THE RARE TREE CLIMBING LIONS IN UGANDA

Ever heard about the tree climbing lions? Besides the rare mountain gorillas, Uganda also offers refuge to a large population of distinct tree climbing lions. A safari to sight these unique wildlife species in the wild is incomparably the most thrilling experience that comes once in a life time. When you think about lions, Uganda is undoubtedly a home to one of the only two populations of the rare tree climbing lions in the entire world. The Ishasha sector situated about 432 kilometers Southwest of Kampala in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a home to globally popular tree climbing lions and this makes it one of the most unusual safari destinations.

There are fewer than two populations in the entire world with such unique big cats that do climb trees as their daily behavior. It is believed that these large cat species climb the trees as a way of safeguarding themselves from the biting tsetse flies on the ground level, escape from the heat and enjoy the cool atmosphere or take a good sight at the surface as their prey come close for them to hunt. They are usually sighted lying lazily up within the branches of big fig trees as they look down at several Uganda Kobs that come to graze around the vast Ishasha plains and these are actually the prime prey species to these big cats. The beauty about these Sycamore fig trees and the Acacia trees offers adequate shelter to the tree climbing lions that some times it turns tricky to sight them at a distance especially they act as shelter during the wet season and are thick enough to offer support to the lions. The most important thing about the lions at Ishasha area is the fact that the manes of the males are black.

THE RARE TREE CLIMBING LION

These remarkable cats live in only a few African destinations like South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. For most tourists to Tanzania’s Lake Manyara and Kenya, think that these tree climbing cats are a myth because it is unusual to sight them. But for those who get into the stunning Ishasha plains in Queen Elizabeth National Park, they certainly get the reality about these fascinating tree climbing lions in the wild. It is easier to sight these exceptional kings of the jungles and their families in Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area. Conveniently located along gorilla trekking destinations of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you can make a stopover at Ishasha sector for yet astonishing experiences in your life. Over three (3) prides of Lions with about 40 members are all confined within Ishasha area. Most tourists on Uganda safari generally spend some time around this area to catch a glimpse of not only the tree climbing lions but also other wildlife species. If you ever imagined about climbing on the trees when you are chased by lions, probably you won’t be safe if you attempted it at Ishasha because they have that ability to climb into trees.

THE UNIQUE TREE CLIMBING LIONS

The Ishasha area is mainly credited for its flat undulating plains and woodland vegetation which also offers special wildlife species like elephants, monkeys, buffaloes, antelopes and many more for tourists on safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park to enjoy in addition to the rare tree climbing lions.

Getting to Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park

There are three routes depending visitors’ choice to access Queen Elizabeth National Park. First direct from Kampala, through Mbarara-Masaka road about six hours drive. For visitors who have private vehicles and equipment, you will certainly catch a glimpse of remarkable cat family at Ishasha. The route from Katunguru is unreliable but a direct route to the border post of the Ishasha sector is usually muddy during the wet season. You are advised to use a 4 by 4 wheel drive vehicle to help you transverse through this kind of roads. If you are entering through the Mweya, you are encouraged to request for a radio message information if trucks are heading towards the Ishasha, Katookye gate and this is intended to assist you find out whether the route is passable or not.

Where to stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

If you are planning for safari to Uganda, make sure you don’t miss sighting a few rare catch families in Queen Elizabeth National Park. For safaris to be complete in the park there must be lodging and accommodation facilities for visitors to spend a night. Queen Elizabeth National Park consists of various accommodations that range from luxury, mid range to budget. They include the Ishasha wilderness camp, Mweya hotel, Jacana safari lodge, Mweya safari lodge, Hippo hill camp and lodge, Bush camp and Kyambura game lodge and many more.

In conclusion, tree climbing lions are a few cat family that offer fascinating experiences to travelers. If you are planning for a safari to Uganda, make sure that you include viewing the tree climbing lions in your itinerary. Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is a main stopover for most tourists who travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking. Enjoy your safari!

ELUSIVE BIRD SPECIES IN UGANDA

Are you a birder? Are you planning your safari but you do not know which unique birds to sight in Uganda? Besides the renowned mountain gorilla and the big game, Uganda is exceptionally a bird watchers paradise! Over 1100 distinct avian species are all confined within different habitats in Uganda offering higher opportunity for tourists to realize their dreams while on their avian safaris. This means that about half of the bird species in Africa thrive in Uganda and represents about 11% of the world’s avian species.

Below is a list of elusive bird species that you shouldn’t miss to explore while on your safari in Uganda.

The shoebill stork

Endemic to Africa is the elusive shoebill stork.  Tourists across the world gather in Uganda primarily to catch up with this giant specie. At first, it was not conserved and its eggs were from time and again stolen from the nests till the Uganda Bird Guide Club efforts succeeded in making it illegal to catch these species and steal their eggs. The shoebill stork is also known as “King whale head” due to its huge head size. It derived its name from its shoe-like bill that grows up to 24 centimeters in length and 20 centimeters width. Although they can weigh up to six kilograms, the shoebills can still stand on floating vegetation while hunting for fish. Uganda features most of hotspots for these elusive species which is why it is the best birding destinations for tourists on who are interested in bird watching safaris in Uganda. The famous sites include Murchison Falls National Park along the banks of the River Nile especially in the delta sector; Mabamba swamp just as you get out of Kampala and tourists with tight schedule can spend at least seven hours on birding excursion in this swamp with higher chances of spotting the shoebill stork. Other sites include the Southern end of Lake Edward meaning as you are on wildlife safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park don’t miss to catch a glimpse of these giant specie, Rugogo swamp at Ziwa Sanctuary, Lake Mburo National Park and Semuliki Valley National Park and near Lake Albert.

ELUSIVE SHOE BILL STORK

The Ostrich

Features as the biggest and heaviest living bird in the world. It is popular as camel bird due to its long neck, prominent eyes and sweeping eyelashes and jolting walk. It is 2.5 meters tall and weighs about 145 kilograms and mostly dwells within the stunning savanna, desert and open woodlands of Central and Southern Africa. In Uganda, mostly found in Kidepo Valley National Park and Pian Upe Game Reserve in the extreme Northeastern part of the country. They feature long, muscular legs built for taking off. Compared to other birds that possess 3 or 4 toes, Ostriches only feature 2 toes on every foot that gives it higher chances of taking off at higher speed. They can run as fast as 70 kilometers per hours and hold a steady speed of 50 kilometers per hour. At the time of danger, the Ostrich can over take any wildlife species posing a threat. They use their legs to kick; with talon on every foot their downward kicks can cause serious harm to potential predators. They feed on roots, leaves and seeds as well as anything that comes their way. They usually graze among giraffes, gnus, antelopes and zebras. They live in groups of ten with a dominant male and female. The male protects the rest in the territory. The males have loud and deep warning calls and if you are not careful, you may think that it’s a lion roaring from far. From March to September it is ostrich breeding season and dominant male performs a ritualized courtship dance by shaking his wings and tail feathers to please the female.

THE OSTRICH

The green breasted pitta

Features as the rarest bird specie and relatively sighted in the Central African countries. Mainly lives well camouflaged in the lowland tropical rainforests and taking a photo of one of them is such amazing experience. The green breasted pittas feature among the only pitta species in the entire Africa and in Uganda mainly found in Kibale Forest National Park.

GREEN BREASTED PITTA

The African green broadbill

This is only sighted in two sites in the entire world, the Itombwe Mountains in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Southwestern Uganda. Due to habitat loss, these birds are at high risk of extinction. They were first discovered in 1908 but disappeared in the following two years. It is a small plump bird that features bright grass green plumage and a pale blue tinge to the throat, breast, base of the short tail and the feathers covering the ears. The forehead is buff, finely streaked with black and narrow black stripe runs through the eyes. Also known as Grauer’s broadbill, scientifically called Pseudocalyptomena graueri is a real broadbill of Asian family. It features among the big five most sought after birds in the world.

The Great Blue Turaco

This together with the white crested Turaco feature among the largest most magnificent bird in Uganda. They are mostly hunted for their meat and feathers as the most sought after commodities. Scientifically known as Corythaeola cristata, the Great Blue Turaco is elusive specie to be explored while on birding safaris and tours in Uganda. They have a turquoise blue head with a bluish black crest at the fore crown and the crown. The bright appearing yellow bill with red tip is visibly big and curved as sighted on a tour in Uganda. The reddish brown eyes are surrounded by plain dark turquoise blue eye rings. The throat, cheeks and the chin of the great blue Turaco have gray coloring while the turquoise blue color mark the Turaco’s upper part which include the tail and the wings. Being the largest species in Musophagidae family, they range from 70 to 76 centimeters in length and weigh 0.8 to 1.2 kilograms and the males are a bit smaller as sighted on birding safaris in Uganda. They range within canopies, secondary growth trees, forests and the forest patches in the montane, humid and the savanna areas.

Shelley’s crimson wing

Features as the world’s most unique birds, mostly thrive around the mountains and volcanoes popular as the Albertine rift at the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They featured on record in 1902 and it is 13 centimeters long with a bright red crown, face and back, with contrasting black wings and tail together with olive yellow under parts with warmer tones on the flanks and belly. Females and males have bright red bills.

Black breasted barbet

The giant black breasted barbet has been sighted by few people and it has become the most sought after bird for birders. The unfortunate bit of it is that they mostly thrive around places of conflict and so it is challenging for visitors to reach them but for Uganda, it can be sighted safely. These bird species belong to Ramphastidae family and scientifically called Lybius rolleti.

Bar tailed trogon

Bar tailed trogon (Apaloderma vittatum) is a medium sized bird that is found in higher altitude forests and sighted throughout Central and South Africa though rarely sighted. In Uganda, it can be sighted around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest especially in Buhoma sector. This bird is 28 centimeters high and adult bird has dark green and red plumage with a blue band across the breast.

Standard winged nightjar

Features among the impressive bird species of the Caprimulgid family and has central flight feathers which appear during breeding season on the males. They become raised during display. This bird specie stands at 38 centimeters in length. It breeds in dry savanna habitat of Central Africa.

Short tailed warbler

These bird species are mainly sighted in Uganda’s forest undergrowth as well as the jungles of Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Doherty’s Bush shrike

The Doherty’s Bush shrike (Telophorus Doherty) is mostly sighted around the subtropical montane forests and moist shrub lands of Central Africa. They feature among the common bird in Uganda and they have stable number in most of the areas where they are inhabited. They are relatively small billed bush shrike. Male of crimson morph has forehead and fore crown, lower cheek, chin and throat bright crimson rump. It is very secretive and keeps to the small bushes of about 2300 above sea level.

In conclusion, when it comes to birding safaris, Uganda is undoubtedly birders paradise in Africa. It represents about half of birds in Africa and over 11 percent of the world’s bird species. Enjoy your avian safaris in Uganda with us and you won’t regret in life!

EXPERIENTIAL ADVENTURES THAT YOU MUST TRY OUT IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

Is Queen Elizabeth National Park your dream destination in Uganda? Have you ever heard about experiential tourism in Uganda? Besides the thrilling Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale Forest National Park, Experiential tourism in Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area is one of a kind experience anyone on Uganda safaris shouldn’t miss out! The park features several outstanding experiential tourism activities for visitors on safari to Uganda to actively engage in monitoring some of the exceptional mammal species that have exceptionally positioned this conservation area as the best safari destination in the country and the untamed bird species using some of the complex scientific locator devices. Adventure visitors on tour to Uganda are given opportunity to explore the park’s hidden treasures with field researchers based on habituation calls, group dynamics, composition, behaviors and monitoring weather which will be included to the researcher’s and the conservation database. Your active engagement in this life time experience is of significant value to generally understand the biodiversity of wildlife ecology which supports conservation of Queen Elizabeth Nation Park.

Below are some of experiential tourism activities for you to participate in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The Banded Mongoose tracking

This is conducted in and around the Mweya Peninsula, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Western Uganda. The Mweya peninsular features about 400 banded mongooses living in 12 social groups. The Banded Mongoose Research Project is run by the Universities of Cambridge, Exeter and Zurich. They feature among the tinny mammal species with huge appetites and complex social and communication systems that interest wildlife researchers. These exceptional mammal species also featured on the BBC documentary series Banded Brothers. Working in troops of about 4 people, participants will have a chance to accompany the researchers via areas of the park usually off limits to visitors and record the behavior of these exceptionally social species. This thrilling adventure also involves identifying individuals, register their weight, record weather, surroundings and location as well as monitor the mongooses’ behavior. Besides enjoying this experiential activity, tourists also make contribution for a longstanding research project as the data which will be collected is used by researchers at the Research Project which also supports the ongoing field study and conservation at Mweya. This experiential activity goes for as long as one to three hours and tracking these fascinating creatures is possible at 7:00am or 5:00pm but the morning tracking tends to be more active. This exceptional experience goes at $30 for foreign non residents and foreign residents while the East African residents pay shs.30000.

BANDED MONGOOSES

Lion tracking

This is another most exceptionally remarkable adventure for trekkers on safari to Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park is credited for big game and lions feature among them. Visitors can therefore par take Lion Tracking Research Adventure that starts in the morning or late in the afternoon while on safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The trek can go for about one to three hours and mainly conducted two times per day. Normally, the prides that is to be trekked have a lion with a radio collar attached and via a complex designated radio antennae, visitors are a hundred percent sure of sighting at least one of these carnivores. This thrilling adventure is always conducted with researchers to explore these fascinating creature’s habits in the park.  These big cats move in groups of three to 25 members in a pride.  On the course of the trek to identify these wild animals, be aware that their population can increase without necessarily warning when an individual or multiple of these carnivore species join the first group. Therefore, it is vital for visitors on trekking safaris to take note of the population of lions being trekked. While enjoying this life time adventure, you are encouraged to take note of nocturnal vocalizations and their intensity, including hyena calls and any interruption calls from prey. Usually, researchers tell visitors tricks used while trekking adventures in the wilderness of Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area. An example can be to let you aware that they roam and camouflage through tall grass; they create a very slight trail of bent grass.

AFRICAN LIONS

Further more, while on your trekking safaris, note that the lions will scent mark their territory by scraping the ground with their hind feet, forming a shallow parallel scrapes of bare soil measuring about twelve centimeters width and 20 centimeters in length. Drying, sticky urine sprayed on a prime bush is also a usual sign by lions. They will also rub their heads in bushes, leaving inconspicuous blonde hairs behind. The number of trekkers for this adventure is restricted, meaning you have to book in advance. Queen Elizabeth National Park features as the only destination in Uganda where lion tracking wildlife research is conducted. For visitors who are interested in these amazing adventures they also combine with most of activities within the park to make their safaris in Uganda memorable. To get up close with these fascinating wildlife species, visitors pay $150 for foreign non residents and foreign residents while the East African residents pay shs.150000

Hippo census

With help of researchers, you will head towards the Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park to look for hippopotamus, monitor their movement and behavior. Hippo census is conducted once after two years and helps in monitoring their population in the conservation area. This adventure also offers a chance for several visitors who are interested in managing animal programs and this will boost visitor engagement in sustainable tourism development. The hippopotamus census is a process of counting hippos within their habitats on a boat cruise along the water bodies, rivers, Ishasha and in Kyambura gorge. This therefore enhances on wildlife protection techniques by the park management that in turn increases the population of visitors who flock for safaris in Uganda. For this adventure tours in Uganda, visitors pay $100 and applies for both foreign non residents and foreign residents, shs.100000 for East African residents.

HIPPOS

In conclusion, the number of trackers is restricted on any of the above thrilling experiences so as to limit the stress on the wildlife and to escalate the quality of the experience for trackers. Visitors traveling for these adventures in Queen Elizabeth National Park spend about one to four hours based on several factors. All the experiences are booked through the Visitor Information Center in Mweya at least 24 hours earlier. Experiential tourism in Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area is one way of giving back to the community. The other adventure activity that is conducted is bird counting which allows visitors opportunity to look out for some of the 619 distinct birds in the park.

THE BREATHTAKING ADVENTURES NOT TO BE MISSED IN JINJA, UGANDA

The mighty River Nile in Uganda features among the Africa’s seven natural wonders. Its source is based in Jinja, Eastern Uganda. The Nile begins its flow right at the extreme Lake Victoria the Africa’s largest and fresh water body that comes with stunning countryside of Jinja as well as a long series of exceptional rapids and waterfalls. A portion of this might Nile in Jinja, right from Lake Victoria has turned to be a source of exceptional adventures and exciting experiences, given the fact that Jinja is currently referred as “Adventure Capital of East Africa.” If you are an adrenaline junkie or adventure lover, Jinja is the best destination for you to visit!!

White water rafting on River Nile

Uganda is credited to be a source of the mighty River Nile; the longest River in the world and refuge to the most thrilling white rafting in the world. White rafting on River Nile in Uganda can be done at any time of the year given the favorable equatorial climate. The experience is fascinating especially when you with its warm water, spectacular sceneries and an all year round sunshine with short spell of rainfall which makes it the best for white water rafting. A trip to the Nile rapids for rafting adventure provides the most exceptional and incomparable experiences as rafters swim and head towards its vibrant birds and wildlife. This mighty Nile has rapids ranging from level three to level five, a rafting distance that takes you for the whole day. An entire day rafting is 20 kilometers from the haven experiencing up to rapid nine, 4 of them are level five rapids as you end it at Itanda.

WHITE WATER RAFTING

Jet Boating

Another remarkable and exhilarating adventure not to be missed out on the Nile. It is unique from white water rafting. You hit the water rapids on the high speed boat that makes up your entire experience in the Nile. If you are searching for the big motorized thrill on the Nile 90 kilometer speedboat tour over the rapids is certainly the best option that you shouldn’t miss out in Jinja.

Bungee jumping

The only adventure that gives you the opportunity to hit on the Nile 44 meters from the ground. If you are looking for adrenaline adventures, then Bungee jumping is the best option. The River Nile Bungee jumping is an absolute adrenaline experience that you shouldn’t miss out in Jinja.

BUNGEE JUMPING IN JINJA

Kayaking adventures on River Nile is the best way for you to experience this mighty Nile and its surrounding areas, communities, farmlands and bird species as they feed on the fish. It is best to par take this adventure during the conducive weather and daring rapids. This is another exciting adrenaline adventure for you to catch a glimpse of verdant countryside and several wildlife species at the River banks especially the birds, lizards and snakes as they bask in sunshine at the extreme River. This adventure is conducted in Itanda just like white water rafting.

Squad biking is another thrilling adventure for you to engage in the sunny afternoon in Jinja along the mighty River Nile. This activity takes you throughout the countryside and local communities as they engage in garden work in their gardens.

Horse riding; par taking this adventure is the best way for you explore the River Nile up close, see a traditional Ugandan village and view the fascinating panorama from the hills overlooking the River Nile valley. The horses are superb and the landscape is also remarkable. The Nile horse back safaris can be organized for one, two and three hours. The horses are well kept and trained by the Australian owners and there are horses for riders of all experience levels.

HORSE RIDING

Boat cruise at Bujagali falls; this is another exciting experience for you to look out for birds, otters and Nile lizards or Cast fishing line and trawl for a big catch. Take an on sunset cruise over the Bujagali Lake and encounter the best sightings as the sun goes down. The sunset cruise will take you passed the Nile and Lake Victoria where you will have the best barbeque and cocktail while also catching up with endless breathtaking views of the natural wonders of the Nile and stunning green landscapes.

Sport Fishing on the River Nile and Lake Victoria where you will be in position to catch the mighty Nile perch. You can choose to do sport fishing in both areas one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. You will have all the fishing gear, camping equipment, safety gear and drinking water. Sport fishing in this area will be targeting mostly the Nile perch, yellow fish, cat fish and tilapia. Fly fishers are also catered for but you come with your gear.

SPORT FISHING IN JINJA

In conclusion, besides wildlife species, Uganda is an adrenaline adventure paradise. Visit Jinja for the most thrilling adventures that offer life time experiences along the mighty River Nile. You can choose to engage in white water rafting, kayaking, boat cruise, sport fishing, horse riding, squad biking, jet boating, bungee jumping and many more.