| Uganda
Face to face encounters with some of the last mountain gorillas
on earth. Tracking chimpanzees through lush tropical rainforest.
Observing lions, elephant, leopard, hippo and an incredible diversity
of bird life. Cruising the Nile River to the base of the most powerful
waterfall on earth. Where in Africa are all of these incredible
experiences available? Only in Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa”,
an unspoiled paradise in East Africa. No other country in Africa
offers such an incredible range of ecosystems and habitats, from
semi-desert to tropical rain forest.
Uganda is a bird watcher`s paradise. With over 1000 species recorded,
half the species on the continent, and is one of the few places
where the elusive Shoebill stork can be found. Other highlights
not to be missed include the spectacular Murchison Falls where the
Nile squeezes through a 6-meter wide crack in the earth, creating
the world`s most powerful waterfall. For those looking for an active
experience, whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Nile river and
challenging trekking in the “Mountains of the Moon”,
the Rwenzoris.
Uganda is one of the friendliest, safest and least expensive African
countries to visit. With the memories of its civil unrest long behind
it, Uganda`s economy is growing in leaps and bounds and this is
evident in the positive attitude of the people. Uganda`s infrastructure
has largely been rebuilt and many lovely new lodges and hotels are
available for a wide range of tastes and budgets. Uganda provides
excellent value with prices 20-30 percent less than those in neighboring
Kenya and Tanzania.
Special note: Early booking is advised for this tour in order to
guarantee Gorilla permits. There are only a limited number available
each day and these are often booked 8-10 months in advance. Book
early to avoid disappointment as this is an experience you will
not want to miss!
Murchison Falls National Park, located in the
northwest corner of the country, Murchison Falls National Park offers
a variety of ecosystems in a small area: riverine forest, open grasslands
and marshland. The Falls themselves are said to be the most powerful
on earth as the mighty Nile River squeezes through a 6-meter crack
in the earth as it tumbles over an escarpment. Stand at the top
of the falls and witness its power, or cruise to the base of the
falls while observing Murchison's wealth of bird, animal, and reptile
life. Murchison is a bird watcher's paradise and is home to the
elusive and bizarre shoebill stork, often seen on the boat cruise.
The banks of the Nile are home to a large number of animal species
including elephant, lion, leopard, hyena, giraffe, waterbuck, hartebeest,
oribi, Uganda kob, bushbuck and many others. Highlights of a visit
to the park are the spectacular falls themselves and launch trips
on the river.
Kibale Forest National Park, between Lake Albert
and Lake Edward, in the Southwestern part of Uganda is home to one
of the world`s largest primate populations, with 14 species recorded.
This pristine rainforest is home to the largest population of chimpanzees,
with over 1400 individuals. Visitors to the area can take forest
walks and swamp walks in search of chimpanzees, mangabeys, baboons,
l'hoest's, red-tailed, vervet, colobus and other monkeys. Look for
signs of the elusive forest elephant, smaller than their savannah
cousins.
Kibale offers the unique opportunity to truly experience the welcome
of Ugandan people. Spend time in the communities surrounding the
park and learn about the sustainable development programs that are
going on to improve the lives of the people living in the area.
Learn about enterprises such as women's groups that use sustainable
materials from the forest and swamp to make baskets that are sold
to supplement their income. Stay with a family and learn about Ugandan
culture, customs and experience the warm hospitality of a Ugandan
community. Visit a primary and secondary school and meet teachers
and students, and learn how to weave a basket or mat from local
materials. If you are up for the challenge, play a game of football
with the students!
Queen Elizabeth National Park connects Lakes Edward
and George and encompasses the land on either side of the Kazinga
Channel. This spectacular park is a pristine example of Africa's
classic savannah ecosystem with its accompanying biodiversity: elephants,
lions, leopard, hyena, waterbuch, bushbuck, Uganda kob, and a host
of other wildlife can be found in this beautiful park. Queen Elizabeth
is an important stop on the migratory path for a great variety of
birds and the park is home to over 600 species of birds. A launch
trip on the channel will provide close up views of riverine species
including saddlebill, yellow-billed and shoebill storks as well
as a huge diversity of other birds. Walking excursions to look for
chimpanzees are available in the Kyamburu Gorge area. Meet Dr. Ludwig
Siefert, a wildlife expert who has spent many years in Queen Elizabeth
and who is dedicated to the preservation of Uganda's biodiversity,
particularly lions, leopards and hyenas. A lecture from Dr. Siefert
is fascinating, educational and entertaining as he explains the
issues facing Uganda's wildlife.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the southernmost
corner of Uganda, bordering Rwanda and Congo, is home to one of
the last remaining mountain gorilla populations. A very limited
number of gorilla trekking permits are available each day and visitors
must be in good physical condition to make the strenuous climb.
Nothing compares to the experience of locking eyes with these gentle,
inquisitive and intelligent animals. Meet Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka,
the Director of Conservation Through Public Health and a primate
expert with years of experience in wildlife veterinary medicine,
including several years as Uganda Wildlife Authority's Chief Veterianarian.
Lake Mburu National Park, a quiet gem of a park,
has a wide range of ungulates including zebra, waterbuck, bushbuck,
topi, and eland. It`s lovely lake provides a serene setting for
a canoe trip or an evening sundowner. It has It is often overlooked
in the rush to get to Uganda`s larger reserves but those who venture
to this park will be rewarded by 350 species of birds and the opportunity
for guided walks with incredibly knowledgeable rangers, as well
as the feeling of having the park “all to yourself”
Active Experiences in Uganda
Uganda has much to offer those seeking an active experience. There
are opportunities for every level of fitness and excitement, from
a leisurely walk in a game reserve to the adrenaline-pumping rapids
of the Nile River!
Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking and Boogie Boarding on the
Nile River
Experience the once in a lifetime opportunity to raft Nile from
its source at Bujagali falls, in Jinja, an hour's drive from Kampala.
The rapids on the world's longest river range from a mild class
2 to raging class 5! Our rafting partner, Nile River Explorers,
will ensure your safety while on the wild ride of the Nile. Want
to learn to kayak or boogie board? NRE can oblige! For those looking
for a more relaxing experience, NRE also offers float trips on calm
sections of the river where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery
and bird life on the banks of the nile at a more leisurely pace.
EIther way, a day on the Nile will be an unforgettable experience!
Mountaineering
The legendary "Mountains of the Moon" in Eastern Uganda
are technically challenging and offer a variety of interesting routes,
from a relaxed 3-day hike to summitting the glacier-peaked third
highest mountain in Africa. Expert guides will provide support on
any type of trek through the fascinating landscapes in this range
that form part of the eastern rim of the Rift Valley. Explore unique
ecosystems that include giant lobelia and groundsel and are host
to a variety of endemic species. Click here for information on the
7-day circuit offered by Rwenzori Mountaineering Services
Mount Elgon, on the opposite side of the country, offers excellent
hiking opportunities as well. See the magnificent Sipi Falls as
well as the famous Kitum Cave where elephants enter to scrape mineral
and salt-rich materials from the cave walls
Mountain Biking
Ride moderate through challenging guided trails through Uganda's
countryside and communities as well as in national parks. One of
the best ways to explore nature, mountain bikes are less damaging
than vehicles and allow you to get "up close and personal"
with nature.
Hiking
Spend a half-day or an entire day walking through Uganda's spectacular
parks and nature reserves with highly trained guides. Your guide
will teach you everything there is to know about Uganda's wildlife,
birds, plants and insects. In addition to Uganda's National parks,
the following areas offer excellent hiking opportunities:
Bigodi Swamp, adjascent to Kibale Forest
Maramagambo Forest in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Budongo Forest on the edge of Murchison Falls National Park
Kyamburu Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Other Activities
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Home Stays with Ugandan Families
Birdwatching
Uganda Wildlife Education Center
Horseback Riding
Contact us for more information about any of these activities!
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