What you should know about Gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda - Uganda and Rwanda safaris

Being the number one tourist attraction in Uganda and Rwanda,its vital to know the important facts about the gorillas before going for an Africa Gorilla Safari.

Gorillas mainly feed on vegetables and are herbivorous apes.
A male gorilla's height is 6 feet (about 1.8 meters) and it weighs between 478 to 485 pounds.This size in males mainly depends on the subspecies.
The female gorilla's height is about 5 feet (1.5 meters) with a weight of around 98 kg.

Gorillas have 10 fingers and 10 toes,32 teeth, forward-looking eyes and small ears on the side of their heads,just like humans.

Gorilla's stomachs are larger than their chests and this is because of their enlarged intestines,that are necessary for digesting bulky and fibrous vegetation eaten.
A gorilla eats about 18kg of food per day due to the low nutritional quality of the food eaten.

A Gorilla can walk upright but predominantly walks on 4 limbs.
There is no specific language for gorillas but it is estimated that gorillas have more than 22 distinct sounds,that are used for communication.
A normal gorillas spends 40% of the day eating,40% of the day playing and foraging and 20% of the day sleeping.

Gorillas divide themselves in small groups known as troops and each group has a male leader.
 
A female gorilla reproduces when she is around 8 years old.When this time comes,she leaves her troop and forms her safe troop because of safety reasons.
A newly born gorilla grows very fast and it starts to walk at about 6 months old.

The major predator for gorillas are crocodiles and leopards.

Gorillas mainly live in tropical forests in Africa.
The mountain gorillas are found around Virunga volcanoes in Rwanda,Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Facts about the Gorillas

Order: Primates

Family: Homonidae

Genus: Gorilla

Species: Gorilla gorilla and Gorilla beringei


"Come to East Africa and have a glance at these hard-to find Gorillas"

The elegant mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda - Uganda and Rwanda Safaris

A mountain gorilla

Also known as the"Pearl of Africa",Uganda is a green country blessed with blessed with deep Lakes, mountains and it's one of the favorite for tourists.

One of the greatest attractions in Uganda and Rwanda are the mountain Gorillas and Uganda has half of the world's remaining mountain Gorillas population.

Most of the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. 


Gorilla Safaris in Uganda will help you visit this East African country and get a chance to see these hard-to find mammals. 

At the moment,a tourist is required to get a Gorilla permit before seeing these gorillas and these permits are got from Uganda Wildlife Authority.
 
Facts about the Gorillas
Gorillas have an interesting lifestyle and they live in groups of 20-36 members.In each of these groups,there is one male leader and others are females with their young ones.
At birth of a baby Gorilla that weighs about 2.6 kg,the mother takes good care and the males are always there to offer security.
A gorilla spends 30% of the day feeding,30% traveling and 40% resting.The gorillas spends most of its time on ground unlike other primates.They move for  more than a kilometer everyday in search for food.
Since they feed mainly on vegetables,Gorillas spend there time in greener areas where they can easily get the food.A male adult can eat about 20kg a day.

In the day,the gorillas rest and play with their friends and family.This activity is mostly liked by the young gorillas.They hug,bite,hit and pull each other.

As the gorillas wind up their day,they construct their nests where to spend a night.Each gorilla has its own nest except for the young gorillas that must sleep next to their mothers.Constructed of tree-branches and leaves,these nests are built on ground.

"Come for a Uganda Safari or Rwanda Gorilla Safari and see these Gorillas for yourself".

4 Days adventurous Itenerary - Uganda Safaris

This iteneraly will help you have aclue about a Uganda Safari before you personally visit the country

Day 1: Travel to Bwindi
Wake up early in the morning and have a cup of tee before leaving your hotel in Kampala for a Gorilla Safari at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.Before reaching the park,you will stop in Masaka town for lunch and spend a few minutes relaxing.Depending on the gorilla group you want to track,you will chose any of the lodging options in Ruhija,Nkuringo and Buhoma.Spend the whole evening enjoying the breathtaking views of Bwindi while at the lodge.


Day 2: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi in Bwindi
Early in the morning,you will be briefed by the guide before setting off for trekking.Mountain Gorilla trekking will start at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and this takes long hours and sometimes the whole day.While tracking these had-to-find species,watch out for other mammals like the buffaloes,black fronted duikers,bushbucks and elephants.Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation,enjoying the splendid views of hills.


Day 3:Cultural walks
On your third day,enjoy a wonderful visit to the local communities which will enable you to meet and greet the local people that live next to the gorillas.Also meet different the traditional healers,the blacksmith at at work and visit the authentic homesteads.Alternatively,you can learn how to grind the millet,make an African-styled baskets and preparing some local dishes.Enjoy some cultural performances by the Batwa and Kiga people.Return to the lodge for dinner and night.

Day 4: Hiking
After your breakfast in the morning (those staying at Buhoma),take an adventurous hike through Bwindi Impenetrable forest to Munyanga Waterfalls.Visitors staying in the south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can walk from Nkuringo to Buhoma.In the afternoon,you will set off from Bwindi to Kampala together with your luggage.
There is no doubt that this will be the best Uganda Gorilla Safari you have ever experienced

Chimpanzee tracking at Murchison Falls National Park - Uganda Safaris

Chimpanzee tracking is one of the interesting activities at Murchison Falls National Park with over 100 chimpanzees. Chimp tracking can act as a supplement of a Gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda. Apart from the chimpanzees, there are; gorillas, elephants, lions, antelopes, monkeys, leopards, buffaloes  hippos and over 200 bird species, offer a wonderful wildlife adventure at the park. The green Savannah also provides a magnificent breath taking atmosphere.

A chimpanzee at Murchison Falls National Park

The park is located in north western Uganda, spreading inland from the shore of Lake Albert around the Victoria Nile. It is named for the Murchison’s waterfall. The park is sometimes referred to as Kabarega national park.

The park is suited in Masindi district in western Uganda and in Nwoya district in northern Uganda, That’s in the northern part of Albertine rift valley. A place where the massive Bunyoro escarpment amalgamated into the enormous plains of Acholi land. It’s well known to be one Uganda’s ancient conservation areas.

         

The park is subjugated by woodland, wetland, Savannah as well as tropical forest that are well known to be a habitat for over 76 mammal species and over 450 different bird species. It’s on a low plain and the temperatures tend to be hot with a maximum of 290c.

 In Murchison there are four of the ‘big five’ that is buffaloes  elephants, lions and leopards. Other mammals include the giraffe, warthog, hartebeest, and the Uganda kob among others. The remarkable Murchison doesn't only have a great diversity of wild animals but also birds, for example the rare shoe-bill stork.

         

Some of the attractions are, the unique Murchison falls (kabarega falls) as well as the river Nile with its streaming hippo and serried ranges of crocodiles along the sandbanks, as well as large numbers of different species getting down to drink and bathe.

          

‘Paraa’ a word from the local Luo language means a place of hippos and this is among the most prominent attractions within the park as it supports the largest concentration of wildlife in the entire park

             

Budongo forest, which is the biggest mahogany forest found in the whole of East Africa as well as habitat to the largest number of chimpanzees throughout Uganda.

Other attractions include the Karuma falls, the Nile cruise, Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi.

The park has a number of accommodation centers that is, the red chilli rest camp which is mainly for budget travelers, Simbiya safari lodge, Paraa safari lodge, and others. It’s better to come and explore this yourself.

Silverback Lodge - Uganda Safaris

Silverback Lodge is found in Bukoma area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (western Uganda) and it offers a sweeping view of the park.The park is a home to over 355 mountain gorillas,more than 100 mammals,non-habituated chimpanzees,over 346 bird species and 165 tree species.
The lodge overlooks Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and its perched on raised plat form to offer stunning views to visitors on a Uganda Safari.From the front of the lodge,a visitor can watch different species of birds as they roam about the whole area and sometimes primate viewing.

Accommodation
Silverback Lodge has 12 rooms and these include;

• 7 twin rooms
• 4 double rooms
• 1 single room

These locally designed rooms built of local materials are strategically located to offer a wonderful view of the park.The common materials that were used to construct these rooms are:sisal ropes,forest vines and shining slate stones.Each of these rooms has a private en-suite bathroom,a private veranda with comfortable chairs where a visitor can sit and enjoy a wide view of the flora and fauna of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.This makes a Uganda Safari unique compared to others.

Activities
While at Silverback Lodge,a visitor can enjoy numerous activities like:

• Gorilla Trekking:  This is done in Uganda's most visited park (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park) which has half of the total number of mountain gorillas in the world.For visitors on a Uganda Gorilla Safari,this  is the best Lodge to stay.
• Nature walks: a visitor at the lodge can enjoy hiking trails that will expose her/him to different primate,birds,tress,butterflies and other organisms.
• Bird watching: This is mainly done in the park which has more than 346 species of birds.
• Cultural Safaris:meet and greet the Batwa people with unique cultural beliefs
• Hiking
• Mountain bikes rides
• The Rushora Trail

Mihingo Lodge - Uganda Safaris

Located in the most peaceful ends of Lake Mburo National Park,Mihingo Lodge offers a comfortable environment for the visitors.While on Gorilla Safari to Uganda,you can stay at this lodge and relax.The lodge has 10 spacious rooms strategically built on wooden platforms with thatched roofs.Mihingo Lodge has a comfortable tent with unique facilities like an en-suite bathroom,showers,Eco-friendly flush toilets and splendid views of the park.
The whole beauty of Lake Mburo National Park can be enjoyed at the lodge's pool and dinning area.

Mihingo Lodge 

Accommodation
The tented rooms are strategically located to provide visitors with a tranquil environment in complete seclusion.Some of these rooms are located on rocky outcrops,in a forest and some near the lake.
There is a main dinning area with enough space built of rocks.

Activities carried out around Mihingo Lodge

• Game Safaris/drives:While at the lodge,a visitor can go for an adventurous game drive within Lake Mburo National Park and enjoy spectacular views of both mammals and vegetation.
• Boat trip:A boat trip on Lake Mburo is assured while at the lodge.This is enjoyed together with spot fishing and splendid views.
• Horse Back Safaris:the lodge offers horse back safaris to visitors and this is done in through valleys and around the lodges.
• Walking safaris near Lake Mburo
• Massage at Mihingo Lodge
• Game walks
• Night game drives
• Playing Tennis

What to do while trekking the Gorillas - Uganda and Rwanda Safaris

Uganda and Rwanda are mostly known for harboring the hard-to find mountain gorillas.This has led to an increase in the number of tourists who travel from different parts of the world to these EastAfrican countries.The gorillas are mainly found in Western Uganda and Eastern Rwanda.These primate species are interesting to look at and therefore a visitor is required to get some briefing about the "does" and "don'ts" before going for trekking.

Gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda

Before setting off for a  gorilla tracking in the morning,you are briefed by the guide who will let you know about your next movements and routes to follow.It is advisable that you carry some drinking water with you as you go for this adventurous trip and a stick to enable you walk freely through the thick forests.

Since trekking requires some degree of fitness,you are advised to make some exercise for about 1 week before going for this activity.This is ideal since you are required to move through thick forests and highlands,climbing mountains and this takes many hours.In case one has a physical disability,there are special solutions and these depend on where you are doing your trekking from.Some National Parks provide stretchers with porters to push the visitor while trekking.

It is advisable that you keep quite once you have entered the forest to avoid scaring away the gorillas.These gorillas are fond of hiding in tree leaves and therefore,it requires one to be quite foe easy viewing.
Once you have seen the gorillas,avoid irritating behaviors that can scare them and in case you want to take photos with them,make sure that your flash light is off.

Visitors taking photos of the Gorillas

It is recommended that you keep a minimum distance of about 6 meters from these gorillas for safety.Gorillas can attack human beings once disturbed and this is the reason why a visitor is advised to avoid irritating behaviors.

Each National Park has its own time period that a visitor can spend with the gorillas but is always about 1 hour.The whole trekking activity can take between 3-8 hours.There are many gorilla groups both in Uganda and Rwanda and this is this is the reason why trekking takes almost the whole day.



What a visitor should carry on a gorilla safari?
Some of the things that a visitor should carry on a gorilla safari include;enough money for personal expenses,walking boots and long socks suitable for passing through thick forests,clothes with wildlife adapted colors ( Khaki clothes),long-sleeved shirts,rain gears,slippers,sun protection,sweater,sunglasses,hat,sun cream,photo/video camera,films and torch,insect repellants,glove to grip vegetation and binoculars.

What to you should wear on gorilla safari?
A visitor is advised to wear fitting,relaxed and loose clothes to enable him/her feel flexible while trekking.Avoid carrying unnecessary amount of clothes with you to avoid inconveniences.

Acquiring a gorilla permit
Gorilla permits are highly demanded and you are advised to book and pay in advance.To avoid inconveniences and disappointments,book for permits in time with the relevant authorities.

"A day spent trekking the gorillas can never be forgotten"

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge - Uganda Safaris

Located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park,Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is in the village known as Nkuringo.The lodge's location in one of the world's leading homes of the hard-to find primates (mountain Gorillas) makes it an adventurous place to stay.The lodge has a gorgeous architecture which makes it both a comfortable and a luxurious place to stay.

The lodge's villas

While at the lodge,different sounds from birds of different species are heard accompanied by volcano panoramas and great views.The Lodge offers a conducive environment for visitors on a gorilla Safari to Uganda.There is a enough trained staff to ensure that visitors enjoy their stay in the wild.For visitors interested in gorilla tracking,Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is one of the best lodges to stay.This is because of its strategic location of the specious villas in the forest.These villas are nestled with wide clear windows to enable a visitor enjoy a wide view of the park at ease.

The lodge has a restaurant where a wide variety of meals are served including a hearty breakfast which is served to start your day in the forest.Apart from the restaurant,there is a well stocked bar with all sorts of drinks,cosy fires and free internet services which enables you to update the people you left at home about what is happening on your safari.

At the lodge,maximum security is maintained and a visitor can enjoy his stay without any inconvenience.This security is  backed by the local people since the lodge is owned by the local village.Among the surrounding people are the Batwa and Bakiga each with its own unique beliefs and customs.

Accommodation
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge has 8 spacious cottages strategically located in the forest.Among these cottages,2 are double-roomed family suites.Each cottage has enough area,garden lounge,fireplace,an en-suite bathroom and a private veranda for wonderful views of the park.
Family have got enough space to accommodate more than 3 people,1 twin bedroom,an open fire place and a communal lounge area.

Facilities
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge has the following facilities

• Bar and restaurant
• Curi shop
• Wireless internet access
• Message spa
• Fireplace and sofas

Activities carried out at the Lodge

• Gorilla Safaris/ tracking
• Nature walks
• Cultura walks
• Birding
• Community tours
• Bush breakfast

Five major Tourist attractions in Uganda - Uganda Safaris

Uganda has a wide collection of tourist attractions and this has led to a rapid increase in the number of visitors.Also known as the "Pearl of Africa",Uganda has 10 stunning National Parks,various beautiful lakes,Mountains,wild animals and primates including the hard-to find Mountain gorillas.
Located in East Africa,Uganda is blessed with a magnificent wild nature that comprises of various mammals and birds.The country promises a wonderful adventure like no other.
Some of the attraction in Uganda include;

1.Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The presence of the hard-to find mountain Gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has greatly led to an increase in the number of Gorilla Safaris to Uganda.Most of Uganda's visitors today visit to track these elegant primates.Apart form the mountain gorillas,there are other mammals at the park that a visitor can enjoy watching.The park also has an exceptional biodiversity with over 150 ferns and over 150 tree species.
The park is also a birding paradise with over 166 recorded bird species plus butterflies.






2.Lake Victoria
Being the third largest Lake in world makes Lake Victoria one of the leading attractions in Uganda.The lake has a stunning view and pretty sandy beaches.It covers an area of about 68,800 sq.km and despite the largest portion being in Uganda,it is shared with Kenya and Tanzania.Lake Victoria is the main reservoir of River Nile and it is believed to be the main source of the Nile.This largest lake in Africa is home to a diverse aquatic life with over 220 fish species.Apart from the fish,there are numerous birds at the Lake that fly and keep roaming about the whole place.There are many island on this lake and a visitor can visit them and meet people with unique cultures plus a breathtaking atmosphere.The Lake offers a birding Safari site and boat cruising safari to visitors.




3.Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda's leading tourist destination with magnificent views.The park is located in northern Uganda and it covers an area of about 1,44 sq.km.The flora and fauna of this park is so wonderful with great Savannah landscapes.The park has a diverse collection of wild animals and if you specifically interested in safari drives,this is the best destination in Uganda.






4.Kampala

Kampala is the capital city of Uganda and is where a visitor is exposed to people from different cultures.While in Kampala,there are various tourist attractions that a visitor can see including the Uganda Museum,the currently restored Kasubi Tombs Nommo art gallery Rubaga and Namirembe Cathedrals and the National Theater.A visitor can enjoy a cultural Safari in Kampala.








5.River Nile

Visiting and enjoying a breathtaking moment at the source of the Nile in Uganda is one of the unforgettable experiences that one can ever have.This is located in Jinja just a few kilometers from Kampala ( about 85km) River Nile is the longest river in the world and today,many tourists visit Uganda simply to see where this river that serves more than three countries comes from.While at the Nile,a visitor can enjoy various activities including;bird watching,spot fishing,boat cruising and many others.

There are many other attractions in Uganda and these can be seen on your safari to Uganda.For more information or inquiry,please leave a comment.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp - Uganda Safaris

Frequently visited by the human-like gorillas,Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is found in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.The Camp is composed of 8 tents that are strategically located to enable the visitors have a clear view of the Gorillas.For visitors interested in Gorilla Safaris,this is the best accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.Visitors are exposed to an adventurous stay of their life with the original feel of Africa in the wild.

Gorillas at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Accommodation
The location of the tents in the remote atmosphere near the mountain gorillas provides an interesting stay at the camp.There is a comfortable bar and lounge plus a main dining area where guests can go have a taste of the local dishes which accompany the modern foods.While at the Camp,the chances of seeing the mountain gorillas are high and in most cases visitors instead of going for trekking,they just stay relaxed at the camp while watching the gorillas at ease.
While at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp a visitor can enjoy great views during his/her stay including bird watching and mountain gorilla encounters,and this explains why the park receives very many visitors in a year.

The styled 8 tents that are strategically located in the rainforest are so spacious and they offer a conducive environment for relaxing.Each tent has a queen sized bed,comfortable warm beds,private bathroom,and a veranda where you can stand and have a clear view of the park.

Special Facilities
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp has a spacious cottage which includes a bar and dinning room.This is on a raised platform and a visitor enjoys the fresh air while having his/her meal.Different types of food are served in the dinning starting from breakfast to dinner.In the morning,a full English and continental breakfast is served plus different types of African breakfast.

Activities at the Camp
There are a number of activities that a visita can enjoy while at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp and these include;

• Gorilla trekking
• Nature walks
• Bird watching
• cultura lSafaris/ tours

How to access Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp can be accessed by air from Entebbe or Kajansi airstrip and land at Kayonza airstrip.From here you can use a car and drive for about 25km to the camp.Alternatively,you can land at Kihihi airstrip and drive for 60km to the Camp.

Mweya Safari Lodge - Uganda Safaris

Where is the Lodge located?

Mweya Safari Lodge is found on a peninsula in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park (QNP).The Lodge is strategically located to offer a wonderful view of the park.

Accommodation

The Lodge has 50 rooms including standard rooms,deluxe rooms,suites,tents and cottages.

Each room has an electronic safe,telephone,a private balcony,fan and an en-suit bathroom.

Inside view of one of the rooms

Facilities

Mweya Safari Lodge has the following facilities;

 .Swimming pool

. Restaurant and cuisine

.A business center

.A gift shop

.Conference facilities

.Well stocked bar

What are some of the activities carried out at the lodge?

Game viewing at Mweya safari Lodge

.Birding

.Water safari

.wildlife Safaris

.Chimpanzee trekking

.Cultural Safaris

.Gorilla Safaris

.Bush breakfast

What are the rates as per 2013?

Note that the rates below are subject to change

All values are VAT inclusive (18%) and inclusive of 5% service charge

Room type	suit(USD) per room	Royal cottage(USD)	Presidential cottage (USD)	Queen's cottage (USD)
Bed and Breakfast	405	674	928	1005
Full board	453	770	1024	1101

Room type	single(USD) per room	double(USD) per room	Standard double(USD) per tent	Deluxe single per room	Deluxe double per tent
Bed and Breakfast	182	316	364	364	405
Full board	206	364	412	412	453

How a tourist can bargain for a favorable price in Uganda - Uganda Safaris

Though its part of business,overcharging and bargaining in Uganda have become so common and if its your first time in the country,you may pay much for less.So its advisable that you take note of the prices of the prevailing charges before you set off for a gorilla Safari to Uganda.Many tourists come with a lot of money but due to ignorance about bargaining norms in Uganda,they end up over spending and run short of money.

Ugandan shilling notes

Therefore tourists in Uganda will sometimes need to bargain over prices at some instances for example when buying curios.However,it should be understood that the fact that a curio seller is open to negotiations does not mean that you were initially overcharged or ripped off.Curio sellers will generally quote a price knowing well that you are going to bargain it down and it is not necessary to respond in an accusatory manner.It is impossible to say by how much you should bargain the initial price down unless you are used to it.What some people do, is to mention a price half that the seller has suggested so that he doesn't keep so far away from the real price.The best way to prepare for bargaining is to make a survey in the shops to see how much different shops charge for what you want to buy and then get an average of the total.Other instances where bargaining and overcharging is common are;chartering a private taxi, organizing a guide,and when buying some market produce.

When it comes to tourists,sellers in Uganda seem to charge relatively higher prices because they think that they are ignorant of the prevailing prices.This explains why tourists in Uganda are always seen moving with guides and deal with travel companies mostly to avoid any form of cheating.Minibus-conductors often try to overcharge tourists.The best way to counter this is to check the correct ticket price in advance with an impartial party,and to book your ticket the day before you travel.If you fail to do that,you will have to haggle with these conductors in order to reach at an agreed transport charge.

Something you should know about overcharging and bargaining is that it is the fact of being overcharged that annoys,the amount itself is generally of little consequence in the wider context of a trip to to Uganda.But this overcharging among Ugandan traders is due to the economic conditions in the country given the fact that generally Ugandans are much poorer than they will ever be.So when they see tourists from developed countries,they always struggle hard to get as much money from them as possible where needs be.

However,not everything in Uganda is hiked because there is a bargaining and overcharging norm .Some goods and services are out of this bracket and once a trader or service provider tells you the price,it is the last price.For instance prices in hotels,restaurants and shops are generally fixed,and overcharging in such places is too unusual for it to be worth challenging a price unless it is blatantly ridiculous.

Wildlife viewing and Birding tips in Uganda - Uganda Safaris

Most of Uganda's visitors come mainly for wildlife viewing and birding,therefore it is necessary to know the specific places that a visitor should put his/her emphasis on.

Wildlife viewing
For visitors who are interested in wildlife Safaris in Uganda,there are only 8 national parks in Uganda that offer wildlife viewing opportunities and these are;Queen Elizabeth National Park,Murchison falls National Park,Lake Mburo National Park,Kidepo Valley National Park,Semuliki National Park,Mgahinga National Park,Kibale Forest National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has the greatest variety of mammals but there are no Giraffes at this park.However,Murchison Falls National Park has the larger mammals in greater concentration.
Both these parks have common wild animals like  elephants,hippos,buffaloes,kobs,bushbucks and on rare occasions,predators like the lion and leopard are seen.

Buffaloes at Murchison Falls National Park

Zebras and elands in Lake Mburo National Park has led to the popular visits to the park because its the only park in the south with them.But these elegant animals can also be found in  Kidepo Valley National Park.On top of the Zebras and elands,Kidepo valley has a wide collection of mammals including the cheetahs,kudus,ostriches,bat-eared foxes and many more mammals that are not found in other parts of Uganda.

Semuliki National Park is another park where game drive are enjoyed by visitors and they get to see over 63 mammal though most visitors mainly go for chimpanzee tracking.

Gorilla tracking is the major attraction for Uganda due to the presence of the hard-to find mountain gorillas.These gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.Spend about an hour with these human-like mammals.Gorillas move a lot searching for food and therefore the visitor has to be equipped with the knowledge on how to track them.This explains why there are very my Gorilla Safaris in Uganda.
Unlike the gorillas,chimpanzees are easy to track because they don't travel a lot and they are see jumping on different tree branches.

Another adventurous activity that attracts tourists to Uganda is Chimpanzee tracking.These chimps are mainly found in Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park,Kibale Forest National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.A visitor can as well enjoy chimp tracking at Semuliki National Park that has the best viewing because of it's magnificent Savannah views.

It is advisable that you take  ranger with you on any game drive to protect you in case of any encounter. Usually these rangers brief visitors before setting off to the wild.
Travelling by road is the best mean of transport to use when going for game viewing because wild animals are easily seen from the car windows.

Birding in Uganda
Uganda has over 1045 bird species of birds (half of Africa's total bird population), and this makes it one of the best birding paradise in the world.These birds are splendid to look at and can spice up your birding safari to Uganda.
The country offers a wide collection of birds that visitors can watch including 25 Albertine rift endemics such as the African green broadbill and the handsome francolin.

Best times to visit Uganda - Uganda Safaris

Also known as the "the pearl of Africa",Uganda is a beautiful country that is well known for harboring the hard-to find mountain gorillas.

Clear view of Kampala city

Although the country has a warm climate throughout the year,there are specific times appropriate for visitors to come to this East African country.

The countries position along the equator leads to an insignificant seasonal temperature variations.A visitor should know Uganda's rainfall pattern before visiting and this is very vital for those interested in Gorilla tracking,Hiking,Birding and game viewing.

April,May,October and November are the wettest months and during this time,some activities such as camping are hard to practice.

It is on record that about 70% of Uganda's visitors are gorilla trackers and therefore there is need to know about the appropriate time to do the activity.Most itineraries drawn follow an established circuit between Kampala and the gorilla parks in the extreme southwest of Uganda.This is the area with the most density of the country's natural attractions and associated infrastructure.

A typical tour in Uganda starts from Kampala and heads west through Fort Portal to Kibale,where chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park is the main attraction.This can be followed by Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) that is found just at the foot of Rwenzori mountains.In the south of QENP,there is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park,mostly known for gorillas.

A gorilla at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Game viewing: 
In Uganda's Savannah parks, game viewing is at its best at the end of a dry season,when the wildlife concentrate around water sources to have a sip for cooling their bodies.This is during the months of February,March,September and early October.

Bird watching:
Birding in Uganda is best done between November and April when different migrant bird specie fly into the country.Birders seriously get bored during the extremely wet months between April and May.

Gorilla Tracking:
Gorilla trekking is best done during the 2 country's dry seasons,that is January and February  and from June  to September.