News from Across Africa - Across Africa

Chameleon Hill Lodge

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0200

We feel extremely proud to share that in 2021, they not only made it as the official No.1 lodge out of 39 speciality lodges at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on Tripadvisor, but also won an award for the 'Best Boutique Lodge in Uganda!'

We send a mountain of gratitude to our valued Agents, Partners, Suppliers, Stakeholders, Colleagues and Friends as they could not have achieved this accolade without your continued trust and support. We are grateful for the opportunity to welcome clients to the lodge this last year despite the many pandemic hurdles and curve balls along the way everyone faced.
Sincere thanks also of course to those aforementioned clients, for being so brave to travel in the first place, during such uncertain and somewhat complicated times.
Chameleon Hill Lodge do realise you had a choice of where to stay and feel very thankful that you chose them!

Magnificent Murchison Falls

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0200

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest wildlife reserve spanning a massive 350,000ha and although the initial main attraction is without doubt Murchison falls themselves, where the waters of the Victoria Nile burst through a narrow rock face and form a cascading torrent down a steep cliff, there is actually so much more to experience!

Four of the Big 5 roam near by and quench their thirst at the edge of one of the most famous rivers in Africa. Along with Bugungu Wildlife Reserve and Karuma Wildlife Reserve, the park forms part of the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area in north-west Uganda. Also known as the Kabalega Falls (after a great Bunyoro chief), delta cruises along papyrus-lined waterways are the highlight of the trip. Whether seen from the top of the falls or the Devil’s Cauldron, its intimidating base, Murchison Falls promises striking vistas from whichever vantage point.

The park’s 450 species of birdlife and plethora of wildlife (including the country’s largest population of crocodile) can be spotted on hikes and cruises along the Victoria Nile as well as game drives. Visitors can also enjoy cultural encounters with the local community and sports fishing. There are an array of Accommodation options in the park that include campsites, lodges, hotels, and guesthouses.

This is just one of many destinations on a Ugandan itinerary, where Across Africa uses their extensive experience and knowledge of the area, to ensure your visit there ticks all the right boxes... if you are not in the right hands, one can easily miss out!!

Get in touch with our safari experts now and start planning your dream trip with those who know Uganda best!!

Good to Know - Gorilla Tracking

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0200

WHICH COUNTRY SHOULD I CHOOSE TO GO GORILLA TRACKING?

The estimated number of mountain gorillas in the forested highland area is 880. They are shared by Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Its only Uganda and Rwanda, where you can find the Habituated families. Uganda has most of the groups you can visit and it is not as expensive as Rwanda.

IS IT PHYSICALLY DIFFICULT TO DO GORILLA TRACKING?

The ease of seeing the gorillas depends on the movements of the gorilla family on that particular day. For Uganda, some say that the Rushegura group in Buhoma is easy to spot, but we cannot guarantee this. The time it takes to find the gorillas can be anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours. It's always possible to inform your guide beforehand about what kind of tracking you would prefer and our guides always do their best to arrange a tracking that's suitable for you. If you have a low level of fitness which limits you from walking long distances in rugged terrain, we advise that you consider tracking in Rwanda where the rangers will assign you to an easier or more difficult tracking according to your fitness level. The gorilla permits in Rwanda $ 1500, however, are more expensive.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

We advise you to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirt made of light-weight material. You’ll want to tuck the cuffs of your pants into tall socks to prevent safari ants from entering. It is also wise to wear a hat to prevent ticks from getting in your hair. Bring a rain jacket and rain pants in your daypack, as well as an extra t-shirt and a sweater for when the tracking gets long and the forest gets cooler. Make sure you have good hiking shoes and don’t worry about the weight of your backpack: porters are available for a US$ 20 fee which helps families from the communities around the park. We would really recommend you to use a porter, they will not only carry your backpack but also help you, motivate you and lend you a hand whenever you need it.

HOW SAFE IS IT TO TRAVEL TO UGANDA?

Uganda is a safe country to travel in. Ugandans are considered among the friendliest and most welcoming people on planet earth. Kampala is known to be one of the safest capital cities in Africa, but you should use common sense when traveling in any big city. Be responsible and cautious during your tour and use taxis when you are going out at night and always keep a close watch over your belongings.

WHAT CHANCE DO I HAVE OF SEEING THE GORILLAS?

Chances of seeing the gorilla are over 95%. If you are in the very unlikely situation not to have seen them, you will be given the choice of either a 50% refund of the cost of your gorilla permit or another chance to spot them the next day (when permits are available). Please note that it is the national wildlife authority that issues the refund. Your driver/guide will be happy to assist you in the procedure.

We hope this information has assisted you...but also please remember that it makes so much sense to book your trip via a reputable agent like ourselves, who not only have the extensive knowledge and experience, but will so protect you from making uninformed decisions.

Email our Safari experts now on:
manager@across-africa.de

Self-drive Adventure through the Pearl of Africa

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0200

Uganda is becoming increasingly popular for self-drive travelers and is certainly one of the most adventurous ways to explore everything our beautiful country has to offer, not to mention ideal for those looking for a more independent travel experience at ones own pace.

With much improvement regarding infrastructure and roads throughout Uganda over the last few years, Across Africa now fully caters for the growing demand of tailored self-drive itineraries from as little as 5 days to as long as 4 weeks!

All clients spend their first night in the vibrant city of Kampala, before receiving an informative meet and greet the following morning, from one of our friendly team (German speaking also available!) who will arm the eager travellers with a company phone, complete with reliable GPS system, detailed map as well as written directions. They will also oversee the delivery of their 4 x 4 rental vehicle (various options available) and ensure everything is 100% before wishing them well on their trip of a life time!

One must be prepared for many unforgettable, breathtaking moments, from exhilerating chimpanzee encounters in the Kibale Forest, to the tree climbing lions in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, to the ultimate prize of tracking Mountain Gorillas in the magnificent Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, not forgetting the superb accommodation, delicious food, amazing culture and the friendliest people on the planet that one will enjoy and meet along the way. Just for reassurance... an Across Africa team member checks in with our clients each and evening!!

When does your adventure start?

Aerolink's Baggage Policy

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0200

If you want to avoid some of the long road trips you can substitute the drive with a flight. Aerolink offers a lot of domestic flights which get you close to the national parks. Due to the nature of the flights being either on schedule or charter, their aircrafts are small in size and therefore have much smaller luggage holds than most of typical airlines. We kindly request that our you adhere to the rules and regulations regarding their baggage limitation.

Here's a list of the most important things to consider:

• On all services, the maximum luggage weight is 15 kgs /33lbs in soft sided bags.
• As a guideline, standard checked luggage should have the three dimensions of 24 inches (60cm) height, by 18 inches (45cm) length and 13 inches (33cm) width.
• For hand luggage, 12 inches (30cm) height, by 21 inches (53cm) length, by 9 inches (23cm) width.

Carry On Baggage
• Personal items like handbags, small umbrellas, walking sticks, coats, small bag pack can be stored under the
seat in front of passenger or in an overhead bin where applicable. These items must not exceed 5 Kgs/ 11lbs and are part of the baggage allowance of 15kgs/ 33lbs.

Excess/ Additional Luggage
• On Scheduled flights, to accommodate additional luggage, please book and pay for an additional freight seat in advance. The extra seat will allow for an additional 75kgs/165lbs excess luggage. Kindly contact Aerolink reservations to book. Please note that any additional luggage must still meet the baggage policy described above.
• If you wish to carry additional luggage on space availability, prevailing rate of USD 3 will apply per kilo for local flights and USD 4 for Kisumu, Maasai Mara flights. This may not be an available option on the date of departure.
• On charter flights, should the aircraft not be filled to capacity and the guests wish to take additional luggage,
please approach the Aerolink reservations to make necessary arrangements.
• Luggage storage facility is offered by our ground handlers ENHAS for return flight’ passengers who do not wish to take excess luggage with them at a rate of USD 5 per bag per night.

Assistive Devices
• Wheelchairs, Canes, Walkers, Crutches and other assistive devices will be carried free of charge for qualified passengers with disability and are not included in the baggage allowance described. These items need to be collapsible. Baby car seat and foldable prams/ stroller will also be accepted.

For other items e.g. sporting equipment, medical equipment, photography equipment, kindly liaise with our reservations team at the time of booking.

That's all you need to know. Now it's time to get excited for your flight because you will be able to see the stunning scenery of Uganda from above.

Mountains of the Moon - The Rwenzori Mountain Range

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0200

Most people know that Uganda is home to over half of the remaining mountain gorillas, multiple chimpanzee habitats, the big five, amazing birdlife and unrivalled traditional cultural activities but not many people are aware of the incredible hiking and mountaineering experiences that can be done in Uganda, it has four areas where you can go Mountaineering and Hiking: The Rwenzori Mountain Range, also known as the mountains of the moon, Mount Elgon, The Virunga Mountain Range and Hiking in Karamoja.

The Rwenzoris

The Rwenzori mountain range is located inside the Rwenzori National Park on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The National Park is famous for being able to cater for everyone, from casual walkers to technical climbers. The diverse nature of the mountain range enables visitors to be able to do anything from a one day hike to a 10-day excursion. This UNESCO world heritage site is protected as the National Park and managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The highest peak of the Rwenzoris – Mt Stanley’s Margherita Peak, reaches 5,109 metres (16,762 ft), and the range's upper regions are permanently snow-capped and glaciated. 70 % of Rwenzori Mountains National Park is above 2,500m in altitude, making it Uganda’s highest park. Rivers fed by mountain streams form one of the sources of the Nile. The park was gazetted in 1991 and was recognized as a World Heritage site in 1994 and Ramsar site in 2008. The Rwenzori is not volcanic like East Africa’s other major mountains but is a block of rock upfaulted through the floor of the Western Rift Valley. The explorer Henry Stanley placed the Rwenzori on the map on 24th May 1888. He labelled it ‘Ruwenzori’, a local name which he recorded as meaning “Rain-Maker” or “Cloud-King.”

Flora

The Ruwenzori are known for their vegetation, ranging from tropical rainforest through alpine meadows to snow. The range supports its own species and varieties of giant groundsel and giant lobelia and even has a 6 metres (20 ft) tall heather covered in moss that lives on one of its peaks. Most of the range is now a World Heritage Site and is covered jointly by Rwenzori Mountains National Park in southwestern Uganda and the Virunga National Park in the eastern Congo.[5]

There are five overlapping vegetation zones in the Ruwenzori: the evergreen forest zone (up to 2,800 metres (9,200 ft)); the bamboo zone (2,800 to 3,300 metres (9,200 to 10,800 ft)); the heather zone (3,000 to 3,800 metres (9,800 to 12,500 ft)); the alpine zone (3,500 to 4,500 metres (11,500 to 14,800 ft)); and, the nival zone (4,400 to 5,000 metres (14,400 to 16,400 ft)). At higher elevations, some plants reach an unusually large size, such as lobelia and groundsels. The vegetation in the Ruwenzori is unique to equatorial alpine Africa.

If you want to include a hike in the Rwenzoris, just let us know. We will design the perfect trip for you including this stunning mountain range. Don't hesitate to contact us!

Facts about Gorillas

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0200

Today we celebrate the "World Gorilla Day" - perfect timing to learn more about Gorillas.

There are four different types of Gorillas, all of them being either endangered or even critically endangered. They can be divided into two groups, the Eastern and the Western gorillas. The Western Lowland Gorilla (if you have ever seen a gorilla in a zoo, it would have been this subspecies) and the Cross River Gorilla are subspecies of the Western Gorilla species. The Eastern Gorilla species consists of the Eastern Lowland Gorilla and the Mountain Gorilla.

Gorillas live in groups. They are very sociable and live in “troops”, that’s what the family groups they move around in are called. A troop can contain consist out of up to 30 gorillas and normally this contains a dominant male, several females and their young ones.
Gorillas can become up to 40 years old.
Adult males are known as “silverbacks” and they can be more than 10 times stronger than an average human. But they are called gentle giants for a reason and only use their full strength when they feel threatened.

Gorillas are (nearly) vegetarians. They are herbivores, so they only eat plants but some of the subspecies do eat snails and insects. A grown gorilla can eat up to 30kg of food a day.

We share 98.3% of our DNA with gorillas – can you believe that?! Their noseprints are as unique as our fingerprints. This is why scientists can identify individual gorillas by looking at the shape of their nose and unique scars or marks on their faces.

They are very clever. Scientists have spotted wild gorillas making and using tools, they used sticks to work out the depth of rivers, made ladders out of bamboo for the baby gorillas and made “cutlery” from twigs to help them eat stinging insects.

When coming to Uganda, or Rwanda, you will be able to meet the gentle mountain gorillas. They are only found in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and live within 2 specific geographical regions,

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the Virunga Massif, a 174 square mile region encompassing Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

If you are just like us and can't get enough of the gentle giants, feel free to message us and we can make sure you will have an amazing encounter with them!

What to pack for your safari

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0200

Tips from the Across Africa Team:

Baggage on safari should be carefully considered. One soft-sided bag and one smaller piece
of hand luggage (such as a backpack) per person is recommended, weighing not more than
20kg.
Days on safari are generally hot and call for shorts and t-shirt. In the mornings and evenings,
long-sleeved shirts and pants are better and will also protect you from mosquitoes. For
those sensitive to the sun, a loose cotton shirt is a good bet during the day, as is sunscreen.
For colder mornings, layering clothing helps keep you warm and is a convenient way to
ensure you’re wearing what you need as the day heats up.
Dull and/ or neutral colors are suitable for safari, especially for gorilla & chimp tracking; you
want to blend in as much as possible with nature. White is not practical. It is best to pack
hardy, durable clothing. Best stay away from “camo”, as in many places in Africa only the
military wear camouflage clothing and – in those areas – you might be arrested for it.

What to take:

Sun block, sunglasses, wide brimmed hat, lip balm with an SPF of at least 15
Blouses/ shirts with long sleeves (even in summer, they will protect you from the sun and
from mosquitoes)
Khaki, green, beige and neutral colors
T-shirts; shorts; cotton pants and/ or zipper safari trousers
Fleece and/ or a warm jacket for early morning game drives (necessary, even in summer)
Sandals and rubber flip flops (for showers) and boots as you’re going to want to protect your feet from poisonous snakes, ants, thorns and rocky terrain.
Comfortable hiking or walking shoes (well worn in!)
Light, compact raincoat is a good idea, maybe even rainpants if you're going Gorilla Tracking
Swimsuit, for the properties that have swimming pools
Binoculars and a camera are a must

We also recommend:

Cellphone
Chargers (for your cell phone, camera, video camera, etc.)
Spare batteries for small electronics and cameras
Flashlight/ torch/ headlamp
First aid kit
Personal toiletries
Tissues (for when the dust gets up your nose on a game drive)
Insect repellent and malaria tablets, depending on where you’re going

The Nitty Gritty:

Credit and ATM cards – check to see if your bank has international ATM locations to avoid high fees, and let your bank know you’ll be traveling abroad before you leave
Leave behind contact information for the family
Health-insurance card
Local guidebooks, bird and animal guidebooks
Passport and photocopies of passport (stored separately)
Photograph of luggage contents in case of loss
Print outs of reservations and general travel documents
Travel journal

We hope that this helped you a little. If you can't wait to pack and go on a safari - contact us!

What you need to know before traveling to Uganda

Sun, 12 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0200

General

Uganda offers extremely diverse aspects of nature (flora, fauna and landscape), which makes it very unique. This is why it carries the title: “The Pearl of Africa”. Uganda’s population currently (updated in 2020) sits at around 47 million people, on its 241.139km2. Only 24,3% of Uganda’s inhabitants live in cities, whilst the rest live in towns or villages. The Capital of Uganda, Kampala, currently has an estimated 2 million inhabitants (updated in 2021). Uganda has over 50 different ethnic groups making it a multi-ethnic country, whilst also being one of the world’s poorest countries.

Climate

Uganda lies on the Equator, thus enjoying a tropical climate all year round. The temperature is usually 15℃ to 27℃, although it differs as you travel further North. Uganda is separated into a dry season (± June to end September), a main-rain season (± mid March to mid May) and another less intense rainy season (± mid December to beginning of February). Keep in mind, that when it rains, it usually rains in small intervals with high-intensity showers and with climate change all over the world, changes are very possible.

Money

The currency is the Uganda Shilling (UGX).
USD = est. 3,582 UGX
EURO = est. 4,034 UGX
GBP = est. 4,793 UGX (updated in November 2021)
Credit cards and Debit cards are accepted in larger cities and hotels/ lodges; however, we do advise to carry cash with you wherever you go. Keep in mind that payments with credit cards have additional fees of between 3 and 5% of the cost price. The most important currencies can be exchanged at any bank or exchange office in the country. If you should carry cash along with you, we advise to also have some spare Dollars (US$) on you. DOLLARS MUST NOT BE OLDER THAN THE YEAR 2001, AS THEY WILL NOT BE ACCPETED! Bigger notes (US$50 or US$100) get slightly better exchange rates than smaller ones. With Credit or Bank cards you can also draw the local currency (UGX) from ATMs in cities/ larger towns by using your pin.

Getting there & Visa

All visitors require a Visa to enter Uganda. It is advised to do your registration for your Visa online (https://www.visas.immigration.go.ug). The requirements are: A passport valid at least 6 months after the planned return date, return/onward ticket, International health certificate (you may be requested to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, depending on the country of departure). Be aware that the Visa requirements can change at any time!

Food & Drinks

Fresh food is accessible almost anywhere in Uganda. Tea, coffee and water is also easily available almost everywhere. Uganda also has a wide selection of beers that taste very different from one another. A famous local drink is “Uganda Waragi”. It is made up of fermented bananas and is seen as the local gin. On your trip, you will mainly be served western food at your accommodations. However, if you would like to try local food, talk to your guide, he will make sure you get the freshest and most interesting delights.

Health

A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is COMPULSORY. The vaccination can be done at a tropical institute. Whilst there it is also advised to be briefed about Malaria and the medication used to prevent the Malaria virus from affecting you, as there are pros and cons to the medication (malaria prophylaxes). In the end, it is up to the traveller whether or not he/ or she takes the medication. We are not in a position to advise on this subject.

Covid-19 Entry Requirements

Please visit the link below for the latest updates on covid-19 entry requirements in Uganda.
https://www.health.go.ug/cause/update-on-the-response-to-covid-19-pandemic/

Security

Uganda and Rwanda are very safe countries for foreigners, however it is always advised to be aware, as there are criminals all over the world. Wearing expensive jewellery is not advised as it can attract unwanted attention. When visiting markets and other busy places it is advised to keep a close eye on your bags and pockets, as there could be “pickpocketers”. This being said, it is also important to carry one’s bag around, instead of leaving it in the car, even if it is locked. The contents of your wallets are also best kept to one’s self, as flashing big notes and /or large quantities of notes can also attract unwanted attention.

Accommodation/ Electricity & Water

Some accommodations are located in national parks or are environmentally friendly and will thus not have constant power running. These accommodations use generators as a power source which are usually turned off during the day and later at night. However, in the mornings and evenings, these generators will be turned on, giving you enough time to charge your electrical devices. Some accommodations also only have warm water for showering and bathing in the evenings or mornings. In these cases, you will be informed by reception upon arrival.

What to wear

Day time temperatures are generally warm so bring light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes, so carry a couple of light sweaters too. Those who intend to hike on the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks. Do not forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and water proof jacket. Some restaurants, those of a higher standard, require a certain etiquette (long pants & a shirt). Some accommodations also offer laundry services (at a price), which can always be requested for.
Also: If you should have any old or unwanted clothes that you wish to donate to the staff at lodges / hotels it would be much appreciated! The staff usually live in the surrounding area in a village or a town where the principles of “sharing with the community” is a key concept. So the donations would be equally distributed, starting with he/ or she who needs it the most.

Telephone & Internet

The majority of the accommodations will have internet available, even if it is just in main building. However, the internet speed is very slow and unreliable.

Driving

On a cross-country tour you will encounter very long drives. Even though the distance may not be far, the road quality in Uganda is quite poor, thus making it feel longer than it is. Some roads are filled with potholes, some larger than others, or the roads are gravel roads. This is why the drivers can’t drive very fast.

Main Voltage

The main voltage is 240V, 50Hz. The adapter’s used in Uganda are those following the British pattern (G Type). The can usually be borrowed from the accommodation at reception or be purchased for quite cheap in local supermarkets.

Tipping

Tipping is not standard practice at local hotels and restaurants, but will always be appreciated. Tourist-oriented restaurants, drivers and tour guides should always be tipped. The amount is completely up to the client and should meet the standard of the satisfaction given by the waiter/ waitress, driver and guide.

Time

Local time is GMT + 3 hours

Kibale National Park - primate paradise

Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 +0200

The Kibale Forest National Park is located close to the tranquil Ndali-Kasenda crater area and within half a day’s drive of the Queen Elizabeth, Rwenzori Mountains and Semuliki National Parks.

With 13 different species of primates, the park has the highest number (and diversity)of primates in East Africa. There are around 1450 chimpanzees living in Kibale and in addition to them it is home to the uncommon L’Hoest’s monkeys, East Africa’s biggest population of the endangered red colobus monkeys, the black & white colobus, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey cheeked mangabeys, bush babies as well as potto among many others. The chimps are normally heard before they are seen. If you are tracking them, you can usually spend up to an hour with them after locating them.

Most of the other wildlife in the park are barely seen. Next to buffaloes, leopards, bush pigs and duikers the park does even contain the largest population of forest elephants found in Uganda but they are rarely sighted. A keen viewer may also be able to spot some amphibians, reptiles and a variety of colorful butterflies. Plus, an estimated of 375 bird species live in the park.

Uganda’s loveliest and most varied tracts of tropical forest can be found in Kibale National Park. The varied altitudes supports different types of habitat ranging from woodland and savanna on the rift valley floor to wet tropical forest on the Fort Portal plateau. The vegetation rises to over 55m and establishes a semi-closed canopy of massive stratified tree crowns. With shade tolerant herbs, a variety of ferns, shrubs and broad leaved forest grasses, the undergrowth is sparse. 351 tree species have been registered in the park.

There is plenty to do in the Kibale area: apart from Chimp Tracking you can go on forest hikes or birding.

The park is occupied by two tribes, the Batoora and the Bakiga and you can go on cultural tours which a led by local guides.

The Kasenda area found in Fort Portal is home to more than 50 different crater lakes which are surrounded by steep sided volcanoes. a visit to this picturesque are will give you an opportunity to appreciate the unique landscape of this area.

A highlight of the area is definitely the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary which is located just outside the park. It is a community-run reserve which shows how tourism can and local communities can work hand in hand to benefit the environment. The nature walk in the swamp area offers amazing birding opportunities.

Kidepo National Park - a cultural highlight

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0200

Kidepo is Uganda’s most isolated national park, but the few who make the long journey north through the wild frontier region of Karamoja would agree that it is also the most magnificent. The park lies in the rugged, semi arid valleys between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya. From Apoka, in the heart of the park, a savannah landscape extends far beyond the gazetted area, towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges. It contains two rivers, Kidepo and Narus, which disappear in the dry season. During these months, the only permanent water in the park is found in wetlands and remnant pools along the Narus valley near Apoka and as a result, wildlife is concentrated in this area. The park has a semi-arid climate with just one rainy season per year (April-September) and rainfall is light.

The park can be reached by both road and air. Driving is more rewarding, as much of Karamoja, like Kidepo itself, is a vast and unspoiled wilderness. However, road conditions are sometimes difficult and 4WD vehicles are usually essential for a safari in Uganda.

Over 77 mammal species and around 475 bird species can be found in the park. Wildlife spotting opportunities include wild dogs, hyenas, jackals and cheetahs. There are many carnivorous species that are unique to the Kidepo and Karamoja regions within Uganda, including the bat-eared fox, aardwolf, striped hyena, caracal, cheetah and hunting dog. The Narus Valley in the southwest is the area with the highest concentration of animals and birds due to the water source and you may see buffalo, lion, cheetah, zebra, giraffe (it is the only of Uganda’s parks where giraffe and zebra can be seen), hartebeest, waterbuck and bushbuck.

The activities in the park aren’t limited to game drives. There are also multiple hiking trails around Morungole Mountain and plenty of nature walks in the park. The Kanangorok Hot Springs give you the chance to relax and take a little break. And, last but not least, you can also witness the nomadic lifestyle around Karenga and Kadepo and visit the Karamajong - the local communities around the park include pastoral Karamojong people, similar to the Maasai of Kenya, and the IK, a hunter-gatherer tribe whose survival is threatened.

The Kidepo National Park is not on everybody's Uganda itinerary but we think that the park is worth each and every extra hour of driving. If you do not want to miss out on the park - just let us know and we will organize the perfect Uganda safari for you!

Lake Mburo National Park - a compact gem

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0200

Lake Mburo National Park might be small but it is a compact gem! It is located conveniently close to the highway that connects Kampala to the parks of western Uganda.

Together with 13 other lakes in the area, Lake Mburo forms part of a 50km-long wetland system linked by a swamp. Five of these lakes lie within the park’s borders. Lake Mburo is the largest of the five lakes found in the park, which together attract hippos, crocodiles and a variety of water birds, while the swamps hide sitatunga antelope.
Once covered by open savanna, Lake Mburo National Park now contains much woodland as there are no elephants to tame the vegetation. In the western part of the park, the savanna is interspersed with rocky ridges and forested gorges while patches of papyrus swamp and narrow bands of lush riparian woodland line many lakes. The park is rich with acacia trees, valleys, grass lands with different types of grass that fed on by the wild animals.

It is home to 350 bird species as well as zebra, impala, eland, buffalo, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, leopard, hippo, hyena, topi and reedbuck. The fact that there are no lions, give you a chance to freely move close to the animals and have a close impact with them. It is also home to the largest population of zebra in Uganda estimated at about 5,000 and probably contains the highest concentration of leopard found anywhere in Uganda. The park has got a wide range of birds flopping in the sky and are so being visible to visitors. Some of the birds that are seen in this park include rare shoebill, stork, African fin foot, pelican, heron among others.

Lake Mburo 's surface and its fringing vegetation are always changing, and it is delightful to take a boat out and experience the lake's moods and watch the numerous hippos, some crocs and an incredible amount of African fisheagles. The lake is also one of the best places to spot the rarely seen African finfoot and white backed heron amongst many other water birds.

You can go for game drives in the park but we would recommend you try something new. There are a lot of different activities that can be done in the park: How about a horse ride through it? You could also go on a mountain bike tour or explore the park by foot.

Lake Mburo is the perfect last stop before returning to Entebbe to see Uganda’s wildlife one more time.

The diverse Queen Elizabeth National Park

Sun, 16 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0200

Queen Elizabeth is a must do for your visit in Uganda and makes a great addition to any Gorilla Tracking Safari, either in Uganda or Rwanda.
The parc offers a huge variety of activities, including game drives, boat cruises and hikes.

Facts about the park

It’s the second largest and most biodiverse park in Uganda.
Obviously, it was named after Queen Elizabeth (II) – when she visited in 1954
It is divided into two regions – north and south
The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the dry months of June to September and January to February, when wildlife spotting is easiest. November to April is the best time to see migratory birds, although these are some of the wettest months, and the rains can mean that some roads become impassable
There are many different landscapes in the park: wetlands, swamps, crater lakes, tropical forests, open savannah and woodland
The huge array of landscapes supports a diverse range of wildlife. Four of the Big Five can be found here but that’s not it – nearly 100 mammal species and more than 600 species of birds live in the park.

Our favorite things to do

Ishasha Sector – this is where you will see the famous tree climbing lions. The Ishasha Sector is in the southern part. Lions are only found climbing trees in two places in Africa, so it’s a rare and remarkable sight to see them lying in the branches of giant fig and acacia trees.

Kazinga Channel – A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel should be included in every Uganda itinerary. The Kazinga Channel connects the lakes George and Edward and the cruise gives you the perfect opportunity to get closer to all the animals relaxing in and near the water. You will probably see plenty of elephants taking a bath or coming for a drink. Spot crocodiles and hippos in the Channel and maybe even lions and leopards that are near it.

Kyambura Gorge & Maramagambo Forest - Kyambura is a submerged, underground rainforest surrounded by cascading cliffs and dry savannah - you won't find such a landscape anywhere else. The Kyambura Gorge within the reserve is reminiscent of a lost world, a place that is fascinating and mysterious. 100-metre towering cliffs surround dense jungle, swamps and lakes, making you feel as if you have stepped into a prehistoric time. The reserve is 156 square kilometres big, the gorge itself is only 11 km long. The Kyambura River, which flows through the reserve, is connected to the Kazinga Channel. This is the only place where you will find chimpanzees in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Although chimp sightings are not guaranteed, you have a good chance of hearing and seeing our “cousins” as they have been habituated to human presence. Alternatively, or additionally, you can explore the Maramagambo Forest, and a python and bat cave located there. The forest is part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park and one of the largest forests in East Africa. A visit to Maramagambo Forest is an excellent choice for those who want to visit a forest they don’t have to share with other visitors since it’s still a bit of a secret how amazing a stroll through this wonderland is. Maramagambo Forest is also home to Vervet, Colobus, L'Hoest monkeys, baboons, red-tailed monkeys and chimpanzees. The sheer density and variety of birds found here make Uganda one of the best bird watching destinations in the world. There are several caves in the forest that are home to millions of bats. From a viewing platform, visitors can watch them and with a bit of luck the ranger will point out African rock pythons who feed on the bats, too.

Balloon Safari – For those who want to see the park from above a balloon safari is the ultimate experience. Observe from high in the air as the African animal kingdom slowly awakes.

To get the best out of your safari, let us help you with organizing the perfect trip for you, including the best experiences in Queen Elizabeth!

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park - home of the mountain gorillas

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Visit the home of the gentle giants – filled with majestic flora, amazing wildlife, spectacular waterfalls, pristine rivers and much more that provide ample opportunity for great exploration and photography.

The park is located on the rim of the Rift Valley in the southwestern part of Uganda. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains about 400 species of plants (about 324 species of trees, ten of which are only found in this areas in the whole of Uganda. This is really a destination to explore!). The park is an old and complex ecosystem with a wealth of biodiversity and within its depths lies a rare and striking world. Due to the dense undergrowth and rugged terrain, large parts of it can only be reached by foot, preserving its primordial nature. Spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys, Bwindi is the source of five major rivers, which flow into Lake Edward.

Bwindi was gazetted as a National Park in 1991 and recognized as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1994.

The word “Bwindi” means “darkness” and taking a hike this magnificent forest will certainly unveil to you the reason why the forest was named so. Plus, you will see why it’s called impenetrable.

This “impenetrable forest” is home to half the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas, with several habituated groups/ families, that can be tracked by visitors. The Mubare gorilla group was the first to become available for tourism in Uganda in April 1993. The gorillas remain wild and the interaction takes place under the careful eyes of highly trained trackers. As gorillas are susceptible to human disease, the health restrictions for visitors are stringent.

In addition to the impressive, endangered mountain gorillas there are also more than 340 bird species and hundreds of butterfly species. Even forest elephants, giant forest hogs and several types of primates roam beneath the thick canopy of trees.

However even though the terrain is far from easy to manage, it’s well worthy the effort. A trek through one of Africa’s most ancient rainforests, in search of the vulnerable mountain gorilla, ranks among one of the world’s premier wildlife encounters.

5 Reasons to Visit Uganda

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1. Tracking gorilla in the Bwindi National Park

From the Bwindi National Park website [2018]: “There are more than seven hundred and eighty-six mountain gorillas in the whole world. Uganda hold close to half of their total population, and the majority of them live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.” To encounter some of these gorillas at Bwindi is an experience that will remain with visitors forever.

2. Meeting chimpanzees in Kibale National Park

One of the most sought-after activities in Uganda, chimpanzee tracking in the Kibale Forest is an
unforgettable experience. The expedition takes visitors through the dense forest in search of chimps,
but visitors can also expect possible sightings of black & white colobus, red tailed monkey and
grey-cheeked mangabey.

3. A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga channel is a wide, 32-kilometre long natural channel connecting the two Lakes;
Lake Gorge (which is to the east) and Lake Edward (which is to the west). The channel is among the
most important features in Queen Elizabeth National Park (which is one of the most popular game reserves
in Uganda covering an entire land area of 1,978 sq km). The channel offers wonderful views of the abundance of wildlife that reside within Queen Elizabeth National Park, such as buffalo, hippo, elephant and numerous bird species.

4. Observing the tree climbing lions in Ishasha Queen Elizabeth National Park

Leopards climbing trees, yes, but lions? The Queen Elizabeth National Park in Ishasha is host to rare
sightings of lions scaling trees and perching on branches. Experts believe this odd behaviour came
about as a means of protecting themselves from insect bites that came from sleeping on the ground,
as well as offering relief from the immense heat on ground level.

5. Exploring island-dotted lakes in Mgahinga National Park

At just 33.7km2, Mgahinga National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Uganda. The Park covers the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes: Mt. Muhavura (4,127 m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474 m), and Mt. Sabyinyo (3,645 m). On foot or by cycle, this is one area visitors don’t want to miss exploring.