Touring Entebbe - Uganda Safaris

Entebbe is the arrival point for most of the tourists since it has the best international airport known as Entebbe international airport. It is an adventurous town in Uganda and is where you can make a safari that can expose you to historical places, islands, the national zoo (known as Uganda Wildlife Education Center) and many more. Today many tourists that tour Uganda first move around this organized town before they could continue with their safari. It is a lovely city with its markets busy throughout the day and just beyond, there are many other things to do and see.

The pleasant climate that is availed due to the presence of Lake Victoria (the world’s second largest fresh-water lake), is one of the attractions that persuades tourists to at least stay for a night and enjoy the breathtaking moments in the town. On Lake Victoria, you can take a boat cruise as you look at a wide variety of birds and mammals in the clean waters.

The must-see in Entebbe

1. Entebbe botanical gardens; these are one of the special offers that this splendid town has to offer to its visitors. It is a great place to spend a half or full day. The lovely flowers at these gardens are attractive, green trees, birds, monkeys, and the playing butterflies. You will love each and everything that comes to your sight on this Uganda Safari tour.

2. Entebbe beaches; given the fact that the town is on the shores of Lake Victoria, there are well organized beaches for those tourists who want to chill and sunbath at any time of the day. These sandy beaches are great places to relax and enjoy as you see the sun setting in the sky.

3. Bird Watching on the shores of Lake Victoria is another activity that the town offers and there are over 400 bird species along the lake.

4. Entebbe-Uganda Wildlife Education Center; you can always take an afternoon safari at this place because it has a wide range of wild animals and birds that are kept in their respective places.

5. Chimpanzee tracking at Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria near Entebbe town. A guided tour to the island is carried out and tourists get a chance to track one of the hard-to find chimps.

Chimpanzee at Uganda Wildlife Education Centre

6. Sport fishing at the lake is also possible for those interested in the activity and this is done at your own pace. Have a chance to catch the large Nile Perch, Tilapia or other fresh water fish.

7.Snake park; just a few kilometers from Entebbe town, there is a snake park where you can find all types of snakes that you have ever wished to see most especially the vipers.

8.Chilling at Ssese Island; There is a beautiful island near Entebbe found on lake Victoria that one can visits and spend some precious evening looking at the flying birds in the sky.     

A two days tour to Budongo Forest Reserve - Uganda Safaris

Have you ever thought of making an unforgettable Uganda Safari in your life? This happened to me as I decided to tour Budongo forest that is found in Masindi about30km from Kampala. I started my journey at around 2:00pm from Kampala Taxi Park in a bus. While in the bus, it took us only two hours to get to the reserve. I made sure I reach early before the gates of Murchison National Park are closed.Consequently, tourists are not allowed in beyond 7:00pm so as to prevent accidents since at this time different species of game cross the roads from one side to another. I witnessed this when an monkey was about to enter into the wheels of a certain car leaving the parking yard of Budongo Eco lodge out of the blue, 30 minutes after I had arrived in the park.Budongo Eco lodge is situated in the heart of the forest reserve inside Murchison Falls National park.

A wonderful evening at the park

I was invited for a campfire as I waited for dinner and I joined over 30 tourists from different corners of the world. But as I had just joined other tourists, one of the guides warned us against eating foods with strong aromas such as meat and bananas, so as not to provoke the attack of animals like leopards and chimps. What I can never forget about this campfire is the sweet piece of music by an owl nearby. It gave that strong emotion of being at peace with nature.

A glance at the finely furnished interior of the Eco-friendly room in the Hornbill lodge was enough eye candy for me. The rooms at this lodge are too organized that I even wished I could have my honeymoon here. I had a wonderful night at this place and one unique thing that I can ever forget is that I forgot to dream.

Chimp  trekking in the morning

I woke up at around 8:00pm and I remembered that I had to enjoy this Uganda Safari with chimp trekking. But before going for the day’s adventure, I first joined other tourists and had a cup of coffee. The guide on duty briefed us about the planned chimpanzee trekking. Without this coffee, there is no doubt that would have reconsidered trekking the moment the forest welcomed us icy due drops from its trees. It was cold as if winter had struck Uganda.

By 9:00am we were happily lost in the middle of the forest. This forest I said to have been the hunting ground for Bunyoro’s king and that’s why sometimes its called Kabalega’s forest.

As we made our way through the thick green forest, we heard roars from the trees. We later discovered it was a clique of four chimpanzees fighting to ripe apart a white monkey. Unfortunately for the poor monkey; it was not only fighting for its dear life, but also preyed on alive.

In the forest: the guide told us that there are about 350 species of birds and 289 species of butterflies. He also noted that Budongo forest has the oldest trees in Uganda, with muvule of about 220 years and mahogany of about 250 years.

Time for departure

Had I not had a crucial appointment in Kampala that evening, the beauty of Budongo forest was going to keep me there for along time. So I left Masindi at around 2:00 pm for Kampala.

How to get to Budongo forest

Using private arrangement, you can find your way to Masindi by road and there after drive 30km north to get to Budongo Central Forest Reserve through Kichumbayobo gate.Take the main road to Para if you want to get to Budongo Eco lodge for about 12km.

More Cheetahs return to Kidepo Valley National Park

According to John Masereka,the conservation Manager,more cheetahs have been seen at Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda.Of recent,there were more fear that these rare wild animals were nearing extinction.This poised a threat to both wildlife safaris and Primate Safaris in Uganda.Cheetahs can only be found in Karamoja sub-region in Kidepo Valley National in the whole of Uganda.This increase in the number of cheetahs at the park has has given hope to wildlife conservation.Currently the number of Cheetahs in Uganda is estimated to be 20 and all these are found in Kidepo Valley National Park.John Masereka said that it has become common to encounter cheetahs while on a game drive at the park.Last month,tourists encountered more than 6 cheetahs.This has led to a bright moment for visitors intending to see the big cats at Kidepo.

 Cheetahs are part of the cat family and are among the key attractions that tourists on a Uganda Safari come to see.However,these mammals are among the endangered species and this made them to appear in the list under Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in the Endangered Species of wild Flora and fauna (CITES). Therefore,there is need to protect both the Cheetahs and their habitats by the government to ensure that they are not depleted in the country.The conservation Manager said that there are conservation plans setup to protect areas such as Kidepo Valley National Park.This will hep to secure Kidepo and the nearby landscapes such as animal corridors for wildlife to thrive.

Rwetsiba Aggrey,Uganda Wildlife Authority's senior monitoring officer said that cheetah population is still small but fast growing.Frequent sighting of the cheetahs at the park is expected to boost the popularity of Kidepo as a true part of the remaining wilderness globally.Kidepo Valley National Park covers an area of 1,440 sq km and it sits in the northeast of Uganda sharing a border with South Sudan and Kenya.

The ongoing conservation programme at Kidepo has been boosted by the Africa Wildlife Foundation,which is being supported by USAID, to implement a 4-year programme that is expected to invest more in wildlife conservation within and outside Kidepo.

The elegant Rhinos of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary - Uganda Safaris

There are many unforgettable attractions at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, found in western Uganda on the way to  Murchison Falls National Park ,but one of the main attractions are the elegant rhinos that meander about the park. The swampy green atmosphere at the site is one of the breathtaking features and many visitors always take boat safaris in order to have a clear view of a variety of mammals.

Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Initially the sanctuary could receive few visitors because of its remote location, but today due to the development of the infrastructures in Uganda, many tourists find it hard to leave Uganda without having a glance at this magnificent breathtaking sanctuary. The Rhinos are specifically the main attractions at the site and there are over 250 rhinos that dwell in this place. These Rhinos find it easy to survive while in this place because of the presence of water and green vegetables that is largely fed on.


For your first Uganda Safari, you may find it hard to see these calm peaceful animals but as you move through the swamp, many of these animals come into site. The best time to see them is in the afternoon as they gather in large numbers around the water to have a sip and in the evening as they play to kiss good bye to the day.

At Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, you can have an opportunity to get close to the rhinos for about 20 feet with the help of the guide and also take photos with them. The best way to track the rhinos is by foot tracking because they leave a big mark of their feet as they move.

Although most people only know Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for its marvelous rhinos, it also offers much more to its visitors including; natural walks, birding, boat safaris, swamp walks and overnight accommodation.There are over 200 bird species at the place but many birders go there to look at the hard-to find shoebill stork.

Accommodation should not be a worry when you visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary as there is Amuka Lodge, a great place to spend the night in the African wild. At the lodge, African and European excellent foods are served.

How to get there
We can pick you from Entebbe International Airport and this wilderness oasis that is a few hours from Kampala.

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

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

Butterfly watching at Mabira Forest-Uganda - Uganda Safaris

There are many things that make Uganda the pearl of Africa and one of the precious things are the pretty splendid butterflies that dazzle and fly in the region. Mabira forest is found along Kampala-Jinja road and it has the highest number of butterflies with over 600 species of butterflies. These butterflies migrate from different parts of East Africa and converge in this old tropical forest.

Butterflies are forest dwellers and Mabira forest is their number one home in Uganda is host to 70% of African butterfly species but Mabira forest has 50% of the total butterflies in Uganda and some of the species found in this forest are;charaxes and swallowtails.

There are small roads through this thick tropical forest that lead tourists to the best view of the dazzling butterflies as they look for nectar from the flowers. They are best seen in the afternoon as they play in groups searching for friends and nectar.

Apart from Mabira forest, there are other places in Uganda where butterfly watchers can enjoy including;Kibale and Bwindi National parks which are also greatly forested and Serenada Eco Resort that teams with over 15 species of butterflies a day.  

Facts about butterflies

Butterflies are cold-blooded colorful insects whose colors and patterns change depending on the weather (darker during cold times and lighter during hot times).Unlike other insects, butterflies are harmless to crops and farmers don’t mind if they visit their gardens. They always fly in large numbers in the afternoon when it’s warm to make themselves warm since they are cold-blooded. For migrant butterflies, they fly over a long distance to colonize new areas abandoning unproductive habitats. To avoid predators, they sleep beneath leaves at night.

In order to survive, butterflies have learnt tricks in that they fly in jerky patterns making it hard for the predators to hit the target. Some hide in the surrounding vegetation. They also have eyes on their wings to confuse birds letting them to attack from the wrong side.

Though these lovely, harmless butterflies have these tricks, they are preyed upon by birds, reptiles, ants and spiders while their eggs are eaten by hover flies and beetles. Apart fro predators, butterflies are also killed by diseases and bad weather.

It is also noted that larger butterflies double the lifespan of the small ones.

How to get there

We can help you fly into this butterfly world by picking you at Entebbe International Airport and take you to Mabira forest where these butterflies like to stay in huge numbers. Mabira forest is found in the east of Kampala and it is about 30km from town. The journey takes about 90 minutes.

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"

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.

Chobe Safari Lodge - Uganda Safaris

Chobe Safari Lodge is found in Murchison Falls National Park and it offers breathtaking panoramic views that are accompanied by the splendid sounds from River Nile's rapids.
The lodge enables visitors to enjoy some adventurous activities like;wildlife viewing,birding,spot fishing and many more.The flora and fauna of the park is so magnificent that a visitor can easily experience while at the lodge.

Game viewing at Chobe Safari Lodge

Accommodation at the Lodge
The Lodge has 36 spacious guest rooms,4 suits,21 luxury tents and one president cottage.All the rooms at the lodge are well designed basing on River Nile's architectural perspective.The rooms are well lit and each has a private terrace and balcony that enable great views of the park.Rooms at the Lodge include;

• Standard rooms;these are 36 in total and are located in the main block.They combine both modern and safari atmosphere that a visitor enjoys.
• Suites;there are 3 suits also located in the main block.They have a little more space and they are more convinient for families.
• 8 Standard tents;these are at a short distance away from the main block and are superbly furnished with modern interiors.
• 7 Deluxe tents;found just a few meters from the main building and they are strategically located to offer a splendid view of the park with a private balcony.While in these tents,sounds of the running water are heard.
• Nile suites;are located at the top of the main building's tall wall.These suites are spacious and offer a visitor a comfortable atmosphere for relaxation.
  
• Presidential Cottage;just like the name 'president',these cottages are spacious and offer a wonderful atmosphere.For guests that are interested in maximum privacy,this is the best place to stay.The cottage has a twin bedroom,double bedroom and a large living room.
• Florence Baker House

Each of the above rooms has a private en-suite bathroom, ceiling fans,a private balcony,seating area and Air-Conditioners

Facilities at the lodge include;

• Swimming Pool
• Business Centre
• Reastaurant and Cuisine
• A gift shop
• Conference Facilities
• A Bar

Tourist activities at the Lodge

•  Spot fishing
• Safari Drives
• Nature Walks
• Bush Breakfast
• Visiting Murchison Falls

Nile Safari Lodge - Uganda Safaris

Entrance of Nile Safari Lodge

Located in Uganda's largest national park (Queen Elizabeth National Park),Nile Safari Lodge is a luxurious accommodation strategically located on River Nile banks.The lodge has wooden chalets and spacious tents each with a private balcony that offers a wonderful view of the park.While at the balcony,you can relax and see some animals like vervet monkeys as they play in the tree branches.

For visitors interested in sleeping closer to nature,Nile safari Lodge is the number one choice because the guests are treated with an original co-existing with the park's natural inhabitants peacefully.The front pool at the lodge offers a relaxing environment for the visitors mainly in the evening.While at the pool,you can hear sounds from different birds as they fly across the Lodge.

Accommodation
The Lodge has spacious rooms and tents which are well designed with enough light,private en-suite bathroom,a flush toilet and a private bathroom.
The Lodge has:

• Private cabins
• Camping area
• Twin Safari tents

Facilities at the Lodge

• Swimming pool
• Bar and Restaurant
• Swimming pool
• Craft shop
• Tour desk
• Outdoor fireplace

Activities carried out at the lodge include:

• Bird walks
• Nature walks
• Boat rides
• Cultural Performances
• Village Walk

TRAVEL TO UGANDA AND RWANDA - Uganda and Rwanda Safaris

Uganda and Rwanda are both found in East Africa and these are one of the few countries in the World where mountain Gorillas are found.The hard-to find wild animals that are found in these countries are one of reasons of the frequent reception of both Uganda Safaris and Rwanda Safaris.This also leads to an increase in both Uganda Gorilla Safaris and Rwanda Gorilla Safaris.

In the past two years,these East African countries have experienced a rapid growth in the Tourism industry due to their serene environment,birds and wild animals.These animals are found in the in National Parks and reserves.

The political climate in these countries is stable and calm, instilling confidence in the visitors who travel from different parts of the world to come and look at the "human like"animals (gorillas).
Apart from the gorillas,there are other wild animals in these countries including;the Lions,Leopards,Elephants,Monkeys,Chimpanzees, Buffaloes,Crocodiles,Hippos,Antelopes,Snakes, Giraffes, Warthogs and many more.These countries are also habitats for different species of birds.

An unforgettable Safari to Uganda and Rwanda enables visitors to tour the following National Parks;

UGANDA
.Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
.Queen Elizabeth National Park
.Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
.Murchison Falls National Park
.Kibale Forest National Park
.Lake Mburo National Park
.MT Rwenzori National Park
.MT Elgon National Park
.Semliki National Park
.Kidepo Valley National Park

RWANDA
.Volcanoes National Park
.Akagera National Park
.Nyungwe Forest

A visit to Uganda and Rwanda can never be forgotten.