Bwindi Impenetrable National park Uganda

Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is one of the last habitats for the mountain gorilla. It has 350 individuals over half of the surviving mountain gorillas in the world. This park was created in 1992 and it became a World Heritage Site in 1994. Experts believe that the Bwindi mountain gorilla maybe a different species from their cousins in the Virungas. It takes roughly 6 hours to travel from Kampala to the park.
Bwindi is one of the richest areas in Africa for flora and fauna. Besides gorilla tracking, Bwindi national park has a teaming 10 species of primates including the chimpanzee, black and white colobus, and olive baboons. Bwindi also harbors forest elephants, duikers, bush bucks and the rear giant forest hogs. Bird watchers will find this a prime destination with an exciting list of 350 birds. The rarities include 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemics and endangered species like the African broad bill. Spotting birds requires the help of field guides as the forest habitant makes it difficult for you to spot one.
There 5 groups of habituated gorillas in Bwindi, 3 within walking distance from Buhoma where the park head office and accommodation for all budget options. The other group Nkuringo has 19 individuals and located to the south of the park easily accessible from Kisoro. The most recent addition is the Nshongi group comprised of 35 individuals with 3 silverbacks. The groups are Mubare 10, Habiyanja 18 and Rushegura with individuals. We organize gorilla tours to Mugahinga, Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans and Parc National des Virungas in DR Congo as well.
Only 8 tourists per day can visit each family this gives a maximum 40 visitors. Demand usually exceeds supply most of the year and you are adviced to book your gorilla tour well in advance.Gorilla tourist permits cost 500 US dollars. Trips start at 8.30 am, however there is a debriefing session at 8 am. Children below 15 years or anyone with flu or other transmittable disease are not allowed to trek gorillas. Warm clothing is required at night and early morning plus wet weather gear it pours a lot here.

Travel guide to Uganda safaris

HEALTH

Yellow Fever vaccinations are recommended and an international traveler we recommend it to avoid unnecessary inconveniences, we also recommend anti-malaria inoculations, especially during the rainy season. Most prescription drugs can be bought affordably and with ease over the counter in Kampala. We advise clients to take their Personal insurance

It is advisable that visitors to Uganda take anti-malarial medication. The use of mosquito repellents and nets are recommended for use especially those taking out camping holidays.

High Factor sun screen & After-Sun

Insect repellent (evening - esp. on the coast)

Diocalm & rehydration sachets

Pain killers

Antiseptic, cotton wool, plasters

Eye-drops (safari lodge charged me over $10!) 

WEATHER

Uganda is sunny most of the year round with temperatures rising above 290C. The heavy rainy season is March –may, light rainy season November-December, though there will always be a few hours of sunshine. 

CURRENCY The national currency for Uganda is the Uganda shilling and it comes in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 for coins and paper notes are available in denominations of 1000, 5000, 10000, 20000 and 50000. There are no restrictions n the movement of currency into or out of Uganda for current transactions.

Clothing:

Some one coming to visit friends or relatives or vacation for cultural tours/city tours will need light but descent clothes and some long sleeves and sweater for some few cold evenings. The adventurous type that will want to visit the Ugandan jungles will need long sleeve shirts for evening Sweatshirt or fleece for evening’s upcountry. Women in rural towns may feel more comfortable wearing clothing that covers their knees and shoulders, but this is not mandatory. It’s usually hot by midday, but evenings are always pleasant. Gorilla tracking will require you to have long pants - Jeans and long sleeved shirts and blouses, rain gear- water proof jacket or rain coat that will protect your cameras from rain. Rain in Bwindi Forest daily is almost a must. The terrain is steep and sturdy shoes are recommended. 

LANGUAGE

The official language spoken in Uganda is English. Luganda and Swahili are also widely spoken.

TRANSPORT

It is possible to charter a light air craft to fly to airstrips around the country. There are quite a number domestic airfields upcountry some of which are in national parks like Kasese.

Road Transport is the most used in Uganda, using this means of transport will require you to go the Taxi Parks (New and Old Taxi parks) in Kampala or the Bus Park for public transport to almost all Destinations in the country. However, one can also use a private car hire or even self drive car hire. There are good roads on the main routes and travel is comfortable and swift. For quick town rounds, one can use a motor cycle locally called Boda Boda or even a bicycle but the bicycles are mostly found in the town outskirts. Car rentals in Uganda are usually between 70 - 100 USD per day for a simple sedan.

LAW AND RESPECT

You will have to abide by the rules and law governing the country, because Visitors are given no exception to violet laws and no country welcomes law breakers. Visitor are expected to respect the people and the leaders of the destination country, be aware of values and practices of the natives ad treat them the same way they would want to be treated.

You should ask you guide for the dos and don’ts of the country in order to stay on the right side of the law.

COMMUNICATION

Telephone services are widely spread allover the country. Some mobile phone companies operate rent- a-phone services for shot periods. Internet and email services can also be found in major towns. We have 5 mobile phone companies namely Uganda Telecom on 071, MTN on 077 and 078, Zain on 075, Warid on 070 and Orange on 079.

CULTURAL CUSTOM

It is not possible to list all the characteristics of a culture. However, visitors to Uganda are advised to seek information about some of the Ugandan cultural patterns that the visitors are most likely to encounter in regards to social greetings, eating, manner of dress and some non verbal cues. 

DRESS

Visitors should not walk in towns or public areas in their swimming wear or very short patra shorts as this is against the African culture and you will end up feeling out of place.

WHAT TO AVOID

A void asking for help from stranger because you will not know how a con artist is and how is not.

* The 'tourist look':

- If wearing shorts - avoid socks pulled-up to the knee

- Sun-hat/cap with platitudes ('I Love Uganda' etc)

- Overt bumbag/money bag (keep hidden underneath clothes)

- Walking with map in hand (use with discretion) !

* Expensive accessories:

- Keep jewellery/watch hidden (ideally leave at home)

- Camera - more tricky! - When not in use, keep out of sight

- Don't store 'your world' in ONE bag

- Always have some money/cards back in hotel

Do a Uganda / Rwanda tour by yourself ?

Doing a tour by yourself ?

Do it your self 

This is perceived by many to be an easy and cheap way to self organize a tour/safari.

Organizing a tour requires a lot of paper work which involves tailor making a safari, organizing transport to your destinations, selecting your suitable accommodations, looking for available accommodation and booking/paying for it, booking/paying for permits where applicable, locating your destinations if you have never been to these places.

However, to do this and not be cheated would require you to do serious research on which destinations to visit, when to visit them, which accommodation is available, which accommodation is affordable and which accommodation has what you want. Apart from that you will have to run around looking for transport, a map and gorilla permits if applicable, during this period you are bound to be conned in term of exchange rates or even hiked prices or fares.

Book your tour with the right tour operator and will have saved your self going through all that hassle and will only have to enjoy your dream Uganda safari without remorse. Such a Tour Operator will carry the burden of getting you Accommodation, Transporting to your Destination, designing your itinerary, providing you with an appropriate guide and make sure your tour is a total success.

African Safaris in Kenya

What to Expect on a Kenyan Safari

Interested in a good quality value for Money safari to Kenya ? it dose not have to be a in a dirsty ramshackle vehicle ! our modern day safari packages to Kenya are well modified to make sure it is utterly confortable for any tourist coming to the Magical Kenya. Kenya safari places makes sure that we give you the value for money you are paying for.

Going On A Safari – advice

Within this tourist destination are various Kenya national parks to find the African animals you’ve only seen in zoos or books. Nairobi National Park and Ol Donyo Subuk National Park can give you a glimpse of the colorful birds of the area or of the herds of zebras, hippopotamuses, lions, cheetahs, and more roaming animals. You might also want to go to the Giraffe Center or the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to see your favorite animals up close and personal. 14 Falls is a local waterfall, but if you want a wetter water experience, you can go white water rafting in the Tana River, or even a masai mara budget safari .

For the safest means of transport within the city of Nairobi you may use the Taxis , though they are not really that cheap to use . You may simply choose to walk to the place within the city as it is still safe to do so, and the navigation within the city is not really a problem.

As Spring Festival nears, Tourism market heats up

The Spring Festival falls on the 1st day of the 1st lunar month, often one month later than the Gregorian calendar. It originated in the Shang Dynasty from the people's sacrifice to gods and ancestors at the end of an old year and the beginning of a new one. This is the most important festival for the Chinese people and is when all family members get together, just like Christmas in other parts of the world. All people living away from home go back, becoming the busiest time for transportation systems of about half a month from the Spring Festival. Airports, railway stations and long-distance bus stations are crowded with home returnees.
However, the excitement of the traditional Spring Festival is coming and anticipation is building for the seven-day holiday as many in China begin to finalize their holiday plans. An online study shows that about 60 percent of netizens plan to spend the holiday traveling, according to Yangtze Evening News.

The Spring Festival starts every year in the early days of the 12th lunar month and last till the mid 1st lunar month of the next year. Many customs accompany the Festival like cooking special dishes on particular days, decorating clean rooms, welcoming the new year to mention but a few. Some customs are still followed today, but others have faded out. Also the Chinese government stipulates people have seven days off for the Chinese Lunar New Year since all the 56 ethnic groups celebrate the festive days and the Minorities celebrate their Spring Festival almost the same day as the Han people, and they have different customs. 

The study was released by a famous domestic online travel agency through online questionnaires. From the effective updated questionnaires, 61 percent of Netizens said they planned to take travels during the Spring Festival. Among domestic cities, Sanya topped the list, followed by Lijiang, Xiamen and Harbin as netizens' top four favorite traveling destinations. In addition, cities such as Beijing, Guilin, Xi'an and Chengdu are also very popular.
Much like the hot domestic tourism market, outbound tourism is also promising this year. Nearly half of those netizens who have plans to travel want to go abroad for vacation. Of the cities outside of China's mainland, Hong Kong got the most votes, followed by Japan, Maldives, Thailand, Australia, Bali, Singapore and some European countries. In addition, the study showed that tourists' preferences now include more diverse locals, such as Egypt, Dubai, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania South Africa, Canada and many others. Have the same interest of travel as that of the Chinese during the Chinese traditional festival.

Environmental protection a major goal for Tourism promoters

Overgrazing, deforestation, and primitive agricultural methods are major environmental problems in Uganda which lead to Environment degradation.However,to ensure the rational sustainable utilization ,development and safeguard of Land and water resources and environment, for social and economic welfare and development as well as for regional and international peace. The Promoters of tourism have called for environmental protection as they bid to conserve biodiversity for the growth of the sector. 

Speaking during the 2nd Big Birding Day celebrations at Katoma Kingdom Resort in Entebbe last week the promoters said the high rate of environmental degradation is likely to affect Uganda’s tourism potential. Yet, although tourism contributes about 8 per cent of Uganda's GDP and is seen as one of the sectors with the most promising growth prospects.” It is time Ugandans embarked on the protection of biodiversity for future generations,” said Mr Stephen Masaba, the business development manager, Uganda Wildlife Authority. 

Several Tourism development plans have been laid by the government to improve the Tourism industry. For example in 2008, the government of Uganda promised to ensure environmental concerns are put at the centre stage of the country’s efforts to promote tourism. The Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry, Janat Mukwaya said the government will work with all stakeholders in the tourism sector to promote responsible tourism. She was speaking in Kasese, western Uganda during the 2008 World Tourism Day Celebrations. Uganda is celebrating this year’s tourism day in Kasese, the home of the Rwenzori Mountains, one of the world’s top tourist attractions. The mountain, the 2nd tallest in East Africa is uniquely covered with glaciers, despite being along the equator.
However, this year’s Big Birding Day, also attracted 50 groups covering all sites of Uganda’s national parks and game reserves, and enabled the identification of 655 bird species compared to 450 identified last years.The highest number of bird species was recorded around the Kampala-Entebbe area with 175 bird species followed by Murchison Falls National Park with 162 and Queen Elizabeth National Park 160 bird species.Kidepo National Park recorded 150 bird species, Mabamba Ramsar site 138, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 137 and Mabira Forest Reserve 136 bird species.

More so, Bahai temple-Park, Kibale and Lake Mburo  National Parks also recorded a number of bird species. This year’s celebration organized under the theme: “connecting birds to people and nature” aimed to promote awareness of the country’s tourism potential. Besides, the Wildlife Authority earlier this year called for interested investors to bid for development of high end hotels in the protected areas to end accommodation shortage in national parks. A few days ago the Uganda Tourism Board removed restrictions to constructing more accommodation facilities in the park.
According to Masaba,  UWA would go into joint ventures with potential investors for the development and operation of accommodation facilities in the selected areas so that tourist arrivals increase per year. By so doing all the tourism stakeholders will work hand in hand to promote the development of the Tourism sector together with environment protection.

Student Packages In Uganda

Special itineraries for student and school education trips, visits, excursions, safaris and holidays from all over the world to Africa of all kinds of interest like art, music or languages, culture, and sports. Theuganda tours are tailor suit, full of learning interests to life. Besides,Safaris are basically educational travel and tours for schools, learning institutions, alumni that are seeking quality and truly nature based learning tours that go beyond the morning and afternoon students.

Activities like White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping in uganda , nature walks, Fishing, Quad Biking, Walking and Hiking Safari offer valuable learning experiences and lots of fun and our itineraries provide the right combination of adventure with education.
Terms & Conditions for Students Groups.

-Only groups are acceptable
- Minimum 2 students and above
-All students must carry their International Identity Students Cards
-It's purely a camping safari unless Lodge accommodations are requested

TOUR 1
Day 1: Transfer with visit to Uganda Wildlife Center.

Day 2: Service work with Center staff of the Zoo and a visit to the botanical gardens.

Day 3: Transfer to Jinja with a visit to Sezibwa falls, Mabira forest, and source of the Nile.

Day 4: Full day whitewater rafting on the Nile.

Day 5: Morning visit to Soft Power projects, plus a visit to the Bujahgali Falls traditional owner palace.

Day 6: Quad biking uganda and afternoon community walk.

Day 7: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 8: Morning game drive and Afternoon boat cruise on the Nile River


Day 9: Morning chimp tracking and transfer back to Kampala
Day 10: Optional kampala City tour and departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer with an Excursion tour to Uganda Wildlife Center.

Past breakfast you will be picked and briefed by the company guide/representative who will take you through the safari and head to Uganda Wildlife center commonly known as the zoo. Expect to see a number of animals’ species available at UWEC such as; chimps, lion, Ostrich, Girafes, Zebras to mention but a few. It is worth visiting with your family members, friends since even the kids have a chance of closely glancing at these animals, studying their ways of living as well as how they relate with one another. This attraction is easily accessible and would ideally be convenient to a client that has got very limited time to spend. Have a lunch break, dinner and overnight at Central Inn (Budget), Travellers Inn (mid-range) and Imperial resort beach luxury.

Past breakfast you will be picked and briefed by the company guide/representative who will take you through the safari and head to Uganda Wildlife center commonly known as the zoo. Expect to see a number of animals’ species available at UWEC such as; chimps, lion, Ostrich, Girafes, Zebras to mention but a few. It is worth visiting with your family members, friends since even the kids have a chance of closely glancing at these animals, studying their ways of living as well as how they relate with one another. This attraction is easily accessible and would ideally be convenient to a client that has got very limited time to spend. Have a lunch break, dinner and overnight at Central Inn (Budget), Travellers Inn (mid-range) and Imperial resort beach luxury.Masai mara holiday kenya

Day 2: Service work with Center staff of the Zoo and a visit to the botanical gardens. 

After an early morning cup of tea, join the Zoo staff in service work like care and feeding of animals, and tree planting in communities. Have lunch, and then later visit the Entebbe botanical gardens for relaxation. Meals and overnight at Central Inn (Budget), Travellers Inn (mid-range) and Imperial resort beach luxury. hotels in kenya

Day 3: Transfer to Jinja with a visit to Sezibwa falls, Mabira forest, and source of the Nile.

Your will depart from Entebbe for a whole day exploration at Jinja a city best known of impressive flat rocks and it was previously the industrial capital of Uganda. However, expect to see variety of tourist attractionslike Sezibwa falls, the source of the Nile, Rippon Falls, Bujahgali falls, and adrift campsite.

Later head east passing through coffee, Tea and Sugar plantations and the colorful roadside fruit/vegetable markets. The first stopover will be at Sezibwa Falls a Buganda uganda safarisHeritage site with great falls said to have been born by a woman, then Mabira Forest. Here you will be able to see the primates, birds and butterflies, and then continue to the source of the Mighty Nile. The Nile down river from Jinja which offers some superb white water rafting and sport fishing. Have lunch at Kingfishers Resort. This is the place to spend the afternoon relaxing.
There after, transfer to Bujagali Falls where different cultural activities take place like Acrobatic, jerry can swimmers, traditional Dances, waterfalls etc for an evening , gorilla trek in bwindi
After the exhilarating and memorial experience, your guide will then transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay at Eden Rock (Budget), Nile pocth,(mid-range) Nile Resort hotel (Luxury)

Day 4: Full day whitewater rafting on the Nile. gorilla trekking holiday

African Secrets Ltd representative will meet you at your hotel at 07:00am and drive to the starting point for the activity at adrift campsite. White water rafting at the Source of the Nile is done on the powerful water rapids on the Nile and it’s an experience worth enjoying. Note: Clients do not need any previous rafting experience. The guide will instruct the client on all aspects of safety and will prepare them for an unforgettable experience. Rafting the Nile has 100% safety record and clients can enjoy the activity since they are very sure of safety. For the period of your trip you can try out Bungee Jumping as well. 3 days mountain gorilla safaris
The duration of the rafting experience ranges from 2hours, half day, or full day;
• One day rafting:
On this day rafting you will tackle all the big grade 5, rapids of the Nile for about 31 km.
• Half day rafting, if you are short of time. white water rafting uganda
• Two day rafting: This is the best rafting experience whereby you will raft for about 49km.Return for dinner and overnight at Eden Rock (Budget), Nile pocth,(mid-range) Nile Resort hotel (Luxury).

Day 5: Morning visit to Soft Power projects, plus a visit to the Bujahgali Falls traditional owner palace. rwanda primate safari

Past break fast, Visit Soft Power projects including a pre-pri. School and health Clinic.
Service learning with Soft Power Education to build or renovated Primary schools in Jinja area an activity which will teach you to help others and also share the school life experience with pupils in the schools visited. Return for lunch and later visit the palace of the Bujagali owner and learn more about the history and culture beliefs of the Bujagali fall. Dinner and overnight at Eden Rock (Budget), Nile pocth,(mid-range) Nile Resort hotel (Luxury). bwindi gorilla tours

Day 6: Quad biking and afternoon community walk.
Having taken a cup of tea or coffee to warm up for the morning, go for an Adventurous activity (guided quad biking) off the beaten track and into the warm heart of Uganda. Scenic rides through forests, farms and villages exploring the riverbanks from Bujagali Falls. Have lunch and latter visit the local community and learn more about African life style of people of the nearby community. Dinner and overnight at Eden Rock (Budget), Nile pocth,(mid-range) Nile Resort hotel (Luxury). 

Day 7: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park.

Depart Jinja, lunch enroute to Murchison falls National Park arrive Murchison fall afternoon; stop at the top of the falls. Dinner and overnight at the Paraa safari Lodge (Luxury), Sambiya river lodge (mid-range) Redchilli Rest camp/simba safari lodge (Budget) meal plan F/B.

Day 8: Morning game drive and Afternoon boat cruise on the Nile River

After breakfast, depart early at 070.00am Ugandan time to Murchison falls and drive through the beautiful country side through the famous Luwero triangle with a stop over for lunch. Then proceed to the park stopping at the top of the falls, where the longest river is forced through a narrow gap in the rock (only 7 meters wide), before viciously plunging down 43 meters. During the activity, you will also have a game view experience on the way. Animals like buffalos, hippos, elephants will be seen mentioned but a few.
Overnight at a Luxurious Paraa Safari Lodge/Midrange Sambiya River lodge/Budget Red Chili Camp (Full Board)

Day 9: Morning chip tracking and transfer back to Kampala.

After breakfast, proceed to Budongo forest, a dense natural forest, passing through Bugungu gate with packed lunch. Take a forest walk through the dense tropical rain forest. On the walk you may see different primate species such as chimpanzees, monkeys among others. Have packed lunch and then return to Kampala arriving in the late evening. Dinner and overnight at New city hotel (Budget), Africana hotel (mid-range), Serena hotel (Luxury).

Day 10: Optional City tour and departure. gorilla tours

Depart from your hotel past breakfast and our experienced guide will pick you from your hotel or residence and take you through the sights and sounds of this hilly city. Meet people renown for their friendliness and visit cultural sites. The tour can include the Uganda museum, Kasubi Tombs, Makerere University, Nakasero market, craft markets, Namirembe Cathedral, Kibuli Mosque, Kabakas Lake, Baagalayaze cultural center and Ndere Center for entertainment depending on the time you have. There after, transfer to the Airport to catch up with your home flight. safari uganda

Safari Inclusions

Our attractive Price includes:
- Full time transportation throughout the safari.
- All meals from Breakfast to dinner.
-All accommodation as per itinerary
-Activities as per itinerary
- Bottled Water during the Walks
-Park Entrance Fees
-Experienced English guide
-Airport transfers
Safari Exclusions
-Gratuity or tips and expenditure of personal nature
-Airport taxes, visa, insurance
-Airfare to Uganda