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.

No compensation for killed relatives,UWA - Uganda Safari News

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has declined to the proposed ideal of compensating the relatives of people killed by wild animals straying from National Parks.
According to Dr. Andrew Seguya, the executive director of Uganda Wildlife Authority,he said that there is no law regarding compensation of people killed by the wild animals.He said that this can not implemented unless the government comes up with laws on compensation.

A man being chased by a wild animal straying from a National Park

Speaking this,he was responding to questions from the journalists which involved compensation of people killed by animals.In Uganda,elephants,lions and crocodiles are known to kill people in different parts.The executive director said that these animals sometimes come out of the protected areas.However,he said that people are also to blame because they sometimes go unprotected to protected areas and from here,they are attacked.

Many NGOs in Uganda have tried to document the lives lost at the jaws of wild animals but nothing has yet been than.They did this after the various complaints by different communities living around Uganda's national parks.The communities have now petitioned the Parliament of Uganda and the ministry of Tourism to help them out on this problem.

Last year,the Parliament of Uganda recommended that government should come up with a policy on Human animal conflict that will handle compensation for the lives lost and the property destroyed  by wild animals straying from reserves and protected areas.

Members of the Parliament have warned the government to effectively intervene to avoid conflict between the local people and the national parks since this will affect tourism in the country.If these conflicts are not stopped,the tourism sector might be affected yet it is Uganda's leading foreign exchange earner. 

A report by the Parliament committee on tourism,trade and industry states that currently,there is no policy on compensation for loss of lives and destruction of  property  around wildlife protected areas.This has greatly caused tension within the various communities living around the parks.

According to Uganda Debt Network's report,2 people from Rubirizi district were killed by animals as they were digging in their gardens,One of them ( Lawrence) was killed by an elephant in his garden while the other was killed by a buffalo.

Basing on this information,the parliament wants the government to set up appropriate barriers to bar wild animals from killing people and destroying property.One of the ways that were suggested include digging trenches and constructing cages for crocodiles.

However,there is no single report where a wild animal has attacked a tourist.There are strong measures in Uganda that help to keep tourists safe from the animals.

Bwindi Impenetrable forest's Gorilla dies aged 28 - Uganda Safaris

Aged 28,Mishaya who had lived half of his life died last Monday due to digestion problems.Mishaya has been living in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is found in the southwest of Uganda.His death was sudden after a short illness,according to the top wildlife officials.
























The lifespan of a protected mountain gorilla is 50 years,according to Dr Gladys Kalema (the director of conservation through public health). Dr Gladys Kalema described the fallen gorilla as an active,assertive and friendly gorilla which was liked by many visitors on a gorilla safari.Mishaya broke  away from Nshongi group about 2 years ago and it became the leader of the new found group.

The amusing character of Mishaya will always be missed by those who new him.He used to spice up the gorilla tracking activity in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by giving a compelling opportunity for photographs to many visitors.Such elegant primates have rapidly led to an increase in Uganda Safaris as visitors come to relax and look at their uniqueness.

Dr Seguya Andrew (the executive director of Uganda Wildlife Authority) said that Mishaya's death is a "blow" to the whole country as one of the most lovely gorillas,free to tourists is lost.Following Mishaya's death,the executive director of Uganda Wildlife Authority sent a team of veterinary doctors to do the further investigation of what was the exact cause of his death.

It is however indicated by the preliminary results that Mishaya died after the coiling of the intestines.He was the only dominant silverback ,alpha male after which a group of habituated gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Mishaya group) was named.Mishaya group is found in the southern region of Bwindi ,in Rushaga.In this southern region,there are other habituated gorilla groups including the Nshongyi group,Busingye group and Kahungye group.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park consists half of the world's total population of mountain Gorillas.These mountain gorillas are one of the rear primate species which many tourists enjoy looking at.This is the main reason why gorilla tracking in Uganda is still the leading tourism activity.
A visitor is required to obtain a gorilla permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority before enjoying the activity.One can either obtain a gorilla permit online or by visiting the UWA offices.

Apart from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park,gorillas in Uganda can also be found in Mgahinga gorilla National park,while in Rwanda,they are found in Volcanoes National Park.

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.

2014 updates on Gorilla tracking permits,Uganda and Rwanda - Gorilla Safaris

In order for a visitor to enjoy a gorilla safari in Uganda,he/she must obtain a gorilla permit.These gorilla permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at their offices.However,a visitor can also obtain a gorilla pemit online.This online gorilla permit purchase was introduced early 2014.A visitor is not allowed to track the gorillas unless if he/she has a gorilla permit.
Below are some of the relevant updates of 2014 gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda that a visitor should know;

2014 gorilla permit rates

•  2014-2015 gorilla permit rates have been confirmed by Uganda Wildlife Authority.Th rates have been increased from US$ 500 to US$ 600 per permit.
• During the months of April,May and November 2014,gorilla permits rates are discounted at US$350 per permit.The permit rates are discounted by US$250 per permit.
• Gorilla tracking permits in Rwanda cost US$750 per permit.

Allocation of permits according to the gorilla family in Bwindi National Park
In the past,gorilla permits of Bwindi were issued according  to the gorilla family to be visited.However,in 2014,things have changed in that,gorilla permit are issued according to the tracking area to be visited.This is the same system with Rwanda.
The 4 gorilla tracking areas in Bwindi National Park are;

• Ruhija area - has two gorilla groups
• Buhoma area - has three gorilla groups
• Rushaga - has five gorilla groups
• Nkuringo - has one gorilla group

List of gorilla families in Uganda

Gorilla Family	Location	Number  of individuals
Habinyanja Gorilla Family	Buhoma	17 individuals including 2 silverbacks
Rushengura Gorilla Family	Buhoma	19 individuals with 1 silverback
Bitkura Gorilla Family	Ruhija	14 individuals including 4 silverbacks
Mubare Gorilla family	Buhoma	8 individuals with 1 silverback
Oruzogo Gorilla Family	Ruhija	25 individuals including 2 silverbacks
Nkuringo Gorilla Family	Nkuringo	19 individuals including 2 silverbacks
Nshongi Gorilla Families	Rushaga	26 individuals including 4 silverbacks
Mishaya Gorilla Family	Rushaga	12 individuals including 1 silverback
Kahungye Gorilla Family	Rushaga	13 individuals including 3 silverbacks
Bweza gorilla Family	Rushaga	9 individuals including 1 silverback
Busingye Gorilla Family	Rushaga	9 individuals including 1 silverback
Nyakagezi Gorilla Family	Mgahinga National Park	10 individuals including 3 silverbacks
Kyanguriro Gorilla Family	Ruhija	15 individuals including 2 silver backs

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.