Sunday, 22 December 2013

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"

Thursday, 19 December 2013

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



Wednesday, 18 December 2013

Murchison River Lodge - Uganda Safaris

Murchison River Lodge is located in the south of River Nile and it sits on the Nile's boundaries overlooking Murchison Falls National Park.The lodge's awesome environment that is spiced up with a breathtaking atmosphere that promote relaxation,are one the great experiences at the lodge.
The lodge's location just a few meters from Murchison Falls National Park enables the visitors to easily access the park at any time.While at the lodge,great views of the park are enjoyed that are accompanied by sounds from different bird species.

Tourist having a good time at Murchison River Lodge
Accommodation
  • Thatched Cottages:the lodge has 4 thatched cottages that are well furnished and attractive.Each cottage has a double bed,2 single beds,en-suite bathroom and a private veranda.Facilities found in these cottages include;solar lights,towels,bed linen,mosquito nets,en-suite shower and toilet and hot water.
  • Thatched Safari tents:These  tents are strategically located in the bush near River Nile and are equipped with safari tables and chairs.Some of these tents (4) are twin shared and are located near the water providing a breathtaking atmosphere and fresh air.Each  tent is self contained with its private en-suite bathroom and toilet.Facilities in these tents include;solar lights,towels,bed linen,mosquito nets and private showers and toilets.
  • Camp tents:There are 5 comfortable camp tents strategically located in the bush to enable the visitor enjoy a wild feel of Africa.These are not self contained but have special facilities like solar lights,towels,bed linen and mosquito nets.
  • Campsite:There is enough camping ground at the lodge and those visitors with their own camping equipments,are provided with a conducive environment.This site is situated in the bush with enough parking space,2 simple kitchen,numerous tree species and a fire place.
Facilities at the Lodge
  • Swimming Pool
  • Restaurant and Bar
  • Craft Shop
Activities carried out at the Lodge
  •  Bird watching
  • Visiting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Chimp Trekking
  • Cultural safaris
  • Boat cruise to the Delta
  • Spot Fishing
  • Viewing the Murchison Falls


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.

Monday, 16 December 2013

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

Thursday, 12 December 2013

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.

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

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