Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Around only 1060 mountain gorillas still exist today. Although our closest living relatives, ironically, it is man that poses the greatest threat to their survival. For years gorillas have been ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, which are sold on as macabre souvenir ashtrays and lamp shades. Additionally, large numbers have been killed whilst trying to stop poachers stealing babies which are illegally sold on to zoos, where their survival rate is low. This has affected Uganda Safari industry.
Gorilla trekking is a wonderful experience, allowing you the opportunity to have a close encounter with these gentle giants of the jungle in their natural habitat. The trekking will take place either in Uganda, Rwanda or Democratic Republic of Congo – depending on local conditions and the availability of the gorilla permits. You need not feel that you are exploiting these animals by paying good money to go trek to see them in their natural habitat. In fact the ever-growing number of tourists keen to see the gorilla proves to be an important factor in their survival. The gorilla permit fees help to set up and finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas from poachers and their lethal snares.
Gorilla Permit Costs
On our African overland safaris, gorilla trekking is an optional activity and the cost of the permit, transfer and local service fee is to be paid upon arrival. We also offer a 4 day Gorilla Express lodge accommodated safari in Rwanda, please note that on this trip the cost of the gorilla permit, transfer and service fee is included.
The cost and availability of gorilla permits varies by country and park and currently ranges from USD 400 – 1500. You will also need to budget for visa fees (costs vary), transfer and a local service fee (approx USD 60 – 75) and to renew your Ugandan or East African visa upon re-entry should we have to go to Rwanda or DR Congo. The government often increases the permit and transfer costs without notice, so we ask that you budget for the highest amount, so that you don’t suddenly have to find additional money to partake in this wonderful experience. We recommend you budget a total of atleast US$ 1200.
The reason that the permits are so costly is because each park only issues 10 permits per gorilla family per day, to ensure that the gorilla’s exposure to humans is limited. 100% of the gorilla permit cost is used by the government to continue in the excellent work they do in protecting and promoting these wonderful animals.
Tours companies are not in control of the price of gorilla permits and therefore cannot be held responsible for any increase in fees. If the political situation in this region should change, there is the chance that the itinerary would be amended and an alternative scenario advised prior to departure if possible.
Trekking to see the Gorillas
The trek starts in the early morning and after border formalities you are transferred to a ranger’s station where the trek commences. Your rangers will lead you through the cultivated lands and then into the dense rain forest and as close as is allowed to a gorilla family. The rangers monitor the gorillas on a daily basis and have a fairly good idea of where they are. However, they are free roaming animals, and their sighting cannot be guaranteed. Trekking can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours and it can be quite strenuous, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.
To ensure the gorillas do not get too used to the presence of humans and because they share many of our genes (and are therefore able to catch our diseases), the maximum time permitted to spend with them is 1 hour. You will have plenty of time to watch their activity and to take photographs. The rangers will be able to provide you with a background to the family you are visiting. Once your hour is up, you trek back out of the rain forest to your meeting point. Clients considering joining this trip should realize the demands and unpredictability of the areas visited. These factors may contribute toward restricting or delaying our trip and viewing of the gorillas. Often, the trek through thick, dense jungle can be somewhat strenuous and due to the nature of the gorillas and their habits, viewing cannot be guaranteed.
IMPORTANT: Although the groups of gorilla that are sought out on our jungle trek have been habituated, they have not been tamed and their behaviour is not demonstrably different from that of non-habituated groups. Nobody forces them to stay with us for the allotted hour, and they can fade into the forest as you appear, if they wish to do so. Further, as gorillas are EXTREMELY sensitive to human disease, the park authorities will not allow anyone they consider to be in poor health to visit the gorilla groups. Additionally, no children under 16 years of age are permitted to visit.
Read MoreWhy is Uganda Called the Pearl of Africa?
Imagine stepping into a land where the sun kisses the earth just right, and the world is filled with the sweet aroma of ripe fruits. Welcome to Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” where nature’s beauty is a feast for the senses. The land is so fertile that if you plant a stick, it might sprout leaves by the next day!
Uganda, a paradise for those who love fruit, boasts an array of unique tropical delights. Imagine relishing one of the fifty-plus varieties of bananas, each with its distinct taste and texture, or indulging in a succulent pineapple so sweet that it might redefine your pineapple experience. And don’t forget the luscious papayas, brimming with flavor, turning every bite into a tropical trance.
But the Uganda safari adventure doesn’t stop there. Uganda’s fruit markets are a vibrant tapestry of colors and flavors. You can explore exotic fruits like jackfruit, whose sweet, fragrant flesh is a local favorite.
Here are some of the reasons why Uganda is the pearl of Africa
Mountain gorillas
The endangered mountain gorillas can only be found in three countries in the world and that is, Democratic republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. Half of the world’s mountain gorillas can be found in Uganda making it the top tourist’s destination for this endangered species.
Birds
Uganda has got the highest concentration of birds in Africa boasting with over 1040 species of birds, in Uganda you will find migratory birds from north Africa and Europe. Queen Elizabeth is the number one birding destination with over 600 species of birds found. All national parks offer birding opportunities while you also see the world’s biggest bird in Kidepo valley national park.
The magnificent Rwenzori ranges sometimes known as the mountains of the moon will live you in awe of beauty as you behold different ecological habitats from savannah grasslands, rainforests, heath, alpine and permanent ice and snow. Some of its striking peaks are covered with glaciers, it’s the third high mountain in Africa and the most difficult to climb.
The devil’s cauldron
These mighty falls can be found in Murchison falls national park offering dramatic views of the ancient Nile which is the world’s longest river squeezing through a narrow space of seven meters wide wondrously forming a waterfall of 45 meters then flowing in a placid stream to lake albert. The park itself is home to over 450 bird species and home to various mammal species. The Victoria Nile starts from the eastern part of the country in the world’s second fresh water lake and largest tropical lake.
Culture
The Ugandan people are very rich in culture, many tribes have preserved their cultures from the ancient times. The Kasubi royal tombs which is a burial place for Buganda kings recognized this place as a world cultural heritage site and it’s one of the most typically African built building with vegan materials in the sub-Saharan. There are many cultural sites all over the country and a lot to learn from the people including the nomadic Karamojong’s. Tourists can get a taste of all cultures within the city at the Ndere cultural center. Uganda has over 45 ethnic groups.
Wildlife
Uganda is very rich in wildlife ranging from the tree climbing lions that can also be found in lake Manyara in Tanzania, other animals in Uganda are; lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, bush bucks, water bucks, reed bucks, bush duikers, hyenas, Genet’s, hippocampus, bush bucks and many more. In Uganda, you can be sure of seeing the Big five of Africa.
Game drives and boat cruises through these parks reveal the raw beauty and drama of the African wilderness. Witnessing a pride of lions on the hunt, observing a herd of elephants bathing in a watering hole, or spotting a leopard camouflaged in a tree are just a few of the unforgettable encounters that await visitors.
Savannah Plains
Uganda’s vast savannah plains, dotted with acacia trees and teeming with wildlife, are a quintessential African landscape. These grasslands are home to iconic animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and countless antelope species. National parks like Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Pian Upe, Kidepo Valley, and Murchison Falls offer exceptional Uganda safaris for game drives and wildlife encounters.
Rain Forests
Uganda’s rainforests, including the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Semuliki National Park, and Kibale National Park, are biodiversity hotspots, home to a staggering array of flora and fauna. These lush forests are most famous for their populations of endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, offering visitors a chance to observe Africa’s incredible primates in their natural habitat.
Ugandan people
The people of Uganda are incredibly warm and welcoming. Ugandans have embraced tourism and love to show visitors their beautiful country and share their culture.
The population of Uganda is around 45 million and is extremely diverse. Most people speak a Central Sudanic, Nilotic or Bantu language. Helpfully for visitors, many in the tourism industry speak English as well.
About 80% of the population lives in rural areas. Traditions and distinct cultures thrive here. Kampala, the largest city, has around one and a half million inhabitants. In the cities, many people live a very western-style life.
World-class safaris
Uganda is a fantastic destination for all of the six kinds of African safaris. The country has the Big Five, lots of other big game like giraffes, crocs, elands, cheetahs and hippos, endangered mountain gorillas, and many other Old World and unusual primates like colobuses, patas monkeys and chimpanzees.
Did you know Uganda is home to the mighty Murchison Falls and half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas? Explore these and other amazing facts about the Pearl of Africa in this comprehensive guide for travelers.
Join us on a journey to uncover the secrets of this extraordinary land, and discover why Uganda truly deserves its sparkling reputation as the Pearl of Africa.
Mountains of the Moon
The Rwenzori Mountains, often referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon” due to their perpetually snow-capped peaks, are one of Uganda’s most iconic landmarks. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Africa’s third-highest peak, Margherita Peak. It offers breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and unique vegetation. The mountains are also a haven for hikers and climbers drawn to the challenge and beauty of this unique alpine environment.
Source of the Nile
In Uganda, you find the source of the mighty Nile, the longest river in the world. The Nile’s journey begins at Jinja, where it flows out of Lake Victoria and embarks on a 6,650-kilometer voyage to the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors to Jinja can witness the dramatic spectacle of the Nile’s birth, take boat trips to the source, and even try their hand at white-water rafting on the river’s exhilarating rapids.
In Conclusion
Uganda is a country of beautiful scenery and offers diverse activities like gorilla trekking, city tours, cultural visits safaris, multiday mountain treks, white-water rafting and so much more
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20 Basic Facts About Uganda
Uganda is a landlocked country found on the Eastern side of Africa. The country attained its independence in 1962 from the British. Kampala is the capital city of Uganda. Uganda’s current president is Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Currently the country has an estimated population of over 40 million people. We have compiled 20 basic facts about Uganda that you need to know.
1. Uganda is called the pearl of Africa, a name bestowed by former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill.
2. The Grey-crowned Crested Crane is Uganda’s official Bird.
3. Very good hospitality. Ugandans are very known for hospitality and the style of welcoming there guests
4. Uganda is ethnically and culturally a diverse country. It has over 56 tribes.
5. Agriculture is an important part of the country’s economy as it employs the majority of the Ugandans (almost 1/3rd).
6. Uganda has plenty of lakes and rivers.
Facts about Uganda Rolex
7. A Rolex isn’t a watch in Uganda – it’s a type of street food. A Rolex is egg wrapped in chapati with ingredients like vegetables.
The Uganda Rolex looks like this, get a bite if you are in Uganda
8. Ugandan women have one of the world’s highest fertility rates. The average fertility rate is 5.8 children per woman.
9. Home of gorillas. Uganda has over the half of the population of the world’s gorillas. Mountain gorillas are mainly found in Bwindi impenetrable forest.
10. Uganda is a landlocked country. The landscape is made up of savannas, mountains, and lakes. It is surrounded by Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
More facts about Uganda
11. Uganda is the size of the State of Oregon. The Population of the country is almost 10 times that of Oregon.
12. It is not uncommon for Ugandans to be late-punctuality is not very important. A person may arrive 30 minutes late, or sometimes even up to two hours after they were supposed to be there.
13. Uganda is the second largest producer of bananas in the world, falling second only to India. The country produces an estimated 11 million tons annually.
14. Uganda is the Tropical Fruit Basket of Africa.
15. Uganda’s official languages are English and Swahili. Luganda, a central language, is widely spoken across the country
16. As of 2018, Uganda is divided into 121 districts. Rural areas of districts are subdivided into sub-counties, parishes, and villages. Municipal and town councils are designated in urban areas of districts.
17. Boda – Boda Motorcycles are the fastest and most dangerous form of people Transport in Uganda.
Boda Boda rider with a passenger on one of Kampala’s roads
18. Mobile Money is the way most Ugandans send money to family, pay bills.
19. Uganda is the Youngest Country in the World with half of its population under the age of 14 years. The life expectancy for the average Ugandan is only early 50 years.
20. Ugandan ladies never call. They only beep if they want to tell you something.
Hiking in Uganda: A Few Reminders to Know
Uganda has a lot of mountains and forest lands with different trails and hikers from natives who first explored the terrains to those that were discovered and developed for urbanization and commerce. Uganda has a variety of hiking destinations for all sorts of hikers.
With all the hiking options Uganda has to offer, it is wise to be prepared too. You may find that this area has a lot in common with other areas popular for hiking but you would also discover lots of differences that are both wonderful and mystifying.
There are a few reminder guidelines you could follow to help you get prepared for the hike. See to it that your back pack is complete with all gears and items you would need during the hike. Unnecessary items must be left behind. As a rule of thumb the following should be found in your bag before you leave the camp:
- First aid kit which includes an insect repellent, sunscreen lotion and toilet paper.
- Food and drink enough for the entire trail and camp. Estimate your supply according to the length and distance you would be hiking.
- Pocket knife, flashlight, water-proof matches or lighter, candles, a whistle, duct tape.
- Enough clothes for the entire tour and extra clothing appropriate for both sudden rise and drop of temperature.
Refrain from going off the trail. Switching to a new trail might help increase erosion while detouring on a muddy trail would likely destroy the surrounding vegetation. Always stay in the company of your guides. Uganda highlands or forests are home to a variety of wild animals which may attack you in case you are alone and with no help.
Always travel in three or more. This will ensure that there are enough people to act on different circumstances. Say in case of accident, the injured person could be attended to while someone goes for help.
Never drink untreated water, always boil the water you get from streams and lakes. For most Uganda hiking tours, water is mostly got from the streams and hikers are expected to travel with some water purifiers.
Be sure that nothing is left behind, including your garbage and other materials you have brought with you.
Do not feed wildlife, interfering in their natural food chain might disturb the balance of nature. Monkeys can be expected along the trails and trekkers are forbidden from giving them food.
Always have these in mind each time you are on a hiking trip to make sure you are safe and also sustainability of the destination.
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Exclusive Gorilla Safaris In Uganda
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park stands at high elevation amidst fog, at an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m. As its name suggests, it was created to protect and conserve the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forests, and it is also an important habitat for the endangered golden monkeys as well as being important for Uganda cultural & wildlife safaris, due to a huge cultural significance, in particular for the indigenous Batwa pygmies. This tribe of hunter-gatherers was the forest’s “first people”, and their ancient knowledge of its secrets remains unrivalled.
Mgahinga Gorilla national park is mainly a wonderful tourist destination to explore the three historical extinct volcanoes which form part of the spectacular Virunga ranges that lie along the border line of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. Mgahinga Gorilla national park forms part of the bigger Virunga Conservation Area that incorporates adjacent parks in these countries, like Volcanoes national park, and Virunga national park in Rwanda and Congo respectively. The volcanoes’ slopes are surrounded by various ecosystems which are geographically diverse, and their peaks provide a striking backdrop to this beautiful scenery.
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla national park
Mgahinga national park is located in southwestern Uganda on the edge with Congo and Rwanda. Covering an area of about 33.7 sq. kilometers, the park is a home to man’s closest primates, the mountain gorillas which roam about the whole forest in search of food. This park is one of the few places in the world where the rare mountain gorillas live and it attracts people from different continents for Uganda Gorilla tours.
One may wonder why Gorilla safaris must be done in Mgahinga and not other places but the secret behind it is that this park has a thick rain forest with a wide diversity of tree types, bird species, and a variety of wildlife, hence rendering a gorilla tracking encounter in Uganda an unforgettable adventure.
Mgahinga gorilla national park currently has only one habituated gorilla group / family, known as Nyakagezi family that comprises of up to nine members – i.e. 2 silverbacks, three females, two juveniles and two infants. The group is living under the leadership of silverback Bugingo who is over 50 years of age and father to most of the members in the group; Bugingo takes care of the young ones and their mothers, especially in providing security against external threats. However, this gorilla group is mobile and sometimes crosses into Rwanda and DRC (though it stabilized recently), so trekkers undertaking Uganda gorilla safaris are advised to always check for updates from Uganda Wildlife Authority or a tour operator about the location of the group before booking their gorilla permits.
Other popular attractions and activities in Mgahinga Gorilla national park;
Birding tours; The most excellent birding tours in Uganda’s Mgahinga gorilla national park takes place in some of the most scenic places in the mountains – especially the gorge between Gahinga and Sabinyo mountains, in the course of the bamboo forest, and in the Montane forest, where the beautiful Rwenzori Turaco can be seen.
Despite of its small size, Mgahinga gorilla national park is also home to many other primate species other than the elusive mountain gorillas;
The Golden monkeys; these are a special type of primates that are endemic to the Albertine Rift. Golden monkeys are identified by bright orange-gold body, cheeks and tail, contrasting with its black limbs, crown and tail end. Ideally, the golden monkey is arguably the dominant primate within this restricted forested park – with an estimated population of 3,000 – 4,000 individuals which tend to live in groups known as troops only in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Hiking Mt. Gahinga
This is an adventurous hike that begins from the Mgahinga National Park visitor’s Centre, located about 10 minute drive from Kisoro town.
This mountain is part of the Virunga massif which covers the 3 east African countries, including Rwanda, DR Congo and Uganda and it’s only here that one can be lucky to stand in these three countries at the same time, especially when hiking through the Sabyinyo trail, so spectacular!
The Garama cave; The 342m long Garama Cave lies beneath a plateau at the northern edge of the park, 3km from Ntebeko gate. It is set in the former farmland zone but in earlier times, the cave lied in the forest when it was occupied periodically by Batwa who used it as a council chamber and a retreat after raiding their neighbors. Today the cave provides an atmospheric performance of Batwa music at the end of the Batwa Trail.
This is one of the caves where once the Batwa warriors stayed and often raided their neighbors, the Bantu. The distance to the cave entrance from the park headquarters is 3 km long and it takes about 4 hours.
Read MoreVillage Life in Uganda
80 percent of the people in Uganda live in villages. The villages are made of small houses some times smaller than a garage. The houses in very rural parts of the country are made of mud and are thatched with grass.
There are now an increasing number of houses with corrugated iron roofs in many villages. The walls are constructed using reeds and sticks. Uganda has an extended family system
where other relatives and distant relations may sometimes live in the same house. Sometimes the small huts can house up to 12 or more people. The huts are divided into 2 sections, normally a curtain or wall.
The inner section is where every one will sleep and the outer part is where food is prepared and served. People sit on mats in a circle while eating and the food is placed in the middle where every one picks their share and eats with their hands. Some times if the family owns Chickens or goats, they will be kept in the same hut, in a small room attached to the main house.
A village fire place for cooking
There are no ceilings in the huts and the walls are often very dark stained by smoke from the cooking place although there are small holes for ventilation in the walls.
The corrugated iron houses are normally bigger in size and have more space. Most houses will have 1 or 2 bedrooms and the kitchen will be in a smaller building beside the main house.
A Small village house
The bathrooms are small rooms out side the house in most cases with a concreted floor. Plastic bowls are used to collect water which is then collected and thrown over your body using your hands. Sometimes one can pick up the bowl and tip the water over their head and then the water goes out through a small hall in the floor.
The toilet is outside the main house or hut. It is called a pit latrine, which is basically a deep pit covered with concrete or mud to make a hole in the ground.
The homes in the country are lit by paraffin candles called “Tadoobba”. This is because most homes have no access to Electricity.
Water in the villages
Water is normally collected from the well, river or spring. Fetching water is mainly done by the children and it is either in the mornings or evenings, because most of them will be away at school for most of the day.
Water is collected in plastic gallons and containers or sometimes in pots made of clay. The journey to the well is often long and involves climbing high hills and going through valleys. Sometimes the well or river is used by cattle keepers to water their animals so when collected by people, the water has to be boiled before use to kill any germs and remove any impurities.
In the recent years piped water has been introduced and can be pumped out of the ground using a water pump. Water pumps are still very few but are a better alternative for domestic water use.
Family life in the village
Polygamy is still common in Uganda where one man can marry more than one wife and as a result some families have very many children.
There is how ever a very strong sense of community in Uganda and raising children is seen as every one’s responsibility, it is not just left to the parents. The extended family system in Uganda is very strong.
Read MoreWhat Car Suits My Self Drive Safari In Uganda
A successful safari is achieved with very many things, but the most important is the kind of car used, the kind of car used can make your safari memorable or a miserable. So to avoid this it’s better to choose the best car that can suit you budget, the number of people you are traveling with and the destination. For a safari to Uganda’s national park including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park among many others it’s better to use a 4×4 safari car which can navigate most of the tough roads, most of Uganda’s attractions can only be visited with a 4 wheel drive vehicle.
When you hire a Uganda self drive car, you are assured of the freedom on your safari, as you will be driving at your own pace since you drafted your own itinerary and you will get the opportunity to view the different landscape in a more detailed way and at your own pace. Not only that, but you will have more chance to interact with the local people. You will determine the speed to drive and you are free to stop at any point you need. Toyota land cruiser, Toyota Rav4, mini bus and vans are more suitable for safaris and they can be hired either on self drive or with a driver. If you are not well conversant with some of the roads around its better you hire a car with a driver as they are well experienced and know each and every part of the country. Just contact us we will get one for you, they are good at specking English and if you are interested in a special language we can get a guide who will translate for you while on your safari in Uganda. However, if you are driving your self remember to always keep left unless overtaking.
We have a variety of safari cars for renting options that will make your Uganda tour a memorable one, so if you are looking for a safari just contact us be it a safari land cruiser, rav4, minivan, or a costar for a very large group of travelers who wish to travel together. All our cars are in good condition and are rented on unlimited mileage. Most of our cars are manual transmission gear boxes have been incorporated with few of larger automatic transmission cars for you to choose from.
If you want to economize on your budget especially for a small group of 2-3 people, it’s better to go for a sedan car, a rav4 does it better especially if you are going in remote areas, it’s a 4 wheel drive which can navigate well the tough road and if the group exceeds that a land cruiser is the best option and it has a pop up roof suitable for game viewing in a national park. if you are looking for a perfect car for your safari, contact us through sending us an email on info@ugandaselfdrive.com or you can call us directly on +256-77255-2950 We shall reserve for you a car before your arrival.
Read MoreWhy Self Driving in Uganda Is a Trip of Lifetime
Traveling through Uganda can be an incredible experience in 2017. Uganda is a country that contains some of the least inhabited and most romanticized locations in traveler lore: The Kidepo Valley with the vast population of spectacular wildlife, Murchison Falls which are the strongest waterfalls in the world, the Source of the Nile River in Jinja and Bwindi Forest National Park, home to more than half of World’s Mountain Gorillas are very rewarding and awesome. To see the best of the country, don’t restrict yourself to public transport. Pack that gas bottle and stove, step into your 4×4 car rental and hit the road and just don’t forget that spare tyre (or two). The most common reasons why self driving around Uganda is good is that there is raw wilderness experience you have always wanted. The most notable reasons are;
Endless freedom: There is endless freedom and usually, the worldly possessions are on the back seat. Your home will be a tent folded onto the roof rack. There aren’t any other human beings for miles and your world is packed up in your vehicle. Always look beyond your confines and a vast open plain swells out to the horizon in front of you, dotted with herds of wildlife and birds. It’s all yours to explore.
Discover all on your terms. You get to discover it all on your own terms: Driven past an interesting looking side road, only to see it hurtle by while you’re trapped on a bus driving at death defying speed along its set route. During a self drive in Uganda, you will be given means no more succumbing to others’ itineraries or missing that fantastic photo opportunity. Your itinerary is entirely flexible, opening up experiences you may never have had on a tour.
Adventurous. You do not need to go far for adventure. On your self drive in Uganda, you have to enter a national park to have a good chance of spotting wildlife. You will explore Queen Elizabeth National park with abundant wildlife including, herds of elephants, buffalo, antelopes and the astonishing tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector is surely one of the most mind-bending travel experiences.
Camping sites: Camping in Uganda makes for some exciting nights in your tent into a cramped corner or tripping over guy ropes in the middle of the night, the campsites here are somewhat more remote. Most of Uganda’s National park have gazetted places for camping sometimes in the middle of the bush, near the lake/river.
Wildlife; The viewing of wildlife is very easy in Uganda. It is one of the few countries in Africa where you can safari alone. When you go for Self-driving in Murchison falls or Queen Elizabeth National Park is a unique opportunity to encounter colossal quantities of animals without the services of a guide. You will be required to get into your safari vehicle and follow the trail. The animals will gradually appear from the surrounding plains and give you a window into their lives.
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Visit Ngamba Island for Exclusive Chimpanzee Watching
Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary is the best place to spend time watching chimpanzee as they play, interact with each other and even watch what you are doing, is undoubtedly one of the many fascinating experiences you can enjoy in Uganda. The thrill of knowing that by visiting them on Ngamba Island you are directly contributing to their well-being, overall conservation of the species and supporting the local community gives additional meaning to your Uganda safari.
Ngamba Island is part of the Koome group of islands located on Lake Victoria, 23km southwest of Entebbe, Uganda. It consists of approximately 100 acres, 95 of which are forested and for use by the chimpanzees. Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary was established in October 1998 and is currently home to 49 orphaned rescued chimpanzees.
Day Trips
Feeding times from the visitor viewing platform are at 11:00am and 2:30pm. You can view either of them. You are advised to arrive at the island at least 1 hour before the feeding so that you listen to an informative talk by the sanctuary staff, enjoy the island’s beautiful views, natural wildlife, bird life and activities such as volleyball, swimming in the Lake, kayaking and island shopping.
Overnight
An excursion over or more days, staying in our exclusive permanent tented camp on the island is worth your time. Each of the four tents overlooks the lake from its raised, private wooden deck and accommodates two persons in comfort with full sized twin beds, en suite bathroom and solar lighting. Freshly prepared sumptuous meals are provided in either our covered, or open dining area beside the Lake. Meals very but we try to cater for all tastes. Drinks are available on cash sale basis including water, sodas, beers, wine and a selection of spirits.
As well as viewing the chimpanzees from the viewing platform, visitors have lots of time to enjoy the island’s other facilities. The early mornings are particularly memorable as the chimpanzees nosily wake up at sunrise, calling loudly to anyone who is listening. At sunset huge numbers of bats are often seen as they fly out of the forest and into the colour ful sunset.
Care Giving Experiences
The unique experience offers you an amazing opportunity to spend time the chimpanzees. The caregiver experience is a 24-hour opportunity to be behind the scenes of the sanctuary and participate in the daily routine like preparing food, cleaning facilities, health checks and generally learning more about the efforts needed to take care of the chimpanzees.
The caregiver and Ngamba trail activities may only be included as part of the overnight excursion to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and they require advance booking. Care giving requires specific vaccinations and health requirements (more than the ones required for travel to Africa) that need to be fulfilled well in advance.
Other Activities
- Sunset
- Volunteering packages
- Students camping
- Retreats
- Boat rides
- Photography
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Community culture experience
Meeting / Departure point
All trips depart from Entebbe. Contact us for departure times. We meet at waterfront club in Entebbe town where safe parking is available and pre-trip briefing is conducted before proceeding on foot to the pier. Transport from your local hotel can be arranged in advance upon request.
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Top Things to See on a Uganda Safari
Are you traveling to Uganda or are you thinking of going to Uganda? Don’t have a second thought just book a visa and get a ticket then travel to the country. You can never regret your visit to Uganda. This is land where love and nature were born and last free. Many people who have come to Uganda have had a lifetime experience and convince their compatriots to come and visit the pearl of Africa. This is why the number of tourist coming to Uganda is increasing at a rapid rate. Please don’t miss the glorious opportunity of visiting the pearl of Africa before you die.
These are some of the most popular activities and attractions you encounter when you visit the peaceful land of Uganda;
Uganda has a variety of wildlife which is very interesting and exciting to interact with like the lions elephants, giraffes, birds, zebras, monkeys, chimpanzees, the mountain gorillas which are the most visited animals in Uganda, the hyenas to mention. These are normally found in the remote areas of Uganda so visiting these animals makes you experience a natural and eco life from the food, air you breathe, shelter, animals and the people you encounter on the safari.
Here are some of the famous national parks which are visited by tourists: Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Mburo national park, Rwenzori mountains national park, Mountain Elgon national park, Mgahinga national park, Kibale national park and Semliki national park. These parks are not monotonic in such way that they do not posses the same activities and animals. These all have various different animals and unique activities differing from each other. Visiting one does not guarantee you to encountering all wildlife and the related activities at a go. You have to visit one park at time to experience the real wildlife in Uganda. We can organize proper itineraries for visitors who wish to see specific wildlife of their interests.
Uganda has several water bodies that make someone’s visit so fun and exciting. We have river Nile that transects from the central part of the country through the North West end of the country till the North Africa. It is the longest river in the world and possesses a lot of unique features that support tourism activities. For example the water falls that are used for rafting and some of its river tributes are used for boat ride where there are a lot of aquatic life and sport fishing can be done on these waters.
Uganda has many lakes like Lake Victoria which is the source of the Nile and this has lots of beaches from Jinja through Kampala to Entebbe and Masaka. These resorts are used for relaxing, picnic, partying, sightseeing and boat ride and some of them have exquisite accommodation facilities and serene climate around them.
There are also other lakes like lake Kyoga, Edward and George, Lake Mburo, Lake Albert and lake Bunyonyi to mention but a few. These also have some interesting aquatic life interesting to watch and also have good resorts for example Lake Bunyonyi has the most exciting resort in the country with a very fantastic accommodation and eco environment. This has become the place to be for honeymooners and also holiday makers.
Uganda also posses many mountains but most visited ones are mountain Rwenzori and Mount Elgon since they are the most popular one. These mountain have some exotic animals to see, and also used for camping, mountain cycling and climbing.
The climate of Uganda is worth to talk about i.e. the equatorial climate. It experiences sun and rain throughout the year. Many tourists come to feel this natural sun of Uganda. Uganda has very hospitable people that welcome other people from different worlds.
One should not also worry of how is going to travel to his/her preferred destination in Uganda as the country has drastically improved its road networks accessing these places and there are variety of cars to hire in Uganda to take you around these nature gifted places. There are well trusted car rental agencies in Uganda that can lead you safely on the roads.
Going to Uganda is one of the most amazing decisions one can ever take and never gets regrets because Uganda has a well organized tourism system for the visitors and also it loves and welcomes visitors.
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