THE UNUSUAL FACTS ABOUT HIPPOPOTAMI

Did you know that hippos are the a few most dangerous mammals on earth? While primate adventures (mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking) and big five game spotting has become the most sought after experience in most Uganda’s safari destinations, adding hippos into your bucket list is exceptionally one more thing you should consider in your next holiday to Africa. Hippopotami feature among the very few unique mammals on earth and in Africa, there are 2 (two) species-one in East Africa and in southern Sahara and the pygmy hippos that come in small sizes. And interestingly, they are the third biggest land mammal species.

They love water and this explains why the Greeks describe them as River horse. They spend about 16 hours per day while in Rivers and Lakes to keep themselves cool during the scotching sun. They come in huge bodies and submerge themselves into the water with only nostrils peeping out. Hippopotami are a few most graceful mammals in the water and they are capable of keeping the breath while in the water for about 5 minutes. Interestingly, they are also huge enough to even walk or stand on the Lake floor or simply lie in the shallow water. They weigh around 3600 kilograms and they tap their feet on the ground to propel themselves. Each foot feature 4 toes which distribute their weight. When they get out of water, they produce a red colored substance to cool themselves from the heat and this secretion is called blood sweat. Around evening, they get out of the water to feed given that they are herbivore depending on short grass and can feed for over 6 hours at night feeding up to 68 kilograms or more.

They can also mate and give birth. Their group is called a school and they range from 10 to 30 members in one school with one dominant male. In the dry spell, the dominant male can choose a partner and then other males can fight each other for the left females. Females give birth to one calf at a time either on land or underwater and they weigh about 45 kilograms. After, the mothers leave the school for short time to bond with their calves underwater and after some weeks, the calves can finally exit the water to feed on grass. They are among the most harmful creatures on earth featuring mainly the most powerful jaws and sharp teeth which helps them to crush a crocodile or split a boat in two parts. They can thrive up to 40-50 years and they are also listed in the IUCN Red book as the most vulnerable species as result of continued habitat loss and poaching.

In conclusion, if you are a very keen nature enthusiast, you can easily spot out most of these unusual traits hippos. To explore more about these incredible mammal species in Uganda, a boat cruise should be a must for you and the prime destinations for you to realize your dream include Murchison Falls National Park,  Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and other areas.

COMPARING THE COST OF GORILLA TREKKING BETWEEN 2017 AND 2018

Are you planning to spend your next vacation in Africa? Are you interested in mountain gorilla trekking but you do not how much it costs? When you think about African adventures, mountain gorillas feature on top list in most travelers’ itineraries and yet also a certain class is left with no knowledge of how much it costs to go and trek these dramatic creatures. For primate enthusiasts on safari to Africa, there are only 3 most stunning safari destinations that you should add into your travel plan and at the end of day you would have realized that long term dream. And no where else in the world offers that magical encounter except only Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Mountain gorilla trekking is generally regarded as a lifetime experience which also comes at a cost. 

SILVERBACK GORILLA

Before you think about undertaking this adventure, it is wise that you first take time and analyze prices of each destination. This will help you make better informed decisions this year as you plan for your vacation to Africa.

Regardless of various factors, the price for gorilla permits at one point or the other must have bared you from realizing your dreams. For travelers on gorilla safaris to Africa, permits in Uganda are sold at $600 per person while in Rwanda, they are sold at $1500 per visitors, meaning you can save up to $900 if you chose to track gorillas in Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is conducted in only two protected areas; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Besides the usual treks, there is Mountain Gorilla Habituation Experience which takes the whole day and instead of the usual one hour, visitors spend 4 (four) hours with the apes in the wild. This adventure is conducted by researchers, conservationists and visitors and costs $1500 per visitor and Bushaho and Bikingi group are the only two families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park where this extraordinary adventure is conducted.

For visitors who are interested in visiting Rwanda, permits are sold at $1500 per visitor and treks are done in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda Development Board increased the cost of  gorilla permits last from $750 to $1500 per person. Volcanoes National Park features 10 habituated families which represent 80 permits. The advantage that Rwanda has over Uganda is that Volcanoes National Park can be accessed within 2 to 3 hours’ drive from Kigali International Airport unlike Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park which take up to 9 hours’ or more from Kampala city center or Entebbe International Airport. However, things have also become easier for Uganda where visitors can fly direct from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip. The other alternative is setting off from Kigali to Bwindi and Mgahinga and visitors can spend around 3 to 4 hours’ drive to reach southwestern Uganda. Besides, a trip to Bwindi and Mgahinga also comes with several attractions that visitors enjoy along the way which may not be the case with Volcanoes National Park. The best stopover for visitors on gorilla adventures in Uganda are tree climbing lions at Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and Equator and many more wildlife species.

For trekkers who are interested in visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo for this lifetime experience, permits can be purchased at $400 making Congo one of the cheapest destinations for one to achieve his or her dreams. The treks are conducted in the Virunga National Park, East of DR Congo. However, the main challenge is that the country is still recovering from the insecurities.

In conclusion, if you are planning to travel to Africa this year, comparing prices between gorilla destinations ideally is something very crucial. This plays a great role in guiding you especially as you make the best choice on which destination to spend your vacation and at the end of day, you won’t regret in life. With the information provided above we believe that it will be of great value to you as you think of exploring Africa’s Great Apes while in their natural habitat.

WHERE TO GO FOR MANGABEY MONKEY TRACKING IN UGANDA

While majority of travelers on Africa safaris mainly flock for mountain gorilla trekking and the big game encounters, Mangabey Monkey trekking still remains unknown and yet it equally offers the most outstanding primate adventures of lifetime. For visitors who are interested in tracking these rare primates, consider visiting Mabira Forest Reserve a must in your bucket list. Mabira forest reserve stands out in two parts and features as one of the very few tropical rainforests that still thrive in Africa today. Not only is it credited for its floral species but also for its unique fauna species one of which being the rare Mangabey Monkeys. The forest was gazetted in 1932 and covers an area of about 306 square kilometers. It is situated a few kilometers off Kampala city center and depending on visitors speed and traffic jam, the forest is accessible within 45 hours’ drive. This forest boasts of over 312 species of trees, 287 birdlife, 218 butterflies, 97 moths, 23 small mammals.

The Mangabey Monkeys are scientifically called Lophocebus Ugandae the renowned descendant of the old world monkey which is endemic to Uganda. These incredible primates are believed to belong to the grey cheeked mangabey group, a popular taxonomist Colin Gloves conducted research and called them L. Ugandae. They belong to the grey cheeked mangabey and they feature shorter skull and smaller face. They add up the 19 distinct primate species that are renowned to thrive within Uganda and the most looked for primates by most visitors on Uganda primate adventures. They are mainly tracked within Mabira forest which is situated 60 kilometers off Kampala city center.

Given its current status, the Uganda Mangabey Monkeys like the rare mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, also need to be included in the IUCN Red book list as the endangered species. The grey cheeked mangabey species thrive in different areas on earth and among many include the Congo forest extension to the northern side of Angola. In Uganda, apart from Mabira forest the other tourist sites for you to catch a glimpse at these dramatic primates in the wild include the Semuliki forest, Mpanga, Bugoma, Bujuko, Lwamunda, Sango bay, Kibale and many others.

These unique creatures depend on fruits, specifically figs and shoots, insects and others. They live in communities ranging from five to thirty individuals and in Mabira forest; there are 2 communities that have been habituated for visitor encounters. Other activities for you to enjoy while on safari to Mabira forest include forest walks, birding, cultures especially with the local drama group, zip line adventures and butterfly identification and others. For visitor stay in Mabira Forest, there is Mabira rain forest Lodge, a luxury lodging facility and for budget visitors, the best option is Griffin Falls Camp.

In conclusion, Mabira forest lies within the proximity of Kampala city center and one of the best spots for you to catch a glimpse at the rare Uganda Mangabey monkeys while they are in their natural habitat. The Uganda Mangabey Monkeys are few primates that still remain unexploited and a trek to see them rewards visitors with authentic experiences. For primate enthusiasts, this is the best site that you should consider including in your bucket list and you won’t regret in life. 

THE MOST REMARKABLE REPTILES IN UGANDA

Uganda is described as the pearl of Africa for a reason. Uganda is one of the destinations which is blessed with variety of distinct wildlife, big cats, reptiles, herbivores, amphibians, Great apes as well as avian species. Depending on what your interests are, Uganda is naturally gifted and your dreams will certainly come true once you land into this stunning country for vacation; Below are some of the most outstanding reptile species that you shouldn't miss to include in your travel plan.

The puff adder; this is one of the commonest snakes in the savanna grassland national parks in Uganda. It feeds on rodents and can strike at humans when threatened.

The rock python; this is the biggest snake in Africa. It stretches up to five meters in length and has gold on black mottled kind of skin. Pythons can kill although they are regarded as non venomous. They wrap their bodies around the prey and after swallow it all. After, they leave and nap for about 2 (two) months. They depend on rodents, small antelopes and they can kill small children. These incredible snakes can be sighted in bat cave in Maramangambo forest in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Black mambas; these are very poisonous and they can kill human beings. They are faster in movement and only strike once they are attacked. The black mambas are not black as the names may suggest but the inside part of their mouth is black. They are largely sighted around eastern side of Uganda.

Green mambas; these are not as aggressive as the black mambas but they are poisonous. They are commonly sighted in trees, shrubs, bushes and at times in the roofs of people’s home.

Gabon viper; this features as the biggest African viper. It stretches up to two meters long, has heavy build, black and brown skin pattern with some gold on it.

Boom slang; this is a tree snake that is non fangs and it is not aggressive and yet very toxic. Others include green tree snake, mole snake, and egg eating snakes, cobras and many more.

Crocodiles; Uganda refuges the largest number of Nile crocodiles. They can be best sighted while on boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park, Kazinga channel and on Lake Mburo National Park. Nile crocodiles largely depend on fish and can also feed on mammals.

Uganda also refuges a number of lizards that come in various types. There are both water monitor and savanna monitor lizards. The water monitor lizards can be sighted along the Kazinga channel and the savanna monitor savanna.

Besides, there are also Chameleons which are credited for their camouflage. Chameleons come in various kinds and some of them include the flap necked chameleon and this is normally seen in savanna and wooded places. It stretches for around 15 cm long, bright and green in color and they can also grow twice their usual body size and can change brown under given conditions. There is also Graceful chameleon-yellow and green in color, white stripe along the flanks of it, giant chameleon.

In conclusion, the most commonly sighted reptiles in Uganda include the Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, snakes, chameleons and at times turtles.

WHY UGANDA SHOULD BE A MUST TO VISIT DESTINATION IN AFRICA

For authentic African experiences, consider Uganda a must in your bucket list. This spectacular country is one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa that offer tourists that African touch they deserve in life. There are a million reasons why you need to visit Uganda in your next holiday vacation some of which include the following;

Wildlife and Natural beauty

Like any safari destination in Africa, Uganda safaris are largely supported by the presence of abundant wildlife. Most of its distinct wildlife species are inhabited in the ten magnificent national parks and several game reserves. The mostly visited protected areas in Uganda include Murchison Falls National Park for the 4 of the big five game in the country as well as other wildlife species, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Semuliki National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and many more tourism sites. Besides, visitors on safari in Uganda can also catch a glimpse of its stunning Lakes, mountains, Rivers, birdlife and many more breathtaking adventures that you will offer you with lifetime experiences. The most sought after wildlife species in Uganda are largely the big five game which include African elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Rhinos and Leopards as well as hartebeests, zebras, giraffes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, warthogs and many more.

Mountain gorillas

Besides the big game, Uganda’s tourism sector is also vibrant largely due to the rare mountain gorillas that thrive mainly in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park in Southwestern Uganda. About 480 individuals of these critically endangered apes call Uganda their home making this stunning destination the most sought after site for lifetime experiences when it comes to Great ape encounters in Africa. Note that there are only three countries in the entire world where these rare creatures thrive and they include Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. And there are fewer than 900 individuals of mountain gorillas that are left in the world today. If you are interested in this life changing adventure in Uganda, permits are obtainable at $600 per person.

Lake Bunyonyi

Located in southwestern Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is remarkably the second deepest in Africa. This magical Lake features moderate temperatures throughout the year. It comes with over 29 distinct islands all of which reward visitors with unique experiences. A safari in Lake Bunyonyi allows you to engage in a number of water sport activities including canoeing as well as visit local communities.

The source of River Nile

Whereas most tourists travel mainly for wildlife safaris, taking a trip to Jinja rewards you with lifetime experiences. Jinja is described as adrenaline capital of the world mainly because of the mighty River Nile. It covers about 6600 kilometers long and crosses over 9 different states but mainly centered in Uganda and Egypt. Other states include Sudan, Burundi, Ethiopia and Tanzania. While on safari to the source of the Nile, do not miss to participate in white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, quad bike, horse back riding, magical sport fishing adventure and many more water sport adventures that will reward you with life changing experiences.

Bird watching

Uganda is famous to be a home to more than 1074 distinct bird species which represents about 60 percent of all the bird species that thrive in the world. Uganda refuges different habitats each of which comes with distinct bird species. They range from wetlands, forests, savanna grassland and many others. The notable birds to sight while on birding safari in Uganda include the shoebill stork, Green breasted pitta, African broadbill and many others including the migrant species.

Chimpanzee trekking

Chimpanzee trekking features as one of the most sought after primate adventures by most tourists on Uganda safari. About 5000 chimpanzees are known to thrive within the various habitats in Uganda but Kibale Forest National Park accounts for over 1500 individuals as well as other 12 primate species which makes it the most sought after primate destination in Uganda. Other areas where you can track chimpanzees include Budongo Forest, Semuliki National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest and many more.

Favorable weather conditions

When it comes to African safaris, Uganda can be visited at anytime of the year. Each season comes with its benefits. For the wet season which starts in the months of March, April, May, September and November, this can be the best time for visitors to sight most of the birds and for gorilla trekking, most gorillas can be tracked within the foothills of the park compared to the dry season when they tend to wander around looking for food. The challenge with the wet season is that the gorilla habitat can be muddy and slippery for hikers to track these unique species in the wild which is why most trekkers prefer visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga National Park during the dry season when the habitat is relatively dry and makes hiking through the steep slopes and the thick vegetation easier for them as they look out for a group of these dramatic creatures in their natural habitat. The dry season starts from June to September and December to February.

Murchison Falls

The might Murchison Falls is also known as the Kabalega Falls is remarkably one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. This waterfall is found between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert on River Nile. It famous for its powerful roar as it squeezes itself into the narrow gorge of about 7 meters and plunges down prior flowing west to Lake Albert. It is the best spot for you to take photographs and for breathtaking views. While at the top of the Nile, do not miss to see the rainbow that forms as a result of this most powerful waterfall.

In conclusion, there are a million reasons why you should visit Uganda in your next safari holiday. With the above listed attractions, we believe that you will have a wide range of options to choose the best for your vacation in Uganda.

TREKKING TO SEE THE RARE THREE HORNED CHAMELEONS IN UGANDA

Have you ever imagined about chameleon tracking experiences? Have you heard or seen the three horned chameleon? When it comes to wildlife safaris, Uganda is not only for the big five or the rare mountain gorillas but also for a fascinating chameleon experiences. Think about the rare chameleon species and look not further than the three horned Jackson’s chameleon encounters. This unique creature thrives at an altitude of about 1700 meters above seas level. A trek to see these rare species starts from 1800 meters above sea level up to 2022 meters above sea level. The three horned chameleons are listed as endangered species and they can be seen in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park where the rare mountain gorillas also thrive. The three horned chameleon is rare from the rest in that it can thrive from 17 to 18 years on a free range, the female gives birth to live off springs compared to the rest of species where a female has to have eggs and once they are mature it bursts for off springs to be born. They are on free range and you get a chance to look out for this spectacular reptile species.

THREE HORNED CHAMELEON

There are several differences between the male Johnston’s chameleon and the rest of chameleons. Firstly, they are distinct using their three horns at the fore head. Like the rest of chameleon species, Jackson’s chameleons take the advantage of their changing color for hiding. Many chameleons use this as away to safe guard themselves from the predators. They usually change color mainly to hunt down their prey especially the insects. They also use take the advantage of their color as a means of communication especially when it comes to encountering the fellow enemy or courtship with females and as away of minimizing the temperatures in their bodies.

They are endemic to the Great Albertine rift and can only be tracked around the Rwenzori region, Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi National Park in Uganda and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. From 6 to 12 months the fully grown Jacksons chameleon can be 30 centimeters. They largely depend on insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, spiders, bugs, butterflies.

Their tongue consists of rare muscles on the tip which enables them to trap the prey. They also have unique feet compared to other lizards as they are able to catch a grip of the tree trunks while climbing.

Like any chameleon species, the Jackson’s chameleons have eyes which gives them ability to turn up to 360 degrees and this means that they can view at all angles without moving.

In conclusion, the three horned chameleon in Uganda can be viewed in Rwenzori National Park or Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. If you are planning your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, make sure that you do not leave out chameleon tracking.

WHY LUTEMBE BAY IS BIRD WATCHERS PARADISE

Situated on the Northern Lake Victoria shore, Lutembe wetland is exceptionally popular for avian safaris in Uganda. It is one of the wetlands that are internationally of great importance for bird enthusiasts. Due to its abundant biodiversity it was designated as a Ramsar site in 2006. This Ramsar site comes with variety of papyrus and vegetation that thrives along its spectacular Islands. It serves as one of the best spots for migratory birdlife which makes it one of the best birding spots for you to catch a glimpse of varied avian species while on Uganda safari. With over 1060 birds that are confined within Uganda, Lutembe bay features both indigenous and million of Palearctic migrants particularly the countless White winged terns and Grey headed gulls. And not to forget other species like the Hottentot teal, Caspian tern, Broad billed sandpiper, Great knot and Temminck’s stint.

Based on the continuous waterfowl counts from 1993, about 108 water birds thrived at the site 26 of which are Palearctic migrants and its ability to support them attained it the status of being Important Birding Area and Ramsar site. It is also famous for 8 out of 12 species of the Lake Victoria basin biome. This stunning site also features shoebill stork, tawny pipit and the Madagascar squacco heron as well as the purple starling, house sparrow, fawn breasted waxbill, brown twin spot, black necked weaver, holub’s golden weaver, African pygmy kingfisher, speckle breasted woodpecker, Grey backed fiscal, black headed gonolek, black kite, scaly francolin, barn swallow, helmeted guinea fowl, wired tailed swallow, yellow fronted canaries, brimstone, little ringed plover, splendid sterling, blue spotted wood dove, pin tailed whydah, collared pratincole, yellow browed camaroptera, Marico sunbird, tree pipit, yellow throated long claw, African queen pigeon, Senegal lapwing, African wattled lapwing, grosbeak weaver, blue breasted bee eater, cape wagtail, brown backed scrub robins, sooty chat, plain backed pipit, tropical boubou, lead colored flycatcher and many more.

Lutembe bay forms part of the mighty Murchison bay which is famous for its abundant plant and wildlife species. It offers construction materials and craft products to the local residents, energy products, medicine, fish and drinking water. The wetland also offers refuge to enormous fish species especially the endangered cichlid fish, lung and clarius fish, and acts as waste water cleaning, transport, retention of pollutants and sediments and defending floods. While on birding safari to this stunning spot, expect more than birds, there are also about 100 butterflies for you to catch a glimpse. The Lutembe wetland is located near Kampala city centre and the Entebbe International Airport and as an important bird area it has a support group headed by the local community in charge conservation and sustainable utilization of the area’s natural resources and the group is called Lutembe Wetland Users Association (LWUA).

Lutembe wetland is such a natural wonder worth visiting for bird watching in Uganda. Over millions of avian species thrive in this bay today as most of them fly in turns at once making a shadow after blocking the sun and then they land again and this makes the site one of the best spots for you catch a glimpse of spectacular birds. Migratory bird species come all the way from Liberia without stopping anywhere but only in Lutembe wetland in Uganda which makes the site to be exceptionally one of the best birding areas in Africa and world at large. The avian species come from Scandinavia, Russia and Europe, where they thrive for 9 months time in Uganda and then fly back to Europe to breed while the rest fly without stopping to or from the popular Caspian Sea. In 2000, Lutembe bay features over 3.5 million birds. The birds are always sighted arriving around September and October and depart around mid February and March.

In conclusion, Lutembe bay is incredibly bird watchers paradise. If you are planning your safari holiday in Uganda, never miss to visit this stunning wetland. A visit to this wetland rewards visitors with amazing bird sightings of lifetime.