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How to Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi on a Budget

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Gorilla trekking is an unforgettable adventure, taking you deep into Africa’s tropical rainforests to meet the magnificent mountain gorillas. It’s a bucket-list experience for many eco-tourists, offering a unique opportunity to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is one of the few places on Earth where you can encounter these critically endangered animals. With nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas residing in Bwindi, it’s a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

However, gorilla trekking doesn’t come cheap. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $600 per person and increased to $800 as of July 2022. While this is significantly more affordable than Rwanda’s $1,500 permit, the cost can still seem prohibitive for budget travelers. Thankfully, there are several strategies to make this adventure more affordable. Here’s a guide to going gorilla trekking in Bwindi on a budget.

Book Gorilla Permits Directly

One way to cut costs is by booking your gorilla permit directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). You can do this online through their official website. By avoiding middlemen or tour operators, you save on additional administrative and handling fees. This straightforward approach ensures you only pay the permit fee, helping you keep expenses in check.

Rent a Car or Use Public Transport

Instead of opting for a fully inclusive safari package, consider renting a car and driving yourself to Bwindi. Several car rental companies in Uganda offer budget-friendly options, such as the Toyota Rav4 for $40 per day or a Land Cruiser Prado Car rental  for $70 per day. This option not only saves money but also allows you to explore at your own pace.

Uganda’s roads are well-maintained, and Bwindi is accessible with clear routes marked on Google Maps. If driving isn’t your style, you can use public buses that head to Kisoro, a town near Bwindi. From Kisoro, you can hire local taxis to take you to the park. While public transport is cheaper—typically costing under $50—it’s time-consuming and less convenient than renting a car.

Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodation

Accommodation near Bwindi comes in various categories: luxury, mid-range, and budget lodges. For budget travelers, lodges in the lower price range offer decent services at a fraction of the cost. With some research, you can find accommodation for as little as $30 per night.

Another affordable option is camping. Many lodges have camping grounds where you can pitch a tent at a minimal cost. Alternatively, you can rent camping gear from car rental companies for about $10 per day. The gear typically includes a tent, mattress, bed cover, cooler box, and cooking utensils. With these facilities, you can cook your meals and save further on dining expenses.

Book Through Small Tour Companies

For those who prefer not to handle all arrangements themselves, small or startup tour companies such as Around Uganda Tours can provide affordable packages. These operators often offer competitive rates as they aim to attract customers in a market dominated by larger companies. They’re more flexible and willing to negotiate prices, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers.

When selecting a tour company, read reviews and ask for detailed itineraries to ensure you get the best value for your money.

Travel During the Low Season

While gorilla permit prices in Uganda remain the same year-round, traveling during the low season can still reduce overall trip costs. Accommodation, food, and transport services are typically cheaper during these periods due to lower demand.

The low seasons in Uganda are October, November, March, April, and May. These months coincide with the rainy season, so be prepared for wet conditions. However, the rain doesn’t deter the gorillas, and trekking remains an incredible experience.

Plan and Book in Advance

Booking your gorilla trekking trip well in advance can also help reduce costs. Planning six months to a year ahead gives you ample time to research and secure the best deals on accommodation, transport, and other essentials. Early booking also allows you to negotiate better rates with tour operators and service providers.

Consider Cooking Your Meals

Food can be a significant expense while traveling, but preparing your meals can help you save money. If you’re camping, use the cooking equipment provided by your rental company or lodge. Stock up on groceries in major towns like Kampala or Kabale before heading to Bwindi. This approach not only cuts costs but also gives you control over your meals.

Why Bwindi Is Ideal for Budget Gorilla Trekking

Among the three main gorilla trekking destinations—Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—Uganda stands out as the most affordable and accessible for budget travelers. In addition to lower permit costs, Uganda offers reasonably priced food, accommodation, and transport.

Uganda is also incredibly safe for tourists, with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly locals. Beyond gorilla trekking, the country boasts other attractions, such as wildlife safaris, chimpanzee tracking, and stunning landscapes, ensuring you get the most out of your trip.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi doesn’t have to break the bank. By planning ahead, making strategic choices, and taking advantage of budget-friendly options, you can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience without straining your finances.

Whether you’re navigating directly through UWA, camping under the stars, or traveling during the low season, there’s always a way to make gorilla trekking accessible. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park awaits with its awe-inspiring wildlife and lush landscapes—a testament to the wonders of nature. For any traveler seeking an affordable adventure, it’s a destination like no other.

How Long Should I Plan for a Kenya Safari?

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Kenya Safari

Planning the ideal Kenya safari requires thoughtful consideration of various factors to ensure a memorable and enriching experience. The duration of your Kenya safari is a crucial aspect that can significantly impact your overall enjoyment and the depth of your wildlife encounters. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to how long you should plan for a Kenya safari, several factors should influence your decision. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore these factors and provide insights to help you determine the optimal duration for your safari adventure.

Safari Goals and Interests

Begin by clarifying your safari objectives and interests. Are you primarily interested in seeing specific wildlife species, witnessing the Great Migration, or experiencing diverse ecosystems? Your goals will influence the duration of your safari.

If you have specific wildlife sightings or experiences in mind, such as observing the Big Five or witnessing wildebeest crossings, plan for a longer safari to increase your chances of fulfilling these objectives.

Diversity of Wildlife and Ecosystems

Kenya is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, encompassing diverse ecosystems ranging from savannas and forests to mountains and coastal regions. The country boasts an array of iconic wildlife species, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), as well as numerous bird species and other mammals. To fully appreciate this richness and witness a wide variety of wildlife behaviours, a longer safari duration is advisable.

Geographic Spread of National Parks and Reserves

Kenya is home to numerous national parks and reserves scattered across the country. Each of these areas offers unique landscapes and wildlife populations. Popular destinations include the Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park, Samburu National Reserve, and Lake Nakuru National Park, among others. Exploring multiple parks requires sufficient time for travel between destinations and thorough exploration within each area. 

Seasonal Considerations

The timing of your safari can influence the duration of your trip. Kenya experiences distinct dry and rainy seasons, each offering unique wildlife-viewing opportunities. The dry season, typically from June to October, is considered the best time for safaris due to the sparse vegetation, making it easier to spot wildlife around water sources. Conversely, the rainy season, from March to May, can be challenging for game viewing due to thick vegetation and muddy roads. Depending on the season you choose, you may need to allocate additional time to compensate for potential obstacles.

Safari Activities and Experiences

Beyond traditional game drives, Kenya offers a plethora of safari activities to enhance your experience. These may include guided nature walks, hot air balloon safaris, cultural interactions with local communities, bird watching expeditions, and photographic safaris. The duration of your safari should allow ample time to partake in these activities without feeling rushed.

Conservation and Sustainability

Responsible tourism practices advocate for sustainable safari experiences that minimize environmental impact and support local communities. Longer safari duration enable travelers to engage more deeply with conservation efforts, such as visiting wildlife rehabilitation centers, participating in community-based initiatives, and learning about the challenges facing Kenya’s ecosystems. By prolonging your stay, you can contribute meaningfully to conservation efforts while gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s ecological significance. 

Leisure vs. Intensive Safari Experience

Consider your preferred pace of travel and level of immersion in the safari experience. A shorter safari may suit travelers seeking a brief introduction to Kenya’s wildlife, while a longer safari allows for a more leisurely exploration.

If you prefer a relaxed pace with downtime for leisure activities or cultural interactions, opt for a longer safari duration to avoid feeling rushed.

Budgetary Considerations

Budget constraints may influence the duration of your Kenya safari. While longer safaris typically entail higher costs for accommodations, transportation, park fees, and other expenses, there are opportunities to customize your itinerary to suit your budget. Consider alternative lodging options such as tented camps or eco-lodges, opt for group tours or package deals, and plan your safari during the shoulder seasons for potential cost savings.

Personal Constraints and Time Availability

Assess your personal constraints, including available vacation time, work commitments, and other travel obligations. Your schedule may dictate the duration of your safari. While longer safaris offer more comprehensive experiences, shorter safaris can still provide rewarding wildlife encounters within a limited time frame.

In conclusion, the ideal duration for a Kenya safari varies depending on above factors. While there is no definitive answer, a safari duration of at least seven to ten days is recommended to fully immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Kenya and maximize your wildlife encounters. Ultimately, the key is to plan thoughtfully, seeking a balance between adventure, relaxation, and cultural enrichment to create lasting memories of your safari expedition in the heart of Africa.

Best Parks for Wildlife Safaris in East Africa

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Serengeti National Park

Wildlife is amongst the reasons why thousands of tourists pack for numerous destinations around the globe. Africa is one of those destinations. This continent invites travelers with its diverse wildlife which include unique species that are not found in other continents like Europe, Asia and more.

These species are scattered in different regions including East Africa, a home to mountain gorillas, chimpanzee primates, Golden monkeys, African big fives and the notable Wildebeests.

If you are a person who has saved for years just to have ultimate safari encounters with different Wildlife species, don’t hesitate to include East Africa on your bucket list.

This region is highly endowed and will leave you with everlasting memories. Below are some of the major hotspots that leave most wildlife addicts just contented with all what they offer.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

If you ask most tourists the reasons for their trip to Kenya, Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of them. This protected area is huge and a highlight for Tourism in Kenya.

It tempts tourists with its diverse wildlife that consist of different animals like the African big fives, wildebeests, zebras and a number antelopes. There are many activities to partake such as game drive, hot air balloon rides but most travelers come to see the great World’s Wildebeest migration.

Kidepo Valle National Park

Situated far in the north eastern part of Uganda, Kidepo is a park of its kind in Uganda. This protected area differs itself unique from other with a number of unusual species that are not found in other parks around the country. On your next safari to Uganda, don’t miss this less visited national park in Uganda.

 

Some of these species include ostrich, serval cats and more. Other animals that enjoy the beautiful habitats of Kidepo are elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes to mention but a few.

Serengeti National Park

For anyone who seek a glimpse of Tanzania’s rich Wildlife, Serengeti should be your first start. This Park covers an area in the northern part of Tanzania on the borders with Kenya.

 

Its luxuriant habitats (composed of savannah grasslands, woodlands and shrubs) plays host to a plethora of wild animals, species of birds, insects and reptiles. The list of animals and other species in this park is endless, but some of those that dazzle tourists are the Wildebeests, African big fives, Zebras and more.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Situated in the western part of Uganda, this Park was named to commemorate the visit by Queen Elizabeth II. It welcomes visitors with its wide range of Wildlife species.

 

The park is divided into different parts including the Kasenyi plains, Mweya peninsula, Kyambura gorge and the southern Ishasha sector.

Animals are plenty here including African big fives, antelopes, but the main highlight for tourists are the famous tree climbing lions that rest in the fig trees in Ishasha.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison is another spot that tempt travelers with its beautiful Wildlife. Located in the north western part of Uganda along the Albertine Rift, Murchison Falls Game Park is the largest Park in Uganda.

Travelers know it not only for its Wildlife but also the great Murchison Falls, a natural scenery within the Park boundaries. You get there by road from Kampala via Kampala – Masindi – Gulu highway or arrange private charters from Entebbe up to Pakuba airstrip.

Kibale Forest National Park

This is for Lovers of Chimpanzees. Kibale Forest National Park is positioned in the western part of Uganda. With its high numbers of primates, travelers around the globe refer to it as the primate capital of Uganda.

Its evergreen vegetation and stretch of trees is a great habitat to plenty of wildlife species including over thirteen primates and different bird species. Chimpanzee tracking, habituation experience and bird watching are the main activities offered in this Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is located just in the South western part of Uganda. It is one of the two Uganda’s Parks that are home to the rarely seen species of Gorillas. About 95 percent of Uganda’s Gorilla population is found in this protected area. Bwindi stretch of thick forest is a habitat not only to Gorillas, but also to a number of other species like monkeys, birds and more.

Akagera National Park

When it comes to Wildlife Safaris in Rwanda, Akagera National Park has to be the first on list. This protected area is nestled in the eastern part of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania.

Its beautiful habitats are inhabited by a number of animals including African big fives, birds and reptiles. Lakes within its boundaries like Lake Ihema are home to some aquatic species like crocodiles, hippopotamus and water birds.

Most animals in the park are sighted while on game drives, those who are after the species of black Rhinoceros, a helicopter is available to drive to the exact location of these species. Since these animals are dangerous to human life, you can only see them from the helicopter seat.

Best Places to See Primates in Africa

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Nyungwe Forest

Both Uganda and Rwanda are the ultimate countries to visit if you love primates. These two tropical countries are endowed with primates. If you are looking to amazing primate tours in Eastern Africa, you should not miss planning a safari through any of these amazing destinations in Uganda or Rwanda.

Kibale Forest National Park

The popular Kibale Forest National Park is one of the best safari destinations in Africa for chimpanzee treks in Uganda. The Park contains one of the most beautiful and with the most varying tracts of tropical forest in the whole of Uganda.

Kibale Forest

This is place to a number of forest wildlife, most especially 13 species of primate coupled with chimpanzees. The Forest covering predominates in the central and Fort portal side. It’s a 12km hike and usually done in the dry seasons. The months are mid November – February, June and September. Hiking helps discover Kibale Forest park’s assorted habitats such as river line forest, swamp, grassland and tropical rain forest. Visit Bigodi a top birders spot. It’s famous for wildlife such as chimpanzees, red colobus, black and white colobus, red tailed monkey, bush buck as well as mongoose. It has about 138 bird species seen on nature walks within.

The nature walk begins from Kanyanchu or Sebitoli and it takes about 2-6 days. The en-route will help discover the forest and late rest in the community-run campsites close to the villages of Kikoni, Nyakalongo and Nyaibanda. Other mammals are also present, though they are hardly seen. These consist of buffalo, leopard, bush pig elephant, and duiker. A neat viewer could also see amphibians and reptiles and a colorful variety of butterflies.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest is home to a whopping 13 primate species, 25% of primate species in all of Africa. Early breakfast before you enter the Nyungwe Forest National Park. Track the Chimps in this primate forest and once you meet them you will be awed by their resemblance to the human race. Wear good walking shoes, you will have to hike ~30-60 minutes (relatively flat) to reach the chimps. Your visit will be finished by mid-morning so book another activity for the rest of the day, like the canopy tour or one of the guided nature walks.

Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe Forest is a hidden gem and there’s lot of nature activities to do. You can also decide to take up a chimpanzee track the next day. After breakfast at your lodge you will make an entrance to the chimpanzee sanctuary where you will have the chance to track the gentle Giants. Hike the bamboo forest in search for the chimpanzees and once you meet them, spend short time observing and taking pictures of the primates before you return to your lodge.

Best 5 Places to Visit in Rwanda

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Rwanda is dubbed the land of a thousand hills thanks to its rolling hills. It is set strategically in East Africa and features among a few most sought after safari destinations in Africa. Regardless of its small size, Rwanda is that one magical destination with so much for travelers to enjoy and explore while on African safari. It boasts not for its majestic Virunga Mountain ranges in the northwest but also for its lush rain forests, a section of rare mountain gorillas that today remain not more than 1004 in the world and only confined in Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park and the Virunga National Park; golden monkeys, scenic lakes, rivers, breathtaking landscape to mention but a few.

The best places to visit in Rwanda range from the pristine parks to historical or cultural sites. They include among others;

Volcanoes National Park

The Volcanoes National Park is that one best place to visit in Rwanda. This spectacular national park is set in the northwestern side of Rwanda at the border with Mgahinga National Park and the Virunga National Park which makes it part of the vast Virunga Conservation Areas (VCA).

 

It takes you about 2-3 hours to drive from Kigali capital city or Kigali airport to this park. Volcanoes National Park was gazetted in 1925 making it one of the oldest national parks in Africa and its creation was mainly to conserve the unique mountain gorillas and their habitats as well as other incredible wildlife species including golden monkeys. There are also over 200 bird species to spot out in Volcanoes National Park, five of the eight Virunga Volcanoes are also confined within this protected area and several plant species.

While on safari in Volcanoes National Park, you have opportunity to take part in a number of most exciting activities including mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, bird watching, nature walks/hiking, cultural encounter, volcano hiking to mention but a few. Volcanoes National Park can be visited at any time of the year depending on your travel needs. However, it is best explored in the months of June, July, August, September and December, January, February. Volcanoes National Park can also be explored in the months of March, April, May and October, November and this is usually a wet or low season.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe National Park is situated in southern Rwanda and boasts of its biodiversity. It is remarkable home to over 1000 distinct plant species, about 13 primate species including over 500 chimpanzees, over 310 bird species, several mammal species, butterflies, pristine rainforest to mention but a few.

 

The primate species to look out in Nyungwe Forest National Park besides chimpanzees include the red colobus monkeys, Angolan colobus monkeys, Dent’s monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, grey cheeked mangabeys and many others.

A visit to Nyungwe Forest National Park gets you opportunity to take part in chimpanzee tracking, colobus tracking, canopy walk, bird witching and others.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park lies in northeastern Rwanda and features as the only savanna park in this country. It is 110 kilometers’ drive away from Kigali capital city. It was founded in 1934 and its creation was mainly to conserve its diverse wildlife species. This park derived its name from Kagera River which flows through the park.

 

Akagera National Park is a home to African lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, over 550 bird species, leopards, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles and many others.  The activities to do in this national park range from bird watching, game drives (both day and night game drives), nature walks, helicopter tours, boat cruise along Lake Ihema, cultural tours to mention but a few.

Gishwati Mukura National Park

Gishwati Mukura National Park is a newly established conservancy area in Rwanda and for visitors in need of fresh experiences; it is one of the best places to visit. This park inhabits several primates including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, olive baboons and many birds. Gishwati Mukura National Park comprises of the Gishwati Forest Reserve and Mukura Forest Reserve.

Kigali capital city

 

A visit to Rwanda is never complete without a visit to Kigali capital city, one of the most vibrant cities in Africa. Kigali is best explored while you are on a city tour. It features many ridges, valleys, flowering trees, art and craft centers, coffee shops and many historical sites.

Genocide sites

Rwanda like other states holds a unique history that is worth exploring and most significantly, the Rwandan genocide of 1994 was one of the most terrific events. Today, there are many genocide sites worth visiting for you to learn in depth about what took place during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. They include Kigali/Gisozi genocide memorial site, hotel Rwanda and others.

4 Epic African Safari Experiences to Enjoy

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East Africa Safari

Africa is blessed with not only unique landmarks but also has countless experiences for you to enjoy. Regardless of your travel plans, a visit to Africa is worth it! There are many ways to experience Africa to the fullest whether you wish to embark on exciting white water rafting on the Zambezi River or source of the Nile at Jinja or to strike your imaginations with the rare mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat.

Below are four epic African experiences to enjoy;

Mountain gorilla adventures

A trip to Africa is only complete when you include mountain gorilla trekking experience in your travel plan. Africa is blessed with the rare mountain gorillas that are inhabited in only the lush rainforests of Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park in southwestern Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda and Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Mountain gorilla trekking involves hiking through the steep slopes and dense rain forests of Uganda, Rwanda and DRC while in search for mountain gorillas. A glimpse at these massive creatures in their natural habitat is such a magical experience not to miss on a gorilla safari in Africa.

To trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo, you need a gorilla permit. Each country has its set price for gorilla permits and in Uganda, you can obtain a permit at $700 through a ground tour operator who is trust worthy or reservation office at Uganda Wildlife Authority; in Rwanda gorilla permits are issued at $1500 per person per trek and you can obtain one through a trust worthy tour operator or reservation office at Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and in DR Congo, you can secure gorilla permit at $400.

Mount Kilimanjaro/Rwenzori Mountain climbing

Best referred to as the Roof of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and comprises of three magical volcanoes-Kibo, Shira and Mawenzi. It stands at elevation of about 5895 meters and forms part of the Kilimanjaro National Park. It is remarkably a prime climbing destination in Africa and to make a complete hike through this mountain, you need about 9-16 days.

Rwenzori Mountains-formerly known as Ruwenzori range lies in the eastern equatorial Africa along the border between Uganda and the DR Congo. The Rwenzori Mountain ranges features glaciers and the highest peak stands at elevation of about 5109 meters. The peaks feature permanent snow capped. The Rwenzori Mountain ranges also popularly called the Mountains of the moon cover parts of Rwenzori National Park and the Virunga National Park.

View the Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls presents breathtaking view of off-beaten beauty on the Zambezi River creating border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Best described as the smoke that thunders, Victoria Falls are a few iconic tourist treasures Africa boasts of.

Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration

A glimpse at the great wildebeest migration in Africa rewards travel endeavors with lifetime experiences. Over a million wildebeests and 60000 zebras can be spotted moving in a huge loop from Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

5 Parks for Your Self-drive Trip to Uganda

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Road Trip in Uganda

A self-drive trip is one of the exciting moments of exploring the world. A self-drive in Uganda is by no doubt the best way to explore Uganda especially when it’s a novice vacation. So, you are wishing to hire a 4×4 safari vehicle and wondering which park should visit while in Uganda. Uganda boasts for hosting 10 hot national parks. These parks have statured to offer unique moments of wildlife, and adventure encounters on your guided safari to Uganda.

Among these parks we’re selecting the best five parks in Uganda which you can plan to visit especially when on a self-drive. These parks offer different adventure experiences according to the nature and environment around. So, do you opt for a self-drive here, then you got to select from best five list.

  1. Rwenzori National Park

The park is rare visited but even on the global scene is among the amazing places in Uganda. Mt Rwenzori National Park is located in western Uganda in Kasese, it shares borders with DR Congo. The park is also called the mountain of the moon. It’s among the three UNESCO heritage sites in Uganda, and was named for its glacier peaks.

Mt. Rwenzori is Uganda’s highest peak raised at an altitude of 5109m above sea level. It’s again East Africa’s and Africa’s 3rd peak point, the park is mainly famous for hiking adventures and the longest route lasts for 7 days. Why are recommending mountain Rwenzori to be best park in Uganda for your self-drive? The mountain is formed of various ranges which makes it hiking very hectic. To climb and reach the peak is the most challenging adventurous hike in Africa. Someone can hike Kilimanjaro for 3 days, but Rwenzori at least for advanced hikers it takes 6 days.

However, there are various hiking trails which ranges from hours, one day, two days, three days and the maximum 7 days to and from the highest snow caped peak (Magharita peak 5109m). Along the hike through bamboo, valleys and montane vegetation you can encounter some wild species like, several antelopes, primate’s likes baboons and several bird species.

  1. Queen Elizabeth National Park

The most famous park in Uganda, 2nd largest among other parks in Uganda covering an area of 1,978km/q. Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda, seated within the arrays of the Albertine Rift Valley at the foothills of Mt. Rwenzori. The park is about 6 hours of driving from Kampala, Uganda’s capital by road. It’s one of the amazing places you would not wish to miss out on your self-drive trip here.

The park is bisected into various segments which have suggested to crown your drive with amazing adventures. These sections include the Mweya peninsular which common for a boat cruise at Kazinga channel, the Kasenyi section the most famous for greater wildlife watching especially on a game drive, Kyambura Gorge on the eastern arm of the park which is known for hosting chimpanzees, and the most unique Ishasha which hosts the world’s wonder wild scenes of lions climbing trees.

This park suggests the longest list of adventures one can engage in than any other parks in Uganda. Among the adventures to undertake here include; game drive, boat cruise, tree climbing lion tracking, bird watching the park hosts about 6 bird species which is the highest population in African in one destination. Other adventures include the experiential adventures like lion tracking, mongoose tracking, chimpanzee tracking, and hippo census. Also chimpanzee tracking, and hiking crater lakes, and community visits among others.

  1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park suggests the best gorilla trekking experience in the wild. This park accommodates 50% of the world mountain gorilla ruminants, and the rest of the population reside in the Virunga Conservation Areas shared among Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo. A self-drive through Bwindi rolling landscape, means a low gear drive.

A self-drive to this volcanic tropical rain forest take about 9 to 10 hours with en-routes. It’s indeed a long journey and on a self-drive to the park you need a stronger 4×4 rental with high ground clearance. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park seats in the lines of the Great Western Rift Valley, southwest of Uganda overlooking the Virunga massifs. The 331sq/km area is characterized by tropical rain forest covering volcanic landscapes favoring the existence of the mountain gorillas.

There are about 19 habituated gorilla families which are available and ready for trekking. And it’s only at Bwindi where trackers have an opportunity to do gorilla habituation which process if for making gorillas used to human presence. There are 4 tracking sectors of Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga and Ruhija at the park.

A self-drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, expect several adventure encounters including; gorilla tracking, nature walks, bird watching, mountain biking, Batwa cultural experience, Lake Mutanda visits, Lake Bunyonyi exploration among many others.

  1. Kidepo Valley National Park

One of the most interesting road trip on a self-drive drive is the northern circuit to Kidepo. Kidepo Valley National Park is the remotest park to be accessed road. It’s about 10 to 11 hours of drive right from Kampala taking the northern route. Called the “True African Wildness,” it’s located in the rugged northeastern region bordering Sudan and Kenya. The amazing feature of Kidepo Valley National Park is about the widest opening of the savannah landscape. It’s about 10hours of scenic drive reaching Kidepo Valley National Park by road and only about an hour by aircraft.

The parks has two popular sections of Kidepo Valley and the Narus valley which two persist with water even in driest season. These two sections have the highest concentration of wild animals. The eco-biodiversity of Kidepo consists of over 74 mammal species includes some of the big five mammals, antelope species, zebras, cheetahs, wild dog. These facilitate adventures like Game drives, nature walks, and birding, hiking, and community tours.

There are about 470 bird species including ostriches, secretary birds among others. In 2019, CNN named Kidepo Valley National Park among the best attractive destinations in Africa. And in 2021, the park featured in the World Tourism Awards list of best safari parks in African and safari booking in 2019 listed the park 11 among the best 50 national park in Africa.

  1. Murchison Falls National Park

On a self-drive to Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is among the easily accessed park from Kampala capital, it’s about 4 hour’s drive Uganda Kichumbanyobo gate. When planning a self-drive holiday going to Murchison falls, it’s not a drive to worry about. And when with maiden safari rentals like 4×4 Rav4 model 1995-2005, and 4×4 customized safari vans.

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s most visited national park. It’s by size the largest among other parks covering an areas of 3,879km/q. The park is located in the northwestern Uganda along Gulu-Kampala road.

The flowing Victoria Nile is the most interesting part of the park which is very vital for the formation of the Murchison Fall. These are arguably called the world’s most powerful waterfalls in the word. This is by considering how the rapids force into the narrow gorge of 7m wide and thunderously pour at 45m down. The river continue with an amazing flow towards Lake Albert forming the Delta which is the park’s hub for wildlife games. The northern section features the savannah woodlands of acacia and palms.

And adventure to Murchison Falls National Park is the highest chance for watching the Big Five on a safari to Uganda. Among the adventures expectations include some of the big five lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes. Herds of antelope species, towers of giraffes, schools of hippos, over 400 bird and many more species. En-route to Murchison is Ziwa rhino sanctuary the only home to rhinos in Uganda.

Among the activities to do at Murchison Falls National Park include game drive, boat cruise, visiting the top of the falls, climbing to the top of the falls, nature walks , community visits, wild camping, sports fishing among others.

Going on Safari? Bring Binoculars

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Binocular for Africa Safari

Bring Binoculars on Safari. Period

As a trip leader, I never get to use my own binoculars. I always encourage clients to beg, borrow or steal decent binoculars before they come to Africa, but nobody really believes me until they get here. Then I loan them mine and I don’t see them again until the end of the trip.

I think part of the problem is that so few of us have ever used good binoculars. We are used to cheap ones that don’t really focus, and that force us to squint to see through the pin-hole eye lenses. After twenty minutes of use, we have a splitting headache and never want to use binoculars again.

Good binoculars make a safari far more personal and intimate. They bring the animals closer, allow you to tell the difference between a goliath heron and a purple heron, and let you closely watch action between animals without getting so close that you chase them away.

How to Choose Binoculars:

  • Quality. Plan to spend at least $100. You are already spending thousands to come here – why not drop another $150 to make sure you have a truly amazing experience? Serious birders often spend over $1,000 on a pair of binoculars. You don’t need to do that, but it gives you a sense of the range that is out there.
  • Magnification. Bigger is not always better. You will see two numbers when you are shopping for binoculars: 7×42, 8×42, 10×50, etc. The first number is magnification, or how many times closer the animal will appear to you. The second number is the diameter of the bigger lens at the end of the binoculars. It is very difficult to keep binoculars steady if the magnification is over 10x. 7x or 8x is best for most people.
  • Light. The second number is the diameter of the big lens. This corresponds to how much light gets in and, therefore, how well you will be able to see whatever you are looking at. This is particularly important if you are looking for birds or chimpanzees under the forest canopy. In general, look for binoculars where the first number divides into the second number at least 5 times.
  • Big eyepiece lenses. I’m talking about the small lenses where you put your eyes. The bigger these are, the easier it is for your eyes to look through the binoculars for long periods of time. If you are testing a pair of binoculars and feel like you have to squint to look through them, choose a different pair.
  • Weight. I’m kinda weird here. I love a heavy, solid-feeling pair of binoculars, so I don’t mind that my binoculars weigh almost 2 pounds. For many people, though, lighter is better since their arms and shoulders get tired holding them up to their eyes for a long time. Ideally, you will go to a store and try many pairs before you choose one to buy, so you will get the “feel” before you drop your hard-earned cash.

Another important step to having a good relationship with your binoculars is learning to focus them properly. Many people are surprised to find that there are two places to focus binoculars. Follow this link to find a good tutorial on how to focus binoculars.

In short, get the best pair you can afford. You won’t regret it, and good binoculars will last for years.

Going on a Safari in East Africa

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East African Wildlife

Any tour around the world can be a sweet one but one has to make it enjoyable by himself. One would ask how he/she can make the tour sweet by himself. Yeah! It’s true you can. First you have to identify your interests. For example are you interested in nature, sports or amusements?  If nature, then what activities or attractions can sparkle your mind to say that you really have to go to that destination!

Normally people would love to see what they have never seen before. In this case everyone would love to watch and interact with wildlife because they are never seen in our day today life. There are lots of adventurous trips one can take like gorilla treks and chimpanzee tracking safaris where one will be able to interact with one of human’s closest relatives. These are found in Rwanda, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and some other tropical rain forest regions. These are very rare primates that cannot be found anywhere in the world. So it is a pleasure and an honor to watch them.

You can also opt to watch other wild flora and fauna from national parks like Queen Elizabeth national park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and many more. In these game reserves you will be able to see animals like tree climbing lions, elephants, antelopes, rhinos, monkeys, giraffes and lots of bird species. It is not a guarantee that you will view these animals like in the zoo but you will see them in their natural habitats. You will see them running and moving around hunt for their prey and some looking for survival. You will also see lots of bird species around water bodies in the parks, flying in the sky, on trees and some on animals. There are other activities that can be taken from these national parks like launch cruise on River Nile in Murchison national park. While also taking a tour you can be able to interact with local people by taking a village walk as you can be embraced with traditional dance and also shopping from craft shops.

One can also take Self Drive tour in Uganda as one will go to a destination or tour around the country by himself in a 4×4 vehicle of his/her choice. You can do it with your family. You can be given an assistant to help you in navigation or you can use maps. This can be enjoyable as you can take a ride by yourself through the pearl of Africa as you will be able to view great landscapes embroiled with green vegetation cover

One can also go for other tourism activities like whitewater rafting at Itanda falls, bungee jumping, mountain hiking, boat ride and many more these can make your tour in Uganda and Rwanda so sweet.

These tours can be complemented with first class accommodation facilities that are found in the areas as they offer a range of services like comfortable bedding like single, double, deluxe and executive rooms. They also have nice cuisines with African and continental dishes.

With the entire above activities one can really have a sweet tour with their families and friends!

It can be a vacation you will never forget in your life and better to know the activities that best interest you before taking a step to book your safari.

Serengeti Vs Kruger: Where to Go

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Serengeti National Park

Africa’s most iconic safari destination? It’s a tough call, but the Serengeti and Kruger National Parks can both stake a strong claim to the title.

The Serengeti dominating the wild northwest of Tanzania, lies at the core of a vast migratory ecosystem that incorporates the adjacent Ngorongoro Conservation Area and cross-border Masai Mara Reserve to cover an area comparable to Belgium or Switzerland.

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