UGANDA RE-OPENS ENTEBBE AIRPORT TO TOURISTS

After about 6 months, Uganda will on 1^st October officially re-open Entebbe International Airport and land borders to its tourists, travelers on Uganda safari. This follows the president’s 20^th nation address on covid-19 on Sunday 20^th. September. 2020.

                                  Uganda Airlines

Entebbe International Airport and land borders which serve as major entry points to Uganda were closed to tourists from March. 2020 after the country recorded its first positive covid-19 case. This left only the evacuation, repatriation and cargo flights operating. But the great news is that on 1^st October, normal flights will resume and Uganda Civil Aviation Authority has clarified that 13 scheduled flights have so far confirmed and 10 flights are scheduled on 2^nd. October. 2020. Preparations are underway to ensure by 1^st October, all has been put in place as flights resume.

During the president nation address, H.E. YK Museveni announced that the Entebbe International Airport and land border will now be open to tourists traveling to and outside Uganda. This is provided that he or she tested negative of covid-19 72 hours prior arriving in Uganda. All the passengers arriving into Uganda should have negative covid-19 polymerize chain reaction (PCR) test result from an accredited lab back in the home country. Upon arrival at the airport, tourists will be picked up and driven to their respective tourist destinations or hotel facility.

For flight services to Uganda, the main airlines to use include among others Fly Dubai, KLM, Tarco Aviation, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Brussels airlines, Kenya Airways, Uganda Airlines, Ethiopian Airways and RwandAir.

Top destinations to visit on Uganda safari

All safari destinations in Uganda are now open to tourists on Uganda safari. Whether you are interested in gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are readily available for you to strike your imaginations with massive mountain gorillas.

                              Mountain gorilla

For chimpanzee tracking, there are many sites to explore on chimpanzee tour including Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest and for game viewing/game drives, the best places to explore include Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.

Some of the covid-19 pandemic measures to observe

Ø  Maintain the distance of 4m away.

Ø  A mandatory wearing of masks

Ø  Do not touch soft parts of your body i.e the eyes, mouth and nose.

Ø  Regular washing of the hands with soap and clean water.

Ø  Mandatory sanitizing of the hands.

A NEW BORN BABY MOUNTAIN GORILLA IN BUHOMA SECTOR

 

A new born baby mountain gorilla in Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park excites conservationists. As most parts of the world are still on a lock down due to covid-19 pandemic, the mountain gorilla habitat has never stopped surprising the world despite the situations at hand. There is a new born baby mountain gorillas that has been recorded in Buhoma area, the northern gorilla trekking region of Bwindi.

A new born baby gorilla 

A new born baby mountain gorilla was recorded at Rushegura gorilla group, Buhoma area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. According to statement from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the new born baby was from Kibande mother gorilla. This marks the second birth in Rushegura group family which has been registered in a period of not more than 2 months in 2020 alone.

The newly born baby gorilla now makes Kibande a mother to 5 amazing off springs thus accounting to Rushegura group’s 17 members today. Kibande is considered to be the most senior lady and kingmaker of Rushegura gorilla group family. This makes it one of the exceptional habituated gorilla groups worthy exploring on Uganda gorilla safaris in Bwindi.

We at Maranatha Tours and Travel shall keep you up-to-date with current news in the wild, wildlife tours, gorilla safaris information and all adventure Uganda safaris you would like to engage in. We thank Uganda Wildlife Authority for its continued commitment to protect and conserve mountain gorillas and other wildlife regardless of the covid-19 pandemic that has brought the tourism sector to a standstill.

A new born baby mountain gorilla in Buhoma sector is great conservation success considering the status and the continued threats impacting these apes in the wild. Today, there exist only 1063 mountain gorillas on earth and they thrive only in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Trekking mountain gorillas in the wild is such a memorable experience and while on Uganda gorilla safaris or wildlife tours, it is only unique primate adventure for you to have a close encounter with these apes.

Aside from Rushegura gorilla family group, Buhoma sector also comprises of other 3 gorilla trekking regions. These include Rushaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija areas. Each of these regions also feature habituated groups set for tourists on Uganda gorilla safaris to engage in gorilla trekking while on a holiday in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a haven to 459 mountain gorillas.

ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY WELCOMES BABY RHINO

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary the only rhino sanctuary in Uganda celebrates the birth of a new male calf. According to Rhino Fund Uganda, the new born baby rhino was born by Nandi rhino that was donated by the Disney Animal Kingdom in Florida and this marks Nandi’s 4^th birth since she was introduced into the sanctuary.

BABY RHINO

It is exciting news to every conservationist or nature lover on Uganda safari as this adds on the population of these rare species yet to be re-introduced into Uganda safari parks soonest. The birth of baby rhino now makes Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary a home to 31 rhinos.

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is nestled in Nakasongola along Kampala-Gulu highway about 176kms from Kampala and it inhabited the white and black rhinos that got extinct in the 1980s due to poaching. This was also fueled by the political instability in the 1970s and 1980s which saw gunmen and state inspired poaching in the conservation areas parks inclusive.

Things later returned after President Yoweri Museveni came into power. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) was founded in 1996 after merging the Uganda National Park and Game Department. This has played a great role and poaching has reduced something that has contributed greatly to currently the increasing population of wildlife in the parks and other conservation areas.

The Rhino Fund Uganda was founded in the 1990s purposely to restore rhinos back to the wild. To meet the set goal, 2 rhinos were introduced into Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and Rhino Fund Uganda earlier in 2000. Today, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary serves as breeding ground for rhinos yet to be re-introduced into the wild to boast wildlife safari experiences of visitors on Uganda safaris.

While on Uganda safari tour to Murchison Falls National Park, a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking is worth your time, money and trip holiday to Africa. You also stand a chance to see other mammals, birds and other species while on rhino tracking experience in this beautiful sanctuary. To enhance your experience further, it is possible for you to also engage in bird watching to identify the shoebill stork, nature walks both day and night walk.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RENT A CAR IN UGANDA

Are you planning to rent a car in Uganda for your road trip post covid-19? Do you know how much it costs to rent a car in Uganda? Well, renting a car is one of the important factors anyone of Uganda safari should consider when planning his or her next trip holiday. When choosing which type of rental car to hire for your road trip, wildlife tours, gorilla safaris or cultural safari in Uganda or any destination, it is essential to take a look at the different rates various car rental companies are offering for the same car.

Uganda attracts nearly 1 million tourists each year ranging from researchers, business visitors, students, events/conference participants, pilgrims, leisure travelers to entertainment. Each of these visitor groups on Uganda safari require transportation for them to get to their destination or place of their interest.

Renting a car in Uganda

Why rent a car in Uganda with us? Maranatha Tours and Travel has a stood a test of time as a leading provider of high quality car hire services for all its clients on Uganda safari or Rwanda safari. This is one distinct factor that has made us stand out of the hundreds of car hire companies offering the same service.

At Maranatha Tours and travel we offer a wide range of rental cars, all suited to visitor travel needs. Our fleet range from comfortable coaster buses, super customs, 4x4 Toyota Rav4, 4x4 safari land cruisers, minivans, safari hiace vans, land cruiser Prado TX and TZ to land cruiser V8. All our rental cars are ideal for city tours, gorilla safaris, wildlife tours, cultural safaris, business trips, small and large group tours and they are all within our clients’ pocket range!

OUR FLEET OF RENTAL CARS

We are a reliable, trust worthy car hire agency with the best offers, a reason many have trusted us for long when it comes to road trips in Uganda and Rwanda. We are available 24/7 and our rental cars are comprehensively insured then incredibly, they are in their better mechanical conditions.

The cost of rental cars in Uganda

The prices for rental cars in Uganda vary depending on the kind of the car you plan to hire, length of your holiday, number of visitors and other factors. However, the rates range from US Dollars 50 to US Dollars 170 per day which also differs from one car Hire Company to another.

Usually, the cost of rental car excludes or includes a driver/fuel depending on the car rental company you will choose to deal with that is why it is always important that you inquire other than being taken by surprise. Most car hire companies rent out their cars and also allocate a professional driver whether you prefer German, Italian, English-speaking or French speaking driver guide who also is fluent with many local languages.

IS GORILLA TREKKING WORTH THE MONEY?

Is gorilla trekking worth the money? Whether gorilla trekking is worth the money or not remains one most debated factor by most travelers on gorilla safari today. But the honest and to be brief, the answer is yes. Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is worth the cost, monies and your trip to Africa.

MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING

Gorilla trekking is one exceptional wildlife safari experience that creates change in someone’s travel history and it is worth the price, time and energies you put in. Once you bump into mountain gorilla family, you will agree that it is a priceless primate experience.

Cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda

Uganda gorilla safari visitors can obtain gorilla permits at $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and Uganda shillings 250000 per person for East Africa Community citizens.

Gorilla tours in Uganda are carried only in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You can book your permit through reliable team at Maranatha Tours and Travel. 

Rwanda gorilla trekking permit rates

Rwanda gorilla trekking permits are obtainable at $1500 per person slightly higher than Uganda and DRC. However, you can be part of the Covid-19 recovery offer since gorilla permit prices have been reduced by 60 percent. This means you can secure a Rwanda gorilla permit at US Dollars 500 for foreign nationals, Rwandan citizens and foreign residents can book for gorilla permit in Rwanda at 200 US Dollars. The offer runs till December 31 2020!

Congo gorilla trekking prices

Gorilla safaris in DRC are conducted in the Virunga National Park mostly if you want to track mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorilla trekking is done in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The 2 distinct gorilla adventures can be done at 450 US Dollars per gorilla permit per tourist.

Is gorilla trekking worth the effort?

Tracking mountain gorilla is a rewarding adventure and although it is unpredictable, spending 2-6 hours navigating through the rain-forest and steep slopes rewards hikers with lots of lasting memories. The one hour of magical encounter with mountain gorillas is absolutely worth your lengthy search for these unusual apes which remain fewer than 1063 individuals on earth and share 98% of their DNA with humans.

Mountain gorilla trekking experience is offered nowhere else on planet except only in the rain-forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern Uganda; the Virunga National Park in Eastern DRC and Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda.

UGANDA CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY ISSUES COVID-19 PASSENGER MEASURES

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority has issued strict guidelines at Entebbe International Airport in order to help slow the wide spread of Corona virus. In the recent communication, departing passengers will be expected to arrive at Entebbe Airport about 4 hours prior boarding. This is to ensure travelers go through the mandatory health port screening process.

Passengers must avail their valid health certificate issued by the Ministry of Health or undergo a rapid test at the airport prior departure. The arriving and departing passengers on the other hand are expected to put on their face masks and always keep social distancing upon resumption of flights.

According to Engineer Ayub Sooma, the Director Airports and Aviation Security, the new measures have been designed in accordance to the new guidelines from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), World Health Organization (WHO), Airports Council International now that most countries are on plan to start re-opening airports some of which have been closed to passenger traffic for over 2 months.

He was quoted saying that the authority is working with officials from the Ministry of Health, Internal Affairs and Foreign Affairs to ensure the set measures are observed by passengers at Entebbe International Airport.

He added that some measures at the airport facilities will include offering more room for boarding lounges, e-boarding pass readers, installation of automatic sensor non touchable doors and non-touchable taps, automated document readers to restrict excessive scanning of passport. The authority has so far erected 3 big marguess for passengers to keep social distancing.

In the statement issued by the authority’s medical specialists, the health and immigration officers will be in position to serve about 100 passengers in the 2 tents for temperature screening and processing of documents while samples will be collected from a maximum of 10 passengers at the same time.

However, there is need to improve on the aeration inside the tents to avoid infection says Dr. Benson Tumwesigye. He further added that the airport can only resume passenger flights when the Ministry of Health contented that the guidelines are well-observed.

Passenger flights at Entebbe International Airport were temporarily suspended by H.E. President Museveni to limit wide spread of corona virus. Unlike the passenger flights, cargo and emergency flights still continued operating up-to-date. Prior the outbreak of corona virus and lock down, over 90 to 120 flights were handled every day.

UWA RESCUES 5 STRANDED SITATUNGAS AT KARUMA

Did you know that sitatungas are some of the unique antelope species in the wild? The team at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) have saved 5 stranded sitatunga antelopes at Karuma dam after they were moved by the floating islands due to heavy down pour. By rescuing these unusual creatures is by far a remarkable move to save their lives.

SITATUNGA RESCUED BY UWA ANIMAL CAPTURE TEAM

Sitatungas also popular as marsh bucks (Tragelaphus spekii) are among the unique wildlife species you shouldn’t miss to catch a glimpse on Uganda safaris. They are swamp-dwelling antelopes and they thrive mostly in swampy and marshy habitats especially in tall and thick vegetation areas, seasonal swamps, riparian thickets plus mangrove swamps.

SITATUNGA

Besides Uganda, sitatungas also exist in other parts of African especially Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Tanzania, Cameroon, Kenya, Ghana, Sudan. They come in medium size and stretches about 81 to 116cm high, weighing between 76 and 119kgs for males then females have a weight of 24 to 57kgs.

They feature hairy bodies and they are water resistant with distinct colors. Their bodies are made in such a way that they are capable of living in swampy areas. Males have horns which can easily be spotted on Uganda safaris. They are active mostly early in the morning and late in the evening.

Females became sexually mature at 1 year and males at 1 and half years. The gestation period takes about 9 months and females give birth to single calf and they take about half a year taking care of it. Sitatungas have a life span of 22 to 23 years in captivity.

In Uganda, these antelope species can be spotted on Uganda safaris in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and other areas. 

UGANDA SUSPENDS PRIMATE TOURISM AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN ITS PROTECTED AREAS.

Following the outbreak of COVID-19 and confirmed cases, Uganda through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has suspended primate tourism and research activities in the protected areas to help contain the COVID-19. The management of UWA has therefore assessed the present situation at hand and has listed some of the key measures to assist safeguard the country’s wildlife heritage and they include among others;

Ø  Primate tourism and research activities across all protected areas have been temporarily suspended till 30^th April 2020.

Ø  Primate filming has been put on hold till 30^th April 2020.

Ø  Trackers will be availed with essential PPE so as to avoid disseminating any likely infections to the primates.

Ø  Commercial motorcycles including boda boda and bicycles are not allowed in protected areas.

Ø  An internal COVID-19 task force has been formed to work closely with the National Task Force and update as well as guide management on daily developments in the containment of the spread of COVID-19 and its implications to wildlife conservation and tourism in the conservation areas.

Ø  The management has also relaxed rescheduling of gorilla and chimpanzee tracking. Tour operators/agents are free to reschedule tracking permits for a maximum of 2 times till 30^th March 2022. This applies to even tour operators who reserved with 30 percent down payment. The move is aimed at offering tour operators and visitors more flexibility to avoid cancellation of tours which have already been reserved.

Ø  All staff have been advised to be vigilant, wash hands thoroughly with soap or alcohol based solutions, keep social distance to limit spread or contracting COVID-19.

WHAT IS TOURISM IN UGANDA LIKE?

When it comes to top African tourist destinations, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe usually feature on top-list. Interestingly, Uganda shouldn’t be left out because there is a lot more to explore and experience unique from the rest of safari destinations. Tourism in Uganda is largely based on nature.

Tourists on Uganda tour are presented with great opportunity to enjoy the unique art and craft, dances, music performances and also indulge into the pristine wilderness areas-national parks, wildlife reserves, tropical rain-forests and many more. The magnificent safari parks to expect to visit in Uganda include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Semuliki National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Mount Elgon National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

Safari activities to do in Uganda

Game viewing

Tourism in Uganda largely revolves around wildlife viewing. Game viewing in the pearl of Africa is remarkably one of the best and exciting ways to uncover the hidden treasures in this magical country. On a game viewing tour in Uganda, visitors get a chance to explore various tourist sites including among others Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.

Game viewing in Uganda lets you sight diverse wildlife species including lions plus tree climbing lions which dwell in Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park; African bush elephants, buffaloes, leopards, the Rothschild giraffes, zebras, antelopes, birds, primates to mention but a few.

Game viewing in Uganda

Mountain gorilla trekking tours also make Uganda a unique tourism destination. The iconic tourist sites to visit to trek to see endangered mountain gorillas are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Approximately half of all the 1063 mountain gorillas live in Uganda thus making it an unusual gorilla tracking destination.

Mountain gorillas

Birding

Uganda hosts an estimate of 1080 distinct bird species and this makes it an ideal birding tour destination. The top birds to sight on bird watching trip here include the great blue turaco, Shelley’s crimson wings, African green broad bill, black breasted barbet, bar tailed trogon, papyrus gonolek, shoe bill stork, Doherty’s Bush shrike, saddle billed stork, pelicans, flamingos to mention but a few.

Shoe bill stork

The leading birding destinations in Uganda include Murchison Falls National Park, Semliki National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Budongo Forest, Mabamba Swamp and many more.

Boat cruise

Boat cruise in Uganda lets you view basking crocodiles, hippos, water birds plus several wildlife species. The best places to visit for launch cruise in Uganda include Queen Elizabeth National Park along Kazinga Channel which joins between Lake George and Lake Edward, Murchison Falls National Park along the Victoria Nile to the bottom of Murchison Falls. Other places include Lake Mburo National Park, Lake Victoria and many more.

Boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park

Mountaineering

Tourism in Uganda also presents tourists opportunity to embark on mountaineering adventures. These are basically challenging adventure experiences for hikers in need to challenge themselves. The best places to go for hiking or mountaineering in Uganda include Rwenzori Mountain ranges, Mount Gahinga, Mount Elgon, Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabyinyo.

Mountaineering in Rwenzori Mountains