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.

The number of Game Park tourists in Uganda increases by 17.5% - Uganda Safaris

According to the recent research that was carried out by Uganda Wildlife Authority's marketing manager,Barbra Ameso,the number of visitors to the protected areas of Uganda has increased by 17.5%.This is said to be the highest rise ever since UWA was created 2 decades ago.

One of the key reasons for this rise is the  solar eclipse,an event that attracted very many tourists to Uganda,specifically Murchison Falls National Park.

Uganda is one of the few countries that have Mountain Gorillas and it records a high number of Gorilla safaris in a year.These unmatched attractions have greatly led to an increase in the number of visitors.The recent accolades that Uganda received by the travel magazines for example,the Lonely Planet,have greatly marketed the Tourism Industry.

Last year,Kidepo Valley National Park was listed by CNN among the top ten national Parks on the planet.
 This park is known for the large number of buffaloes and an interrupted landscape which is surrounded by Karimojongs.These people have a rich-unique culture which can spice up a cultural safari.

According to Ameso,the number of tourists has increased from182,149 to 213,949 ,amounting to  17.5%.She also pointed out that among the total visitors,43% were foreigners while the remaining portion is shared by both Ugandans and East Africans.

According to statistics,Murchison Falls National Park attracted the highest number of tourists and it is followed by Queen Elizabeth National Park.Kidepo Valley National Park came third despite increase in the number of visitors.

Lake Mburo National Park attracted the least number of tourits.This park is still being developed into a suitable product foe domestic tourism.There are also plans to increase the number of visitors at the park by both USAID and Africa Wildlife Foundation.

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

Kidepo Valley National Park - Uganda Safaris

Kidepo Valley National Park is found in the North Eastern corner of Uganda in Karamoja region ( remote region).The park is East Africa's most beautiful park.The park is on the border of Uganda and Sudan and Kenya.

Located about 700km from Kampala,Kidepo Valley National Park was gazetted as a national park in 1962 and today it is a home to over 85 mammal species and 476 species of birds.

Zebras grazing at Kidepo N.P

The park is isolated in the far North of Uganda but visitors that make that long journey through the wild frontier region,have an adventurous story to tell.The magnificent look and the profusion of big game has led to the world ranking of the park as one of the Africa's finest wilderness.
The Park's nomination as the Africa's leading national park 2013 by World Travel Awards,led to an increase in the number of tourists who visit the park.


Attractions at the Park
The diversity of both the mammal and the birds at the park,is the main reason for the great record of an increase in the number of visitors to the park.
The park has over 85 mammal species of which 25 are restricted to the park and Karamoja areas,such as the localized carnivores Bat eared fox,striped Hyena,Aardwolf,caracal,cheetah and hunting dog.Other special mammals at the park are;leopards,Black-backed and side-striped Jackal,Lions,and Hyenas.
The park also protects 5 primate species such as the Kivirondo bush baby that is endemic to the park.The park is also boasted with large mammals including the elephants,Giraffes,Zebras,Defassa water bucks,Elands,Cape Buffaloes,Jackson's hartebeest and the rare Klipspringer,Mountain Reedbuck,dikdi,lesser and greater Kudu.

The park is also a paradise for birding with over 476 bird species including 56 prey birds like the ostriches,Karamoja Apalis,Kori bustard,Abyssinian roller,Jackson's horn bill Egyptian vulture,Verreux's eagle owl and Pygmy falcon.Presence of these birds has led to an increase in Birding Safaris in Uganda.

Accommodation

Stunning Apoka Lodge

-Private Apoka Lodge:This Lodge is has comfortable rooms for guests who wish to have a wonderful time at the park.
-National Park Bandas:The bandas at Apoka lodge have beddings,hot shwers,mosquito nets,clean drinking water and a magnificent view of the park.
-Kakine Campsite:This has modern facilities that offer comfort to guests.

How to get there
The park can be accessed by using any of the 4 road routes  that are between 570 to 795 kilometers from Kampala, depending on the route used.
However,the park can also be accessed by charter flights.

Semuliki National Park - Uganda Safaris

Semuliki National Park is found in the extreme west of Uganda in Bundibugyo district.The park sprawls across the floor of the Semuliki Valley and it's along the Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo border.

A bird at SemulikI National Park

The Ituri forest acts as an eastern extension for the Park. Ituri forest is one of Africa's most bio-diverse and ancient forest that has survived for more than 18,000 years.

The Park contains various features that are hard-to find in other parks and this explains why tourists enjoy making trips to this remote park.

Facts about the Park
Semuliki National Park was gazetted in October 1993 and it covers an area of about 220km squared.The park's topology is flat with gently undulating land form,that is 760m above sea level.
The streams and rivers that flow from the surrounding areas drain through the park.This is the reason why many areas in the park are flooded during the rainy season.

Attractions at the park
Birding Safars:The park is a wonderful destination for tourists due to it's diverse small animals,butterflies and birds.The recorded number of bird species is 445 and this is about 35% of Uganda's total.Some of theses birds at the park are hard to find elsewhere in East Africa like the horn bills and lyre tailed honey guide.

The park has 63 mammal species and among these there are 9 diurnal forest primates including the Chimpanzees (chimpanzee safaris/tracking),vervet monkeys,olive baboons and blue monkeys.
Other mammals found in the park include the buffaloes,beecroft's flying squirrels,blue duikers,pigmy squirrels, target rat,water chevrotain and fruit bat,elephants,leopards,sitatungas and crocodiles.

The park is said to have over 374 species of butterflies and months plus 47 species of forest swallowtails and charaxes.

A hotspring at the Park

Activities at the park
Making a journey to Semuliki National Park exposes you to splendid views of nature.The moment you get to the park,there are numerous activities that one can opt for including;
-Spot fishing.this is done along the river  Semuliki. Visitors are expected to come with their fishing facilities.
-Game drives-Both day and evening game drives are arranged at the park and this goes through the park.The visitor gets a chance to have a close glance of the wild animals plus taking photos.These drives are guided.
-Boat trip.Have a chance to see the magnificent hot springs situated in a tract of hot mineral swampland.Still on this trip,different birds are seen flying both high and near the water.
-Birding.The presence of numerous rare birds at the park makes it an ideal place for birders.
-Cultural walks.Meet and greet the local people known as the Batuku and the Batwa people,who occupy the area.These people have unique cultures that are interesting.

Accommodation
There are a number of accommodation places specifically in Fort Portal and Bundibugyo town where a visitor can stay and relax.The campsite at Bugama (about 3km from Sepaya gate) is another place where a visitor can stay.

How to get there
Semuliki National Park can be accessed by travelling from Kampala to Fort Portal via Mubende.This is about 300km.Alternatively,one can opt to pass through Masaka ,Mbarara and Kasese which is about 515km.This is a longer route but it enables one to view Kyambura Wildlife Reserve,Lake Mburo National Park,Queen Elizabeth National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park - Uganda Safaris

Where is it located?
Also known as Uganda's most popular National Park,Queen Elizabeth National Park is found in Western Uganda spanning the districts of Bushenyi,Rukungiri,Kamwenge and Kasese. The Park's location is about 375 kilometers from Uganda's capital city (Kampala),that is when using the road.
In the Northeast of the park,lies Kasese town while on northeastern edge of the Park,lies Bushenyi.
The Park covers approximately 1996 km squared ( about 770 square miles) .

What are the seasons at the Park?
Generally western Uganda,where the Park is found experiences a dry season from June to September.During these months,most animals in the Park remain near the water simply because they want to keep on sipping  all day to cool their bodies.

A lion at the park

From January to February,the Park experiences a hot dry time and this is the best time to visit.
The rainy season is from March to May and October to December.

What are the attractions at the park?
The Park has a wide astonishing bio-diversity of both animals and birds.Approximately,the Park has 100 different types of mammals and 660 species of birds.The Park is said to have the world's largest number of Hippos and these are mainly at the Kazinga channel.Some of the other mammals at the Park include;crocodiles,buffaloes,Leopards,
warthogs,giant forest hogs,antelopes,Uganda kob,waterbuck,topi and elephants.
In the Northeastern part of the Park lies Kyambura George,a green territory with thick treetop canopies and vines.The whole adventure is spiced up by chimpanzees that chatter high up in the branches.These chimps are also found in the south of the Kazinga channel plus different monkey species.
The Park is also an adventurous place for birders and this explains why birders move from different parts of the world to come and have a glance at them.
Both animals and birds at Queen Elizabeth National Park are best viewed from a boat on Kazinga Channel.

Where to stay while at Queen Elizabeth National Park?
There are many Lodges in and around the Park where visitors can stay comfortably and these include;
Mweya Safari Lodge-This is found inside the Park and it offers numerous game viewing.
Kyambura Gorge Safari Lodge-located on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kyambura Gorge.The Lodge offers a comfortable accommodation.
Katara Lodge-found in the Great Rift Valley offering views of the Park to the guests.
Ishasha wilderness safari-located in the southern sector of the Park.It offers quality lodging.
Ihamba Safari Lodge
Jacana Eco-Lodge
Hippo Hill safari camp
Simba safari camp
Bush Lodge