Showing posts with label Chimpanzee safaris and primate watching in Rwanda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chimpanzee safaris and primate watching in Rwanda. Show all posts

Tuesday 26 November 2013

Nyungwe Forest National Park - Rwanda Safaris

Nyungwe Forest National Park extends for 1,000 sq.kilometers across the majestic hills in the southeast of Rwanda.The park is one of the oldest in Africa and its the largest block of the montane forest in central and East Africa

A bird at Nyungwe Forest National Park
The park's richness in floral diversity plus over 250 different types of trees,and a myriad of numerous flowering plants for example,the rare worldly giant lobelia and colourful orchids,makes it a desirable destination to tourists.

Nyungwe Forest National Park has over 13 primate species in total such as the human-like chimpanzees,handsome L'Hoest monkey,owl-faced monkeys,vervet monkeys,Grey-cheeked mangabey,olive baboon,Rwenzori colobus,Den't mona monkey,3 species of bush baby and different troops of the delightfully acrobatic Angola colobus.

The park is also a birding paradise with a wide collection of birds (over 300 bird species), among which 2 dozens are restricted to a few of the Montane forests on the Albertine Rift Valley.
One of the rare-to find bird but found at the park is the great blue turaco. This bird is not easily seen in Africa because it stays in specific places with specific conditions.It is a red and green bird that streams from tree to tree just like a psychedelic turkey.

Activities at the park
-Nature walks: walking through an extensive network of well maintained walking trails as you enjoy the beauty of the vegetation,i s one of the unforgettable adventures that he park provides.These trails lead to various waterfalls and viewing points in different corners of the park.
-Chimp tracking:this is done from the forest and its a guided activity.While tracking,several varieties of other smaller primate species are seen.
-Birding:serious birders may never want to leave Nyungwe Forest National Park due to the diversity of the bird species.With over 300 bird species,birders can spend more than 4 days just looking for some hiding birds.
-Taking photographs:One can take a beautiful photo with a chimp or in the trees of the forest.
Other activities include;scaling Mt. Bigugu,excursions to Lake Kivu and expedition to Kamiranzovu Marsh.

Accommodation at the Park
-Nyungwe Forest Lodge:
This is an Eco-lodge situated in the tea estate that overlooks Nyungwe forest.The lodge has comfortable rooms and health clubs.The rooms have en-suite private bathrooms with warm water.
-Gisakura Guesthouse:this is just 2 km from the park.

Alternatively,one can stay at Uwinka Rest House or ORTPN campsites.

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Murchison Falls National Park - Uganda Safaris


What is Murchison Falls National Park?
This park came into existence in 1926 when it was gazetted by the Ugandan government with an aim of protecting a Savannah. The Park's falls are one of the greatest attractions that tourists come to have a glance at.The Park is bisected by the Victoria Nile and this causes a white water rapid that is so magnificent to look at.

Where is it located?
Murchison Falls National Park is found in the northwestern Uganda spreading inland from Lake Albert around Victoria Nile,where the Bunyoro escarpments merge into the vast plains of Acholi land.

What are the main Tourist attractions at the Park?
The unique Murchison Falls and the River Nile are the main attractions in this park,having a wide collection of aquatic animals such as the Hippos and Crocodiles.These are best seen when they come to drink water in the afternoon from the Nile.
The waterfalls offer a dramatic view to the tourists.The most appropriate site to view these falls is at the top where the site and sound of the crashing water make an unforgettable assault on the senses. 
Pabidi and Kaniyo Forests are other interesting attractions where visitors go for a nature walk,and get an opportunity to track the chimpanzees.
Birding is another activity that the park offers with over 100 bird species including the Ituri batis,white thi hornbill and yellow-footed catcher.
Consequently,the visitors can enjoy the Park's prime views of the Savannah Game area.This grassland wilderness is between the Victoria Albert Nile with splendid views.

Where to stay while at Murchison Falls National Park?
There are numerous lodges where visitors can stay while at this Park and these include;Red chilli Rest Camp,Kaniyo Pabidi Rest Camp,Nile Safari Camp,Para Safari Lodge and Simbiya River Lodge.
These Lodges are organised with modern facilities and are strategically located to offer great views to the guests.
In the neighboring town (Masindi town) there are also comfortable places to stay like the Masindi Hotel and Court View Hotel.

How to get there
When travelling by road,it is approximately a 5 hours drive from Kampala.This is about 306km from Kampala.Alternatively,one can use the route that passes through Budongo forest and get a chance to get see the splendid Lake Albert.