ELUSIVE BIRD SPECIES IN UGANDA

Are you a birder? Are you planning your safari but you do not know which unique birds to sight in Uganda? Besides the renowned mountain gorilla and the big game, Uganda is exceptionally a bird watchers paradise! Over 1100 distinct avian species are all confined within different habitats in Uganda offering higher opportunity for tourists to realize their dreams while on their avian safaris. This means that about half of the bird species in Africa thrive in Uganda and represents about 11% of the world’s avian species.

Below is a list of elusive bird species that you shouldn’t miss to explore while on your safari in Uganda.

The shoebill stork

Endemic to Africa is the elusive shoebill stork.  Tourists across the world gather in Uganda primarily to catch up with this giant specie. At first, it was not conserved and its eggs were from time and again stolen from the nests till the Uganda Bird Guide Club efforts succeeded in making it illegal to catch these species and steal their eggs. The shoebill stork is also known as “King whale head” due to its huge head size. It derived its name from its shoe-like bill that grows up to 24 centimeters in length and 20 centimeters width. Although they can weigh up to six kilograms, the shoebills can still stand on floating vegetation while hunting for fish. Uganda features most of hotspots for these elusive species which is why it is the best birding destinations for tourists on who are interested in bird watching safaris in Uganda. The famous sites include Murchison Falls National Park along the banks of the River Nile especially in the delta sector; Mabamba swamp just as you get out of Kampala and tourists with tight schedule can spend at least seven hours on birding excursion in this swamp with higher chances of spotting the shoebill stork. Other sites include the Southern end of Lake Edward meaning as you are on wildlife safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park don’t miss to catch a glimpse of these giant specie, Rugogo swamp at Ziwa Sanctuary, Lake Mburo National Park and Semuliki Valley National Park and near Lake Albert.

ELUSIVE SHOE BILL STORK

The Ostrich

Features as the biggest and heaviest living bird in the world. It is popular as camel bird due to its long neck, prominent eyes and sweeping eyelashes and jolting walk. It is 2.5 meters tall and weighs about 145 kilograms and mostly dwells within the stunning savanna, desert and open woodlands of Central and Southern Africa. In Uganda, mostly found in Kidepo Valley National Park and Pian Upe Game Reserve in the extreme Northeastern part of the country. They feature long, muscular legs built for taking off. Compared to other birds that possess 3 or 4 toes, Ostriches only feature 2 toes on every foot that gives it higher chances of taking off at higher speed. They can run as fast as 70 kilometers per hours and hold a steady speed of 50 kilometers per hour. At the time of danger, the Ostrich can over take any wildlife species posing a threat. They use their legs to kick; with talon on every foot their downward kicks can cause serious harm to potential predators. They feed on roots, leaves and seeds as well as anything that comes their way. They usually graze among giraffes, gnus, antelopes and zebras. They live in groups of ten with a dominant male and female. The male protects the rest in the territory. The males have loud and deep warning calls and if you are not careful, you may think that it’s a lion roaring from far. From March to September it is ostrich breeding season and dominant male performs a ritualized courtship dance by shaking his wings and tail feathers to please the female.

THE OSTRICH

The green breasted pitta

Features as the rarest bird specie and relatively sighted in the Central African countries. Mainly lives well camouflaged in the lowland tropical rainforests and taking a photo of one of them is such amazing experience. The green breasted pittas feature among the only pitta species in the entire Africa and in Uganda mainly found in Kibale Forest National Park.

GREEN BREASTED PITTA

The African green broadbill

This is only sighted in two sites in the entire world, the Itombwe Mountains in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Southwestern Uganda. Due to habitat loss, these birds are at high risk of extinction. They were first discovered in 1908 but disappeared in the following two years. It is a small plump bird that features bright grass green plumage and a pale blue tinge to the throat, breast, base of the short tail and the feathers covering the ears. The forehead is buff, finely streaked with black and narrow black stripe runs through the eyes. Also known as Grauer’s broadbill, scientifically called Pseudocalyptomena graueri is a real broadbill of Asian family. It features among the big five most sought after birds in the world.

The Great Blue Turaco

This together with the white crested Turaco feature among the largest most magnificent bird in Uganda. They are mostly hunted for their meat and feathers as the most sought after commodities. Scientifically known as Corythaeola cristata, the Great Blue Turaco is elusive specie to be explored while on birding safaris and tours in Uganda. They have a turquoise blue head with a bluish black crest at the fore crown and the crown. The bright appearing yellow bill with red tip is visibly big and curved as sighted on a tour in Uganda. The reddish brown eyes are surrounded by plain dark turquoise blue eye rings. The throat, cheeks and the chin of the great blue Turaco have gray coloring while the turquoise blue color mark the Turaco’s upper part which include the tail and the wings. Being the largest species in Musophagidae family, they range from 70 to 76 centimeters in length and weigh 0.8 to 1.2 kilograms and the males are a bit smaller as sighted on birding safaris in Uganda. They range within canopies, secondary growth trees, forests and the forest patches in the montane, humid and the savanna areas.

Shelley’s crimson wing

Features as the world’s most unique birds, mostly thrive around the mountains and volcanoes popular as the Albertine rift at the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They featured on record in 1902 and it is 13 centimeters long with a bright red crown, face and back, with contrasting black wings and tail together with olive yellow under parts with warmer tones on the flanks and belly. Females and males have bright red bills.

Black breasted barbet

The giant black breasted barbet has been sighted by few people and it has become the most sought after bird for birders. The unfortunate bit of it is that they mostly thrive around places of conflict and so it is challenging for visitors to reach them but for Uganda, it can be sighted safely. These bird species belong to Ramphastidae family and scientifically called Lybius rolleti.

Bar tailed trogon

Bar tailed trogon (Apaloderma vittatum) is a medium sized bird that is found in higher altitude forests and sighted throughout Central and South Africa though rarely sighted. In Uganda, it can be sighted around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest especially in Buhoma sector. This bird is 28 centimeters high and adult bird has dark green and red plumage with a blue band across the breast.

Standard winged nightjar

Features among the impressive bird species of the Caprimulgid family and has central flight feathers which appear during breeding season on the males. They become raised during display. This bird specie stands at 38 centimeters in length. It breeds in dry savanna habitat of Central Africa.

Short tailed warbler

These bird species are mainly sighted in Uganda’s forest undergrowth as well as the jungles of Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Doherty’s Bush shrike

The Doherty’s Bush shrike (Telophorus Doherty) is mostly sighted around the subtropical montane forests and moist shrub lands of Central Africa. They feature among the common bird in Uganda and they have stable number in most of the areas where they are inhabited. They are relatively small billed bush shrike. Male of crimson morph has forehead and fore crown, lower cheek, chin and throat bright crimson rump. It is very secretive and keeps to the small bushes of about 2300 above sea level.

In conclusion, when it comes to birding safaris, Uganda is undoubtedly birders paradise in Africa. It represents about half of birds in Africa and over 11 percent of the world’s bird species. Enjoy your avian safaris in Uganda with us and you won’t regret in life!

EXPERIENTIAL ADVENTURES THAT YOU MUST TRY OUT IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

Is Queen Elizabeth National Park your dream destination in Uganda? Have you ever heard about experiential tourism in Uganda? Besides the thrilling Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale Forest National Park, Experiential tourism in Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area is one of a kind experience anyone on Uganda safaris shouldn’t miss out! The park features several outstanding experiential tourism activities for visitors on safari to Uganda to actively engage in monitoring some of the exceptional mammal species that have exceptionally positioned this conservation area as the best safari destination in the country and the untamed bird species using some of the complex scientific locator devices. Adventure visitors on tour to Uganda are given opportunity to explore the park’s hidden treasures with field researchers based on habituation calls, group dynamics, composition, behaviors and monitoring weather which will be included to the researcher’s and the conservation database. Your active engagement in this life time experience is of significant value to generally understand the biodiversity of wildlife ecology which supports conservation of Queen Elizabeth Nation Park.

Below are some of experiential tourism activities for you to participate in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The Banded Mongoose tracking

This is conducted in and around the Mweya Peninsula, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Western Uganda. The Mweya peninsular features about 400 banded mongooses living in 12 social groups. The Banded Mongoose Research Project is run by the Universities of Cambridge, Exeter and Zurich. They feature among the tinny mammal species with huge appetites and complex social and communication systems that interest wildlife researchers. These exceptional mammal species also featured on the BBC documentary series Banded Brothers. Working in troops of about 4 people, participants will have a chance to accompany the researchers via areas of the park usually off limits to visitors and record the behavior of these exceptionally social species. This thrilling adventure also involves identifying individuals, register their weight, record weather, surroundings and location as well as monitor the mongooses’ behavior. Besides enjoying this experiential activity, tourists also make contribution for a longstanding research project as the data which will be collected is used by researchers at the Research Project which also supports the ongoing field study and conservation at Mweya. This experiential activity goes for as long as one to three hours and tracking these fascinating creatures is possible at 7:00am or 5:00pm but the morning tracking tends to be more active. This exceptional experience goes at $30 for foreign non residents and foreign residents while the East African residents pay shs.30000.

BANDED MONGOOSES

Lion tracking

This is another most exceptionally remarkable adventure for trekkers on safari to Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park is credited for big game and lions feature among them. Visitors can therefore par take Lion Tracking Research Adventure that starts in the morning or late in the afternoon while on safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The trek can go for about one to three hours and mainly conducted two times per day. Normally, the prides that is to be trekked have a lion with a radio collar attached and via a complex designated radio antennae, visitors are a hundred percent sure of sighting at least one of these carnivores. This thrilling adventure is always conducted with researchers to explore these fascinating creature’s habits in the park.  These big cats move in groups of three to 25 members in a pride.  On the course of the trek to identify these wild animals, be aware that their population can increase without necessarily warning when an individual or multiple of these carnivore species join the first group. Therefore, it is vital for visitors on trekking safaris to take note of the population of lions being trekked. While enjoying this life time adventure, you are encouraged to take note of nocturnal vocalizations and their intensity, including hyena calls and any interruption calls from prey. Usually, researchers tell visitors tricks used while trekking adventures in the wilderness of Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area. An example can be to let you aware that they roam and camouflage through tall grass; they create a very slight trail of bent grass.

AFRICAN LIONS

Further more, while on your trekking safaris, note that the lions will scent mark their territory by scraping the ground with their hind feet, forming a shallow parallel scrapes of bare soil measuring about twelve centimeters width and 20 centimeters in length. Drying, sticky urine sprayed on a prime bush is also a usual sign by lions. They will also rub their heads in bushes, leaving inconspicuous blonde hairs behind. The number of trekkers for this adventure is restricted, meaning you have to book in advance. Queen Elizabeth National Park features as the only destination in Uganda where lion tracking wildlife research is conducted. For visitors who are interested in these amazing adventures they also combine with most of activities within the park to make their safaris in Uganda memorable. To get up close with these fascinating wildlife species, visitors pay $150 for foreign non residents and foreign residents while the East African residents pay shs.150000

Hippo census

With help of researchers, you will head towards the Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park to look for hippopotamus, monitor their movement and behavior. Hippo census is conducted once after two years and helps in monitoring their population in the conservation area. This adventure also offers a chance for several visitors who are interested in managing animal programs and this will boost visitor engagement in sustainable tourism development. The hippopotamus census is a process of counting hippos within their habitats on a boat cruise along the water bodies, rivers, Ishasha and in Kyambura gorge. This therefore enhances on wildlife protection techniques by the park management that in turn increases the population of visitors who flock for safaris in Uganda. For this adventure tours in Uganda, visitors pay $100 and applies for both foreign non residents and foreign residents, shs.100000 for East African residents.

HIPPOS

In conclusion, the number of trackers is restricted on any of the above thrilling experiences so as to limit the stress on the wildlife and to escalate the quality of the experience for trackers. Visitors traveling for these adventures in Queen Elizabeth National Park spend about one to four hours based on several factors. All the experiences are booked through the Visitor Information Center in Mweya at least 24 hours earlier. Experiential tourism in Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area is one way of giving back to the community. The other adventure activity that is conducted is bird counting which allows visitors opportunity to look out for some of the 619 distinct birds in the park.

THE BREATHTAKING ADVENTURES NOT TO BE MISSED IN JINJA, UGANDA

The mighty River Nile in Uganda features among the Africa’s seven natural wonders. Its source is based in Jinja, Eastern Uganda. The Nile begins its flow right at the extreme Lake Victoria the Africa’s largest and fresh water body that comes with stunning countryside of Jinja as well as a long series of exceptional rapids and waterfalls. A portion of this might Nile in Jinja, right from Lake Victoria has turned to be a source of exceptional adventures and exciting experiences, given the fact that Jinja is currently referred as “Adventure Capital of East Africa.” If you are an adrenaline junkie or adventure lover, Jinja is the best destination for you to visit!!

White water rafting on River Nile

Uganda is credited to be a source of the mighty River Nile; the longest River in the world and refuge to the most thrilling white rafting in the world. White rafting on River Nile in Uganda can be done at any time of the year given the favorable equatorial climate. The experience is fascinating especially when you with its warm water, spectacular sceneries and an all year round sunshine with short spell of rainfall which makes it the best for white water rafting. A trip to the Nile rapids for rafting adventure provides the most exceptional and incomparable experiences as rafters swim and head towards its vibrant birds and wildlife. This mighty Nile has rapids ranging from level three to level five, a rafting distance that takes you for the whole day. An entire day rafting is 20 kilometers from the haven experiencing up to rapid nine, 4 of them are level five rapids as you end it at Itanda.

WHITE WATER RAFTING

Jet Boating

Another remarkable and exhilarating adventure not to be missed out on the Nile. It is unique from white water rafting. You hit the water rapids on the high speed boat that makes up your entire experience in the Nile. If you are searching for the big motorized thrill on the Nile 90 kilometer speedboat tour over the rapids is certainly the best option that you shouldn’t miss out in Jinja.

Bungee jumping

The only adventure that gives you the opportunity to hit on the Nile 44 meters from the ground. If you are looking for adrenaline adventures, then Bungee jumping is the best option. The River Nile Bungee jumping is an absolute adrenaline experience that you shouldn’t miss out in Jinja.

BUNGEE JUMPING IN JINJA

Kayaking adventures on River Nile is the best way for you to experience this mighty Nile and its surrounding areas, communities, farmlands and bird species as they feed on the fish. It is best to par take this adventure during the conducive weather and daring rapids. This is another exciting adrenaline adventure for you to catch a glimpse of verdant countryside and several wildlife species at the River banks especially the birds, lizards and snakes as they bask in sunshine at the extreme River. This adventure is conducted in Itanda just like white water rafting.

Squad biking is another thrilling adventure for you to engage in the sunny afternoon in Jinja along the mighty River Nile. This activity takes you throughout the countryside and local communities as they engage in garden work in their gardens.

Horse riding; par taking this adventure is the best way for you explore the River Nile up close, see a traditional Ugandan village and view the fascinating panorama from the hills overlooking the River Nile valley. The horses are superb and the landscape is also remarkable. The Nile horse back safaris can be organized for one, two and three hours. The horses are well kept and trained by the Australian owners and there are horses for riders of all experience levels.

HORSE RIDING

Boat cruise at Bujagali falls; this is another exciting experience for you to look out for birds, otters and Nile lizards or Cast fishing line and trawl for a big catch. Take an on sunset cruise over the Bujagali Lake and encounter the best sightings as the sun goes down. The sunset cruise will take you passed the Nile and Lake Victoria where you will have the best barbeque and cocktail while also catching up with endless breathtaking views of the natural wonders of the Nile and stunning green landscapes.

Sport Fishing on the River Nile and Lake Victoria where you will be in position to catch the mighty Nile perch. You can choose to do sport fishing in both areas one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. You will have all the fishing gear, camping equipment, safety gear and drinking water. Sport fishing in this area will be targeting mostly the Nile perch, yellow fish, cat fish and tilapia. Fly fishers are also catered for but you come with your gear.

SPORT FISHING IN JINJA

In conclusion, besides wildlife species, Uganda is an adrenaline adventure paradise. Visit Jinja for the most thrilling adventures that offer life time experiences along the mighty River Nile. You can choose to engage in white water rafting, kayaking, boat cruise, sport fishing, horse riding, squad biking, jet boating, bungee jumping and many more.

MORE LAND NEEDED FOR RWANDA MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

Mountain gorillas are among few primates whose population slowly keeps increasing in the wild. Rwanda’s gorillas have drastically increased and the option that the government is left with is to extend their natural habitat so as to accommodate all of them. Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park, Northwestern side of the country where these impressive apes thrive. On 1^st September, a sum of 19 newborn baby gorillas will be given names at Kwita Izina ceremony which will add the number to about 400 unique primates that already live in the park. Several of these youngsters were born in the previous year, but some are already adults that joined the followed families during that time, arriving from families which have not been followed some times from over the border in Democratic Republic of Congo. 

GORILLA NAMING IN KWITA IZINA 

The following are some of the gorillas that Dian Fossey Fund International follows and officially are to be given names on 1^st September 2017.

Mitimbili’s infant; a male born on 24^th April 2017. This is Mitimbili’s 4^th infant and amazingly all are males and stay in the same big gorilla family.

Kurudi’s infant; a female born on 4^th August 2016. It is Kurudi’s 4^th offspring but she has stayed in most of gorilla families and her infants are scattered out. Her recent family consists of 2 silverbacks that offer protection.

Tamu’s infant; gender still not known but born on 8^th September 2016. Tamu and her offspring stay in a tiny family with only 3 females, 2 offspring and the dominant silverback gorilla-the youngest leader that is monitored.

Ukuri’s infant; gender also still not known born on 7^th August 2016. It is Ukuri’s 4^th offspring and enjoys playing with 3 other offspring in his increasing family, headed by magnificent dominant silverback Mafunzo.

Mahirwe’s infant; a female born gorilla of around 1^st April 2016. The date of birth isn’t known because the family was ranging in the Congo part of the mountains when she was born. The family doesn’t have any other offspring at a moment but the new offspring has a juvenile sister to play with.

Tegereza’s offspring; a male first sighted on 7^th March 2017. Tegereza’s offspring was born while the family was ranging in Congo and is her 2^nd offspring. He has a juvenile brother in the family.

Adult female gorilla in Ntambara’s family; this was first sighted on 8^th 2017. It was sighted in the family when they came back from ranging in Congo. Based on her size and appearance, she was estimated to be around 9 years.

The Rwanda Development Board tourism chamber said, since 2005, a sum of 280 mountain gorillas have been born and awarded names. Eugene Mutangana; the head of conservation at Rwanda Development Board (RDB) added that the increasing number of mountain gorillas is a step forward. The increase in gorilla number means gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes National Park will also be boosted. Mutangana said, “We are currently thinking of either buying or hiring land from residents to extend the gorilla habitat.” The process may take about 4 to 6 years!

It is anticipated that the number of these endangered species will come up to 540 by the next population census that is anticipated to end this year. Mountain gorilla safaris contribute about 90% of government revenues from national parks. Only in 2016, Rwanda generated $404 million from tourism. The target is to reach $444 million in 2017.

Ever since the end of the horrific genocide that took place in 1994 between the Tutsis and Hutus, mountain gorillas have got harmony in Rwanda and gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes National Park have also been boosted. Tourism specialists assert that for tourism to thrive, peace and stability should be in place which is the basic need for wildlife species like great apes in the wild as well as gorilla trekking trips.

At the opening of the 3^rd day 41^st Annual tourism conference in Kigali, Dr. Mukhisa Kituvi (secretary general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) added that violence across the African continent has been the primary challenge to tourism development. But with Rwanda’s current peace and stability, mountain gorillas have found it simpler to survive in harmonious Rwanda than its neighbor Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Mountain gorillas are critically endangered apes which thrive in the Virunga Mountains and in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the misty valleys of Southwestern Uganda. Virunga Volcanoes features a chain of volcanic mountains which extend from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in DRC. However, the management Gishwati Mukura landscape another addition to Rwanda’s national parks, has been placed under RDB rehabilitation of the natural habitat in and outside the park that began in 2016 at a cost of $9.5 million in 5 years.

Therefore, with the new expansion to the tourist destination, the rare mountain gorillas can find more protection and safety in Rwanda. This will support their general behavior including breeding and at the end, their population increases and thus gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda will also increase.

KIDEPO-THE THIRD BEST SAFARI NATIONAL PARK IN AFRICA

Are you interested in wildlife and wilderness safaris in Africa? Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s remotest, isolated and third biggest national park in the extreme Northeast of Karamoja region, lying at South Sudan border in Northwest and Kenya border in the East. It spans to about 1442 square kilometers and features as one of Uganda’s most attractive safari destinations. Its breathtaking landscapes and exceptional herds of Buffaloes position it as Uganda safari destination and it is of no doubt that it featured in the 2017 CNN travel ranking as the third best Africa’s safari national parks  out of all the 10 in the list. In 2013, Kidepo Valley National Park still featured as the 3^rd best wilderness park in Africa. The park comes with outstanding wildlife viewing especially along the Narus Valley with its concentration of lions, buffaloes, elephants and several smaller ungulates. Kidepo the Africa’s wilderness destination was listed after the Maasai Mara National Park which is popular for the great migration and the central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana famous for its vast wilderness and dangerous lions.

It is known to be the most distant destination for Uganda safaris beginning from Kampala but it features the unexploited African wilderness that come with wide range of wildlife especially the big 5 apart from the Rhinos; Burchell’s Zebra, Kobs, Rothschild giraffe and over 480 bird species and the most exceptional landscapes which have withstood the forces of nature with less human impact. It is a home to the native Karamojong dwellings in the Morungole Mountains, which offers visitors opportunity to experience the incredible wonders of the ancient African wilderness where natives and nature co-existed in a symbiotic relationship. There are extended game drives at Narus and Kidepo valleys for tourists prior a life changing hike to Mount Morungole to meet the amazing indigenous Ik people. The Narus valley features open grassland Savannah with tall sausage trees-the Kigelia Africana. The park inhabits over 77 species of mammals but features the second destination after Queen Elizabeth National Park with several bird species. This park straddles in an elevation of 914 meters and 2750 meters above sea level. The highest point in this protected area is Morungole Mountains 2750 meters south-eastern border and Mount Lutoke 2797 meters.

Other safari destinations that featured among the ten (10) best safari national parks in Africa in the 2017 CNN travel ranking include the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area in Tanzania which is ideal for big 5, Etosha National Park in Namibia for cheetah spotting and waterhole stakeouts, the national parks along the Gambia River best for birding and West African aquatic wildlife safaris, Ahaggari National Park in Algeria ideal for Tuareg nomadic culture and vast sweeping Sahara landscapes, Kruger National Park in South Africa, Okavango delta in Botswana for huge crocodiles and mokoro safaris, Perinet Reserve in Madagascar.

Exciting things to do in Kidepo Valley National Park

Game viewing

Kidepo is a home to numerous wildlife species and this makes it the best safari destination. Game viewing is therefore the most exceptional activity that most tourists to this park participate which offers them opportunity to sight at the rare carnivore species in the park especially the bat eared fox, striped hyena, aardwolf, caracal, cheetah and hunting dog. There are also lesser kudu, Grant’s gazelle and Beisa Oryx, Rothschild giraffe, cape buffaloes, elands, bush buck, bush duskier, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi and many more. 5 primate species especially the Kayirondo bush baby.

Other activities include Scenery viewing which is conducted at the park headquarters on Mount Lamoj. The stunning Kidepo River valley which is dominated by Borassus palm forest; picnic, cultural encounters in the Karamojong community (Manyatta village), nature walks and others.

THE CAPE BUFFALOES

Lodges to stay in Kidepo National Park

There are notable accommodation facilities for you to spend a night over especially the Apoka Rest Safaris Camp, Apoka Safari Lodge and Kakine Campsite just a short distance from Apoka.

Getting to Kidepo Valley National Park

By air:

Fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kidepo Valley National Park. Alternatively, you can drive from Kampala to Gulu and Kitgum to Kidepo National Park. The distant but most stunning route is through Kampala-Mbale-Moroto. This route comes with amazing stopover in Sipi falls, hike in Mount Moroto or visit the cultural Manyattas and explore the life styles of the Karamojong-the great pastoralists. Other routes include the Kampala-Lira-Kotido-Kidepo, Kampala-Mbale-Soroti-Moroto-Kidepo route; Kampala-Mbale-Sironko-Kotido-Kidepo.

In conclusion, Kidepo Valley National Park shouldn't miss in your itinerary. It is one of the best safari destinations to visit on Uganda safaris. There is lot in offer waiting for you to explore in this virgin protected area and you will be filled with life time experiences.

THE BEST WAY TO TAKE INCREDIBLE PHOTOGRAPHS ON GORILLA TREK

A mountain gorilla trek in the African jungles is a “life changing” experience not to be missed out in life. Ever thought about gorilla trekking? Magical encounters with the largest Apes is the most sought after experience that is worth adding in your bucket list of unforgettable adventures while planning the next safari holiday to Africa. There are fewer than 900 individuals that are still thriving on the planet. To spark imaginations with these amazing Apes in the wild is the most exceptional experience that you can not find anywhere else in the world except only in Uganda, Rwanda or Democratic Republic of Congo. You have only 4 options in the entire world to achieve that long time dream. In Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the only 2 destinations where these magnificent wild creatures live where there are 400 and 80 mountain gorillas respectively. In Rwanda, it is only in Volcanoes National Park while in DRC you can visit the Virunga National Park.

MOUNTAIN GORILLA

An hour with a mountain gorilla is unforgettable experience that you shouldn’t miss out in your life. At this time with these creatures, it calls for full preparedness. A lot more is need for you to carry but most importantly, never forget your camera!! With only 1 hour to be spent with the gorillas, ideally it is the only unforgettable moment in life when you freely exploit the reality about these endangered primates while in their natural habitat. It is also a moment you must take photographs. No need to be an expert photo taker during this adventure, what matters is that you are well prepared! 

Like any adventure, there are basics that you have to follow while in the jungles in order for you to come up with spectacular pictures.

Firstly, you may need a porter to help you to carry your camera gear and trust me you will have ultimate time to concentrate on the trek and photo taking. This can be astonishing and scaring experience but you only need to be prepared to interface a 500 pound gorilla that may decide to stand upright or just stare at you straight to your eyes or merely lie on the ground as an infant walks over it. It is such remarkable experience but getting there is kinder challenging.

Gorilla trekking is best done in Uganda and Rwanda due to the prevailing peace and security unlike DR Congo which is still recovering from insecurity issues. There are also other positive and negative aspects to consider while planning your safari holiday in any of the 3 destinations to view the mountain gorillas. The trek to gorilla habitat is ideally hectic. Normally, visitors begin at the base camp and hike through magnificent forests. The treks can go from 45 minutes up to 12 hours and beyond through a breathtaking altitude, stinging nestles and muddy slopes. But the safari is absolutely worth it while in a face to face encounter with wild Giant Apes. Rwanda is exceptionally accessible. There are flight connections from Tanzania, skilled tour guides and gorillas that are fully habituated to humans and photographing is also simplified.

What to carry for gorilla trekking.

The list is endless but most importantly, you need light weight hiking shoes, long sleeved shirts/T-shirts and trousers and waterproof jackets/poncho as well as gardening gloves for nestles and other insects. A good camera especially 2 SLR cameras with a substitute of at least 2 lenses/batteries, the ideal lenses can be the f2.8 that allow a maximum light and perfect in bad weather. A 24 to 70mm and a 70 to 200m is also an ideal combination. If you still have space, better to also consider a 300mm and angle though it is steep trek and you will need a porter. A 50mm 1.4 lens is good for low light shooting and what is important is to mind about a standard lens. Never forget to bring a camera bag with its plastic cover to protect it from rain.

Film settings

File format

Photographing in RAW format is better. A jpeg is a bit small in size because it usually discards a lot of information and after, you won’t be in position to retrieve the same information especially for those who are not all that exposed. Using this format may need you to set the camera to its largest file size and set the white balance based on the status of the light.

ISO and shutter speed

Usually, the jungles can turn dark and given the dark color of these species, if you go with Nikon D3x/D800, you can shoot at ISO 3200. The best is for you to ensure that you maintain the range of ISO 800 to 2000 so as to have ultimate quality of image. High ISO offers a quick shutter speed though it can affect the quality and cause noise. Maintain ISO as low as you can without blurring images. A rule of thumb is that do not shoot below 1/200^th of a second with a 200mm lens. If you plan to use an 80mm lens then you can shoot at slower speeds of about 1/80^th. At a moment when the Apes are roaming, you can also increase your shutter to 1/1000^th of second or beyond. Other provisions include Nikon D750.

Metering and priority settings

The best default setting is to use centre weighted metering, aperture priority and an aperture of 5f.6. In case of much darkness in the viewfinder, then you require to under expose by up to 2 stops of lights; 2 using your AE +/- button/you overexpose the image. You can also have manual shooting that is if you are in concurrent lighting conditions. Your camera likes shooting subjects where the differences in exposure are not too extreme and it is for this reason that cloudy/shady atmosphere are common for shooting dark subjects like mountain gorillas.

Focus

A one (Single) point focus is normally perfect, you may not need the camera focusing on the tree instead of the gorillas and normally you need to lock the focus on the eyes. In case you get a family of gorillas that you need to maintain as much in focus as possible then focus 1/3 into the image. You may need to alter focus to multi point if you have many moving subjects but suggest single points that will offer you more control. You will perhaps shoot on single shot but may need to alter focus settings to continuous focus and rapid fire if they are on the move and playful.

Shooting tips

While with the mountain gorillas, there is a 7 meter rule between you and the Apes. These species share about 98% of their DNA with humans and this means that they are very susceptible to human infectious diseases. It is important for you to understand this rule and other etiquettes for gorilla trekking before hitting the jungles to search their family. You are also required to turn off the flashlights in the camera in case it has. As you spend your time with these creatures, don’t shoot away wildly. You need to plan your shots, close ups, angles and framing. Ensure that you catch memorable moments especially when the guide is explaining to you about their body gestures and general behavior.

In conclusion, for amazing gorilla photographs, you need a good camera to help you take the best pictures of these incredible primates in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a memorable experience in the wild for you to take pictures of these humble creatures.

WHAT FITNESS LEVEL IS NEEDED TO TREK GORILLAS IN UGANDA AND RWANDA?

Few animals can reward senses in the world, but an encounter with mountain gorillas in the wild, is incomparably the most captivating experience of a life time. Largely, described as a most “sought after” and “breathtaking” adventure in the world. Gorilla trekking has become so intimidating that is why it crucial for visitors to take note of/ask important questions as listed below. Am I fit to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda? What physical fitness level do I need to have to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda? Other things are commonly explained and time and again they have been written by many but visitor’s fitness level is rarely discussed in many platforms not only in Uganda but across the 3 mountain gorilla destinations.

BWINDI'S MOUNTAIN GORILLA

Whereas most trekkers assume gorilla tracking to be a mere walk or visit to a zoo, the latter is not factual. A trek to view the rare mountain gorillas in the wild, involves hitting the trails, hiking the steep slopes through the jungles which entirely, demands some bit of physical fitness to complete journey. An encounter with a mountain gorilla group means that visitors venture as far as areas with no trails.  Trackers will be clearing the thick vegetation to pave way for you and this means you will be navigating through fresh trails and a reason we encourage you to be physically fit, properly dress up for safety and protection and gardening gloves, long sleeved shirts/T-shirts, long pants, light weight hiking boots have never missed out in our visitor’s packing list for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. It is strenuous hiking through a fresh trail though other trekkers may not experience due to their physical fitness and nature of their body shape.

While trekking Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, visitors don’t miss to hike through the bamboo forest level and beyond. Treks range from moderate fitness level to reasonable fitness level. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for instance, it involves hiking up and down the steep hills and misty valleys, passed streams via intense undergrowth of the jungle. Gorilla trekking is such a breathtaking adventure but an encounter with the mountain gorillas rewards visitors with unforgettable experiences of life time. In addition, various gorilla groups also require distinct fitness levels, some of them can be simpler to trek even when you are not all that physically fit or aged. We advise our visitors to always inform or book in advance for gorilla permit and explain or request the park management on fitness level other wise you might all be allocated a gorilla family randomly. In Rwanda, trekkers start at the same place (Kinigi) where rangers choose simpler and harder treks based on visitor’s fitness. However, gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 for all visitors whereas in Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority together with Association of Uganda Tour Operators have agreed to maintain gorilla trekking tariffs as before up to mid 2019 that further communication will be passed.

Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are obtainable at $600 for foreign non residents, $500 for foreign residents and shs.250,000 for East African residents. In the months of April, May and November, Uganda Wildlife Authority offers discounted gorilla trekking permits at $450 for foreign non residents, $400 for foreign residents and shs.150,000 for East African residents.

In Uganda, the Rushegura Gorilla group may not be as challenging as others may require bit fitness. Usually, we encourage our visitors to pack some, lunch, energy giving snacks and bottle of water and for Gorilla Habituation Experience, you may need at least 2 bottles of water as it takes visitors 4 hours to encounter gorillas face to face and above all, it is an all day round adventure.

Tips for gorilla trekking fitness

It doesn’t matter what your physical fitness objectives are, but getting prepared for gorilla tracking tour is so helpful for you to get the best out of gorilla trekking adventure. It is not a crime for you to do some training, make the best use of the hilly sides in your compound or town area will help you overcome that strenuous hike. Walk around, exercise and don’t forget to stretch!

Alternatively, utilize the services of a porter to help you. You simply need a day pack, to pack in your lunch 2 litters of water, some snacks and insect repellents to protect you from biting insects in the forest. Porters are helpful for long trails and they can help you get relieved from the strenuous hikes. Gorilla trek is unpredictable and it can go as far as 2 to 8 hours or even beyond depending on the location of gorilla family and visitors speed.

A walking stick is also vital for gorilla trekking. You may think trekking during the dry season, gets you without any rain showers forgetting that gorillas live in tropical rainforests where rains should be expected at any time. A walking stick can help you get through the steep slopes as offers you support on the slippery or muddy steep slopes.

WALKING STICKS

In conclusion, adequate preparation for gorilla trekking is the best way to get through the strenuous hikes in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda as well as the Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo. Adequately exercise before to get used to longer distances and ease your hike on actual trek. Never forget to pack lunch, hiking boots not saddles for the trek, bottle of water, light snacks, long sleeved shirts and walking stick can be got from visitor center or any craft shop around the park.