad and the Falkland Islands.

“The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to roughly half the 750 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild. Expect thick jungle, a lot of sweat, and then the miracle of going eye to eye with the very deep gaze of a watchful silver back,” Nat Geo Society revealed.

Uganda has two gorilla national parks, Bwindi and Mgahinga. The two offer a complete range of attractions, from Mt. Elgon to the Rwenzori Mountains – the latter one of the mystic mountain ranges also called the Mountains of the Moon by the ancient Greeks.

Visits to Uganda’s gorilla parks are made even easier for potential visitors through the common East African Tourist Visa which covers entry to Kenya and Rwanda too.

The National Geographic Society (Nat Geo) has been inspiring people to care about the planet since 1888.

It is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational institutions in the world.

Its interests include geography, archaeology and natural science, and the promotion of environmental and historical conservation.

Queen Elizabeth Tops Tourist Attractions in East Africa Region

Tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Tourists are encouraged to look out for such attractions that are unique to the park. Uganda and Queen Elizabeth have been listed by Lonely Planet as one of the region’s valued destinations and attractions tourists should look out for in 2016.  Other countries in East Africa (EA) named were Kenya and Tanzania. In their latest publication, Lonely Planet, the world’s largest travel guide publisher, East Africa was ranked third on the 10-annual hot-list of wallet friendly destinations where tourists should go in 2016.

The publication reads: “…Africa is a massive continent so you’ll be doing yourself and tourism in East Africa a favour if you take advantage of the cracking deals on offer to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and the rest of the region.” It further mentions the region’s attractions such as gorilla tracking, Rift valley scenery and the squeaky-sand beaches as some of the world’s great wonders tourists should experience. The magazine said at Queen Elizabeth National Park, tourists could look out for tree-climbing lions and elephants and more than 600 different bird species.

“…This is the place to come for guaranteed sightings of a huge range of African wildlife, a real-life geography lesson in the difference between Savannah, wetlands and forest and the chance to do all this without having to share it with too many of your fellow humans,” the magazine mentioned. In an interview with Daily Monitor on what the listing means to Uganda and East Africa in general, Uganda Tourism Board chief executive officer Stephen Asiimwe said: “This is a vote of confidence for Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania because we complement each other.”

He added that a lot of effort has been put in the Destination Uganda campaign to ensure the country becomes the best destination and results have been accolades being won.
“Our teams have been very active mapping out product development to promote Uganda beyond wildlife but also look at our unique attractions like tribes, religious tourism, and quality assurance of facilities to have acceptable standards countrywide,” he said. Mr Joshua Ssali Ssentongo, a marketing consultant at VC Business Solutions, a tourism marketing firm, says such credible recommendations, strategically hyped shall see tourist numbers increase.

“This is going to happen especially during the peak summer season after the elections providing a much needed forex boost in the economy which positively trickles down to everybody,” he said. Mr Geoffrey Baluku, a member of the East Africa Tourism Platform, said: “This will boost our image and reaffirm Uganda as a tourism destination.” According to latest statistics, the tourism sector contribution to the economy was Shs5.6 trillion (7.9 per cent of GDP) in 2013 and rose to Shs6.4 trillion (9.9 per cent of GDP) in 2014. This is forecast to rise by 8.0 per cent in 2015.

Regional gorilla census starts

The mountain gorillas are found in 3 African countries (Uganda, Rwanda & DRC Congo) and a census to ascertain the number of endangered mountain gorillas in three neighbouring countries of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has started.
The venture, which started last week in Virunga National Game Park in DRC, is aimed at ascertaining whether mountain gorilla numbers are increasing or not.

Mr Pontius Ezuma, the supervisor of the 331-square kilometres Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, said last week regional governments are working together owing to the fact that they all share gorillas that keep moving freely in the neighboring parks.
Mr Ezuma said a new method of counting the gorillas, which live communally, is being used and the surveyors will gather faecal matter and test their DNA as opposed to head counting.

“Direct counting sometimes does not give you accurate results but we now test the DNA of the faecal matter we find on the gorilla nests,” Mr Ezuma said last week. He was meeting officials of the National Environment Management Authority, who are jointly working with the United Nations Development Programme to gather data that will help to identify financial gaps needed to conserve ecosystems in the country, under the project Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN).

Mr David Agenya, a guide in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, explained that gorillas build nests either on the ground or in trees where they sleep in the evening.

In the 2011 census, there were 880 mountain gorillas in the three countries with Uganda having 480 of them, and for tourism, they brings in over Shs19 billion annually in foreign exchange earnings.

Mr Francis Sabino Ogwal, the coordinator for the BIOFIN project, said although Bwindi forest brings in a lot of revenue, it is hard to ascertain how much is needed to conserve it.

Uganda has 11 gorilla groups or families habituated for trekking while one is for research. These include, Rushegura, Habinyanja, Mubare, Nkuringo, Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mishaya, Nshongi, Kahungye, and recently the new groups called Busingye and Bweza. Kyaguriro gorilla group located in Ruhija is for research. Then Nyakagezi group found in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mountain gorilla habituation take about 2-3 years and below are some of the gorilla families in Bwindi

Mubare is the oldest habituated gorilla group in Uganda. It was found in the Mubare hills, deep in Bwindi forest, and was fully habituated in 1993. The group started with 12 family members, led by the dominant silver back Ruhondeza. In a few years the group grew to 18 individuals. Unfortunately, due to fights with wild gorilla groups and loss of members

The Habinyanja group was first visited by tourists in 1999. The name comes from “Nyanja” which is the local word for ‘body of water’. It refers to the swamp in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where the group was first sighted. Habinyanja is a fascinating family with a lot of drama and commotion. This is caused by the power struggles between the dominant silver backs and fights for the family leadership. The adult females are led by the shrewd alpha female called Kisho

The Rushegura gorilla family was brought together in 2002, after one of the silver backs from the Habinyanja group decided to break away. They started with 12 individuals including 5 females. This “Habinyanya 2 group” quickly received a new name, that derives from “Ebishegura” – a tree specie that was abundant in the home area of the new family. The Rushegura group is a calm family. In the past they used to cross the border to neighboring DRC every now and than but always returned to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. They are usually not far from Buhoma Village and sometimes even wander through the gardens of the lodges

The Bitukura group was named after a river where the family members were first sighted. The habituation that started in July 2007 was a relatively easy process as the gorillas were already frequently encountered by the UWA rangers. Although the habituation process normally takes a minimum of two years, this group could already be visited by tourists within 15 months after the start. Bitukura is a peaceful family including 4 silver backs and some playful juveniles. They share a close bond and often have ‘group meetings’ or get-togethers<

The Nkuringo group was named after the Rukiga word for “round hill” and was launched in 2004. One of the most important reasons for their habituation were the problems they created for the local communities by destroying crops and other products. By opening up the gorilla family for visitors, the community could directly benefit from tourism and it formed a protection for the gorillas as well. The family was led by the silver back Nkuringo who died in 2008, leaving behind 2 silver backs in the group. In November 2008, the Nkuringo family expanded thanks to the special birth of a twin – Katungi and Muhozi – though Katungi unfortunately died at the age of 1.5 years.

Nshongi is the largest group ever habituated and was officially launched in September 2009. It was named after the river Nshongi, close to the place where the gorilla family was first seen. Although most gorilla families usually consist of 25 members with one or two silver backs, this family is a rare excemption. Another remarkable fact is that the group is led by Nshongi, who is not even the oldest silver back in the family.

Busingye gorilla group is the newest family to break away from Kahungye which was opened for trekking in 2011. It was suspected that at one time Kahungye would split as it had three silver backs and a bigger group.

With self drive Uganda you can experience one of these gorilla families taking self drive option or booking an escorted trip in Uganda and visit their “website”

Things you wish to know while traveling to Uganda on Self drive ( tips and advise )

 

Things you wish to know while traveling to Uganda on Self drive ( tips and advise )
-Self-Driving -Uganda can be easy on most routes but you need to be prepared for the distances, road rules, 4WD tracks and outback roads you might travel.
Travelling by road is the most accessible and cheapest way to travel using the small SUV (4×4 Rav4) or (4×4 Land Cruiser), and ventures far off the beaten track.
Driving in Uganda can be as safe as possible if you take the following precautions
-Avoid driving at night as you know night life is associated with many issues, from 7:00pm it begins to get dark, while in the morning the sky begins to become light from 6:30Am , some places get foggy at night which makes visibility difficult and connectivity Difficult.
-While traveling to Murchison falls park/Kibale and queen Elizabeth park , Be careful Also baboons will try & get in the car in search of food so another reason to keep doors locked
-Its advised to drive with the car doors locked petty thieves can be spotted around Kampala, city centres and along Entebbe airport road(Queens way) they target tourist vehicles .
-Be observatory to locals as they use the tarmac as a sidewalk, in the country side and in city centres.
-Be careful many bicycles, and motorbikes(Boda boda) that do not use their headlights especially at night they get on and off the road any how.
-Be careful with Taxi drivers( Matatu drivers) as they pick and drop off passengers on the road when ever they feel like, So while driving , its better you leave a reasonable distance between you and them.
-There’s Very limited amount of traffic outside of town but if there’s nothing much you need from Kampala, try to avoid it as Traffic in Kampala is nasty, (jam-packed tight!) the traffic jam here can get worse especially during evening and morning hours or take alternative route.

-Speed limit is posted at 50, and 80 km/h on high way traffic police will always use speed gun to detect over speeding vehicles and penalty is high.
-You can buy a Ugandan sim card if u have unlocked phone. You need a copy of your passport/driving permit , if you have an unlocked phone you can buy a Ugandan sim card for 1USD and then buy time – pay as you go its much easier that way, Air tel and MTN are the best cell phone network companies, best place to get it at airport MTN shop or to buy this in city centers like at Garden city or Nakumatt shopping malls
-Avoid estimating the distance basing on google map, these may not give you the actual driving time as some roads are characterized with potholes.
_Avoid leaving your valuable in the car just in case you’re getting out of the car, items like passport, camera ,GPS, Laptops, Wallet and mobile phones should be carried along in your backpack where ever you go.
-Recommended credit card mostly used here is VISA CARD( others card like Master card ,Capital card are accepted by a few financial institutions.
– Note: paying for gas is done in CASH ONLY (No credit cards!!) so always carry enough enough cash with you when leaving for upcountry.
-Lastly, its advisable to carry dollar notes from year 2006 and above otherwise old notes bellow 2006 wont be accepted in most hotels, national parks, banks and forex bureaus.

By Self drive uganda

13 Days Pure Uganda Wildlife & Primates

The 13 days Uganda Safari offers great experience the true African wildness as it takes you to unspoiled corners of Uganda including the Murchison falls National Park. Expect to have big game drive as you spot for some of the Big 5; African lion, Elephant, Buffalo, and Leopard. Take Boat trips to explore more of the prolific bird life and animals, primates trekking, Gorilla tracking, Cultural walks, Forest walks, excellent bird watching, Mountain hikes, in the impenetrable natural forest and photography among others. This tours starts and ends at Entebbe Airport in Uganda.

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda

On your arrival, you will receive warm greetings from your driver guide and transfer to Cassia. If you arrive in morning hours, you can take a city tour in Kampala; visit Kasubi Tombs, Bahia Tempo and Nakasero Fruits market where you can interact with Kampala’s friendly people. All meals at cassia lodge

Day 2: Kampala-Murchison Falls National Park

Morning breakfast will be followed by connection to Murchison falls National Park (7-8hrs drive), pass through Rhino sanctuary have lunch at Rhinos hotel, proceed to. Murchison Falls is the largest park in the country with a large population of animals, birds and beautiful landscapes of savannah and forests, relax in the evening as you wait for dinner and overnight at Fort Murchison Camp.

Day 3: Full Day in Murchison Falls National Park

Set out after some tea or coffee and embark on an exciting 3-4 hour early morning game drive to explore the savannah in the Northern bank of the Nile. Expect to see herds of buffaloes, elephants, lions, giraffes, waterbucks, Oribi, bushbucks, spotted hyenas and leopards. Return to the lodge for late breakfast and relax as we wait for lunch. Gather your strength after lunch for an unforgettable, spectacular, fascinating safari by boat along the magnificent River Nile to the bottom of the Murchison Falls. Expect to find many Hippos, Huge Nile crocodiles and Buffalos basking along the shores. Return for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Murchison Falls – Albertine Rift Valley – Kibale Forest

Have breakfast and drive for (7-8 hrs drive) through Lake Albert and the Rift Valley escarpment, with breathtaking panoramic sceneries en-route to Fort Portal; the capital town of Toro kingdom which lies on the shadow of Ruwenzori Mountains. Relax in the evening at Kibale Forest Camp as you wait for dinner and overnight. At Kibale Forest Camp

Day 5: Primates tracking

After early morning breakfast drive to Kibale forest park HQ (1hrs drive) Assemble at Kanyanchu tourists center for a briefing on Chimpanzee tracking. Expect to encounter other primates like black and white Colobus, vervet and red tailed monkey with over 350 bird species including the rare shoebill. After lunch, gather your strength for a nature walk to Bigodi ecotourism project near Kibale forest. Expect to typical / traditional homestead, to hear storytellers, the local healer and get an idea of the traditional culture of the Batoro and Bakiga. Return for dinner and overnight at Kibale forest lodge.

Day 6: Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park

We shall have breakfast and start a 2-3hrs drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, with lots of game viewing en-route. Expect to find early raisers and predators returning to the hideouts; relax as we wait for lunch at Bush Lodge/Enganzi Lodge. Embark on a launch cruise after lunch from Mweya peninsula along Kazinga channel, famous for the highest concentration of Hippos in Africa, with huge Nile crocodiles, Buffalos and Elephants along the shores and about 611 bird species. The boat provides a clear platform for photographing. Relax in the evening as we wait for dinner and overnight at Enganzi lodge/Bush Lodge.

Day 7: Wildlife Exploration in Queen Elizabeth

Another extraordinary wildlife experience awaits you this morning! After a cup of coffee. Go for a game drive along the tracks of Queen Elizabeth, in the Northern side towards Lake George and Kasenyi village. Expect to see lions, herds of elephant, buffaloes, spotted hyenas, waterbucks, Ugandan kobs, and shy/rare leopard. Gather your strength in afternoon for more exploration of the park to the Southern Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth. The game drive here rewards your with tree climbing lions which are seen during the hot hours of the day, as they lie resting on top of Figs trees. Also expect herds of buffaloes, elephants, topi antelopes and more. Return for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Kyambura Gorge-Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, drive to Kyambura / Chambura gorge for wild chimpanzee tracking. Expect other primates like Vervets, Colobus and red-tailed monkeys, Giant forest hog, Gal ago and Mangabeys with many bird species. Later proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; Home to half of the remaining world population of the endangered Mountain Gorillas. Arrive by evening, dinner and overnight at Gorilla Resort / Buhoma Community Banda’s.

Day 9: Day for Life changing event; Gorilla Tracking

After early breakfast, proceed to park headquarters with packed lunch for a briefing about the Dos and Don’ts while with gorillas. Tracking can take 2-9 hours depending on their movements. Tracking involves walking up through steep and densely forested hills before finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation. You will stay with these Giant apes for 1 hour for observation and photography. In the evening, you can relax at the lodge or take a cultural walk to nearby Batwa communities and learn about their cultures. Dinner and overnight stay in Buhoma Community Camp.

Day 10: Bwindi Forest – Lake Bunyonyi

Breakfast will be followed by transfer to Lake Bunyonyi with wonderful sceneries en-route. Enjoy one of the most extraordinary wildlife and birding experience by boat as you cross the Lake Bunyonyi. The forested green islands on the lake are home to different species of endemic birds which the guide will help you to spot. All meals at Bunyonyi Overland Camp

Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi-Lake Mburo National Park

Have breakfast and drive through Kabale in the Kigezi region, known as the Switzerland of Africa characterized by terraced cultivated hills and later connect to Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest of Ugandan National Parks. Expect big game drive en-route as you head to Lake Mburo National Park. Take an evening game drive before sunset in search for the beautiful impalas, elands, topi and many antelopes, buffaloes, and zebras among others. Dinner and overnight at Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Day 12: Boat ride on Lake Mburo – Kampala

After breakfast, embark on a morning boat trip on Mburo Lake, an excellent place for birding including the rare shoe bill. Other animals include Hippos, Huge crocodiles. Later proceed to Kampala with a stop at the equator for photographs, reach by afternoon. Dinner and overnight at cassia lodge

Day 13: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, relax at your hotel, or transfer to Ngamba Island (Chimpanzee sanctuary) and later transfer to the airport.

The Price based on 2 Pax will cost $ 3715 USD per person

The safari includes:

Ground transportation

Accommodation and meals

Gorilla permits

Chimp permits

Park entrance

En-route lunch

Driver

Fuel

Nature walks

Community traditions dances

City tour

Ferry crossing

Boat cruise

Rhino tracking

The safari excludes:

Luxury drinks, air fare, visa, phone calls, laundry, porter fee, personal insurance, personal shopping bills, cigarettes