Things to Do

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking in Africa

Are you wondering exactly where to go for chimp and gorilla trekking in Africa? Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo have the best chimp and gorilla trekking tours with high primate population concentration that you can never imagine. Trekking gorillas and chimpanzees is one of the most amazing adventures in Africa and top on most travelers list to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. For many years now chimpanzees and mountain gorillas are the prime attractions of Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo attracting thousands across the globe for gorilla and chimpanzee safaris. The three countries have also done a great job to keep and protect primates though several conservation programs hence maintaining gorilla and chimpanzee tourism in the region. Sensitization has been done to surrounding park communities for gorillas and chimpanzees that today all value the life and survival of primates including the Batwa people of Bwindi forest who sacrificed their ancestral home for mountain gorillas.

Gorilla trekking in Africa

The silverback eyes look bright than the camera flash light in Bwindi forest national park, Virunga national park, Volcanoes national park, Mgahinga national park and Kahuzi beiga national park the only gorilla trekking parks in East Africa. The biggest primate species on earth and the most impressive –the gorillas can be trekked and seen in just a day and seeing them in their natural parks is a grantee of about 98%.

All tourists who go gorilla tracking are allowed to spend only one hour with the gorillas for observation and photography after enjoying the forest beauty and other forest habitat encounter during the search of the silverback and its family members.

Gorillas are only tracked by adults above 15 years of age due to challenging hikes during the trekking process. Somehow it’s for the fit not those with healthy problems since the trek is estimated to last between 2-6 hours. One is also allowed to track gorillas twice provided he or she has two free days around the park since treks are done one a day.

However, Uganda has opportunities for mountain gorilla habituation so one can spend more time with the gorillas just like researchers. Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 year round, $800 in Uganda and $450 for Congo, the same price that goes down to only$200 in Congo from mid march to mid May and $450 in Uganda for April, May and November. All gorilla trekking destinations are open year round for those looking forward to trek gorillas in their natural habitats.

Chimpanzee Trekking & Habituation

Looking at first moving primates in their conserved home is a great experience in Africa especially if done in Nyungwe forest, Virunga national park, Kibale forest, Kyambura gorge, Kalinzu forest and Budongo forest the best chimpanzee viewing spots in East Africa.

The sight of a populated chimpanzee family as they play and jump across tree branches is a greatest primate display on earth found only in Africa. The chimpanzee trekking, viewing and habituation experience can be enjoyed year round depending on the availability of chimpanzee permits in your favorite location.

However, chimpanzee permits for Virunga and Nyungwe forest cost $100 per a trek,$150 in Kibale forest in Uganda.$80 for Budongo low season,$110 Budongo high season  and $50 in Kyambura gorge plus  Kalinzu forest.

Chimpanzee habituation goes for all day from the time chimp’s wake up to the time they retire while trekking lasts between 2-4 hours. Those interested in Chimpanzee feeding and viewing at Ngamba Island, make sure you get the necessary vaccinations before heading to the island to spend time with the beautiful amazing primates. To sum it up chimpanzee and gorilla trekking go hand in hand when it comes to primate safaris in Africa.

5 Life Changing Wildlife Safaris to Take in Uganda

Adventure is one of the main reasons why travelers visit Uganda. With the longest river in the world, the Nile, half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, 13 species of primates including chimpanzee and 10% of bird species in Africa, it’s easy to arrange an adventure packed itinerary.

It can be difficult to break down the activities but there are some that every traveler must try. Here are the top 5 that offer unforgettable experience.

Gorilla trekking

Mountain gorillas are the main tourist attractions in Uganda. With half of the gorilla population about 400 individuals found in Bwindi impenetrable forest national and Mgahinga gorilla national park, it’s easy to arrange a gorilla safari to one of the parks. It takes at least three days tour to Bwindi the most popular with 14 habituated gorilla families found at four gorilla trekking centers including Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo while Mgahinga has only one.

Despite the physical exhaustion of trekking through thick forests and steep terrain, many tourists however say that seeing gorillas in their natural habitat changed their lives. On top of the excitement of spending seeing how gorillas play, feed and groom each other, the most important thing is that you’re helping them to survive. Seeing the gorillas also breaks down the misconception that gorillas are dangerous animals. But make sure you attend to briefing and follow the gorilla guidelines.

If it wasn’t the money generated after purchase of gorilla permits which is meant to fund conservation activities and also benefits locals, gorillas would have gone extinct due to habitat loss, human diseases and poaching. Locals who benefit from revenues and also earn a living from their eco-tourism enterprises like community visits, cultural tours, selling craft products and food now understand the value of conservation and have kept off the gorilla habitats paving way for successful conservation. Unlike in the past where locals used to illegally encroach on the forest for food, firewood, honey and medicinal plants, today they no longer do such unsustainable practices because of the benefits they get from gorilla tourism.

Chimpanzee tracking

Kibale forest national park, the 795 sq km tropical rainforest believed to be home to highest population of primates in East Africa. There are 13 species of primates including 1400 possibly the highest number of chimpanzees in Africa. This makes Kibale forest one of the best parks to track chimpanzee in the wild. Five groups of chimpanzee are habituated and tourists can see them on guided walk with guides and rangers. While time to spend with chimps is limited to one hour, tourists can as well book chimpanzee habituation, an experience where you spend the whole day observing chimpanzees with researchers. Chimpanzee tracking permits are affordable but you need to book in advance with a tour operator or directly through Uganda wildlife authority. Chimp tracking is done early in the morning at 08am and 3pm in afternoon. During nature walks you can spot lots of primates, butterflies, birds with 372 species.

White water rafting

While everybody knows that River Nile is the longest in the world, you might not know that its real source is in Jinja town. You can see evidence where the Nile starts to flow northwards from Lake Victoria also includes grade five rapids offers extreme adrenaline adventures. There are calm sections of the river for amateurs but advanced rafters will feel at home in the strongest rapids that often make rafts flip upside down.

Along the journey, rafters have a chance to spot birds, lizards and take in views of the Nile valley. Jinja area receives fresh breath from Nile and is recommended for a weekend holiday. The place also features many hotels, guest houses with hot tubs, nice beds and great food.  If you need to do something else after rafting try horseback riding, biking, boat cruise, all terrain quad biking

Rhino tracking

Ziwa rhino sanctuary is located in Nakasongora district along the way to Murchison Falls National park about 4-5 hours drive from Kampala. The sanctuary provides protection for 20 white rhinos with the aim of releasing them back to Uganda’s national parks.

Visitors are allowed to track rhinos on foot accompanied by expert Uganda Wildlife Authority guide. This is the first rhino tracking experience in Uganda. Both black and white rhinos become extinct in Uganda during the civil conflicts of 1980’s. Your visit to rhino sanctuary not only offers a thrilling adventure but allows you to actively help towards conservation of the endangered rhinos. The place has accommodation and camping opportunities. Staying at ziwa is a great experience with activities like birding and nature walks. In addition, you can visit Murchison Falls National park for a great wildlife viewing experience.

Equator Crossing

With only 13 countries on planet crossed by the equator line which divides the earth into northern and southern hemispheres, a visit to the equator crossing in Uganda is a life changing. It can be visited as part of your itinerary stopover on a safari to other national park in western Uganda.  At equator you can stand in both sides of the planet, carry out some geographical experiments such as Coriolis Effect. Unusual weather events tend to occur such as green flush sunsets, equal hours for daylight and nights.

The Best 10 Things to Do in Jinja

Jinja is the adventure capital of East Africa. Located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Eastern Uganda, Jinja is a prime destination for tourists taking adventure safaris in Uganda. There are lots of things to do in the adventure capital of Uganda. Here are the best 10 things to do in Jinja;

Visit the source of the Nile

Visiting the source of the Nile will take you through a life of adventure. There is a golf course unwinding along the banks and the source of the Nile provides a pretty focal point to the flow of water from Lake Victoria’s only outlet. A boat ride out to Samuka Island is another trip of itself, not counting the beautiful fauna you will see along. The Nile is one of the world’s longest rivers and it flows up to the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.

Bungee jumping

Plunge about 44m from a platform above the Nile River. If you want adrenaline pumping action, this is your call.

White-water rafting

Explore the Nile by taking on its rapids. Some of the rapids are intense Grave IV and V rapids.  The Nile is one of the best white-water rafting destinations in Africa. This has been rated the most memorable wild adventure and activity in Uganda and East Africa at large. You can never forget the experience of rafting on the Nile in Jinja. Start with a pre-safety training before the rafting experience to make sure you will know what to do once you get into the water. A safety boat is always provided for those who fear & are scared of the grade 3 & 5 trips. Age limits are 14 & 16 years for the grade 3 & grade 5 trips respectively. Kayakers are always there to save you in-case you don’t know how to swim & also take photos and videos of you. Family rafting is also available.

Horseback Riding Safaris

This gives you a unique ride through a typical Ugandan Village and a stunning section along the banks of river Nile. Horseback riding safari experience offers you the views from the hills overlooking the Nile valley, canter through the stunning plantations and relax in the tranquility of Mabira forest.

Quad biking

All-Terrain Vehicle Quad biking along the River Nile taking in the sights and the local cultures as you ride through various villages. Visitors to Jinja find this an exhilarating experience. This activity is Ideal for small groups and families.    

Jet boating

Take your family or friends for a motorized trip on the Nile in a speedboat reaching a speed of 90km/hr. The jumps, the wind, the spins, the sprays are unforgettable.

Kayaking

Experienced and first time kayakers have a lot to experience on the Nile. There are instructors too who coach first time paddlers before they take on the untamed waters of the Nile.

Boat cruise

Take in the beautiful landscape through day cruises on River Nile. Sunset cruises over the lake are magical. Take a beautiful sunset Cruise with dinner and drink to the source of the Nile and Lake Victoria. It is one of the most enjoyable experiences. You get to enjoy the amazing food and endless cocktails while you watch sun go down.

Fishing

Test your fishing skills in one of the best fishing spots in East Africa. Fishing tours are offered on the Nile and on Lake Victoria. Your best catch ought to be the Nile perch. jinja features the waters of the Nile and those of Lake Victoria offering the perfect haven for the mighty Nile Perch and other indigenous species like the Cat fish types. This is the perfect option for you who loves to cast a line in the water but also want to share a great day out on the lake with family and friends. With all the fishing equipment supplied including GPS, Fish-finder, the latest rods and reels, all the latest lures, you won’t miss catching the Big Fish.

Bespoke Uganda Safari Holidays

Planning for a holiday should be everyone’s expectations after a long hustle for a full year; this can be well organized for you by Nature adventure Africa Safaris limited. Uganda is the best country to travel to for a tour due to the incredible adventures found within her national parks located in the different regions of the country. Uganda has got ten national parks all suitable for paying a visit due to the diversity of the wildlife including the floras found in them that has acted as a habitant to wildlife.

Besides national parks, visitors can take a tour to the different leisure parks within the country including other cultural centers found around the city of Kampala. Lake Bunyonyi- is another place to go for a hideout, while in Uganda one cannot miss enjoy the un disputable river Nile which is found in Jinja another amazing city in the eastern Uganda.

This is known to be the longest River in Africa, those who wish to do white water rafting can do it from this river as there are many service providers. One cannot leave the river minus visiting the Bujagali falls alongside the Itanda falls which is known for being bad waterfalls around the Nile and this is one of the discovery tours to be made in Uganda.

Enjoy the best Kidepo Valley National Park and Murchison Falls National Park while on your Uganda safari and start with Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo and then you can pass via the Pian Upe Reserve in Moroto.

Murchison falls national park is located in Murchison Falls Conservation Area which is comprised of Bugungu and Karuma Falls Wildlife Reserves, the park is crossed by the Longest River in Africa that’s River Nile forming an explosion of a great Waterfall within the Park. This park was later named after this great river; it is characterized by a savannah and Riverine forest with some dominant woodland with abundant wildlife.  The park has got a number of activities that can be performed while here and these include,

Boat safari at the Nile River, this is taken up to the falls, this trip is one of the best enjoyed trip while at the park since visitors get a chance of disembarking from the boat and take up a hike to the top of the main stream and also come back to the boat for more wildlife viewing. While at the boat, visitors take a glance to see the herds of hippos bouncing off the bottoms of the river, Crocodiles are also another water residents, these are seen alongside the waters sun bathing and elephants flock to the river for water hence giving visitors a nice stunning photographic scene.

Hiking to the falls, Murchison Falls is regarded as the world’s most powerful waterfall, visitors spare around 45minutes of hiking to the falls, while towards the falls, one will experience the ground shake and vibrations surrounds the place due to the powers exhibited by the flowing water from a cliff of around 50fts. From here visitors can proceed to the Nile Delta on a boat ride where river Nile joins Lake Albert and it is also another supplement for seeing an abundance of wild animals and the birds.

Hot air ballooning safaris, this is another activity that is done from Murchison Falls National Park and it is one of not to be missed by every tourist who visit the park. While up in the sky, visitors enjoy seeing almost every wild animal that is within the park since the balloon takes around the park, herds of elephants, buffaloes, a glide above the trees within the park early in the morning will enable you to see the sun rising while seeing the herds of wildlife enjoying their territories.

Birding, for birders this is another birding option due to the vast numbers of bird species found around the park, this can be done while on boat or on a safari vehicle. Here the possibilities of seeing a number of birds are endless, guides will take you around every bird spotting corner where you will see a number of them in different locations. The savannah vegetation and the Riverine forest plus the swamps within the park offers a great habitat for a number of bird species, this is the reason as to why the park is a birders choice while on a trip to Uganda.

Game drives, there is no way you can escape taking on a game drive while on the park, this is the greatest mechanisms of seeing a variety of wildlife including the Uganda Kobs, Oribi, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeests among others, the park rangers are always available to guide you throughout the activity. Game drives can be done during the morning hours, afternoon, evening and at night but the best spotting time for the various animals is during the morning hours as the animals are always awake to start looking for food.

After a long experiential tour around Murchison falls national park, visitors can proceed to Kidepo valley national park for another experiential tour in addition to the various activities,

Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the north eastern Uganda and it is on the border Uganda with South Sudan, the park covers 1442km²; the park is one of the best places to hide due to its magnificent scenery. This makes it a visitor’s centre for over and over again, though the park is the only isolated park among the top ten national parks. This park offers spectacular Savannah landscapes that end in rocky horizon, reaching this park from Kampala takes around 10-12hours of drive hence visitors usually set early in the morning to reach the place at Apoka where the Park Headquarters are. Kidepo has got a number of sightseeing and attraction

Hiking and Sightseeing in Kidepo, this is one of the best interesting activities within Kidepo; hiking is done around Mountain Lamoj which is a few kilometres from the park headquarters. During this hike, visitors may have a chance to see the Kidepo river valley with its borassus palm forest, a hike can take you to Kanangorok Hot Spring that is 11km from Kidepo river valley. The savannah landscape of this park is a breath taking one and it is one of the best leading landscapes suitable for hiking.

Game viewing in Kidepo, this park is endowed with abundant wildlife with a nice landscape suitable for game drives that can be done in the morning and evening hours, during your game drives, you cannot escape seeing animals such as cheetah, caracal, aard Wolf, Oribi, Jackson’s hartebeests, bush pigs, eland, buffaloes, elephants, Warthogs, black-backed jackals, stripped hyenas, bat-eared fox, leopards, lions, and some spotted hyenas. All this makes the park a better place to be since visitors on different occasions don not want to leave the park due to the herds of wild animals seen here.

Cultural performance, the surrounding local communities have got numerous cultural performance groups that entertain visitors at a given fee, a wider range of traditional dances and songs such as the Emuya and Nyangia plus the Naporre Ethnic groups. Larakaraka and the Apiti are among the performed dances and songs from the Acholi culture, visitors on their wish can participate while the performers are doing what they know best.

Bird Watching in Kidepo, the park is renowned for its exceptional variety of birds. Out of the Fifty eight recorded birds of prey, fourteen are thought to be specifically endemic to the Kidepo as well as the Karamoja region. Included in these are: the pygmy Falcon, Verreaux’s Eagle plus the Egyptian Vulture just to mention but a few as many more are seen depending on your time of stay.

Birding In Lake Mburo National Park

Planing a birding Safari in Uganda? Lake Mburo national park is located in the western part of Uganda in Kiruhura district, 30 kilometers east of the largest city of the sub-region Mbarara. Lake Mburo national park was gazette as a national park in 1983 after being used as a hunting ground and later as a grazing field for the Bahima.

Currently it is the smallest savannah conservation area in Uganda, meaning it is the smallest park in Uganda covering an estimated area of 260 square kilometers but with some outstanding attributes that are so unique from other destinations in Uganda.

Lake Mburo national park is well known for its unique mammals like the zebras, impala, elands, leopards, buffaloes, warthogs, jackals and others. Though this amazing national park is known for its zebras but it is also one of the incredible birding destinations of Uganda, harboring over 310 bird species that has been sighted in this small but interesting savannah park. The lake Mburo national park will always leave you with need for more stay in this destination because of its scenic free standing acacia trees, with the dwelling birds not forgetting the forest species that are commonly seen in the Rubanga forest.

One other unique attribute of Lake Mburo national park is the presence of the swamps of course with its amazing and spectacular six papyrus endemic birds including the Papyrus gonolek and the blue-headed coucal ,don’t also forget that lake Mburo national park is a place that one can get the southern species in the northern limit of their range ,clear experience can be seen from the black-collared barbet and the ground hornbill and of course this same national park has the migratory birds that are commonly seen in the park during months of November to April.

One destination that any birder shouldn’t miss is Lake Mburo national park just for some of its notable species that are endemic to Uganda. Some of the key endemic species include; the shoebill with its attribute of inhabiting swamps and been a quiet , gentle and standing in the side point, and for long described as a statue- like bird species, the Abyssinian ground hornbill is an occasional bird, attributed to be one of the most endemic and migratory bird species in the park, the greater painted snipe is one of the most sought after bird species with its characters being as not a vocal bird, enjoys staying in reed beds but along water shorelines of marshes, swamps, streams, and ponds. There are many endemic bird species but to mention are these few.

The notable common species are; the African wattled lapwing, black-bellied bustard, and saddle billed stork, Brown-chested lapwing, bare-face go-away bird, African scops owl, blue-headed coucal, etc.

Birding in Lake Mburo national park is a year round activity that is done in the interior of the national park, with May, June and July comprised of less rain fall, then Jan, February, march and April having heavy rain, but interesting months are from November to April, where you can sight the migratory birds.

Best Time To Go Chimpanzee Tracking In Kibale

Are you planning to visit Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking but wondering when to go? Besides mountain gorilla safaris, Uganda offer yet exceptional primate adventures for you to explore while on your safari. Situated in Western Uganda, East Africa, Kibale Forest National Park has been described as the capital of the primates in the world. The park offers refuge to mainly 13 primate species including over 1500 chimpanzees out of the 5000 individuals that are confined within Uganda making chimpanzee trekking and Habituation Experience (CHEX) its main tourist attractions.

These primates share about 98.7% of their DNA with humans. Trekking these rare apes also rewards visitors with stunning views of other primates like the rare L’Hoests, Black and white colobus monkeys, endangered Red colobus monkeys, olive baboons and many more. Besides the park also offers refuge to more than 325 bird species, four felids, 70 mammal species and over 250 species of trees. Kibale National Park is dominated by moist evergreen and semi deciduous forest. The large part of this forest was logged at the time of when it was a forest reserve and some exotic tree species were planted in plantations especially the pines and eucalyptus.

Ever since the area was gazetted as a national park, most of these introduced trees have been removed and logging has stopped. Kibale is highest at the park’s Northern tip and it stands at altitude 1590 meters above sea level. The lowest point is at 1100 meters on the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley to the South.

If you are planning to visit Kibale Forest National Park, it is important that you take note of best time to track these unique apes in their natural habitats. Trekking adventures in Kibale National Park is an all year round experience but the best time to visit is during the dry season which starts from the months of June to September and then from December to February and these are drier and hottest months but the best season for chimpanzee trekking. The forest is also less thick making it easier to sight these incredible apes.

There is also much sunshine at this period and less rain and because of it is a peak season, most tourists flock for this adventure but most importantly the park doesn’t become crowded. From March to May and towards the end of September to November mark the rainy season where wildlife viewing is a bit challenging but it is perfect for birding safaris especially those who wish to look out for the rare Green breasted pitta-the only second pitta in the whole of African continent that can be sighted within the tropical rain forest of Kibale National Park. For tourists who part take a 2 to 3 day safari, they have a higher opportunity to view the wild chimpanzees in the park.

Briefly, the best time to visit falls in the month of June, July, August and September and December, January and February. At this season, it is also a peak season and the trails are kept relatively drier, making chimpanzee trekking a bit simpler. The peak season starts from June to September and the Lower season is in the month of March, April, May and November and it is characterized by heavy rainfall. Best weather conditions start from the months of June, July and December to February which comes with less rainfall. The worst weather conditions are in the months of March, April and May and at the end of September to November which comes with heavy rainfall and the trails are muddy for tourists to track chimpanzees.

In conclusion, Kibale Forest National Park is Uganda’s best protected area for chimpanzee trekking safaris. Trekking these endangered apes in the wild is the most exciting and interesting experience anyone should include in his or her travel itinerary in Uganda. Trekking these apes in wild is a unique experience unlike those in zoos which is why visiting Kibale National Park is a must for you to view our closest relatives.

5 Popular Adventure Activities Not to Miss in Uganda

Uganda ranks best in Africa when it comes to African safaris but still the country is full of amazing attractions that you can get involved in for an amazing holiday. The Pearl of Africa is exciting and its natural resources attract thousands to the country all year.However, Uganda is also blessed with various opportunities like volunteerism, business ventures and much more but for adventurers, the country is just packed with awesome experiences including that you have always looked for. Here is a list of the most famous Uganda attractions that you shouldn’t miss out and some make others come back to Africa for exceptional tour adventures.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

The main reason for most visitors to Uganda and if you ever ask someone why I should go to Uganda, gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest will definitely be the answer. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers the greatest gorilla tracking experience on earth despite the existence of other gorilla tracking spots like Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park,Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park. It’s a home of the most attractive primates in the world and a huge number of them reside here. Bwindi Forest also has Uganda ancient people that have never been changed by the western world and till present still leave in the ancient.The Batwa People of the forest  are brave, great hunters but culture and Bwindi forest is a priority in their lives. They support gorilla tourism and conservation the reason they vacated their ancestral home to a new allocated homestead. There is a list of things to do in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest but the gorilla trekking safari in the impenetrable jungle is simply the best.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

Just like gorilla tracking, tourists on chimpanzee viewing trips are requested to book their Chimpanzee trekking permits in advance due to the steep demand. Remember chimpanzees tracking go hand in hand with gorilla tracking so the demand is same. If you looking for wonderful primate viewing experience in Africa, track chimpanzees in Kibale forest the primate capital in Africa.Kibale forest offers, both chimpanzee viewing and habituation where you spend a all day monitoring the beautiful fast moving creatures. Find this vast rain forested park in fort portal with baboons as the first park guards that welcome you to their diverse rich home. While hear don’t miss the preferred tourist trail of Kanyanchu and view all the 13 primate species. In addition, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale has been advanced that tourist’s tract chimpanzees three times a day.

Wildlife Safari to Queen Elizabeth

Given the fantastic scenery, wildlife and primates, Queen Elizabeth national park in Uganda is one of the most visited. Game drives are guided by informed park ranges and the activity is freely done all day though wildlife is best seen in mornings and evening hours. Kasenyi and Ishasha are the known park sectors for game viewing but its exciting looking at tree climbing lions up close in trees in Ishasha.

No one leave this park without taking a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel a home to hippos, birds, Nile crocodiles and wildlife. It’s superb to spend an afternoon on Lake Edward and L.George the two water bodies that form the impressive channel. Leisure and nature controls the ride and all tourists on this activity feel relaxed hence something you shouldn’t miss while in Uganda. Other thing to do in Queen Elizabeth is the chimpanzee trekking, nature walk, bird watching etc.