The Ultimate Northern Circuit Road Trip in Uganda

Uganda a renowned safari destination accommodates both travelers on fully guided and self-guided safari. Today, several travelers however have wished to test their capabilities of driving in a foreign country. So, hiring a car for Uganda self drive adventure is another amusement to consider when planning for a safari in Uganda.

Among the amusing moments on a safari to Uganda is taking a drive through the Northern route. The northern route remained for unique encounters of which some are not seen with other adventure routes in Uganda.

Considerably, other major safari adventure routes include; northeastern route, western route, Southwestern route and the Eastern routes. All these routes are blessed with unique features as may be we shall discuss in our next write-ups. Now we’re to concentrate and focus this write-up to the northern safari route.

The northern safari road trip is an adventure packed route, when taking this amazing route on your self-drive road trip safari expect to encounter; the big five, world’s most powerful waterfalls, magnificent colorful waterfalls, abundance of wildlife. There are amazing people, one Uganda’s biggest cities of Gulu among many other considerations.

Where the northern safari road trip starts

The route as usual starts from Kampala taking the northern directing through Bombo road, then it turns to be the Gulu-Kampala road. The northern safari route will not branch to west Nile region, continue to Kabong to Kidepo Valley National Park.

Here are the Major tourist destinations to explore while on the Northern Uganda Trail;

Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda’s top visited tourist destination, Murchison falls National Park is among the special places where many tourist don’t wish to have it missing on their travel. A self-drive to Murchison is among the ease to drive places which even needs fewer hours of driving about 5 hours. Murchison is Uganda’s largest protected areas among the 10 National Parks in Uganda.

The park has unique and amazing features that has kept it most loved and most visited park in Uganda. However, though it’s magnificent, Murchison Falls National Park is not the most famous among tourist destination in Uganda, but comes second after Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Murchison Falls National Park is unique with mighty Murchison Falls which is almost the major attraction at the Park. The Murchison Falls are arguably the world’s most powerful falls due to their thunderous rapids that force into a narrow gorge of about 7m wide. The rapids rush to roughly pour 45m down forming the humus brownish bubble flow of the Victoria Nile.

The Victoria Nile continues forming a calm flow which bisect the park into the north and southern sections. The Victoria flow offer one of the best waters for the wild game cruise that leads to the bottom of the falls. The 3 hours boat drive starts from Para ferry dock point leading through the nature rewarding cruise.

The northern section of the park feature the open savannah woods accommodating largest concentration of wildlife. Majorly at the Delta point where the Victoria Nile meets with Lake Albert to make one of the largest deltas in Uganda that host larger numbers of animals, birds and others. The northern section of the Murchison Falls National Park is majorly known for adventure packed game drive. Take a guided-drive here expect to watch prides of lions, herds of elephants, buffalos, antelopes, giraffes, warthogs, leopards on rare occasions, Marabou stork etc.

Taking a kind of self-drive in Murchison you expect to take adventures like game drives, boat cruise, sports fishing, nature walks, and visiting of the falls, bird watching, and chimpanzee tracking in the nearby Budongo forest reserve.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Africa’s remotest national Park according to CNN report 2017. Kidepo is Uganda’s remotest park to access by road. The remote Kidepo Valley Park was rarely visited by tourist due to changes with accessing the park. However, the accessibility of the park has become easy still by road due to improved road facilities. There is no longer worry of taking a self-drive safari road trip into this far designated tourist destination.

Kidepo Valley National Park is among Africa’s amazing destinations which displays the real authentic African. The best landscape view with the endless savannah plain views packed with abundance of wildlife species. Kidepo is divided into the Kidepo Valley and the Narus Valley, and Narus Valley that starts around Apoka is the famous with animals.

The park has one of the highest concentration of wildlife species. The animal sights are decorated with zebras, giraffes, buffalos, elephants, several antelope species, lions are common. All these are common with the immediate Narus Valley. Unique birds are counted among are the ostrich, the secretary bird among many other species.

Kidepo is a special place to see and visit communities of real African people who still hold to their ancestor’s backgrounds. The Karamoja people are unique people and the Ik who live in the mountains of Karamoja sub-region. Among adventure activities done in Kidepo Valley National Park include the game drives, community visits, nature walks, mountain hiking and wild camping.

Driving to Kidepo Valley National Park in the recent years was one of the hectic undertaking. However, the narrative has changed with improved road infrastructures, longer distances are now driven on paved roads and reaching the region the unpaved roads are not such bad. Having your stronger 4×4 safari cruiser makes you wander the regions faultlessly.

Aruu Watefalls

These magnificent waterfalls are located in Padar district en-route to Kidepo Valley shorty after Gulu city. Aruu waterfalls are unique and beautiful waterfalls that give an awesome breathtaking moment of relaxing after your long journey drive. A short drive to Aruu falls takes a minimum of one and half hour. Reaching here have to slope down on sharp stones, and cross ponds by a lop which a great moment in the forest.

Gulu City

One of the major cities in Uganda, Gulu is the major city for the northern region. When driving through the city can take a moment and visit some special places within. Can take up a walk into the main market of Gulu city, or even tasting on the some local dishes prepared in restaurants within gulu city.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The only natural area to find rhinos in Uganda. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary makes Uganda the only place you visit and see rhinos. Uganda didn’t have rhinos for a period of about 20 years since when the last rhino was hunted down until 2005. The Ziwa rhino sanctuary is also located alongside the northern safari circuit. When wishing to visit Uganda and track all the Big Five list, then Ziwa should not miss on your travel plan.

The sanctuary is found en-route to Murchison Falls National Park. When visited the sanctuary expect to watch several bird among is the Shoebill stork birds, several antelope species. One of the amazing places in Uganda to track wild species on foot.

Car Rental Uganda: Things to Know

One of the current sounding traveling models of exploring Uganda is reflecting on the car rental idea. The car rental program, is making things of traversing the foreign country very marvelous. The idea comes along various benefits which are possibly drawing great number of travelers.

Uganda remains the best destination which has suggest favorable car rental ambiance. There are many interesting sites and attractions which have attracted travelers to consider hiring a car and then take their own drive. Car rental in most cases means, hiring a car and take a self-drive to desired end-terminus.

However, before take on a car rental in Uganda, there are various factors one must consider. And we have drawn a list of things to consider when renting a car in Uganda.

Is it a good idea to rent car in Uganda?

Renting a car is a great and adventurous idea. It allows you to explore the foreign land in a special way. Rent a car seat behind the wheels is a good idea worthy to consider doing. It is backed-up with several benefits of cruising. The freedom and flexibility of renting a car for your holiday rather than taking a full guided trip. With car rental being a good undertaking, but it has studies that comes along and must be mastered before taking on the course. The idea of renting a car has a great and unstoppable joy that anyone can consider.

Booking car rental

While planning for a car rental in Uganda, booking on one of the easiest step. Having the needed requirements like driving license and agreeing upon how much the vehicle will makes it very possible for travelers to book a vehicle. When thinking of booking a car rental, have to ensure that you have a right choice of the vehicle. When drawing your reservation, all specifications are important, which vehicle you need, when to use the vehicle, how to pick and drop the vehicle among others.

You don’t need to come/go to any office when booking a car rental. But, this is more advisable to be done at least three month or a month before your traveling date. When booking, it’s always important and advisable to deposit some money on your car rental. This is because of the need, and demand is beyond supply. When commitment is done, then

Insurance cover

All vehicles available for hire are insured. They’re covered by both the comprehensive and 3^rd party insurance. You don’t need to buy extra insurance when to hire a car and drive your own way. When an accident has happened, always don’t remove the vehicle before the police inspects the road.

Read and understand rental policy

Before setting off with your car rental must read the policy and understand. Don’t let any incident in the rental agreement get offside. Make sure you ask of any section you don’t understand such that when an incident happen you’re a victim of being surprise due to ignorance. Position yourself on the same page with the agreement.

Qualifications for renting a car

To have a vehicle secured for you, there are some of the things to fulfill so that you have a car rental in Uganda. These must be a valid driver’s license, valid passport and any person must be 18 years and above, the vehicle must have a valid insurance sticker. It’s not necessary to have vehicle documentation when going for a self-drive. Just ensure that the vehicle hired in the perfect mode to cruise you to any destination you wish to reach.

Where to drive?

With a Uganda car rental you have a wider choice of selections which determines your drive. Breathtaking forests, golden savannah and mountain are some of the super destinations to consider. Or can mention of adventures around like gorilla trekking, big five encounters, wildlife safaris, chimpanzee tracking, and hiking experiences among others. These are the many things to think for matters concerning where to drive. The joy of travelers dwells of where their trip leads and a wonderful selection will always make the trip colorful.

• Driving in Uganda with a foreign license
• Traffic rules in Uganda don’t verify foreign driving license.
• How much does it cost to rent a car in Uganda?

Planning a Self Guided Safari in Uganda

Uganda is one of the most interesting places to visit in Africa. Most people especially from Europe opt to do it themselves because they think it easy and soft to do it. Yes it’s true, but still you have to take caution of certain things when you choose a self drive safari in Uganda. Getting the best car that will suit your vacation comes in everybody’s mind when sending an e-mail to the would be company in help. Always they choose the 4 wheel drive vans this is good but reliability also has to matter here in terms of break-downs.

Take an example when you are stuck in the most beautiful but remote Kidepo Valley National Park in North Eastern Uganda! You got no rescue in the next 12 hours and when it’s availed in the shorter hours it’s costly because you got to use the UWA vehicles. This is not the point but always try to find out those people who got experience in the game, they know which car can much with every situation and any road in Uganda. Always they look a bit more costly but still reliable because they know where to turn. The vans may not necessarily look new as the ones you left home but at least have been tested on the journeys they are up to; so don’t question the model of the car but ask the reliability.

You got time at your budget because you choose what to see and where to go as you have unlimited mileages to cover on your safari; that’s at self drive safari Uganda. Here we aim at a client’s satisfaction because they always need to cover more but time cannot always be on their side. In this case we give you space to find the best you can cover as you pay a visit to Uganda.

Never book a lodge by yourself because you will always get a “Muzungu” rate which is not the case if we made it for you. We know that you got a budget when you plan your vacation stay in Uganda, but we love it if you did not run past it, that’s why we want to come in not because we like a commission but because we like you recommend our services to other would be visitors to our country. We always define for you the best accommodations where you will have excellent services and value for money and where your interests lie depending on what you like to see. For any memorable vacation, you always long to return because you got more than you expected at less than you planned.

This does not only apply for Uganda only but also in Rwanda. When you got to cover Rwanda and Uganda at once then the terms still apply. Rwanda Safaris are almost the same like in Uganda, the differences is that you got many rolling hills in Rwanda and change the diving side from left to right, but this does not seem very tusky to most visitors who tour both countries. You can have slight changes in the cultures of the people short routes to tourist areas like gorilla trekking points, Genocide sites, and the physical appearance of the two countries has got a difference. A self guided tour is all one would need but still depends on ones desire.

Exploring Queen Elizabeth Game Park in Just 3 Days

Several Uganda tour operators offer a popular 3-day safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular national park. This is the best adventure for travelers with limited time in Uganda who want to take advantage of wildlife drives, beautiful scenery, and boat rides on the Kazinga channel.

One of the largest and most well-known national parks in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth Game Park is best visited year-round for activities like chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura canyon, boat excursions, and game viewing. It is situated in western Uganda. In Kampala or any other small town in Uganda, the safari begins and ends.

What to expect

You will travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is situated at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda. Two Ugandan bodies of water, Lake Edward and Lake George, which are joined by the Kazinga channel, are found in the park.

You’ll spend time touring Uganda’s most popular conservation area, which is home to around 100 animal species. 600 species of birds, 9 kinds of primates, including chimpanzees, and 5 types of habitats, including forest, shrub, wetland, savannah, and maritime, are all known to exist. With almost 600 hippo schools in the lazy channel, and a 45-kilometer-long river connecting lakes Edward and George, the park is renowned for having the highest concentration of hippos.

Additionally, the surrounding area of the park is breathtaking. A game drive and boat trip will put you extremely near to the park’s nature. It wouldn’t be a terrible idea to decide to go on a crater drive around the crater lakes belt, and meeting up with locals in Katunguru or Katwe kabatooro will also be a wonderful option.

Day 1 Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park

To drive to the park (QENP), you will be picked up from your lodge or hotel in the early morning. Our tour operator will give you a briefing on what to expect, and the driving time, and make sure you have the necessary gear for your three-day safari. You will pass through the tiny settlements along the Kampala – Mbarara road on your travel. Along the trip, you will get the chance to view royal drum makers, and tiny markets and an equator break will be worthwhile for stretching and taking photos. Lunch will be provided en route, and then you’ll head to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a little break and, if time permits, an evening game drive.

Dinner and overnight stay at Elephant Hab Lodge, Parkview safari lodge, and Tembo safari lodge.

Day 2: Game drive and Boat cruise to Kazinga channel

After a pleasant breakfast, you will go to Kasenyi Plains for your 3-day wildlife safari game drive. Kasenyi Plains is home to a variety of wild creatures, and whether you see any of them depends on the luck of the day. On a good day, you might see small mammals like warthogs, buffalo, elephants, many antelope, and big cats like lions and leopards hunting. After lunch, head back to the lodge before making your way to Mweya Peninsula for a two-hour boat tour on Kazinga Channel. The channel is where most animals congregate to drink water and boasts the biggest number of hippos in the entire globe along with over 400 different bird species. There is a good probability that you may see hippos, elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and many more animals. Return to your lodge to spend the night and have dinner.

Overnight stay and dinner at Elephant Hab Lodge, Parkview safari lodge, and Tembo safari lodge.

Day 3 Transfer to Kampala and end of a safari

Depending on your flight out of Uganda, you might choose to go on another wildlife drive before making the drive back to Kampala. En route, you might choose to stop and see some crater lakes, the rift valley floor, and escarpments. You’ll arrive in Kampala in the late afternoon after having lunch.

End of the Tour

Cross Border Car Hire in Uganda and Rwanda

Do you have plans of crossing the border of Uganda into any of the neighboring East African countries-Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania? Mum and Dad Uganda Tours can make it happen because we understand that most travelers wish to combine tours/safaris between countries. For instance, you might wish to enjoy game drives in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Later, proceed to Rwanda’s Kigali City, Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Park. We totally understand that the idea of crossing the border with a hired car is daunting but once the fine print is read and properly understood, you are likely to go farther than expected.

While the option of Uganda Car Hire with cross border is offered at Mum and Dad Uganda Tours, we only allow it for selected car types and to specific countries. One of the mistakes that most travelers do is crossing the border without informing the company but once you do this, you might be risking because third party insurance isn’t covered in another country. Also, if you fail to inform us of your plans to cross the border to another country, you will be breaking our contractual terms and conditions, in addition to voiding your insurance thus lose any accident or breakdown cover. For this reason, you will need approval from the Company and should be done at least 48 hours prior to the pick-up date of the Car hire.

With most Car Hire Companies in Uganda, a certain cross border fee is required to allow you drive the Car to another country. Also, remember that a number of travel restrictions will be put in place and they include how long you will be allowed to drive the Car out of the country and this varies from one Company to the other. Another important thing to note is that the type/category of Car you rent will have an effect on whether you are allowed to cross the border or not.

Do you know why most Car Hire Companies charge cross-border fees? Well, this is mainly charged to cater for any additional insurance that would be important for driving the Car outside Uganda. This fee will ensure that your insurance covers remains valid and the Company will provide the appropriate documentation. The amount will depend on the vehicle type and where you are heading to (be it Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania) but varies from $10 and $50 per day.

Requirements for Hiring a Car with Cross Border

Whatever country you are crossing to, you will be requested for documents and these include;

Permission letter from the Car Hire Company

Before you cross the Border to another country, you will be requested (at the passport control at the border) for a letter of permission from the Car Hire Company. This should bear a signature and stamp of the Company, plus the National Identity Card.

Vehicle log book

Besides the permission letter from the Car Hire Company, you will need to present the vehicle log book and this is a proof that you are legally crossing the border with a rented Car.

Reflective sticker on the Rental Car

Besides permission letter and vehicle log book, another important requirement for car hire with cross border is having a reflective sticker on the Rental Car.

Your National/International Driving permit

You will also need to have a valid National or International Driving permit before you can be allowed to cross the Border with the Rental Car.

Is it possible to drop-off the Car in another country?

Yes, it is possible to cross the border with the Rental Car, but this depends on the Company and even those that do offer it at a high rate. All in all, most Companies aren’t so flexible when it comes to dropping cars in other countries than when it is with temporary crossing and returning back into the country.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi vs Mgahinga

Gorilla trekking is one of the most fascinating wildlife experiences. This much sought out activity by primate lovers is only possible in four national parks – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, Virunga National Park in DR Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda. Uganda is special because she hosts half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas in two national parks – Bwindi and Mgahinga.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a UNESCO world Heritage site since 1994 because of its great biodiversity. Apart from mountain gorillas, Bwindi currently has 120 species of mammals which include small Antelopes, Giant Forest pigs, the African Golden Cat, the side-striped Jackal and African Civet. You can find several primates in the park including Chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s Monkeys and Black/White Colobus Monkeys. Over 220 species of butterflies and 310 of birds can be spotted in this great forest. Some of the notable bird species include the Frazers Eagle Owl, African Green Broadbill, Brown necked parrots and the White tailed blue flycatcher.

Mgahinga National Park is the other place where visitors can do gorilla trekking in Uganda. It is the smallest National Park in Uganda and sits at the foot of 3 dormant volcanoes. Unlike Bwindi, Mgahinga is an extension or part of the greater Virunga region and conservation area which includes the Virunga National Park in Congo and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The top attractions are the rare mountain gorillas and golden Monkeys. Visitors can choose to do other activities like spotting smaller primates and mammals, going for forest/nature walks, mountain climbing and bird watching. How does gorilla trekking in Bwindi compare to Mgahinga? We will discuss it in greater detail in the following chapters.

For a start, we need to note that about 45% of the remaining population of mountain gorillas call Bwindi impenetrable forest home, clearly setting it apart from all the other gorilla parks. It’s a much larger park than Mgahinga and covers an area of 321 Sq Km. Bwindi has more than 35 known gorilla groups, 15 of which are habituated and open for gorilla trekking. Mgahinga has only one habituated gorilla group open for tourism. Moreover, gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be done in four different sectors of the park each hosting more than one gorilla group. Two groups in the Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors are open for the gorilla habituation experience where only 4 visitors are allowed 4 hours with the gorilla family. This unique experience can only be done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. It is different from standard gorilla trekking where 8 visitors are allowed to see a gorilla family for only one hour. These initial assessments alone should end the debate for some – but is that all? There may be even more arguments in favor of Bwindi and there must be something special about Mgahinga too as we shall see later.

Spotting the gorillas is now guaranteed in both parks, but there was a time when that wasn’t the case in Mgahinga. The Nyakagezi group which has now settled in Mgahinga was notorious for crossing over to Rwanda and sometimes DR Congo halting all gorilla trekking activities in the park. You just never know when they might decide to resume their cross-border visits.

Gorilla trekking in both Bwindi and Mgahinga can to be strenuous involving hiking through rough and steep terrain to locate the gorilla families. However, it is generally accepted that the Nyakagezi group in Mgahinga are a much easier group to track. They live in a smaller range compared to most of the gorilla groups in Bwindi. As a large forest, visitors to Bwindi might have to go deeper in the forest in search of some of the gorilla groups. However some of the gorilla groups in Bwindi live very near the starting points and finding them takes less than two hours. Did I forget to mention that gorilla trekking in Mgahinga has fewer crowds? Yes. There are fewer visitors with less crowds during the briefing and after gorilla trekking and this to some may allow more privacy to peacefully enjoy the great scenery around the park.

One clear advantage Mgahinga has over Bwindi is that it is the only park in Uganda where visitors can spot both the endangered golden monkeys and Mountain Gorillas. This implies that visitors can combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking. However having the cute Golden Monkeys is not a complete knockout for Mgahinga because Bwindi has got Chimpanzees. While doing gorilla trekking, visitors to Bwindi can spot Chimpanzees along the trails. Mgahinga has no chimpanzees.

As already noted earlier, Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga gives visitors opportunities to take part in mountain hiking unlike in Bwindi. There are three Volcanoes in Mgahinga to choose from – Mount Muhavura, Mount Sabinyo and Mount Gahinga. Climbing to the top of any of these volcanoes will reward visitors with stunning views of Mgahinga National Park and opportunities to spot birds, forest mammals and primates like Golden Monkeys along the trails. There is no mountain climbing in Bwindi – A clear win here for Mgahinga.

Those who love exploring caves might want to consider gorilla trekking in Mgahinga. Visiting the Garamba and Muhavura caves that were once used by the Batwa for food storage, royal housing, gathering and preparing for war makes gorilla trekking in Mgahinga worthwhile. Both parks allow visitors to go visit the Batwa people during their time in the park. The Batwa pygmies were the dominant and original community living in the park for thousands of years before they were sadly evicted from the park in 1991. The continued reduction in number of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and other park creatures where partly attributed the presence of the Batwa in the park. To take gorilla conservation programs to the next level, it was agreed that it was necessary for the Batwa to be relocated elsewhere. This decision was no win-win for everyone because the Batwa have never fully integrated in their new homes or with their neighboring communities. Experiencing the Batwa way of life is generally more exciting and fulfilling in Mgahinga National Park. The Batwa trail in Mgahinga allows visitors to experience the Batwa way of life for more than 5 hours and within the park unlike in Bwindi. Some of the Batwa in Mgahinga are allowed in the forest to act as local guides while introducing you to their culture, ancient caves, former war hideouts, sacred places, gods, dances, language, traditional stories, way of dressing and way of hunting. In Bwindi, visitors usually go to see the Batwa outside the park for a shorter time after gorilla trekking.

Both National parks provide tourist with opportunities for nature walks but Bwindi might just have the edge here once again. Visitors to Bwindi forest can take walks through several established trails like the waterfall trail, Muzubijiro loop trail, Bamboo trail and the Rushura trail. One can also visit the local communities around Buhoma and learn about local beer brewing, language, and dances.

The cost of a gorilla trekking safari is similar for both national parks. Gorilla permits in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park go for $700. However the entire gorilla tour might cost between $1500 and $1900 depending on the quality of accommodation and transport.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is strategically located near one of Uganda’s largest and most popular game parks – Queen Elizabeth National Park. It takes only two hours of driving after gorilla trekking for visitors to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot elephants, crocodiles, Hippopotamus, the Uganda Kob, Antelopes, Buffaloes and the rare tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of the park. Moreover if one missed the chimps during gorilla trekking, they can go for chimpanzee trekking at the unique Kyambura gorge or visit the salt mining lake near the park to spot the beautiful Flamingo birds. This proximity to Queen Elizabeth National Park allows visitors to easily combine gorilla trekking and game drives making for a true amazing African wildlife safari.

The same gorilla trekking rules and regulations apply to both Bwindi and Mgahinga. These rules were designed to help protect the gorillas from human diseases and irritation as a result of prolonged human presence. Only eight visitors are allowed to track a gorilla group in a day and for strictly one hour at most. You must be at least 15 years to do gorilla trekking in both parks. Showing up sick with transferable diseases is prohibited. You can’t smoke, use flashlight or make unnecessary noise while in the presence of gorillas in both Bwindi and Mgahinga.

The packing lists during gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga are the same. Whichever park you choose, you would need to come with long sleeved shirts, pants, water-proof hiking shoes, long stockings, a hut, sunscreen and a walking stick. Items like prescription drugs, a camera, binoculars, water and snack will ensure you have a comfortable time during gorilla trekking in both gorilla parks.

Regarding transport, you can access both Mgahinga and Bwindi National park from the capital Kampala or Kigali in Rwanda by road or air. However the distance to Bwindi is shorter in comparison to Mgahinga. If you are using road transport, you can use a private car or public transport. From Kampala, there are several routes that you can use. The journey from Kampala to Kisoro the largest town near the two parks is about 7 hours. If you think the journey from Kampala to Kisoro is too long, then you access both Bwindi and Mgahinga using the shorter distance from Kigali (4 hours) in Rwanda or by air from Kampala in Uganda. Aero link and Fly Uganda operate flights from Kajjansi in Kampala and Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip near Bwindi. Those doing gorilla trekking in Bwindi can actually land directly in Kihihi Airstrip which is not far from Ruhija or Buhoma sectors in Bwindi. Still wondering which national park is best for gorilla trekking in Uganda? Let me summarize it for you to make things clear.

Bwindi is a world heritage site hosting half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas. It is a park with 15 habituated gorilla families where visitors can track gorillas or go for the gorilla habituation experience while sighting chimpanzees along the way. Nature walks are excellent and well organized in Bwindi with excellent trails. Reaching Bwindi from Kampala or Kigali by road takes a shorter distance than to Mgahinga. Bwindi’s location near Queen Elizabeth national parks allows primate lovers go for a full African Safari. Mgahinga has one gorilla family that is perhaps the largest habituated group found in all known mountain gorilla parks. There are less crowds during gorilla trekking in Mgahinga while offering visitors are chance to go for golden monkey trekking, mountain hiking and a more complete experience with the Batwa pygmies. That’s it. The final choice is yours.

Why Go for Car Hire in Uganda?

When you are tripping in Uganda, you have to ensure that you get a safe and convenient means of transport. It can be okay to use public means if you moving around Kampala but visiting remote areas like national parks, the ideal mode is car hire in Uganda.

Traveling long distances is overwhelming, especially in a foreign country and the only way to make it easy is by renting a car from a reputable company.

Car hire has lots of benefits as we are going to explain them below:

Safe

Car rental companies emphasize the security and safety of their client first. They ensure that the client is driven in a well-conditioned vehicle with all the safety accessories such as seat belts, airbags, fire extinguishers, and first aid boxes.  The belongings of the clients are also kept safely in the trunk of the car. Additionally, you don’t share the car with any foreign person to worry about stealing your luggage. It is only you as a client or with your pals or family and your luggage in the car.

Convenient and Organized

When you are using public means, you share the vehicle with different people who are strangers to you. There is no reservation of your favorite seat, it is on a first come first serve basis thus ending up traveling uncomfortably. Car hire Uganda does it better as the vehicle is exclusively reserved for you, no fighting for space with strangers, and the luggage is kept safely in the boot.

Quick

Car hire services being fast is one of the reasons why most travelers have turned to them over public means. When you are using car rental, you are taken directly to your destination without any stopovers and hence saving time. The chauffeurs provided are experienced and informed about the local areas so they know the shortest routes leading to the various destinations in Uganda. These can beat off the heavy traffic and aid you to reach your destination in time for your appointment.

Secluded Mode of Transportation

Car hire offers privacy to the clients since they are reserved only for those particular clients at the time. There is no room for sharing with another traveler whom you don’t know about. The exclusivity allows having that independence to have fun and enjoy with your family or colleagues while on the road trip.

Downs the Stress

Using public means such as buses and trains can be such a hassle since you have to know the time of its operation. This brings the tension and worry of missing it. More so, you have to walk a reasonable distance to reach the station to get on board. This is not the case with car rental services where everything is scheduled at the client’s discretion that is to say the time and the point of pick up and drop off.

Outstanding extra services

There are additional services given to travelers by car hire services such as extra baby seats, GPS, music system, spacious trunk, and camping kit. The services are supplements that can make a traveler’s trip an amazing and exciting one.

Point-to-Point Transfer

Car rental provides door-to-door services to its clients. Pick-up and drop-offs are done at your preferred points such as your home, hotel, or airport. You do not have to walk to the station with your luggage to access the services. They simply come to your place of convenience and transfer you to wherever you wish to go and bring you back to your abode.

If you want to have a convenient, safe, fast and comfortable travel experience, then look no further car hire services will meet your needs.

Why rent a 4×4 vehicle for a road trip?

The car type you choose to use during your road trip will determine its success rate. Many cars are available in stock and ready to hit the safari roads. 4×4 cars are the perfect safari vehicles and have outmatched other car types (2×2 cars) in Uganda. It is highly demanded on the travel market since it can reach rugged terrain areas.

These cars are used mostly for safaris, drive guided travels, airport pickups, solo travel, wedding transportation, camping, picnics, city rounds and many others. 4×4 wheel drive vehicles include safari vans, Toyota land cruiser, Land cruiser Prado, Toyota super custom, Rav 4, coaster among others. These cars can be obtained at any car hire agency after reaching an agreement and offered at an affordable price. They are given out on a self-drive basis but tourists who are not well conversant with the location are given a driver on request. This is why you should rent a 4×4 vehicle in Uganda for a road trip.

Convenient and comfortable

Every dollar of our client counts and we look forward to giving back equal services paid for. 4×4 wheel drive cars will never disappoint but offer satisfaction to whoever uses them. Its mechanism is customized to travel and enables clients to reach their desired destinations safe and sound. 4×4 WD cars are spacious and convenient providing enough space for clients and their cargo. The car mechanism enables it to pass through difficult rugged places and off beaten tracks at far distant parts of Uganda. The unique bit of it is, it has a hard carrier tented rooftop which offers a camping platform and a popup top for easy viewing of game in various Uganda’s national parks.

Flexible and reliable

The number one adventure before reaching your destination is Uganda’s road network. The roads are twisted in a way that some are in good conditions making driving easy and others are scary and full of potholes such as the off beaten tracks but as long as you are in a 4×4 WD vehicle worry not. These customized machines are a saviour during the rainy season when roads get slippery and dry seasons when dust limits the movement of cars. Saloon cars or 2×2 wheel Drive cars cannot be used for safaris rather be taken for city rounds. The roads are part of the adventure so experience and get a story to tell.

Quality and affordable

The appearances of the 4×4 wheel drive vehicles tend to scare off people thinking that they are way too expensive for their budget. Trust me the way they look doesn’t determine their prices but the need to be used and satisfy clients is the main aim. The quality of these cars reaches the standards of the client’s tastes and they are affordable to hire. You can access any of the desired cars from Car Rental in Uganda, scattered mostly in the urban parts of the country. Cars are available but prices vary depending on the type of car and the number of people it accommodates.

Uganda’s Inspectors-General of Police

Uganda has been served by several Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police. Here is a list of Inspector Generals of Police since the country attained its independence in October 1962.

Michael J. Macoun, 1959-1964
Lt. Col. Wilson Erinayo Oryema, 1964-1971
Benjamin Othieno, 1971-1974
Luke Ofungi, 1974-1975
Kassim Musa Obura, 1975-1977
Odria, 1977-1979
David Nsubuga Barlow, 1979
William Musoke, 1979-1980
Boniface Aaron Okoth-Ogola, 1980-1985
Luke Ofungi, 1985-1990
David Psomgen, 1990
Apollo Byekwaso, 1990-1992
John Cossey Odomel, 1992-1999
John Kisembo, 1999-2000
Lieutenant-General Edward Katumba Wamala, 2000-2005
Major-General Edward Kale Kayihura, 2005-2018
Martin Okoth Ochola, March 2018 to date

Top Places To See Shoebill Storks In Uganda

Scientifically known as Balaeniceps rex, shoebill storks are whale-headed storks that always make it to the checklist of every birder in Uganda. These are one of the most sought-after birds and you don’t have to be an enthusiastic bird watcher or ornithologist to be thrilled at the first sight of these beautiful birds.

These wading birds are always spotted within the Tropical marshes/wetlands of Tropical East African in the Great Lakes region. They have whale heads and shoe-shaped bills with shark hooks, darkish plumage, short necks, and long legs (typical of storks). Shoebill storks are somewhat aggressive hence have few predators although their eggs and chicks are sometimes eaten by nest predators like snakes. Their diet usually comprises baby crocodiles, small animals, frogs, lungfish, turtles, and snails.

Uganda is one of the few homes of these critically endangered in the East African region and they are found in the following places;

Mabamba Wetland

Mabamba, one of the largest wetlands surrounding Lake Victoria is one of the top places to see shoebill storks in Uganda. About 45 kilometers from Kampala, this area can be reached from Entebbe, by a traditional motorized boat or canoe trip. For this area, these Storks are tracked by a canoe ride conducted in the morning or evening but also expect other Papyrus and waterbird species such as cattle egrets, kingfishers, African jacana, saddle-billed storks, Papyrus canary, and many others.

Murchison falls National Park

The shoebill storks in Murchison falls National Park are found along the Lake Albert Delta Ramsar wetland made up of the Nile River from Murchison falls to a small section of Lake Albert. These storks can be spotted during the early morning Delta Cruise but also expect to see the long-tailed Cormorants, Grey-crowned cranes, white-faced whistling duck, Papyrus gonolek, African darter, African fish eagles, and many others. This boat cruise will also offer views of the Nile crocodiles and Hippos.

Semliki National Park

Another unmissable shoebill stork viewing destination in Uganda is Semliki National Park, set within the western side of the country. They are common along the southern shores of Lake Albert and are regarded as bird lovers’ must-see attractions.

Lake Mburo National Park

Located in western Uganda about 4 hours drive from Kampala, Lake Mburo National Park is another amazing spot for seeing shoebill storks in Uganda. They can be seen within wetlands along the Lake and this is during the boat cruise. While in the company of professional guides, you will identify these beautiful storks on the shores and nearby wetland in addition to the African fish eagles, Pied and Malachite kingfishers, pelicans, Papyrus gonolek, and many others.

Lugogo wetland, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Lugogo is a 10-square kilometer wetland within Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and another spectacular home to the vulnerable shoebill storks. Shoebill tracking trips in this area begin as early as 7:00 am and are done on wooden canoes. Not only are you guaranteed shoebill stork views but also sunrise over the wetland with other wetland bird species such as Palmnut vultures, speckled-breasted woodpecker, Giant kingfishers, and many others. Visitors looking for endless views of the shoebill storks can add Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary trip to Murchison falls National Park.

The Makanaga Bay

Although not as popular as Mabamba Wetland, Makanaga Bay is also on the shores of Lake Victoria and is also an excellent spot to see Shoebill storks in Uganda. It can be reached from Entebbe or Kampala by canoe ride with most tours conducted in the morning. Make sure to be in the company of a local guide with chances of spotting other numerous wetland bird species. You will also learn about the history of the area but more especially numerous shoebill storks.

Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC)

Uganda Wildlife Education Center (formerly Entebbe Zoo) is a rescue center for orphaned animals, one of which is the shoebill storks. This Center is found on the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe and also shelters other beautiful bird species such as peacocks, cattle egrets, and many others.

Ishasha sector Queen Elizabeth National Park

Most travellers know the Ishasha sector for the tree-climbing lions but it is also another top place to see shoebill storks in Uganda. They can be tracked or spotted along the wetland-fringed Lake Edward shores. Other top places to see shoebill storks in Uganda are Lutembe Bay, Lwera Swamp, Kyabakuza Swamp, and many others.

Besides the shoebill storks, other stork species in Uganda include Marabou storks, open-billed storks, Saddle-billed storks, and yellow-billed storks among others.