Coaster Bus Hire in Uganda
Are you planning to travel as a group and you aren’t sure of a car to use? Renting a Coaster bus is incredibly the best option if you plan to go on a large group holiday in Uganda.
There is a reliable coaster bus rentals in Uganda suitable for travelers looking to business travel in Uganda or even those looking to road trips in national parks and game reserves within the Pearl of Africa.
Coaster buses rentals are ideal if you plan to travel around Uganda. Group tours are exciting as you get on the trip in one car with your colleagues. They offer amazing experience which you will share.
With classic Coaster buses, you have opportunity to set off to your destination together, enjoy Uganda together and share experiences.
Coaster bus rentals range from ordinary to executive buses and they provide the best road trip while you have absolute comfort. Renting a bus does save you a lot when traveling in a group. Our Coaster buses come with comfortable seats, air conditioner, adequate room for visitors to relax their legs, pack their luggage, mini fridge and many other amenities.
Coaster buses are the best if you plan to go for wedding, school tours, company retreats, introductions and other trips in the parks.
Things to Know about Coaster Bus Rentals
- Coaster Rentals cannot be hired on self drive
- Coaster Rentals are ideal for travelers who are looking to group travels from 12 people and more
- If you are looking to ventures off road or remote areas as well as national parks, it is important to hire a coaster which is 4×4
6 Best Luxury Cars to Rent in Kampala
Planning for a successful vacation experience, business trip or wedding can be challenging because there is so much to be put together. But in this article, you stand a chance to choose the right luxury car that suits your travel needs in Kampala capital city of Uganda.
Our luxury Uganda car rentals provide ultimate comfort, quality, performance and amenities compared to any other usual car. They are also fitted with essential equipment to make your road trip interesting. Our luxury rental cars are suitable for high-class functions, official events although some people these days hire them just to drive around. Getting behind the wheels of our full-time 4×4 luxury car hire is a dream come true! Here is a list of our 6 best luxury cars to rent in Kampala City Uganda.
BMW
If luxurious rental cars with outstanding performance is what you are looking for then you have a million reasons to book a BMW. This luxury car category is popular for its high velocity and smoothness, comfort and accommodates up to 5pax. The interior consists of leather seats to provide you with absolute comfort. Our BMW rentals are also fitted with CD player, FM radio, remote tank opener, button stop, cruiser control and these are unique features you may not find in most usual cars.
Limousine
Also, most popular as Limo, the Limousine is one of the famous luxury vehicles on planet earth. It is among our best luxury rentals and it comes with 2 compartments accommodating up to 6 or more people. Limousine rental cars are built in a unique style and offers ultimate comfort to you. Our Limo rentals are fitted with a mini-fridge, MP3, CD player, FM radio, comfortable seats, TV and others. They are available for booking whether for weddings, parties or airport transfers.
Range Rover
4×4 Range Rover Sport is incredibly one of the best among most luxury rental cars in Kampala. It is a mid-size SUV made by UK based automobile company-Jaguar Land Rover. It is distinctly designed with magnificent exterior and incredible interior features ranging from air conditioner, adequate leg room, leather seats, adequate luggage room.
Land Cruiser V8
Hire our full-time 4×4 Land Cruiser V8 and explore Kampala uniquely. Our Land Cruiser V8 rentals are attractive, large in size and powerful. They come with lavish interior features such as FM radio, MP3, CD player, AC and accommodates up to 5pax together with the driver.
Hummer
If you love SUV vehicles then you have a thousand reasons to hire a Hummer for your road trips in Kampala city Uganda. Hummer rentals are impressive and stylish with capacity of 4pax. It comes with interesting features especially comfortable seats, adequate leg room and other features.
Mercedes Benz
Discover a unique experience while on a road trip in Kampala only while behind the wheels of Mercedes Benz. You can choose from our range of Mercedes Benzes including S-class, E-class, C-class or the 4×4 G-class. All these classic rentals offer amazing treat to visitors while in Kampala.
Read MoreHow to Drive an Automatic Car in Uganda
Driving a car is such a memorable experience that everyone wants to have. To most people driving is a dream come true! But the kind of car you want to drive does matter a lot. For some experienced drivers, they prefer manual transmission cars. They believe that manual cars consume less fuel than the automatic vehicles. They also have less risk of breakdown than automatic cars.
If you are interested in budget-friendly Uganda car rentals with easy to drive then look no further than our automatic rental cars for all your road trips. Our automatic car rentals are the best when it comes to gear changing which makes steering, reversing, acceleration and braking easier. You won’t encounter so many challenges on your Uganda road trip. In this article, we bring you step by step criterion on how you can start and drive your automatic transmission rental car to any part of Uganda.
Starting your car
- Insert your car key in the ignition
- Maintain full brake pedal pressed and shift into a driving position
- Release the parking brake and foot brake, next begin your vehicle slowly
Automatic transmission gears and uses
- P=Parking, you use this position plus the parking brake especially when parking around a hilly area. You will need to apply the parking brake first and next, shift into the ‘P’ position.
- R=Reverse, this is used when you want to rewind and only applicable if the car has stopped moving.
- N=Neutral line/free, in this position, the engine can be started and the driver can shift to ‘N’ and restart a strolled engine while the vehicle is moving.
- D=Drive, this can be used for all normal forward driving.
- 1 and 2=Low gears, the second gear is essential when climbing the hilly areas or when engine braking on downhill grades/when you are in slippery route. Here, shifting into the second gear may not be necessary when you are at a speed of 90kms/hr. While in gear 2, never go beyond 90kms/hr if you are on Z24 engine model and or 80kms/hr on Z20 engine model.
- First gear can be used while climbing steep areas gradually or when driving via deep snow, sand/mud. Avoid shifting into gear one when at a speed of 90kms/hr on a Z24 engine model and 40kms/hr when using a Z20 engine model.
Going on a Gorilla Trek in Uganda
If you have never been to Uganda, then it is one of the greatest mistakes ever done by you in your life time. Uganda is among the East African countries that is worth to pay a keen attention in regards to tourism industry. Taking up a gorilla safari in Uganda is one of the memorable decisions done by every enthusiastic tourist plus the safari holiday for those on relaxation holidays. Going for a gorilla trek can be combined with a safari holiday at Lake Bunyonyi.
Before going for the holidays and gorilla tracking, it is advisable to make a planned and organized tour in all aspect with the company and this is the best way of enjoying the holidays and the safaris when everything is in the hands of the local tour company, gorilla tracking permits have to be booked before even going for the safari since their availability is uncertain due to the high demand. The fact is each gorilla family is allowed to be tracked by a maximum of eight people in a group per day; therefore being among them is one of the best experiences forever.
Gorilla tracking in Uganda is done from her two unique national parks of Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks both located in the south western part of the country. From Kampala to these two parks, 8-9hours of driving is required including stop overs for refreshments and lunch along the way. Gorilla tracking cannot be done on that very day of arrival in Uganda; visitors spend an overnight at the nearest lodges, hotels and camping sites as they wait for the great trek within the parks in search for gorillas.
Currently, Uganda has phased off discounted permits and there is no longer low seasons, all tracking permits for gorillas costs USD 600 and that preferring gorilla habituation goes at USD 1500 per day per person. Tracking starts at exactly 8am in all the two national parks and it’s at the park headquarters, Bwindi impenetrable national park has got fourteen gorilla families all distributed in its four sectors of Ruhija, Nkuringo, Buhoma and the Rushaga sector. Mgahinga national park so far has one gorilla group known as the Nyakagezi group and this is the only tracked and habituated group within the park though being the smallest among all the ten national parks of Uganda.
All these sectors have got different Gorilla groups that are tracked and habituated, gorilla trekkers are only allowed to used one hour while taking photos, enjoying the smile and the superiority powers exhibited by the silver back gorilla and also seeing how the infants cling on their mothers backs in the process of movement. For gorilla habituaters, the all day is assigned to them and they get to enjoy as much as possible since they stay with them throughout.
After a great hectic day of trekking, visitors can embark into their vehicles and proceed to Lake Bunyonyi for a holiday, this is the best way of hiding away from stress and agony since the beauty of the landscape, the weather and its climate all provides a nice place to stay at. While at the lake one may engage in a boat cruise with the local people around, fishing and sports from all the amenities available at the places of residence.
Visitors who wish to engage in fishing at the lake may carry their own equipments all hire from the available local fisher men. All these activities are done at a cheaper price from the service providers at the lake, sunbathing is best enjoyed here hence making a gorilla safari and the tour holiday the best activity forever in ones moments while in the pearl of Africa.
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Why Opt for Long Term Car Hire in Uganda
Why choose long-term car rental in Uganda? If your plan is to spend a longer period of time exploring the different sites in Uganda, long-term car rental services become more preferably. What qualifies your renting long-term may depend on the number of days you plan to hire the car. For you to qualify for long-term rental car services, some Uganda car rental agencies may require you to hire a car for at least 21 and 30 days.
Long-term rental cars offer a perfect option for holiday makers to have in-depth exploration of Uganda. Without necessarily purchasing a car, long-term rental cars offer ideal solution for you to have access to your dream Uganda safari destination. This is whether you plan for long holiday with family, research or business trip.
We never leave anyone disappointed given our wide range of long-term rental cars suitable for all your Uganda safaris. We have the best Toyota Corona Axio fitted with CD player, FM radio; Land Cruiser Prado, Toyota Land Cruiser TX/TZ, Land Cruiser V8/VX, Toyota Rav4 and many more.
Why choose long-term rental cars for your Uganda safaris?
They are cost effective
Unlike purchasing your own vehicle, long-term rental cars are relatively cheaper. There are less expenses to incur since you only need to fuel the car depending on the journey you plan to cover. Also, no expenses to incur to insure since most of our rental cars are comprehensively insured and all car services, drivers are too. When you choose long-term rental car services from us, you stand a chance to enjoy discount offers.
Enjoy comfort
There is no better way to enjoy total comfort on Uganda safari than using long-term rental cars. A comfortable Uganda trip is every traveler’s dream while on a holiday and you can’t get it if you opted for public means.
Convenience
The advantage with our long-term rental cars is that they are reliable. Once you book your dream rental car, you definitely find it. This makes it the most convenient way to reach your dream Uganda safari destination. On the other hand, the long-term contract is owned by you partially.
Read MoreHassan Mubiru: Uganda’s Finest Strikers
Originally, playing football was not his main ambition in life. He thought of becoming a lawyer, a doctor or a politician just like many of us in those younger years. But while a child, he loved kicking around balls made out of banana fibres or milk polythene bags as a pass time venture when he was not in class or at school.
Today, Hassan Mubiru, has won himself a celebrity status both at home and else where on the African continent where the eminent striker has featured for both national and major club competitions. Born in Lukuli in Makindye Division, Kampala district, Mubiru attended Katwe Noah Primary School and Makindye High School where he dropped out of school at senior two for lack of school fees.
At this time, his interests in becoming a lawyer, a doctor or politician were beginning to fade.
“I rarely took part in school football, but the few times I did, my friends and teachers insisted on telling me that I should go ahead and develop the football talents. They said they had seen a footballer out of me,” he recollects.
At Makindye High School, Mubiru realised the need to develop his soccer talents. He willingly joined the school team on the advice of his teachers and friends and later featured in the team as the youngest player ever to play in the school’s first 11 team in 1994. But besides being good at school football, Mubiru had failed to make it to the ranks of club football.
“In 1994, a gentleman called Siraje Walakira who was then coach of Lukuli United, a second division team in Kampala noticed the way I played and recruited me in his club and encouraged me to start full time training with him.”
“Since I was now out of school, I took the chance to improve on my soccer talents,” he reveals with a broad smile.
During the 1995/96 first divisional football competitions in Kampala, Lukuli United featured in the tournament along side Police FC.
Mubiru took this chance at the tournament to display his brilliant skills on the right flank, which caught the attention of Police FC’s tactician Denis Obua (former FUFA president) to woe the youngster to the Nakawa Police playground when they qualified for super division that season.
“I eagerly crossed over to Police FC that year because I also wanted to become a super divisional player,” he says.
At police he found immovable Paul Kabyomere on the right flank thus Obua had to assume him a new role as a twin striker where he proved himself as the main weapon for his new club.
During the 1996 super divisional league, then only months old in Police FC, he emerged as the third top scorer in the league, a factor that altered the big four clubs SC Villa, Express, Umeme and KCC to all scramble for his signature.
Mubiru signed for Villa at an assumed offer of between sh2m to sh3m and started training with the Jogos at Villa Park the same year.
But to-date, Express fans still insist Mubiru was destined for the Red Eagles during the 1997 players transfer but claim that it was Express big man Kassim Buyondo who spear headed for his move to the Jogoos and not to Express.
These claim that Mubiru had even started training at Wankulukuku stadium when he eventually crossed over to Villa Park.
But on his arrival at Villa Park, Mubiru found a star-studded squad. He had to struggle to find his spot on the team.
Then Villa coach, the late Paul Hasule also realised the outstanding qualities in Mubiru, describing him as a rough diamond that just needed polishing.
“With patience, Hasule shaped Mubiru into a modern marksman who could open and dash on the flanks and keep on moving to avoid ‘Police Marking’ and at the same time fall back to help his team-mates,” recalls one of the Villa players of the time.
In the absence of former French and Turkish based professional Magid Musisi, Mubiru, then 20 was called to fill the big shoes of the Cranes skipper (Musisi) in the group four African Cup qualifiers encounter between Uganda and Algeria in 1998.
He made a spectacular historical debut in the game. The thrilling striker scored twice, including a memorable last minute strike that gave Uganda a 2-1 victory over Algeria’s Desert Worriers.
Mubiru earned him self-a nickname of ‘Zidane’ (A Frenchman who had brought much honours in the 1998 World Cup in France) by Villa fans.
In 1999, the same year, Mubiru scooped a well-deserved honour of Uganda’s footballer of the year award by the Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) for his dazzling skills and goals both at club and international games.
He also helped Villa to regain its top-flight status, which it had lost in 1994. Mubiru won two doubles for his club including Super Cups, Hedex Cup Rwegyema Cup in addition to engineering his club to the finals of CECAFA club championship held in Kampala in 1998 where Villa lost to Tanzania’s Yang Africans in the spot kicks.
From then onwards, the question that was roaming among the soccer fraternity in Uganda was how long Villa would keep the ace at their camp!
In the 2002 December players transfer market; the question was answered when Mubiru made a brave decision to cross over from Villa Park to Mayuuni (Wankulukuku stadium) at an estimated transfer fee of between sh8m to sh10m.
This brought jubilation at Wankulukuku as Express fans compared Mubiru’s decision to play for rival Express to Louis Figo’s move from Nou-camp (Barcelona) to Santiago Barnabu, the home of Real Madrid; the two most rival clubs in the Spanish Laliga (league). The excited Wankulukuku fans thus nicknamed him ‘Figo.’
‘Figo’ Mubiru’s arrival at Wankulukuku instilled a self-belief among Express fans led by their boss Godfrey Kirumira that it was time for them to turn Villas dominance into history.
At Wankulukuku, ‘Figo’ joined an ally of stars in the names of Phillip Obwinyi, George Ssemogerere, Jamil Kyambadde, Ibrahim Buwembo, and Francis Gonzaga to mention but a few.
When the 2001 season kicked off, things soured for Kirumira’s dream team right from the kick off and it was evident that the club needed some general cleaning which saw coach Godfrey Nyola together with the club’s longest serving players being shown the exit. This however could not stop Villa from winning the league title that season. Express instead got a consolation by lifting the Kakungulu Cup in 2001 under the guidance of Mubiru who scored twice against Villa in the finals.
In the 2002 league season, Express once again failed to stop Villa from winning the league title for the fourth consecutive time and to make the matters worse they lost their Kakungulu Cup title to Villa the same season.
At the end of the 2002 season, another broom sweeping took place at Wankulukuku where other veteran players, Odoch, Kyambadde, Kakooza and Gonzaga were dropped from the club. The departure of Odoch earned Mubiru the club’s captaincy armband.
However, the question that year was, “Can Mubiru use his armband to lead the Red Eagles to a league title they had lost in 1996 and when would he score a league goal against his former club Villa?”
Mubiru’s strong points on the field lie in his ability to take on defences and then leave goalkeepers harmlessly crawling on the ground.
Apart from the skills and target, the Ugandan ‘Figo’ has the ability to fool his markers with a lazy gait only to surprise them moments later with a sudden burst of speed. The star striker however has a history of missing glaring chances that can bring spectators and teammates into tears.
His form, maintenance, discipline and tempers are also questionable. But with such skills and precision, the question that is now being asked, is how long Kirumira will under the eyes of both local and foreign scouts. No wonder he has been snatched by APR of Rwanda where he has been putting his football talents to good use.
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Ultimate Guide to One-Way Rentals in Uganda
Need one-way rental services rather than a round-trip? There is no better way to enjoy a flexible road trip than one-way travel experience. One-way rentals offer visitors freedom to get where they wish without any worries of driving again to where they began their trips from. Here is a guide to one-way car rentals to Uganda.
What is a one-way car rental?
One-way car rental is basically when person hiring a car picks the car in one place and drops it somewhere else. The rental company charges you some fee to meet expenses of returning the car to its original place. This usually applies especially for visitors planning to navigate between cities, towns and countries or airports within the same town. These rental services are preferable for travelers with plans to embark on long distance trips or you are on business trip.
What is a drop off fee for one-way rental in Uganda?
One-way rental fee also popular as ‘drop-fee’ and it is indicated on your rental invoice. It is what states your one-way hire charge.
How much is a one-way rental car in Uganda?
The rates for one-way rentals in Uganda differ significantly from company to company or distances between 2 locations. Some locations provide free one-way hire but for long distance trips, you may incur a charge slightly higher.
Why are one-way hire cars expensive?
One-way rentals are considered expensive usually because of the distances between destinations that travelers on Uganda safari cover. The longer your pick up and drop off locations, the more costly your hire becomes. This is to help rental company re-arrange and determine the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location. Also, the rates are influenced by factors of supply and demand.
When can I pay for my one-way rental?
Fees for one-way rentals are normally paid at the start of your renting a car. Once you make a deposit at rental counter but not online when reserving, you are guaranteed of navigating to other country or city of your choice.
Can I drop one-way rental at different place?
Drop off policies differ from company to company and it is important to find out what applies in a company you plan to deal with. Some rental companies restrict and others permit drop off rental at specific points based on insurance policies or border crossing restrictions.
Restrictions on drop off may apply depending on the demand for one-way rental services and this is regardless of whether you are dealing with small rental company or big company with so many locations.
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Perfect Cars for Family Safaris in Uganda
When it comes to safaris, a family trip with our most comfortable and reliable car rentals to Uganda’s most stunning areas is a life time experience. If you are planning to drive, organizing the best family car hire is the most important thing that you should put into consideration so as not to get disappointments. You may need to hire a vehicle with many seats but also should be safe, reliable, comfortable and with perfect fuel economy. We offer the perfect choices of cars for hire for you to participate on family safaris in Uganda. If you are planning your family getaway, make sure that you take care and pay attention on details of the company you are going to deal. Given that there are many companies providing the similar service, our fleet of cars for you to hire for your family road trip in Uganda include the following;
Safari Land CruiserThis is convenient for family trips especially when it comes to wildlife safaris on Uganda’s national parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park or Kidepo Valley National Park and many others. This is a seven seater, four wheel drive car destined for safaris and out door camping. It features a pop up roof making it the best vehicle for visitors to catch a glimpse of large wildlife species in the park.
Land Cruiser Prado
This takes up to six passengers comfortably and is equipped with several gadgets to assist you on your way including the FM radio station, Mp3 and CD player and an air conditioner. This is the perfect car for you to hire for self drive tours, guided safaris, weddings, conference meetings, family holidays and airport transfers.
Toyota super custom
This features as one of the most comfortable vans for you to use while on a family trip in Uganda. It is a nine seater and customized for safaris with a pop up roof suitable for wildlife viewing in the savanna areas of the parks. It also has good air conditioners both front and rear and spacious boot to accommodate your luggage. The Toyota super custom is a four by four van and is capable of traversing through up country roads.
Safari minivan
This is destined for sightseeing safari tours with a seating capacity of up to nine people and it has a pop up roof which is suitable for wildlife viewing with an air conditioner, comfortable seats and enough cargo space in the rear and roof top.
Coaster minibus
For those who are planning their trips in Uganda and interested in wedding events, introductions ceremonies or company member getaway holidays, the Coaster minibus is the best option for you to book. This is perfect for Uganda safaris and it comes with experienced and professional drivers and guides with adequate knowledge about most of Uganda’s destinations.
Saloon car
A saloon car is small passenger vehicle which comes in a three box body style with separate engine, passenger and cargo compartments. It has rows of seats with adequate space in the rear for visitor luggage. A saloon car is a four door car and it is capable of carrying four or more passengers on city tours, family safaris, weddings, parties, events and conference meetings.
Toyota Rav4
This is a four by four vehicle that carries between 2 and 4 people. It features air conditioners and comprehensive insurance. It features as one of the perfect SUVs available as it provided enough space for cargo carriage, economical when it comes to fuel consumption and a full time 4 wheel drive car. It is best for self drives, conference, city tours and conference meetings.
In conclusion, if you are planning a family trip in Uganda it is better that you arrange your safari based on the above options to offer you the most comfortable and unforgettable travel experiences in Uganda’s most beautiful national parks.
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4 Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Uganda
Uganda is a beautiful country small in size but worth visiting for Africa safari tour holidays. It’s fascinating wildlife, birds, and varied culture attracts travelers around the world. Every visitor to Uganda discovers that wildlife, birds and the diverse culture are the most popular tourist attractions of the country.
Known regionally as the ultimate destination for mountain gorilla trekking, Uganda is found in the East Africa region neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Tanzania. Meaning one can explore the top Africa safari destinations basing from Uganda being in centre adjacent to all the five.
With a total number of ten national parks Uganda’s effort in conservation have yield results in amazing safari experience without considerations of particular areas. All visitors taking safaris to Uganda enjoy every moment provided the day is spent in the famous Pearl of Africa. Wildlife lovers enjoy vast flora and fauna, native wildlife during guided game drives and nature walks, primate lovers & bird lovers same and the thrilling boat cruise experience blow your worries away.
Wildlife
The fertile savanna plains of different Uganda national parks house a diverse range of wildlife including the Big five and multiple primate species. Visitors can follow nature walk trails in search of unique primate species; drive in the park in the mornings and evening in search of their favorite wildlife species. The common seen are Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, leopard, Bushbuck, warthogs, kobs, topis, Zebras, Giraffe etc.
As one of Uganda‘s famous tourist attraction and most visited, fantastic wildlife encounters and viewing experiences are best enjoyed in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls , Bwindi forest, Mgahinga, kibale forest, Lake Mburo, Kidepo Valley known best parks for Uganda safaris. Beyond amusements, its great memories that you get once you visit any of the above national parks.
Birds
Bird watching is one of Uganda’s most popular tourist attractions and generally loved by many avian around the world. The key birding sites in Uganda include Mabamba and Kamengo,Budongo Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semliki Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park., Mgahinga,Entebbe botanical gardens etc.Most seen bird species are Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Shoebill, Rwenzori Turaco, and Secretary Bird. large Handsome Francolin, African piculet, Dwarf Honeyguide, Short Tailed Warbler, Tabora Cisiticola, African Green Broadbill providing a vibrant atmosphere for birders. Also in Jinja source of the Nile and Murchison falls are fantastic birding spots in Uganda.
Culture
Culture is an experience you will find in every corner of the country and the thrill it offers change the way sees people and their traditions. The culture of Uganda is made up of a diverse range of ethnic groups. Lake Kyoga forms the northern boundary for the Bantu-speaking people, who dominate the country in language and cultural traditions. Experiencing the rich cultural heritage is fan and exciting something I would recommend for any safari in Uganda.
Murchison Falls
Find this magical water fall in the beautiful game reserve Murchison falls National Park that features the outstanding landscape unmatched in the ancient and present times. The wonderful experience starts with a boat ride tour on the Nile that bisects the park into the north and southern parts leaving one of the greatest landmarks –Murchison falls. The water battles can’t fail to impress and the hike to the top of the falls is one thing every visitor to Uganda must do. Murchison falls isn’t just breathtaking but worth including on your safari in Uganda.
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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.
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