Discovering East Africa from Uganda

This week’s article looks at how you can make the most of Uganda, at the heart of East Africa as a fantastic starting point for venturing all over the region. Base yourself in Uganda and explore the region by road or air and you won’t be sorry!

Bordered by Tanzania, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the south and west, Uganda provides residents and visitors alike with plenty of travel opportunities to visit the “neighbours”.  Transport links and roads have never been better than they are now so, what are you waiting for?

Tanzania

It’s possible to get to Uganda by road but it’s not something you would really want to do unless you’ve got lots of time and don’t mind terrible roads. Tanzania’s roads are pretty terrible and untarmacked. Kampala coach runs services to Dar el Salama but it takes something like 40 hours so you’ll definitely needs a whole host of good books to survive that one. Cross the border and you’ll also find yourself on the wrong side of the country to be where anything is happening. Flying is definitely the answer and Air Uganda has daily flights to Dar, or you could go through Nairobi on Kenya Airways.  There is also a mythical ferry which crosses Lake Victoria to Mwanza but how long it takes and whether it’s safe, affordable or actually possible is the stuff of legend.

Rwanda

They weren’t wrong when they named Rwanda the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’. Although it might not be possible to count them all, the hilly and verdant beauty of Rwanda is enough to draw thousands of visitors every year. This compact neighbour to the south west of Uganda is increasingly easily reached by new road and air links. A multi-million dollar project and feat of engineering has restructured the road from Kampala to Kigali and is already paying dividends in terms of facilitating the connection between the two countries. In fact, the road itself is practically a tourist destination in its own right! It is well worth taking the drive through through the beautiful Kigezi region of Uganda, right by Lake Bunyonyi, an on to the Rwandan border at Katuna/Gatuna. The border crossing itself is a short drive from Kabale town and easily accessible.

There can be long delays at the Katuna/Gatuna border if you get stuck behind lorries trying to clear customs and border paperwork, but otherwise it’s relatively hassle free. If you are driving you will need a “Carte Jaune” (yellow card) which is proof of insurance. The good news is that once you have one you’re covered for many East African countries. You can get one in a few hours and for around $50 USD from most reputable insurance companies. You will also need a valid logbook and, as it’s required in Rwanda, a fire extinguisher, spare tyre and jack, and emergency triangle.

Flights are also frequent on Uganda Airlines and Rwanda Air and buses also leave from the downtown bus park regularly.

Rwanda is a great place to see the mountain gorillas. You can take a gorilla safari in Rwanda by booking a gorilla permit from the Rwanda Development Board or with a local tour operator. Other things to do in Rwanda include visiting the genocide memorial sites, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, golden monkey tracking and more.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Visiting DRC from Uganda is complicated but not impossible. Travel warnings from foreign embassies abound so make sure to read those if you’re a follower of travel advice. If you are more apt to throw caution to the wind know that an overland visit is probably still ill-advised. Visas must be arranged in advance and, at times, the Congolese consulate in Kampala will not issue them to non-Ugandan residents insisting instead that you get your visa in your country of origin – problematic if you’ve already begun your journey. While Virunga is accessible by road the only other two places within reach are Goma and Bukavu and you’ll need to dip into Rwanda to get to these. It is possible to also cross the border at Vurra in West Nile, but, again, ill-advised. The question would arise- where are you hoping to go, exactly?

If you’re willing to fly, however, and get your visa in advance then brush up on your French and take a weekend trip to Kinshasa. Both Kenya Airways and Ethiopian will fly you to Kinshasa through their hubs in Nairobi and Addis.

Uganda’s Gorillas – Ndungutse in Nyakagezi

Ndungutse is one of the members of Nyakagezi gorilla family found in Mgahinga National park. This is the only one Gorilla group found in the park. Nyakagezi is a habituated group in Uganda and was officially launched for trekking by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on behalf of the Uganda government. Ndungutse is black back and yet to become a mature silverback- at the moment, he is respected as a young silverback- this is so because he has shown the interest and is expected to form or head a gorilla group- It is our prayer that Mgahinga forest national park form other gorilla groups hence widening Uganda’s gorilla tourism. It is confirmed that, gorilla trekking earns Uganda a lot of foreign exchange and it is the chief fetcher.

Bugingo is the old silverback (more than 50 years) and is the alpha and omega of Nyakagezi Gorilla family. He is thought to be the father Ndungutse and he is responsible for nurturing his son – Ndungutse to reach a level of dominating or forming a new family. In case of Bugingo’s death, Ndungutse is expected to succeed and take over the family to the next level. Ndungutse plays some roles of defending or protecting the young ones, carry baby gorillas- helps the female gorillas- mother gorillas.

Other silverbacks in Nyakagezi group include Mark (dominant silverback), Mafia (second silverback). The two also help Bugingo (old and dominant silverback) take on the minor leading role. Ndungutse has other brothers and sisters: Rukundo (blackback), Inshuti (adult female), Inshuti’s infant (Nvuyekure), Inshuti’s newborn infant, Cyizanye (adult female) and Cyizanye infant (Machati). They fed mostly on bamboo shoots (Sinarundinaria alpina), Ipomea sp leaves, Rubus sp leaves, Englerina sp and leaves of other un-identified vines. All the group members are in good health condition plus their Bugingo who is aging. The two females, Nshuti and Nyiramwiza, both have babies Furraha and Nkanda respectively. There is hope for Nyakagezi group to expand more and more as new off springs- new born babies join the group.

Karimojong Warrior Dancers Wow Uganda Martyrs’ Pilgrims

This year’s annual martyrs celebrations on 3rd June were led by  Bishop Giussepe Filippi of Kotido located  North Eastern Uganda. He was accompanied by the diocesan choir and a troupe of Karimojong warriors donned in traditional garb in a gallantry of hymn, dance and worship to the delight of Pilgrims.

This year attendance hit the one million mark with President Yoweri Museveni being the chief Pilgrim. Also in attendance was Maria Nyerere widow of the founding Father of The Republic of Tanzania, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere.

The President committed government support to the development of the martyrs’ shrines into tourism attractions. This will add impetus to efforts by the Uganda Tourism Board  in promoting religious tourism  that  began with a martyr’s charity walk  dubbed ‘in the Footsteps of The Uganda Martyrs the previous day.

Pilgrims came from as far as Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda,Kenya, the United States of America and Nigeria.

Over 45 martyrs were burnt alive in 1886 on the orders of the reigning Kabaka (king) of Buganda following growing dissent in the kings court from the new converts to Christianity at the height of colonial struggle.

Festivities will be held in the same venue on the 18th October to commemorate Golden Jubilee since the canonization of the Catholic martyrs by Pope Paul VI.This  shall coincide with the commemoration of the martyrdom of  lesser known martyrs  Jildo Irwa and Daudi Okello  from Acholiland in Northern Uganda who were martyred almost 25  years  later in Paimol.

Uganda Discounts Gorilla Permits

The management of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has launched a Gorilla tracking promotion to enable potential visitors enjoy the same gorilla experience at subsidized rates. According to a statement from the Executive Director, Dr. Andrew Seguya, the following promotional prices will apply for visitors wishing to track gorillas within the months April and May 2015.

Foreign Non Residents will pay US $ 350 for a permit instead of US$600, Foreign Residents US$300 instead of US $500 and East Africans will part with UGX150,000 instead of UGX250,000.

Dr. Seguya says in a statement that the promotion is aimed at giving back to UWA’s esteemed customers. The promotion which is open to all tour operators and partners will be guided by the following guidelines. The promotional period will run for the months of April and May 2015.

This applies to unsold permits for this period and does not include prepayments before announcement of this promotion.

Payment for all gorilla permits under the promotional rates shall only be done at the Reservations office at UWA Headquarters in Kampala only. No promotional permits will be sold at the park .Permits offered for sale under these promotional arrangements will be paid for in full (100% of value) at the time of booking. The acceptable payment methods are cash or direct bank transfers. There will be no cash refunds, reschedules, cancellations and transfers allowed on promotion permits. Promotional permits will be marked “”Promotional Permit””

Uganda is a home to more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas.Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in South western Uganda are host to the mountain gorillas which live in organised social groups.

For further information and to reserver your permit please call reservations on +256 414355 403 or email reservations@ugandawildlife.org

This Christmas, Visit Uganda’s Popular Destinations

Christmas is coming near! You should not miss a gateway to Uganda’s most popular travel destinations on a Uganda safari. Today, we bring to you a fantastic selection of Christmas holidays that are perfect for vacationing over the festive season in Uganda, this season. We have a range of domestic and international package deals that make the arrangements easy. How would you like to spend your break in a Bwindi Forest, check into a safari lodge for a relaxing lodge safari or you could celebrate your Christmas amongst the wilderness of a savanna park? Alternatively consider relaxing under the glorious sun in the Ssese Islands, the amazing Lake Bunyonyi islands or on a camping safari.

Top Destinations for this Christmas Holiday

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a heritage historical site and well known for gorilla tracking but also supports Batwa cultural experience which is geared at conserving the forest which is the habitat for the mountain gorillas, as well as harnessing cultural values of the tribe which is threatened by extinction. It is also one way of empowering the surrounding communities through project initiatives for development.

The gorilla tracking activity is an adventure that a traveler should not miss while planning Uganda safari. This experience seems to be whole day but you spend one hour while interacting with the gorillas. For this adventure to awesome carry the following rain gears, walkable shoes, hut, insect repellent, packed lunch and bottled mineral water.

Retire at stunning lodges like Mahogany springs with dramatic picture window offering an amazing view of the surrounding community landscape, and the lush tropical gardens below, all watched over by the large Mahogany tree that dominates the view. The rooms are individual cottages, with private verandahs overlooking different areas of the spacious grounds. More windows make them very light and airy compared to a typical forest lodge, and at night you are lulled to sleep with the sound of the river rushing by below. The food is very good – choice on every course for lunch and dinner and cooked breakfast served to order with a spread of fruit, pastries and cereals as well.

After the gorilla adventure visit the Queen Elizabeth National Park, search for the rare African tree climbing lions, game drive and amazing boat cruise along the Kazinga channel. Retire at Ishasha wilderness camp, it offers privacy and serenity blended with optimal comfort in a spectacular setting. At Ishasha safari camp it is the little touches that make the big difference, from the tiny details in the design of the lodge through to the unrivalled service levels provided by the highly trained staff.

Budget Hotels in Bwindi National Park

If you love adventure and nature, then Bwindi National Park is the right place for you on your Uganda Safari. Here you can explore a wide variety of flora and fauna as well as enjoy jungle safaris in the jungle forest of Bwindi. If you wish to stay close to nature, then you can easily find cheap accommodations within the park itself or outside the Park. There are a number of budget lodges and campsites with in and near Bwindi National Park. Here are some of the budget lodge and campsites that will provide you with the best services to enjoy your Gorilla Safaris in Bwindi.

Wagtail Eco Safari Camp

This is located outside Bwindi but offers good quality service accommodation to clients tracking the Gorilla Groups of Nkuringo, Kahungye and Bitukura. While at the Camp, you can spot very many bird species as well as participating in community walks and nature walks around the Lodge

Buhoma Community Bandas

This is yet another inexpensive accommodation for your stay in Bwindi. The Bandas are found in the Buhoma section and are ideal for clients who are tracking Gorilla groups in Buhoma. There are both self contained Bandas and bandas with shared facilities.

Bwindi View Bandas

Still located in the Buhoma section of the Park and ideal for tourists tracking the Gorilla groups of Buhoma. The lodge offers you a clear view of the place and also great opportunities for a community tour are available. The Bandas are not self contained hence ideal for back packers and other low budget travelers.

3 Way Gorilla Resort

This is located in Kisoro town and tourists who are only tracking Gorilla groups in the south (Nkuringo) can have a stay at this Resort. From the resort, local community cultural performances can be done from here and therefore visitor participation and interaction with the locals is rampant.

However much the camps and lodges are budget, they are all secure in terms of security and there is no reason of fearing to book your budget Gorilla safari through span safaris to this very destination. Both Hotel and Gorilla Safari booking should be made at least 3 months in advance since Gorilla permits are on a very high demand in some seasons like the peak season which starts from late June to September and December to February.

Bwiruka, Oldest Female Mountain Gorilla Dies