What to consider before booking a gorilla trekking tour to Uganda

In Uganda gorilla tracking activity is carried out in only two national parks in southwestern Uganda namely - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda’s portion of the Virunga Massif). Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an excellent option for those looking for a remarkable primate encounter; Uganda is home to half the world’s population of mountain gorillas with about 459 individuals in two national parks, in Uganda approximately 160 gorilla permits are solid daily.

How much is a Gorilla tracking Permit?

Every traveler who wants to see or trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat must have a valid gorilla tracking permit scheduled for that day he or she would like to trek the gentle giants in Uganda, a gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD 600 for foreign non-residents, USD 500 for foreign resident and USD 75 for East African residents. Effective 1 July 2020 gorilla tracking permits will cost USD 700 for foreign non-resident

What to pack on your Gorilla Trek

This the most asked question for travelers intending to track mountain gorillas, Gorilla tracking is a unique adventure in the whole world – for one to trek, gentle giants, travelers are required to possess a valid passport, valid gorilla permit, hiking boots, long-sleeved shirt, waterproof trouser, sweater, gloves, headgear or a hat, sunglasses, good camera, snacks, packed lunch, drinking water, a walking stick, and binoculars, when these items are in hand with potential travelers, mark it as a successful gorilla trek and a memorable once in a lifetime experience you will leave to tell! 

Best time of the year to see Mountain Gorillas

The best time to visit mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat is June to September and December to February, forest trails in these months are drier making Gorilla tracking encounter delectable and more facile compared to visiting in the wet months of March to May and September to November when the weather is characterized ponderous rainfall, making the forest trails bushy and slippery. In Uganda, it is hard to soothsay when it is going to rain or not simply because the country is crossed by the Equator, thus experiencing an equatorial climate, both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are located in the Western Rift Valley with good terrain for visitors who would see the gentle giants in their natural habitat. In conclusion, Gorillas in Uganda can be visited throughout the year.

Book your Gorilla Permit in advance

One of the advantages of early booking is to make sure that you don’t miss tracking the giant mountain gorillas at either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. It is advisable for you to book at least 3-6 months before the date that you want to track mountain gorillas, the peak season of these parks are in June, July, August, December, January, and February. We recommend you to book with Adyeri Creations; we are an authorized tour company in Uganda for your tailor-made safari.

Physical Fitness

Gorilla tracking does not require so much physic - your physical fitness level should not prevent you from a gorilla trek. An average level of fitness is okay for traveler intending to see mountain gorillas, at Adyeri Creations we provide our visitors with walking sticks. Disabled travelers can opt to use sedan chairs where clients are carried by a team of 16 well built energetic men who know the terrain of either Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Pay Attention to Ranger Guides during Guides

For every traveler interested in Gorilla tracking or Gorilla Habituation in Uganda, upon reaching the sector’s headquarters our drive will take you to the briefing room, where you meet fellow travelers who are going to track mountain gorillas, briefing in Uganda usually starts at 8:00 am before you hit the Jungle to see our mighty cousins the Mountain Gorillas, we advise you to pay attention to Ranger Guides as they explain what you might see, what you should do and what you are supposed to do in the presence of the gentle giants.

Which is the shortest route to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?

This is the most asked question for every traveler who wants to see mountain gorillas in Uganda, for every traveler who would like to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, the shortest distance to either Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Kigali International Airport, usually, the most visit opts for short drive time. Kigali International Airport is about 3 to 4 hours to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park respectively.

How many Gorilla Permits are available in Uganda daily?

Half of the world’s populations of mountain gorillas are residents in Uganda, there are two national parks in Uganda namely Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, in Bwindi there are four gorilla tracking sectors namely Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Buhoma totaling up to 18 habituated gorilla families, and in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has only one gorilla sector with 2 gorilla families namely Hirwa gorilla family and Nyakagezi gorilla family. Therefore in total Uganda alone sells 160 permits daily.

How many hours will you spend with the Gentle Giants?

In Uganda, gorilla tracking starts at 8:00 am, usually before tracking mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, on this expedition you will gather with a group of other travelers who are going to track mountain gorillas at the briefing where you be briefed about what you will see, expect and what you shouldn’t do while in the park environs. When you track mountain gorilla in Uganda you are allowed to spend 1 hour with the Gentle Giants. In Uganda, we have two activities for travelers who love primates one being Gorilla Tracking, and other Gorilla Habituation - this expedition allows visitors to be with the gentle giants for up to 4 hours. For more information about primate safaris in Uganda kindly contact Adyeri Creations Limited.

3 Day Nyiragongo Mountain Hike

The Virunga Volcano of Nyiragongo is surrounded by both the North and West by adjacent Nyamuragira Volcano, and other several volcanoes to the East namely, Mikeno, Karisimbi, and Lake Kivu. Mount Nyiragongo shelters, one of the largest active Lava Lake in the whole world. Mount Nyiragongo seats on an elevation of about 3470m, with a wide caldera at its summit about 1.5 km wide.

Nyiragongo is located in the Albertine Rift, on the western branch of the East African Rift Valley system, the Mountain is Africa’s most active volcano, and the fact is that it has erupted 34 times since 1884 and world’s largest lava Lake, about 20 km, North of Goma and approximately 180 km from Kigali International Airport.

Highlights of the Hike

Day 1: Pick up from Kigali International Airport
Day 2: Nyiragongo Hike
Day 3: Descend Mount Nyiragongo

Day 1: Transfer to Gisenyi

You will meet our driver guide at Kigali International Airport upon your arrival, you will have a brief stopover at the Genocide memorials and other cultural sites around Kigali then transfer to Lake Kivu for a boat cruise and later on check-in at your lodge lunch will be served, relax and overnight at your lodge.

Accommodation

Luxury – Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Mid-range – Gorilla Lake Kivu HotelBudget – Hotel Dian Fossey

Day 2: Hike Mount Nyiragongo

After breakfast our driver guide will be waiting for you, transfer to the starting point for your hike; meet up with the Park Ranger Guides who will brief you about the dos and don’ts while climbing the active Nyiragongo Mountain. The hike starts at Kibati starting point at 10:00 am, the hike usually takes 6 hours to the summit depending on the physical fitness of hikers. You will be able to see wild animals like elephants, buffalos, primates like mongooses, civets, chimpanzees and many endemic bird species like congo peafowl, schouted’s swift, graver’s cuckoo shrike, Prigogine swift, Bedford’s paradise flycatcher, Rockefeller’s sunbird among other bird species along the trail. Upon reaching the summit, enjoy your evening with breathtaking photography of the world’s largest active Lava Lake.

Day 3: Descend Mount Nyiragongo

After an early morning heavy breakfast, you will descend Nyiragongo back to the starting point. Meet your driver-guide who will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for international flight back home.

END OF TOUR

• What to carry or requirements
  Hiking shoes
  Raincoat
  Hiking permit
  Yellow fever immunization card
  East African Visa
  Porter

• Other Activities
  Gorilla tracking in the Virunga National Park
  Chimpanzee tracking and Chimpanzee Habituation in the Virunga National Park
  Community visits around the park environs.

How Many Gorilla Permits are available in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

At the extreme southwestern tip of Uganda on the borders with Rwanda and The Democratic Republic of Congo lies Uganda’s smallest national park covering 33.7 square kilometers. The Park was established in 1991 is also one of Uganda’s newest national parks. It is an integral part of the Virunga Conservation Area and is contiguous with Parc National Des Volcans in Rwanda and Parc National Des Virunga in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Three extinct volcanoes lie within the park: Mount Muhabura at 4,127 meters; Mount Gahinga at 3,475 meters; and Mount Sanbinyo at 3,645 whose peak lies along Uganda’s border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga is an afro montane tropical rainforest and the vegetation is typical of this terrain, with a montane forest belt, a bamboo zone, and an alpine zone.  The park is surrounded by the terraced fields of the Batwa and Bafumbira people. The Batwa lived in the forest as hunters and gatherers but have since resorted to farming.

How to book your Gorilla Permit in Uganda

For anyone fascinated with trekking mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorillas National Park you are required to have a gorilla permit which costs USD 600 for foreign non-residents, USD 500 for foreign residents and 250,000 Uganda Shillings for the East Africa Residents gorilla price noted above is for per person per trek for one hour encounter with the gorillas once you find them on your trek, this permit as well is valid for one day trek. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has two gorilla families open for tracking namely Nyakagezi gorilla family and Hirwa gorilla family, this designates 16 permits that are available every day and only 16 people are allowed to trek every day. These permits are sold on first, come first substratum meaning for you to book your space for the gorilla trek, you will require to secure your permit in advance months afore the day of your trek. Adyeri Creations we are impeccable at the booking process for gorilla permits and once you send us an inquiry with date/month and year for your gorilla trek contact us for details we will check for availability there and then tell you on how many permits are available and then we book for you the permits, once you substantiate and make the payment we will purchase it for you from the head gorilla permits reservation office in Kampala-Uganda Wildlife Authority in advance and send you a scanned copy for your records and perusal.

Hirwa Gorilla Family Migrates to Uganda

Great news for Uganda as the country receives 1 gorilla family consisting of 20 mountain gorillas migrating from Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park into Uganda's Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda. Hirwa gorilla family was one of the favorite gorilla families in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the family moved to Uganda last year in October in search for pasture and fruits which are abundant in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Just like the Hirwa gorilla family, the Nyakagezi gorilla family used to migrate within the two parks years until the group decided to settle in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Best time of the year to see Mountain Gorillas

The best time to visit mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat is June to September and December to February, forest trails in these months are drier making Gorilla tracking encounter delectable and more facile compared to visiting in the wet months of March to May and September to November when the weather is characterized ponderous rainfall, making the forest trails bushy and slippery. In Uganda it is hard to soothsay when it is going to rain or not simply because the country is crossed by the Equator, thus experiencing an equatorial climate and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the Western Rift Valley with a good terrain for trekkers who would like to see the gentle giants in their natural habitat. In conclusion, Gorilla Safaris in Uganda can be visited throughout the year. Kind contact Adyeri Creation for more information about tailored gorilla tours in the Pearl of Africa.

Best Places to see the Majestic Shoebill Stork in Uganda

Shoebill stork is a wading bird found in papyrus marshes of tropical East Africa in the Great Lake region. It has a shoe-shaped bill with a sharp hook, a short neck, darkish plumage, and long legs. It feeds on small animals, including lungfish, snails, baby crocodiles, frogs, and turtles.

Uganda is an East African country inhabiting about 1,061 bird species today in different habitats like semi-arid areas, savannah areas, lowland areas, montane rainforests, swampy areas, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, and many other habitats. Uganda has 50% of all the bird species in Africa and 11% of the world’s bird species hence making it a birders’ haven.

Among the wide variety of birds in Uganda-the papyrus gonolek, pallid harrier, African fish eagle, swamp flycatcher, malachite kingfisher, African marsh harrier, African ground hornbill, handsome francolin, Uganda also inhabits the rare shoebill which are found in some of the swampy habitats of the country like Mabamba close to Lake Victoria which is the closest to Kampala covering a distance of 36km from the city center - about 50 kilometers from Kampala to Mabamba Swamp, Nile Delta spot in Murchison Falls National Park, Rugogo swamp in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Lake Mburo National Park and Semuliki National Park near Lake Albert. Although the rare shoebill can easily be found in the wetland areas of Uganda, there are other African countries where these magnificent birds can be spotted like Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan among others. There are about 1000 shoebills in Uganda today which would have been more than that but the decrease in number is brought about by fishermen storming their habitats who hunt them with a belief of them being a bad omen.

The shoebill can also be called the “the whale- headed stork” because of its enormous head size. The Arabs call it “Abu maruk” which means the father of shoes.

Nile Delta Boat Cruise -Murchison Falls National Park

Both the morning and evening boat cruise to the Nile delta give our tourists an opportunity to see these highly sought birds when you are in Murchison Falls National Park. The hunt for the rare shoebill stork as well as other bird species like goliath heron, swamp flycatcher, Abyssinian ground hornbill, giant kingfishers, malachite is so rewarding and every birder's dream on Birding Safari in Uganda.

Facts about the elusive Shoebill Stork

Shoebills storks have very few predators since they aggressively, they defend their young ones but sometimes the young ones and eggs are killed and eaten respectively by the nest predators. Shoebills also build their nests in spots that can’t be easily accessed by the predators.

Shoebills’ main diet is the lungfish. Mature Shoebills grow up to 4 feet tall which enables them to stand still in the water, wait for unsuspecting fish to appear then it swiftly collapses on target spreading its wings and diving down bill fast to ambush the fish. Then by its mouth, it decapitates it by grinding the sharp edges of its bill together.

Shoebills are under extinction, there are about 8000 mature shoebills according to the IUCN Critically Endangered in the world today and the number is decreasing. However, both local and international conservation bodies are playing a great role in conserving them like monitoring in their habitats in East Africa. Kindly contact Adyeri Creations Limited for tailored Birding Safaris, Gorilla Tracking and Habituation Experience, Chimpanzee Tracking and Habituation, Big 5 Safaris, Mountain Hiking, Marine Adventure among other expeditions in the Pearl of Africa.

Fly-in Luxury Gorilla Safari – Rushaga Sector Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Uganda is one of the three countries where you can have a close encounter with the mountain gorillas in southwestern Uganda’s dense forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Come face to face with humanity giant cousins, the mountain gorillas! Most tourists who visit the Rushaga area - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park come to see the endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat; there are approximately 1000 mountain gorillas in the wild, about half of the remaining populations of Mountain gorilla live in Uganda in two national parks namely Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park totaling up to 460 habituated Mountain Gorillas in Uganda the Pearl of Africa.

Fly in Gorilla Safari in the Rushaga Sector

Rushaga sector is found in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Park is known for the largest number of habituated mountain gorillas groups. At Rushaga there are seven habituated mountain gorilla groups namely Mishaya, Kahungye, Busingye, Bikingi, Muchunguzi, Nshongi, and Bweza. Rushaga is the most focused gorilla tracking site for tourists who either want to trek mountain gorilla for one hour or encounter gorilla habituation for four hours and the only sector where one can encounter gorilla habituation experience in the whole world. This gorilla sector has the most gorilla population, there several gorilla families in the Impenetrable forest that are under habituation, big thanks to conservatives and well-trained guides who train these mighty cousins to get used to human presence.

Uganda is exceptionally diverse! This is largely due to its location in east-central Africa, in a zone of overlap between ecological communities’ characteristic of the dry East African savanna, and West African rainforests. It is also partly the result of the country's great topographical diversity,

When you fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip you have an opportunity to see the rolling Volcanoes Mountains namely Mount Muhavura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. On arrival at Kisoro Airstrip, you meet our experienced driver-guide who will transfer you to Rushaga Gorilla sector, a drive which usually takes 2 hours to your lodge, check-in at your lodge relax, dine and overnight stay. On the drive to the Rushaga area, you will be thrilled with a breathtaking encounter of the mountains, hilly terrain that will amaze you.

When is the best time to see Mountain Gorillas?

The best time to visit mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat is June to September and December to February, forest trails in these months are drier making Gorilla tracking encounter enjoyable and easier compared to visiting in the wet months of March to May and September to November when the weather is characterized by heavy daily rainfall, making the forest trails bushy and slippery. In Uganda, it is hard to predict when it is going to rain or not simply because the country is crossed by the Equator, thus experiencing an equatorial climate and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the Western Rift Valley with good terrain for travelers who would love mountaineering the Majestic Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. In conclusion, Gorilla Safaris in Uganda can be visited throughout the year.

Addition expeditions on your Safari

Uganda is a birders haven, there are many bird species to encounter on your safari to see mountain gorillas namely Black Eared ground thrush, Blue-headed Sunbird, Mountain masked Apalis, Rwenzori Batis, Handsome Francolin, Regal Sunbird, African broadbill, secretary bird, Woodland warbler, Kivu Ground thrush, strip breasted tit among others, culture and breathtaking scenery which you will leave to tell.

 On this Safari you are advised to inquire for the gorilla family of your interest before a permit is issued out to you and depending on your physical fitness since the families are located in different topography of the tracking area. Come share our passion for African Culture and wildlife through Adyeri Creations, kindly contact us so we can tailor your remarkable dream come true.     

Top Things to do and see in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is one of the largest park in Uganda and is named after the Murchison falls where the mighty river Nile is forced through a narrow gorge of 8m into the ‘Devils Cauldron’ creating an ever-present rainbow. Samuel Baker the explorer considered the Murchison falls as “the most important object of the entire course of the river” named the waterfall in 1864. The park is only 4 hours away from Kampala the capital and with all the attractions is the perfect destination for exciting Uganda safaris. The habitats range from forest, savanna, riverine woodland, Borassus palms, and several acacia trees.

It lies in the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley giving it great views of the plains and forested areas and the Victoria Nile that pours into Lake Albert. The Albert Nile Corridor is Uganda’s lowest area at 612m at the Delta. You have opportunity to view the falls from both up as the Nile squeezes through the gorge 7 meters wide, and topple to 43 meters forming residual water stray that forms a magnificent permanent rainbow, making it one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls.

Morning Game Drive
A morning game drive in one of the largest national park is one of the most rewarding wildlife encounter to visitors who come to see wildlife in their natural habitat, Murchison Falls National Park has got over 76 mammal species including Lions, Buffaloes, Antelopes, Giraffes, hyenas among others. With over 450 bird species in the park, bird watching is also a popular tourist activity Murchison falls National Park.

The park has got such an amazing landscape of Savannah grasslands perfect for grazing and while on a game drive through the park, there are high chances of encountering animals lurking in the grasslands waiting on their unsuspecting prey. Both morning and evening game drives are carried out in the park but the best time is early morning around 6:00 am with a packed breakfast which is usually enjoyed at the Nile Delta. Evening game drives start at around 4:00 pm and can last up to 4 hours.

Boat cruise

Boat cruise is the most interesting and enjoyable activity Murchison Falls national park offers. The boat cruise can either be to the bottom of the Murchison Falls or the Albert delta.

To the bottom of the falls

This is the most enjoyable activity in Murchison falls national park because the launch starts from Paara dock and sails upwards towards the most powerful waterfalls in the world (Murchison Falls) as you set your eyes on schools of hippos, a variety of water birds, terrestrial wild animals at river banks like elephants, oribis, warthogs, buffalos are usually seen taking water and cooling their body temperatures. Crocodiles are also seen especially in spots near the waterfalls basking. The boat cruise to the falls gives our clients opportunities to take photos at a close range and good viewing of wildlife since the boat cruises closer to the animals.

The Albert delta launch cruise

The launch cruise to the Albert delta also starts from Paara dock sails smoothly on the flowing waters of river Nile. The river splits up creating numerous Islands of papyrus zones. This delta also inhabits the rare shoebill plus some other birds. The boat cruise to the bottom of the falls is done in the morning and afternoon daily. The morning boat cruise starts at 9 am and the afternoon boat cruise starts at 2 pm both lasting for 2 to 3 hours depending on the speed of the boat.

Hot Air Balloon Over Murchison Falls National Park

This once in a lifetime activity will see you soaring over Murchison Falls National Park sights of what you cannot see on a normal African safari game drive, spelling out the beauty of the savanna park with abundant wildlife and beautiful landscape of the park. On this adventure, you be able to see the Mighty Nile River meandering through the park as it empties into Lake Albert with some sightings of Crocodiles, Hippos and water birds, the famous African ‘Big Five’ game, large herds of elephants, Rothschild Giraffe, Antelopes, Buffalo, big cats like lions and Leopards in the largest National Park in Uganda.

Sport Fishing

Sport fishing is one of the most exciting adventures and one of the most exciting all-day activities on the Mighty Nile. Sport fishing is called out at the banks of the Nile provides an exciting challenge that enables visitors to enjoy fishing a variety of fish species like Nile Perch, catfish, Tilapia among others. For more information about African Wildlife Safari, kindly contact Adyeri Creations so we can tailor your Safari in Africa.

GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKING IN UGANDA AND RWANDA

Golden monkeys are found in the parks within the Virunga region like Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern parts of Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in eastern Congo. There are about 3000 to 4000 golden monkeys within the Virunga volcanoes according to the survey which was conducted in 2003. Golden monkey are beautiful primates

These golden monkeys can also be found in Nyungwe National Park and Gishwati Forest Reserve in Rwanda but they are not habituated for trekking so they are too shy for human presence.

Golden monkey trekking is only done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda which is located in southwestern Uganda and only in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. This is because of the peace, security and the good organization of the different conservation bodies within Uganda and Rwanda unlike the Democratic Republic of Congo which is politically unstable.

Both Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park have two habituated groups of golden monkeys that are active for golden monkey trekking.

Golden monkeys are unique monkeys in a way that they have a golden-orange spot on their fur coats which beautifies them, making them look cute monkey species in Africa.

In Uganda, tourists can opt for the standard golden monkey trekking or golden monkey habituation experience. With golden monkey trekking, you spend one hour with the Golden monkeys from the time you set your eyes on them while Golden monkey habituation you spend four hours with the golden monkeys from the time of setting your eyes on them. It should also be noted that there’s no age limit for golden monkey trekking.

Golden Monkey trekking experience

The golden monkey experience has no age limit so every person interested can go for it. You can either go for Golden monkey trekking or Golden monkey habituation depending on your budget and the time you have for the holiday.

The golden monkey trekking and habituation are guided by experienced researchers, trackers and well-trained ranger guides from Uganda wildlife authority who help you trace where the habituated golden monkeys. Golden monkeys are easy to track compared to mountain gorillas because they don’t build nests each day and remain in the same area. Once you set your eyes on a large number of these beautiful species of monkeys, you will enjoy seeing them in large numbers of about thirty members jumping from tree to tree, feeding, playing, and swinging on tree branches.  Golden monkeys are so entertaining to watch and observe because they are fast-moving animals and the only time they are at a standstill is when they are under the shelter when it’s raining. Tourists interested in taking photos should be good at taking photos because it’s difficult to take photos when they are playing and feeding.

The social interaction of these golden monkeys is so amazing to observe and the cost of the experience is worth it because you won’t regret after setting eyes on them.

For those with heavy bags, there are porters to hire who will help you with carrying some luggage as you are looking for the golden monkeys.

Time

Golden monkey trekking experience starts at 7 am Ugandan time at the park headquarters, you will be briefed before trekkers are allocated to different groups for trekking and the trek usually starts at 8 am.

The duration for golden monkey trekking takes two hours and the golden monkey habituation experience takes four hours with the golden monkeys.

Cost for golden monkey trekking

In Uganda, standard golden monkey trekking costs USD 50 per person while golden monkey habituation is at USD100 per person. In Rwanda, the standard cost of golden monkey trekking is at USD100

What to carry for golden monkey trekking

·         Camera

·         Insect repellants

·         Day pack for lunch in case you are going for golden monkey habituation

·         Drinking water

·         Long-sleeved shirts

·         Trousers

·         Hiking boots

·         Walking stick

·         Hat

Marine tourism in Uganda

Uganda is an East African country with a variety of water bodies ranging from Lakes, rivers, swamps, waterfalls and hot springs in Semuliki National Park. Uganda is gifted with many lakes namely Lake Victoria being the second largest inland freshwater body in the world, Lake Albert being the 7th largest lake in Africa, Lake Kyoga, Lake Edward, and George connected by Kazinga channel and many others all with unique experiences to offer, rivers like River Nile a North-flowing river and the longest in Africa, River Kagera, and River Kafu among other, swamps like Mabamba hosting the rare shoebill with other bird species. These water bodies host wildlife like terrestrial wild animals, birds, aquatic animals, and a variety of butterflies.

There are three national parks in Uganda with boat cruise as a tourism product in Uganda and these are Lake Mburo National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Queen Elizabeth national park. The majority of Uganda’s marine adventure tourism activities are done in Jinja also known as the adrenaline capital of East Africa.

Marine activities in Uganda

Boat cruise

The boat cruise is the most interesting and enjoyable activity Murchison Falls national park offers. The boat cruise can either be to the bottom of the Murchison Falls or to the Albert delta.

To the bottom of the falls

This is the most enjoyable activity in Murchison falls national park because the launch starts from Paara dock and sails upwards towards the most powerful waterfalls in the world (Murchison Falls) as you set your eyes on schools of hippos, a variety of water birds, terrestrial wild animals at river banks like elephants, oribis, warthogs, buffalos are usually seen taking water and cooling their body temperatures. Crocodiles are also seen especially in spots near the waterfalls basking. The boat cruise to the falls gives our clients opportunities to take photos at a close range and good viewing of the wild game since the boat cruises closer to the animals.

The Albert delta launch cruise

The launch cruise to the Albert delta also starts from Paara dock sails smoothly on the flowing waters of the river Nile. The river splits up creating numerous Islands of papyrus zones. This delta also inhabits the rare shoebill, grey-headed kingfisher, Egyptian goose, white-crowned wheatear, African skimmer, Abyssinian ground hornbill palm nut vulture among others.

The boat cruise to the bottom of the falls is done in the morning and afternoon daily. The morning boat cruise starts at 9 am and the afternoon boat cruise starts at 2 pm both lasting for 2 to 3 hours depending on the speed of the boat.

Boat cruise at Kazinga channel

This channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and it’s a 32km long channel connecting the two lakes. This channel has a variety of birds, aquatic animals and also attracts a variety of terrestrial wild animals that are observed in a close range during the boat cruise. Wild animals to look out during the boat cruise include hippos, Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants and a variety of bird species like saddle stork, black crake, shoebill stork, yellow barked stork, and many others. The boat cruise gives you a chance to take photos and also view animals in a close range. The boat cruise sets off at 9 am and 2 pm in the afternoon daily at Kazinga channel.

Most of the marine adventure tourism activities are done in Jinja and some of them are bungee jumping, white water rafting, sunset boat cruise on the Nile, visiting source of the Nile, horseback riding on the Nile, jet boating on River Nile, sailing to Jinja from Entebbe on the M.V.Vanessa, all-terrain quad bike safari along the Nile and many others

Below are some of the top marine adventure activities you can do in Uganda

Bungee jumping

This activity is not for the faint of heart because it’s thrilling therefore it needs psychological preparation before you go for it. It involves jumping from a platform with a bungee cord connected to your two tied legs.  Diving from a tour and touching the river Nile makes this activity unique and unforgettable because you touch the longest river in the world

White water rafting

White water rafting involves cruising from mild water to wild white waters of the river Nile. This activity is thrilling but you won’t forget that experience of rafting on the longest river in the world (River Nile). A white water rafting trip on the river Nile can be done on a half-day or full-day trip on river Nile.

Sunset boat cruise on the River Nile

The sunset boat cruise starts at around 6:45 pm in Uganda and ends at 7:10 pm when total darkness comes it. Within these two hours on the river Nile, you see the sun setting in the west along the Nile when you reach in some serene spots that are perfect for a sunset cruise. You can also take snacks and drinks on this most enjoyable experience while in Jinja.

Jet boating on River Nile

Jet boating activity is one of the safest to engage in because the boat operator is experienced and knows the safest places in the river Nile where to cruise from. With jet boating, you ride up the rapids of river Nile. This activity favors those who do not want to spend a lot of time on the river Nile. Remember jet boating has to be booked for you in advance. For more information about Marine Expeditions, kindly contact Adyeri Creations Limited your number one Safari expert in Africa.

Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money it Costs?

Yes, gorilla trekking is worth the money it costs. Gorilla trekking is the most expensive tourism product both in Uganda and Rwanda. This is mainly because these gentle creatures are very rare and can only be found in four national parks in three African countries like Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. National parks with mountain gorillas include Bwindi national park and Mgahinga in Uganda, Volcanoes in Rwanda then Virunga in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Costs of gorilla permits

Rwanda has the most expensive gorilla permits for both gorilla tracking and habituation which costs USD 1500 each followed by that of Uganda which costs USD  600 then lastly that of DR Congo costing USD 450. Gorilla permits in Congo cost less compared to other places because of low demand for gorilla permits and it’s because of civil conflicts and political fights. Sometimes rangers are kidnapped and killed within the Virunga National Park which scares away tourists from going there hence the high demand in Rwanda and Uganda.

Note; Gorilla permits still cost USD 600 for tracking and USD 1,500 for habituation but starting on 1st July, gorilla permit for gorilla tracking will cost USD 700 after Uganda Wildlife Authority decided to increase its price. This is because of the increased costs, Uganda Wildlife Authority is meeting in the conserving these gentle creatures and the habitat where they live.

Is gorilla tracking worth it?

Gorilla trekking is an adventurous activity that involves going through difficulties through hiking but when you set your eyes on these gentle creatures, you don’t regret why you paid your money for the experience. In order to go for gorilla trekking, you should be physically fit because the activity involves hiking the muddy, slippery, wet, thorny bushes high altitudes of the mountains where these mountain gorillas stay, clients should also expect the use of much energy and discomfort since hiking is done in the tropical rain forests in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Virunga National Park. Clients should also expect to use a lot of energy and time when looking for these gentle giants. However, the load of work is reduced by the porters at the destination who are hired to carry some luggage for the clients so clients shouldn’t be worried about anything because the experience is worth it.

Here are the reasons as to why we convince our clients that gorilla trekking is worth the money it costs.

The social interaction of these mountain gorillas is amazing to see especially when they are all together as a family. These mountain gorillas are human-like in behavior. For example, they groom each other, feed their young ones, play with their baby gorillas, silverbacks protect their families since they are the leaders and protectors of their families. All sorts of interactions among the gorillas are amazing to see when you are close to them. Observing the mountain gorillas while interacting amongst themselves makes the experience worth the cost.

Secondly setting your eyes on a silverback/male gorilla is so amazing. This is because it’s physically different from the other family members like the mother gorillas and young ones. This is because it has a silver stripe on its back fur which it acquires when developing into adulthood. They are also big in size as compared to other family members.

In Uganda, 20% of the revenue generated from tourism is taken back to the communities neighboring these attractions, these funds are used to start up projects where community members can benefit from like jobs creation in the park environs, social services hence improving their standards of living and realizing the importance of these gentle creatures. In Rwanda, 10% is diverted back to communities neighboring these parks.

The rest of the revenue is used by the government to improve on the medical services, schools, improving on-road infrastructure among others. The reviews we get from our clients also convince us that the gorilla trekking experience is worth the cost because they are always positive.

The gorilla tracking and gorilla habituation are done under the guidance of knowledgeable, experienced and friendly trackers and rangers who provide all the information you would like to know about the experience and they welcome questions too from the participants of tracking. There is also an increase in the number of tourists coming to both Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla tracking and habituation even when the gorilla permits are expensive. This shows you that the experience is worth the cost.

Gorilla tracking and habituation require porters and local people to carry a backpack for the tourists going for gorilla experience and this provides them with jobs since they earn from the service they provide hence improved standards of living.

In conclusion, the one-hour interaction with the mountain gorillas starts from the time you set your eyes on a gorilla family and it’s designed for our clients to carefully observe the social interaction of these creatures, take photos, record videos and also enjoy the company of the mountain gorillas in their natural home.

Requirements for gorilla tracking and gorilla habituation

·         Hiking boots

·         Thick socks

·         Gaiters to keep ants off your boots

·         Walking sticks

Gorilla Babies Born in Buhoma Sector – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the world’s popular mountain Gorilla destination, the highlight of a visit to Bwindi is a remarkable hour with the Giant Apes. Tracking Gorilla can last from a couple of hours to a whole day depending on how far the group has moved since it was observed nesting up the previous evening, Gorilla usually sleeps in their nest as soon as night falls and wakes in the morning before sunrise.

Mubare Mountain Gorilla Family

 This was the very first mountain gorilla family to ever be habituated in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The family is named after the nearby Mubare hills and can be found in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi under the leadership of an alpha silverback called Kanyonyi. The habituation process for the Mubare mountain gorilla family started in October 1991 by the skillful Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) experts and ended two years later. At the time of its habituation, it was under the leadership of Ruhondeza who fathered a family of eighteen. Over its many years, it has suffered a number of misfortunes like raids by wild mountain gorilla families, kidnappings, deaths, and defections by some members which greatly reduced the group’s numbers. The group received one of its worst raids by a wild mountain gorilla family recently which injured and kidnapped most of its members. Ruhondeza tried to fight them off but because of his old age, he was over-powered. He, therefore, absconded deep into the forest because of the unbearable sadness in his heart. We are told that he died three months later in his sleep when he was above his fifties and his grave can be visited by tourists today. The five members who were deserted by Ruhondeza a few years ago have been increased to eight by the effortless contribution of their current alpha silverback called Kanyonyi.

New babies born in Buhoma sector

We are excited to announce new babies in Mubare Gorilla Family in Buhoma sector – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a few weeks ago, Karungi gave birth. Mother and the baby are healthy - the sex of the baby gorilla is not yet established. This is the second baby born in Mubare gorilla family Uganda’s oldest gorilla family within a period of 3 weeks. 2019 has been a great year for Uganda; we have continuously been blessed by births of the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which was declared a UNESCO Natural world heritage site in 1994.

Best time to trek mountain gorillas

The high season is June – September, and December to February. It’s hard to predict nowadays when the rainy season will be. Climate changes are making it difficult to forecast. Normally the long rainy season should be in March, April and the beginning of May and short rainy season in November. However, in the last 5 years, the short rainy season has been in early December. Gorilla tracking can be done throughout the year and the success rate of seeing them is the same. In the rainy season, the tracks in the rain forest might be a bit muddier and your tracking might be a bit longer and tougher because of that. However, it’s a rain forest, so the difference is not all that big compared to the dry season, especially in November.

How to book permits for Buhoma sector

Permits to track mountain gorillas can be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority head offices in Kampala, kindly send us the dates you would like to track mountain gorillas, Uganda Wildlife Authority is in charge of issuing gorilla permits for all gorilla tracking sectors namely Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Nyakagezi in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. If you are planning to visit mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, we advise you to book your permits in advance 4-6 months before your trekking day, the high demand for gorilla permits in Uganda prompts us to advise our clients to book their permits in advance to avoid disappointment on the trekking day when permits are fully booked especially during the peak season which usually occurs from December to February and June to September.

How to get there

Buhoma gorilla group can be accessed by road from Kampala following a tarmac road to Kabale for about 410 am spending about 6-7 hours and then connect on a murram road through Kanungu District to Buhoma for about 60 km for approximately 3 hours drive to Buhoma Gorilla Sector.

What to wear or carry on your trek

·         Long Trousers

·         Hat

·         Long-sleeved shirt

·         Hiking shoes since the terrain is rough

·         Hand gloves

·         Raincoat

·         Packed lunch

·         Drinking water

·         Camera

Birding in Uganda

Uganda is the best destination in Africa to do birding. Over 1050 bird species which are being inhabited in different habitats across the country like in semi-arid areas, rich savannah, lowlands, montane rainforests, vast wetlands, volcanoes, Afro-alpine zone, agricultural land, rivers, and lakes. All these habitats are accessible for birding because the government of Uganda realized the importance of tourism and improved on the transport system linking up to these various areas. When you visit Uganda for bird watching you will have more chances of seeing a variety of bird species due to more birds per square kilometer than any other country in Africa.

Top 10 birding destinations in Uganda

Mabamba wetland on Lake Victoria

This wetland is located at the edge of Lake Victoria, west of Entebbe peninsula 36 km in Mpigi district away from Kampala city which is the country’s main capital.

It is one of the best marshy areas along the northern shores of Lake Victoria for bird watching boasting of over 260 bird species with one day’s record of 157 bird species. The wide variety of bird species comprises of the rare shoebill which can be spotted at any time of the day, the migrant blue swallow, Pallid harrier, Papyrus gonolek, white-winged warbler, swamp flycatcher, malachite kingfisher, African jacana, Lesser jacana, winding cisticola, grosbeak weaver, African marsh harrier, and many others.

It should be remembered that Mabamba is one of Uganda’s 33 Important Bird Areas.

Bwindi impenetrable national park

This park is located in southwestern Uganda is well known for inhabiting the rare endangered mountain gorillas. It’s a beautiful place with mountains and valleys covered by the tropical rainforest which is green throughout the year. The vegetation covers both the mountains and the valleys.

This forest is one of the rich biologically forests in Africa with a variety of about 350 bird species, for example, the Albertine rift endemics of which 14 can’t be found anywhere in Africa. It was also voted as Africa’s best birding spot by the African bird club.

The forest has well-maintained birding trails that give you chances to see a variety of birds like African green broadbill, Fraser’s eagle, collared Apalis, handsome francolin, western bronze-napped pigeon, blue-headed and regal sunbirds among many others.

Murchison Falls National Park

This park is located at the northern end of the western arm of the Albertine rift valley. It is the oldest and biggest national park in Uganda bisected by part of the longest river in the world the mighty Nile forming the northern and the southern bank. The course of river Nile plunges 45m over the remnant rift valley wall into a narrow gorge of 7m forming the most powerful waterfalls in the world. This park has a variety of habitats like the savannah, Borassus palms, acacia trees and riverine woodland, woodlands and forest patches, especially in the southern bank.

This park is one of the best birding spots in Africa because of its various habitats act as homes to 451 bird species found within this park and it takes the 9th position in Africa when it comes to birding. Birding in this park can be done both on a game drive and launch trips and expect to see savannah forest birds, Albertine rift endemics and water birds. Some of the birds to look out are elusive shoebill stork, goliath heron, swamp flycatcher, Abyssinian ground hornbill, giant kingfishers, malachite and many others.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

This park is located in the western parts of Uganda and is one of the most popular and scenic. It has a variety of ecosystems like open savannahs, rainforests, dense papyrus swamps, brooding crater lakes, and humid forests. This park is endowed with a variety of big game, 600 bird species and 10 primates offering a lot to the Queen Elizabeth national park itinerary.

Queen Elizabeth national park is a birder’s haven with a wide variety of bird species which are relatively easily seen. Some of the birds to look out are African mourning dove, swamp flycatcher, malachite, African skimmer, grey capped warbler, black-headed gonolek, sedge warbler, papyrus canary, flamingos at the salt lakes of Katwe among many others.

The park’s savannah and forests linkup with the big forests of Democratic Republic of Congo giving our clients to view both the east and the central African bird species namely African darter, long-tailed cormorant, little egret, hammer kop, European honey buzzard, knob-billed duck, northern pintail, Egyptian goose, scissor-tailed kite, black-crowned crane, common snipe, rose winged parakeet, standard winged nightjar, brown nightjar, African pitta, African yellow-warbler among others.

This park has the greatest bird species in East African national parks and it was recognized as the “International Birding Area” by Birding International.

Queen Elizabeth National Park features other attractions which are amazing to see like the crater lakes, panoramic views of the Kazinga channel with its river banks occupied with the hippos, buffalos, elephants, and many other wild animals. The Ishasha sector of the park has tree-climbing lions that hide in the fig trees because of the excessive heat on the rounding day time and pests.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the extreme western corner of Uganda forming part of the Virunga conservation area covering an area of 434 kilometers squared which comprises Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mgahinga has about 180 bird species with some of the Albertine rift endemics, .14 of the 24 bird species are of the Albertine rift valley mountain endemics and 39 of the 88 bird species are of Afro-tropical highlands biome that occurs in Uganda.

The park offers excellent viewing spots like along the gorge trail, bamboo trial, farm trails. Look out for birds like cape robin, Kivu ground thrush, cinnamon bracken warbler, white starred robin, western green tinker bird, strip- breasted tit, scarlet tufted and many others.

Semuliki National Park

Semuliki national park is located in southwestern Uganda within the Albertine rift valley. It’s one of the best birding destinations within Uganda boosting of 441 bird species in both the riverine forest and grassland avian ecosystems.

The park has a variety of birds like the 46 Guinea-Congo biome bird species which reach Uganda through the Congo basin vegetation stretching from Lake Albert to Congo area and the 5 Albertine rift endemic species. Birds to look out in Semuliki National Park include Congo serpent eagle, long-tailed hawk, Nkulega rail, black wattled hornbill, black-winged starling, white-tailed hornbill, capuchin babbler, crested flycatcher, orange weaver, red-billed malimbe and many others.

Rwenzori National Park

Rwenzori is Africa’s most beautiful park with the third highest mountain in Africa after mountain Kilimanjaro and Mountain Kenya. Its six peaks are capped with snow and visible miles away from within and outside the park, a variety of ecosystems like montane forests, bamboo forests, tree heath, bog, scrub and afro-alpine moorland which are habitats to various bird species.

This park has 177 bird species which can be seen during the hiking through the forest zones and birds to see are Ruwenzori turaco, blue-headed sunbird, golden-winged sunbird, slender-billed starling, bearded vulture, swifts and many others.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo is located in northeastern Uganda very isolated from other parks where the majority of Uganda’s national parks are located. This is a magnificent park and it hasn’t been utilized so much as compared to other parks because of the long-distance but the long-distance is worth the drive to visit because this park is dry and hot yet spectacular and virgin wilderness park waiting to be discovered!. It has dry montane forests and open savannah which inhabits almost 500 bird species waiting to be explored.

Some of the birds to look out are hornbill, ostrich, Abyssinian ground hornbill, kori bustard, silver bird, yellow-billed shrike, yellow-rumped seedeater, black coucal among others.

Kibale National Park

This park is located in western Uganda covering an area of 766 square kilometers. It is well known for protecting the 13 primates like chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkey, L’hoest monkey, red-tailed monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, and Ugandan red colobus among many others.

Chimpanzees are the main attractions in this park but it’s also a good place for birding since it has about 350 bird species comprising of 6 being endemic to the region and 60 percent are Uganda’s forest birds.

Birds to sight out in Kibale are green breasted pitta, African pitta, crowned eagle, collared Apalis, black-capped Apalis, black bee-eater, little greenbul, brown chested athlete and many others.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is located along the highway which links to the western parts of the country. It has a variety of ecosystems like acacia woodlands, dry hillsides, rocky outcrops, bushy thickets, and open and wooded savannah, forests, lakes, swamps, and grassy valleys, seasonal and permanent swamps.

This park has 332 bird species in these various habitats and birds to look out during birding and game drives are shoebill, yellow warbler, African finfoot, saddle-billed stork, brown chested wattled plover, carrutter’s , cisticola, Tabora cisticola, great snipe, Abyssinian ground hornbill, white-winged warbler among many others.

Due to many birding destinations in Uganda, we have not fully given more information on some of the birding destinations but we shall leave you with a list of other birding destinations like forests and wetlands where birding can be done in Budongo forest, Mabira forest, Katonga wildlife reserve, Bigodi wetland sanctuary, Lutembe bay. For more information about birding safaris kindly contact Adyeri Creations Limited.

African Safari in East Africa

East Africa has a lot to offer to visitors who come to Africa to see wild animals, vegetation types, mountains, water bodies, culture, deep gorges, hills, historical sites, birds, heritage sites among many others. There are different vegetation types like Tropical rain forests, savannah vegetation, woodlands, coastal forests, alpine forests and scrublands, mountains which are snow-capped like mountain Kilimanjaro, Mountain Kenya, and mountain Rwenzori. Other mountains include mountain Elgon, Aberdare range, mountain Mgahinga, mountain Muhabura among others. Water bodies range from lakes which are fresh and salty, rivers, swamps, hot springs, waterfalls, crater lakes on top of volcanoes among others, East African Rift valley which forms the eastern and the western arm with its associated features, the Indian Ocean with its beautiful sand beaches, hills especially in Rwanda covered with green vegetation and many other tourist attractions.

 It should be remembered that these tourist attractions are conserved and managed by different organizations in their respective countries in order to benefit the people through income creation. So our clients should be aware that their travel to East Africa will play a great role in uplifting the lives of the local people.

Since East Africa is so big, with each country being unique with different flora and fauna as listed below;

Uganda

Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa bordered by Southern Sudan in the North, Tanzania in the south, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the west and Kenya in the East. Uganda is endowed with a variety of tourist attractions managed and conserved by different organizations both private and those owned by the state Like Uganda wildlife Authority, National Forestry Authority and many others. Some of the tourist attractions in Uganda range from wild animals, water bodies, mountains, hills, different vegetation types, diverse cultures, and historical sites among others. All these attractions are gazetted in specific areas like national parks, forest reserves, historical sites, cultural sites among many others.

Below are some of the major attractions you can come to visit in Uganda and get unique experiences.

Bwindi Impenetrable national park

This park is found in southwestern Uganda covering an area of 331 square kilometers with dense rainforests and hills covered with mist.

These gentle creatures can only be found in three countries in the whole world with Uganda having more than half of the remaining mountain gorillas and the rest found in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda, mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park both in southwestern parts of the country. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has a variety of plant species close to 400, about 370 mountain gorillas and 120 mammals. You can opt for either gorilla tracking or gorilla habituation depending on your budget. At present, gorilla tracking is at 600 US dollars but in the new financial year starting on 1st July, it will be at 700 US dollars while gorilla habituation will still be at USD 1500 per person. Please book with us in advance so that we can secure for you gorilla permits and accommodation in time.

Kibale National Park

This park is found in western parts of the country within the kingdom of Tooro. It hosts 13 primate species like the Chimpanzees being a major attraction,  red colobus monkeys, Uganda Mangabey, L’Hoest’s monkeys and many others, 70 mammal species like forest elephants, some antelope species, giant forest hogs, buffalos and many others, over 375 bird species. Chimpanzee trekking was designed into ways where there are chimpanzee tracking and chimpanzee habituation. With chimpanzee habituation, you spend the whole day with our closest cousins, while chimpanzee tracking usually takes an hour or two, and also the different activities differ in prices. Chimpanzee tracking permit costs 200 dollars while habituation costs 250 dollars.

It should be remembered that you can also do chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest within Murchison falls national park, Kyambura Gorge commonly known as the valley of Apes in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Book with us in advance so that we can secure for you chimpanzee permits in time

Murchison Falls National Park

This is the biggest national game park in the country lying at the northern end of the Albertine rift valley. This park is endowed with a variety of habitats like woodland vegetation, savannah vegetation, tropical forest, riverine vegetation all hosting different species of animals insects and birds. The park has 76 mammal species like elephants, giraffes buffalos, antelopes, warthogs, baboons, monkeys, hippos and crocodiles along the river, while on a boat cruise and 451 bird species which can be seen on various activities like game drives, boat cruise, nature walks, hiking, birding among many others.

The park is bisected by the longest river in the world called River Nile creating the southern and the northern bank. On its journey to the Mediterranean Sea within the park, it plunges 45m over the rift valley creating the Murchison Falls. It should be remembered that this falling water squeezes itself in a narrow gorge of 8m wide and plunges with a loud noise that can be heard a distance away from the falls.

 Rwenzori National Park

This park is located in western Uganda in Kasese district to be exact along the Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo border. It covers an area of 995 kilometers squared. This park was gazetted in 1991 as a national park and recognized as a world heritage site in 1994 because of its natural endowment. Rwenzori Mountain is the third highest mountain in Africa after Mountain Kilimanjaro and mountain Kenya all in Kenya. This mountain has six different mountain peaks like Emin, Speke, Gessi, Baker, Savoia, and Stanely.

Mountain Rwenzori gives you an opportunity of ascending the snow-capped peaks and walk on glaciers. The peaks are beautiful covered with mist and carry snow throughout the year. The main activity in Mountain Rwenzori national park is mountain climbing but it also features large mammals in the lower slopes of the mountain like African forest elephants, giant forest hogs, chimpanzees and many others but there are low chances of seeing them, 217 bird species, 9 reptile species, and many others.

The landscape is extremely beautiful comprising of waterfalls, hot springs, blue cirque, lakes, snow, and clad peaks. The park also has some other activities tourists can engage in like Trekking, nature walks, and peak climbing. Visit Rwenzori national park it’s worth to visit.

Mgahinga National Park

This park is located in southwestern Uganda and is the smallest park in Uganda covering an area of 33.7 kilometers squared. It was formed to protect the endangered mountain gorillas in its dense forests which sit at an altitude of 2,227m to 4,127m above sea level. The dense forests are cool and they create conducive conditions for the survival of the endangered mountain gorillas. This park is home to part of the three hundred gorillas located in the Virunga massif and there is only one habituated gorilla group for tracking within this park and Hirwa gorilla family which crossed Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park with 20 individuals into Uganda's Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

It also inhabits the rare golden monkeys and this gives you an opportunity to do two things in one park-like gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking and habituation. Golden monkey trekking takes 4 hours and within this time trekkers are allowed to view and take photos of the golden monkeys. These monkeys are habituated and they can tolerate human presence at a distance. There are six golden monkey families that are used for the golden monkey trekking.

The park also has three volcanoes and this also beautifies the landscape of the park. The volcanoes are Mount Muhavura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabinyo where you can do mountain climbing. The volcanoes also contain different ecosystems inhabiting different wild animal species, birds and insects which you can encounter when hiking. The peaks of these volcanoes also give remarkable views of landscape especially Mt. Sabinyo which shared by three countries namely Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This all-day encounter that takes place in a patch of private forest contiguous with the national park provides a fascinating insight into the traditional forest life and lore of the hunter-gatherer culture of the Batwa communities (Pygmies) in the forests of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You can also do birding for Albertine rift endemic within the Park.

Uganda has ten national parks all offering unique wildlife attractions with different experiences. Apart from the ones mentioned above, the following below are other parks where you can enjoy your wildlife safaris - Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Park among others.

Rwanda

Rwanda is a landlocked country in East Africa bordered by Uganda in the north, Tanzania in the east, Burundi in the south then DRC in the west. It’s endowed with various attractions like wild animals, birds, different vegetation types, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, culture, beautiful landscape compromised of hills and that’s why it’s called “the land of a thousand hills”, cultural sites among others.

Rwanda currently has three national parks and each has a unique experience to offer to our clients. These are Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Akagera National Park.

Volcanoes National Park

It is also known as Parc National des Volcans. It’s located in northwestern Rwanda in a small town of Musanze. This park has an area of 160 kilometers squared covered with rainforest and it has five volcanoes like Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabinyo all in the Virunga Mountains. This park is also the oldest in the whole of Africa.

The primary attractions in Volcanoes National Park are the rare mountain gorillas that live in the dense rainforests within this park. They are habituated so that they get used to human presence and this gives trekkers the opportunity to see the mountain gorillas at a close distance from them as they are feeding, grooming, playing with their young ones and this experience takes one hour. The gorilla permit in Rwanda costs USD 1500  and the money is worth the experience.

This park also harbors the endangered golden monkeys at present the park has two golden monkey families comprising eighty members which are ready to be observed. These golden monkeys live in the bamboo forests of the park and the experience takes one hour - you see them feeding, jumping on trees and many others since they are so active. Golden monkey experience costs USD 100 per permit which is the same amount also charged in Uganda.

The park is endowed with 178 bird species, different vegetation types and various mammals like buffaloes, black-fronted duiker, hyenas, bushbucks and many others. There are other activities you can participate in within the Park like mountaineering, twin lake visit and visiting Dian Fossey tombs.

Nyungwe National Park

This park lies in the southwestern parts of Rwanda with a vast area of mountain rainforests and it covers an area of 1,015 kilometers squared. The main attractions in this park are the 13 primate species which include chimpanzees, Ruwenzori colobus, L’hoest, silver monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and many others and it is the only place in Rwanda where you can do chimpanzee trekking and the experience starts in the morning.

Nyungwe national park also has the canopy walkway which is above the valley and the surrounding forests and it runs to the Kamiranzovu marsh which has a variety of bird species like handsome francolin, collared Apalis, regal sunbird, etc, orchids and waterfalls. The walkway is suspended between higher slopes and giant trees which covers about 1 km from Uwinka. The canopy walkway is almost 200m long and a maximum height of 40m. However, it feels unstable for people with a poor head for heights.

Nyungwe national park has a biodiversity of plant species which are about more than 1050 plant species, 250 Albertine rift endemics and 200 orchids, at least 120 butterfly species, 85 mammal species, 38 reptiles, and many others. 

Akagera National Park

This park is located in eastern Rwanda at the border between Rwanda and Tanzania covering an area of 1,122 kilometers squared. It was named after the Akagera River which flows along the eastern boundary of Rwanda. The largest part of this park is mainly savannah which favors sighting of the various mammals like topis, bushbucks, oribis, duikers, zebras, giraffes, elephants during the game drives. This park is also characterized by other habitats like woodlands, swamps and low mountains which act as homes to other wild living organisms. The park also has Lake Ihema which is home to hippos and crocodiles which are seen basking in sun during the boat cruise. It also has common primates like baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, and bush babies. Akagera national park is also a good destination for birding which can be done on a boat safari, nature walks, and game drives. The park also has beautiful scenery which is amazing to see.

Kenya

Kenya is an East African country that has a coastline at the Indian Ocean. It is blessed with a variety of wildlife which is gazetted into national parks, sanctuaries, private conservancies and reserves to protect them for future generations. Kenya has 54 national parks and reserves all combined together each having its unique characteristics and feel. Kenya’s wildlife has attractions like wild animals, birds, primates, series of lakes especially in the eastern arm of the great rift valley and some other places have the highest and second mountains in Africa namely Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya plus other mountains, the great rift valley, sun-soaked lands, ancient tribes like the Kikuyu, Masai, Samburu, historical sites, cultural sites, different vegetation types, coastal features like beautiful sandy beaches, coral reefs, cuisines in Mombasa among others. Kenya is commonly known as the "home of safari". Kenya has so many parks where you can enjoy your wildlife safaris like Masai mara national park, mountain Kenya national park, Amboseli national park, Lake Nakuru national park, Samburu national park among many others but we shall provide some information on one of the most visited ones.

Masai Mara Game Reserve

 Masai Mara Game Reserve is located in southwestern Kenya covering an area of 1,510 kilometers squared making it one of the biggest reserves in the world. It is bordered by Serengeti national park in the south, the Siria escarpment in the west, Masai ranches in the north, east and west. This park was named after the Masai people who live in the park while grazing their animals.

One of the unique things about this park is that it’s known for its great migration of thousands of wildebeests, zebras and the Thomson’s gazelle that travel to and from Serengeti national park from July through October.

The park has the Mara River which is also a good spot for sighting birding, hippos, and crocodiles.

Masai mara will give you a chance to sight predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards especially during morning hours and evening times since those are the good times for them to do the hunting. As the sun comes out, they hide under shrubs and trees to avoid the excessive heat from the sun, come and enjoy your African Safari in East Africa.

This park also has all members of the big five like lions, leopards, elephants, cape buffalos, and rhinoceros.

Since this park has a lot to offer to our clients, it has a lot of activities our clients can participate in like game drives, hot air balloon experience over Masai mara, seeing wildebeests migration, cultural visits to the Masai communities, Mara river visit, big game walking safari, birding and many others.

Amboseli National Park

This park was formerly called Masai Amboseli game reserve. It’s now covering an area of 39,206 hectares of land and it’s now the second popular national park in Kenya after the Masai Mara game reserve. This is because of its amazing wildlife because it offers the best viewing experiences in the whole world with 400 bird species like pelicans, kingfisher, crakes, hamerkop and 47 raptor species, best in the world to get close to free-ranging elephants, visiting Masai people in their villages, you can also view mountain Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in the world covered with snow at its peak within Amboseli national park and it’s also dotted with hills and swamps which makes Amboseli national park the most scenic national parks in Kenya.

Apart from being the home of big five, it is also a rich playfield of a variety of wildlife and vegetation.

Due to the parks diversity of wildlife, it also favors a variety of activities our tourists can engage in like wildlife viewing, cultural visits to the villages, game drives, and nature photography.

Nairobi National Park

 This park is located approximately 7 km south of the Nairobi center and it is one of the smallest national parks in the world covering an area of 117 kilometers squared. It is within Nairobi city making it easy to access.

It boasts of annual migrating herbivorous wild animals that gather in the park during the dry season like wildebeests and zebras that move in and out of the park via the Kitengela migration corridor.

It hosts a variety of mammals like cape buffaloes, baboons, zebras, cheetahs, lions, elands, impala, Masai giraffe, and many other animals. This park is also one of the most successful rhinoceros sanctuaries where you can sight the black and white rhinos.

The park is home to big give animals except the elephants.

Tanzania

It is a land of superlatives and contrasts, something for everyone – from the majestic Kilimanjaro to the fabled island of Zanzibar. The largest and most diverse wildlife concentration on earth includes the matchless Ngorongoro crater, Serengeti plains, Manyara National Park, Katavi, and the mighty Selous Game Reserve.

Serengeti National Park

Home to greatest wonder on earth, more than 1.5 million wildebeests and 300,000 zebras who bear get a mention through the park in the early part of the year and then congregate in the western corridor in July ready to cross into the Mara. The sight is remarkable, as is the noise of animals crossing the Mara River all day long.

Manyara National Park

 The Park is situated in the basin of the Rift Valley along Lake Manyara, the lakeside is watered with hot springs and the reserve has a high concentration of tree climbing lions and elephants.

Ngorongoro Crater

 Home to the greatest concentration of lions and wildlife, therefore Africa’s biggest feeding frenzy and also home to the big 5 animals. The Crater has achieved world renown, attracting an ever-increasing number of visitors each year. Ngorongoro is a remarkable natural wonder.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain, the highest peak of which is Kibo is 5,895 meters covering 8,288 square kilometers national park. Perversely many who of those who climb the mountain – usually a 5 Day task – never actually see it, as it's snow-capped peak is frequently shrouded in the cloud.

For more information about African Safaris kind contact Adyeri Creations Limited so we can tailor your lifetime encounter with nature and wild animals in their natural habitats on your African Safari.

Best places to hike in Uganda

Uganda is one of the African countries with a variety of relief features ranging from the plateau, Mountains, Valleys, Hills and many other relief features. The western part of Uganda was highly affected by underground forces resulting in different relief features like volcanic mountains, rift valley, hills, and crater lakes. Virunga in Uganda features three volcanoes like Mount Sabinyo, Mgahinga volcano, and Muhavura volcano all in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This park has inhabits the rare mountain gorillas and the rare golden monkeys. This is the reason why people refer to it as to a place where gold meets silver. The western part of the country also has Rwenzori Mountain featuring a variety of vegetation types, animals, birds and insects.

The western arm of the rift valley also stretches through the western parts of the country together with its associated features like waterfalls, lakes, escarpments among others. Although the western parts of the country were highly affected by underground forces resulting in the magnificent physical features favoring hiking in Uganda, there are other areas where hiking can be done for example Mountain Elgon National Park, Mabira Forest, Murchison Falls National Park among others.

Hiking in Uganda

Uganda is a country with a vast landscape with varied scenery favoring hiking. For example, you can hike Mountain Rwenzori, the three volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, Sipi falls, Mount Muhavura, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabinyo, and Murchison falls among many others. The package for hiking depends on our client’s time he or she is willing to spend and the amount of money he or she has prepared to spend on a safari. We organize safari packages for our clients depending on what he or she wants to experience and we make sure that our clients enjoy their safaris to the maximum.

Hiking places in Uganda

Mountain Rwenzori

This is the third highest mountain in Africa after Mountain Kilimanjaro and Mountain Kenya, Mount Rwenzori is located in the western parts of Uganda bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its highest peak is Stanely peak which reaches an elevation of 5,109m above sea level. This mountain covers a length of 120km and a width of 65km. You shouldn’t forget that mountain Rwenzori also has snow-capped peaks.

The mountain is the third tallest in Africa, you should expect to see a variety of vegetation types like montane forests, bamboo forests, tree heath, Rapanea scrub, and afro-alpine moorland.

The Rwenzori peaks also feature beautiful mist, permanent snow, glaciers, beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and lakes while the lower slopes are covered with dense forests. All these natural physical features on this magnificent mountain plus its stunning beauty have made it be considered as the best in Africa and 9th in the whole world for hiking and mountain climbing adventures. Complete hiking of this mountain takes 8 days and 7 nights and this gives the chance hikers to climb to the highest peak of Margherita for those who can manage. It’s the central circuit and it’s the longest of all. There are also other shorter circuits like the Mahoma loop, 1-day chimpanzee trail, and the 1-day Kilembe trail. The Mahoma loop is hiked for three days while the rest are for one day.

Virunga Volcanoes

There are three main volcanoes found in the southwestern part of Uganda along the border with Rwanda and The Democratic Republic of Congo. These volcanoes include Muhabura, Mgahinga, and Sabinyo. The scenic beauty of these volcanoes offers beautiful views and excellent day hike experiences. The Virungas also harbor endangered species of wildlife like golden monkeys, mountain gorillas, endemic birds and mountain vegetation which you may encounter while hiking.

Muhavura volcano

It is the highest elevated at an altitude of 4127m above sea level and it’s situated on the Rwanda-Uganda border.  It is a long hike to the summit and it takes 5 hours to reach the summit and almost the same time coming back. It is a tough activity but you won’t regret making complete hiking. There’s a crater lake which is 36m wide at the summit for viewing.

Mgahinga volcano

It’s the smallest of the three volcanoes elevating at an altitude of 3474m above sea level. It is situated in between Muhavura and Sabinyo. It is the shortest and easier to hike. It has a bigger crater at the summit which is not so easy to move around to get better views.

Sabinyo volcano

It is situated on the border of the three countries which are Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It elevates at an altitude of 3645m above sea level. It is the most challenging because it’s deeply eroded with jagged crown, deep gorges, and ravines. It also has many craters and our clients get a lot of fun while hiking this volcano. This volcano has the best views of all the volcanoes in Virungas stretching across all the three countries. It has three peaks which look like three spaced teeth hence the same ‘Sabinyo’ which means old man’s teeth.

The unique part about Sabinyo volcano is that it is lies at the meeting point of the tree countries like Uganda, Rwanda and The Democratic Republic of Congo, while the rest of the volcanoes lie in one, are shared between two countries. Meaning at the top of Sabinyo volcano, you get to set foot in all the three countries. You should also remember that Sabinyo volcano is found within Mgahinga national park.

Hiking the Sabinyo volcano is a one day hike which takes 8 hours both hiking up until you meet the summit and coming back. The hike starts at the park office after briefing has been done by the guides.

While hiking, you will move through different vegetation zones like bamboo which inhabits the rare golden monkeys, birds, other mammals like elephants, buffaloes, and gorillas but the chances of seeing these big mammals are few.

Mountain Elgon

It is found in eastern Uganda on the border of Uganda and Kenya. It is the 8th highest mountain in Africa lying at an altitude of 4321m above sea level and its highest peak being Wagagai. Thousands of years ago, it was the tallest in Africa but because of the continuous erosion, its peak kept on reducing up to the current height of 4321m making it the 4th highest in East Africa. This mountain also possesses the largest caldera in the whole world. Apart from hiking to reach the summit, mountain Elgon also has a lot to offer like fascinating wildlife along the slopes, different vegetation types that harbor a variety of wildlife you may encounter as you hike. This mountain also has got other geological features like caves, water pools, waterfalls, and beautiful scenery. To hike mountain Elgon, there are two major trails one can use for example the Sasa trail or Budadiri trailhead accessible from Mbale which takes 4 to 5 days to reach the peak then the Piswa trail which is gentler to hike than the Sasa trail.

The mountains above are one of the best places where hiking and mountain climbing can be done in Uganda but there are also, other places where hiking can be done namely Sipi falls, Mabira forest, Kabwoya wildlife reserve among many others. Kindly contact Adyeri Creations Limited for more information about mountain climbing adventures in Uganda.

Requirements for hiking

Raincoat

Hiking shoes

Garden gloves

Long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect from itchy plants and scratches

Lunch and snacks

Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest – Murchison Fall National Park

Trekking Chimpanzee is a thrilling experience where one gets to meet his/her closest cousins with 98% DNA close to that of human beings. Chimpanzees are tracked in different areas in Uganda and Budongo forest is among the best chimpanzee habitat in Uganda with 600 individuals and about 100 are habituated for tracking at Kaniyo Pabidi. Only one habituated group of chimpanzees can be tracked in Budongo forest. It is the largest natural mahogany forest in East Africa covering an area of 825 sq km; this forest in the south of Murchison falls National Park is home to a habituated Chimpanzee group that can be tracked with a well-trained guide. Budongo forest is also home to 9 primate species namely Olive baboon, black and white colobus, grey-cheeked colobus red-tailed monkey, blue monkey among others.

Budongo Forest is home to over 30 mammal species and 360 bird species and various activities are done here but majorly Chimpanzee trekking. This activity is mainly done at Kaniyo Pabidi which borders Murchison Falls at the southern edge hence about a 30-minute drive from the Kichumbanyobo gate and is directed by Jane Goodall Institute together with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

There are two sessions to track Chimps in a day; morning and afternoon and tracking start at 7:00 am where the trackers meet at the information center then briefed and led by skilled ranger guide to search for the mighty giants in the forest. Chimps in Budongo can also be tracked by a person on a tour from or to Murchison falls it can be done as an add-on on the itinerary and the person has to be in good health with no cough, flu or any disease that can be transmitted to the Chimps.

When to visit

Chimpanzees in Budongo forest can be tracked any time of the year though the best time to the visit would be from May to August where the chance of viewing chimps is at 90%. In months; February, March, April, September and early October the chances are at 80%.

When it comes to months of Late October, November, December, and January chances are at 70% and hence viewing chimpanzees is difficult since trackers have to move long distances to find them. The reason is during that time there is a scarcity of food, shelter and maybe water in the nearest places; therefore they move to further areas to look for food.

How to get there

Budongo forest is located in the northwestern part of Uganda about 4 hours drive approximately 305 km from Kampala to Budongo forest reserve.

Where to stay

·         Luxury – Chobe Safari Lodge

·         Mid-range – Sambiya River Lodge

·         Budget – Red Chilli Rest Camp

Related primate Safaris

·         3 Day Chimpanzee Tour

·         3 Day Gorilla Tour

·        9 Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour

Africa Wildlife Safaris

This African wildlife safari will do something more adventurous, like cruising through some of the most sought-after game parks and reserves in search of the famous Big 5. Our wildlife safari destinations range widely across East Africa; at Adyeri Creations Limited we tailor African wildlife safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Wildlife safari in Uganda

Uganda is commonly known as the pearl of Africa comprising of open grassland, mountains, and savannah with abundant wildlife in 10 national parks, 12 wildlife reserves, and 13 wildlife sanctuaries, in  Uganda we have three National Parks with abundant wildlife animals namely Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park.

Murchison Falls National Park – tucked away in the relatively remote northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley is the largest National Park in Uganda spreading 3,877 sq km – living up to its name Murchison falls is known for its unique wilderness character, Murchison repute as a leading destination for quality wildlife sightings are also growing with about 76 species of mammals, 6 species of primates and 451 bird species, and one of the most spectacular in Africa. At the Murchison Falls, the river Nile explodes through a narrow 6-meter wide crevice and over a 40-meter drop. In the eastern sector of the park, before the Murchison Falls themselves, are the Karuma Falls, where the Nile cascades over a breathtaking 23 km of rapids, creating some of the most exciting white-water rafting opportunities in Uganda, a boat cruise upstream the Nile to Murchison Falls is a remarkable encounter. On the banks, abundant wildlife including elephant, crocodile, hippopotamus, lion, giraffe, buffalo, and countless antelopes and birds can be observed.

Queen Elizabeth Queen Elizabeth National Park – The Park, in the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley, covers 2,056 sq. km and includes a remarkable variety of ecosystems, from semi-deciduous tropical forest to green meadows, savannah and swamps. It is the home of the famous tree-climbing lion in the Ishasha sector as well as the Uganda Kob, antelope species, elephant, baboons, hippos, buffalo and chimpanzees. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded, making the park a magnet for bird watchers. The bird species include the black bee-eater, 11 types of kingfisher, Shoebill storks and several species of falcons, eagles and other raptors. In the crater lakes to the north, flocks of flamingos can be found. A favorite way to view the game is by launch trip on the Kazinga Channel between Lakes George and Edward.

Kidepo National Park – The Park is located in North East Uganda and covers 1,436 sq. km. It is inhabited by various wildlife including bush elephant, Nubian giraffe buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, various antelope species, baboon, bush baby and over 200 species of bird. Two game viewing routes connect the rest camp with the prime wildlife areas near the Win-wing River and the rock escarpment to the southwest. On the park’s northern borders are the Kananorok Hot Springs.

Wildlife Safaris in Kenya

Abedare National Park – the park is located about 100 km north of Nairobi and stretches over wide terrains. Abedare covers a higher area of the Abedare Mountain ranges of central Kenya. Animals easily observed in the park include the black rhino, baboon, black and white colobus monkey sykes monkey and leopard.

Lake Nakuru National Park – the park lies 140 km Northwest of Nairobi, its ecosystem is surrounded by mainly wooded and bushy grassland. The Park supports a wide ecological diversity with flamingos and other water birds being the major attractions of the area and 56 species of mammals including the white rhino, buffaloes, bush elephants among others.

Meru National Park – the Park is located in the east part of Meru 350 km from Nairobi covering an area of 87,044 hectares. It has abundant rainfall and a wide range of wildlife such as elephants, hippos, lion, cheetah, leopard, black rhino, rare antelopes and more than 300 species of birds.

Amboseli National Park – is located in Loitoktok district within the Great Rift Valley, 292 km from Nairobi. The Park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants, meet the Maasai and get spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa.

Maasai Mara National Park – the Park covers 1530 km and lies southwest of the country, it borders the Serengeti National Park to the south, the Siria escarpment to the west and Maasai pastoral ranches to the north and east. It is famous for its exceptional population of big cats and the annual migration of wildebeest and other grazers from the Serengeti every year from July to October.

Mount Kenya National Park – the Park is located to the east of the Great Rift Valley about 175 km North-East of Nairobi. At 5,199 meters, the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa. It is also an important water tower in Kenya. The Park supports wildlife such as elephants, white-tailed mongoose, tree hyrax, fronted duiker, elands, bushbucks, waterbucks, suni, mole rats among others.

Tsavo West National Park – Tsavo West covers an area of 9,065 square kilometers and is generally referred to as the “Land of lava springs and Man-eaters” it is located southeast of Kenya, 240 km from Nairobi along the western side of Mombasa Nairobi highway. Major wildlife attractions include rhino, hippos, elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalos and bird species include Somali bee-eater, slender-tailed nightjar, red-backed shrike, red-billed parrot, river warbler, Basra red warbler among others.

Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve – the Park is located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Kenya, the Park is the oldest marine park in Africa – the park lies at Malindi, about 118 km North of Mombasa. The Park’s attractions include coral reefs, fringing reefs, marine mammals, zebrafish, surgeonfish lobsters, crabs, octopus, Angelfish, sharks, dolphins, turtles among others. Other tourism expeditions include a boat cruise, camping, snorkeling and beach walks.

Wildlife safaris in Rwanda

Akagera National Park – the Park covers an area of 112,000 hectares and is situated in the eastern part of Rwanda on the border with Tanzania; Akagera is rich in biodiversity including forest-fringed lakes, swamps and savannah plains.  The Akagera National Park is endowed with different species of fauna and fauna, inhabiting its different ecological zones which include mountainous terrains, woody and savannah areas. The major tourist attractions include 500 bird species that can be found in the park, Big 5 and wild animals. Akagera is the only park in Rwanda where you can track Big 5 animals.

Wildlife Safari in Tanzania

It is a land of superlative and contrasts, something for everyone – from the majestic Kilimanjaro to the fabled island of Zanzibar. The largest and most diverse wildlife concentration on earth includes the matchless Ngorongoro crater, Serengeti plains, Manyara National Park, Katavi, and the mighty Selous Game Reserve.

Serengeti National Park – Home to greatest wonder on earth, more than 1.5 million wildebeests and 300,000 zebras who bear get a mention through the park in the early part of the year and then congregate in the western corridor in July ready to cross into the Mara. The sight is remarkable, as is the noise of animals crossing the Mara River all day long.

Manyara National Park – the Park is situated in the basin of the Rift Valley along Lake Manyara, the lakeside is watered with hot springs and the reserve has a high concentration of tree climbing lions and elephants.

Ngorongoro Crater – is home to the greatest concentration of lions and wildlife, therefore Africa’s biggest feeding frenzy and also home to the big 5 animals. The Crater has achieved world renown, attracting an ever-increasing number of visitors each year. Ngorongoro is a remarkable natural wonder.

Mount Kilimanjaro – is Africa’s highest mountain, the highest peak of which is Kibo is 5,895 meters covering 8,288 square kilometers national park. Perversely many who of those who climb the mountain – usually a 5 Day task – never actually see it, as its snow-capped peak is frequently shrouded in the cloud. Kind contact Adyeri Creations Limited for information about African wildlife safaris   

Chimpanzee tracking and habituation in Uganda

Chimpanzee tracking is one of the best products Uganda offers to tourists interested in visiting the country. The interaction of tourists with chimpanzees was designed by Uganda wildlife authority to be enjoyed in two ways depending on the tourist’s budget and the client’s schedule whereby clients can either go for chimpanzee trekking or chimpanzee habituation experience.

Chimpanzee trekking is a lifetime experience in a way that you get a chance to observe these close relatives of ours which share 98.7% DNA with human beings. Chimpanzees are found in 21 African countries across Africa for example in East Africa name the countries, Central Africa and West Africa. Uganda is the best East African country for both chimpanzee trekking and habituation since it hosts almost 5000 chimpanzees at present in different forests and national parks like Kibale National Park, Budongo forest in Murchison falls, kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth national parks and other areas outside national parks like Bigodi wetland sanctuary, Buniga forest, and Bwindi impenetrable forest. Chimpanzee tracking is one of the most sought experiences one should not miss on a Safari in Uganda. However, the government through the Uganda Wildlife Authority has played a great role in conserving these popular primate species through implementing various measures favoring their multiplication in order for the future generations to also see them.

Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking is done in Kibale national park, Budongo forest in Murchison falls, Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary and Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park. Tourists going for chimpanzee tracking are supposed to reach the Visitor Center before the tracking time (08.00 and 15.00) in Kibale national park in order for them to be registered and briefed by the guides. One hour is supposed to be used for observing chimpanzees and photo taking. Chimpanzees are amazing to see when playing, grooming, copulating, resting, climbing trees, swinging on tree branches, breastfeeding among others. This activity takes one hour and limited to a group of six members in a group depending on your schedule. During this one hour, trekkers also get a chance to see the black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkey, and grey-cheeked mangabey among others. Travelers who opt to participate in this expedition should be 12 years and above.

Each chimpanzee permit costs USD 150 for foreign non-residents, in Kyambura gorge, both foreign non-residents and foreign residents pay USD 100. Advance booking is recommended to avoid inconvenience; therefore, our clients are required to send their money for booking in advance in order to purchase the permits within time.

Chimpanzee habituation in Uganda

Chimpanzee habituation starts very early in the morning, you are advised to wake up very early to prepare yourself have breakfast, packed lunch and 2 bottles of drinking water, then our guide will drive you to the park headquarters at Kanyanchu visitors information center where you will meet fellow trekkers before you hit the jungle. Our driver-guide will accompany you and park ranger to the starting point of your chimpanzee habituation experience on their day to day activity. At the headquarters, park ranger guides will brief you about the rules and regulations before you set off into the jungle to see the mighty cousins. Chimpanzee habituation is an exciting activity-you will be able to see and stay with the chimpanzee the whole day as they play and feed, take colorful pictures and videos with our closet cousins. Kindly contact Adyeri Creations Limited so we can tailor your primate safari in Uganda.

It’s both exciting and challenging in a way that you encounter challenges while going to observe the chimpanzees like the slippery ground, carrying things to be used during the activity like cameras, binoculars among others. Chimpanzee habituation is quite challenging but once you set eyes on these primates, you don’t regret why you decided to participate in it, because it’s amazing to see them feed, play, copulate among others.

Chimpanzee habituation is done either on a half-day or full basis day basis. This activity calls for advance booking in order for us to organize for you a lifetime experience. 

How to get there

Kibale National Park is located in western Uganda, 26 km southeast of Fort Portal town. The northern route is shorter and faster and has a distance of about 300 km (5 hours) drive on tarmac road to Fort Portal. The trailhead for chimp tracking, chimp habituation and the main center of tourist activity within the park is the Kanyanchu visitors information center which lies 35 km south of Fort Portal on a tarmac road.

Where to stay

·         Primate lodge

·         Ndali lodge

·         Kibale forest camp

·         Rweteera safari park

·         Nyinabulitwa country resort and safari park

Experience Lake Mburo this festive season

Lake Mburo is the smallest savannah national park in Uganda located in Mbarara district covering an area of 371km2. It takes 3.5 hours to reach the park and it’s a short distance from the highway which links Kampala to other national parks in southwestern Uganda like Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga national park, and Queen Elizabeth national park.

It’s also, a good season where tourists enjoy game drives very well through observing different species of animals, birds, landscape and boat cruise on the lake among others because the planes are open. This is because of the too much sun during this season which makes the vegetation dry hence favoring good observation and photo taking. Come enjoy Africa’s sun during the festive season.

The festive season in Uganda

This is the season where every person feels its presence yearly in Uganda-it’s a season where we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Schools get holidays from lower to higher institutions of learning, families move to their ancestral homes, parties are organized everywhere and this is the busiest season across the country. Come visit Lake Mburo national park this festive season and feels Uganda’s vibe during this season full of joy and excitement.

Attractions within the park

This is the smallest savannah park in Uganda but it’s endowed with a variety of wildlife. The park has a variety of habitats ranging from dry hillsides, seasonal and permanent swamps, rocky outcrops, and bushy thickets, open and wooded savannah to forests all hosting different species of animals. The park has mammals like zebras, giraffe, buffaloes, impala, oribis, eland, defassa, topi, and hyena among many others.

The park has 313 species of birds like the rare shoebill stock, white-winged warbler, Nubian woodpecker, black-bellied bustard, red-necked spur, black-billed barbet, crested francolin, African wattled plover, Southern red bishop, and Coqui francolin among others.

Wetland surface area covers 20% of the park’s total surface area and wetlands inform of lake and swamps all attracting hippos and crocodiles. Swamps act as habitat to papyrus specialists like Sitatunga antelope, red, black and yellow papyrus gonoleck.

The park has a beautiful landscape characterized by rolling hills, beautiful Lakeshore, forests, swamps, grassy valleys homes to various animal species.

Activities in Lake Mburo national park

Game drives

Lake Mburo is served with different tracks along which different savannah animals are seen during the game drive. Some of these savannah animals include Impalas which are easily seen along Impala track, giraffe, zebras, topis, eland, bushbucks, bush duikers, leopards, hyenas, and so many others.

Boat trips

The Lake has a lot to offer to our visitors and these can only be seen by going for a boat trip. The lake has different animal species, plants, and birds. Lake Mburo is home to animals like hippos, crocodiles, birds like pelicans, fish eagles, herons, rare fin foot shoebill storks, and many others. This excursion takes two hours so be ready to sight crocodiles and hippos.

Forest walk

This small forest has a variety of forest birds to offer to our visitors. You walk under the closed canopy of the forest with the ranger guide in the forest who helps our visitors to identify different forest birds. Different tree species are also observed during this activity.

Fishing

Lake Mburo has about six fish species like tilapia, mudfish, and lungfish among others. Visitors can actively participate in fishing at the campsite instead of just seeing other fishermen from neighboring communities fishing. This ensures relaxation for the tourists during their stay at the Lake.

Nature walks

Tourists move with the armed guide in specific trails meant for nature walks. The guide explains nature to the clients as they see different components of nature like vegetation, wild animals, birds, insects among others.

Accommodation

Lake Mburo national park being small in size, it has 3 public camping sites, tents at Rwonyo at the park headquarters. For those willing to have a luxury experience at Lake Mburo national park, there are two luxury lodges like Mantana Luxury tented camp and Mihingo lodge. To avoid inconvenience, please book with Adyeri creations in advance so we can tailor your safari this festive season.

3 Day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

Chimpanzee habituation starts very early in the morning, you are advised to wake up very early to prepare yourself have breakfast, packed lunch and 2 bottles of drinking water, then our driver guide will drive you to the park headquarters at Kanyanchu visitors information center where you will meet fellow trekkers before you hit the jungle. Our driver-guide will accompany you and a park ranger to the starting point of your chimpanzee habituation experience on their day to day activity. Chimpanzee habituation is an exciting activity-you will be able to see and stay with the chimpanzee the whole day as they play and feed, take colorful pictures and videos with our cousins.

Tour highlights

·         Visit the primate capital – Kibale National Park

·         Airport transfer from and back to the airport

·         Travel in a 4WD Safari Vehicle

·         Chimpanzee Habituation Permits

Day 1: Travel to Kibale National Park

Early morning pick up from your hotel in Kampala/Entebbe at 7:00 am. After breakfast, you will set off for Fort Portal town en-route to Kibale National Park for your Chimpanzee Habituation Experience for a 5-hour drive through scenic western Uganda to Fort Portal town for lunch, thereafter embark on a brief tour around the Crater Lake.

Arrive and check-in at the Lodge for your overnight as you prepare for your trekking day.

Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale

Day 2: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

After an early breakfast, packed lunch and water since you are going to spend the day with the chimps, our driver-guide will transfer you to the park headquarter at Kanyanchu visitors’ center, where you will meet your ranger guide who will take you where the chimps had built their nests the previous day. You will be able to see them as wake up from their nests, feed and play around as you follow them all day as you fill up your cameras with colorful pictures and memories. You will end your day late in the evening, drive back to the lodge, relax and dine at the Lodge.

Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale

Day 3: Drive back to Kampala / Entebbe International Airport

After your breakfast check out of the lodge and transfer back to Kampala or Entebbe.

END OF TOUR

Inclusions

WHAT IS INCLUDED

·         Airport transfers on first and last day,

·         Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle

·         Services of an English speaking driver-guide

·         Fuel for the whole trip

·         Accommodation and meal plan as per the itinerary

·         All park entrance fees

·         Drinking water while in the vehicle

WHAT IS EXCLUDED

·         Pre and post-tour accommodation

·         International airfares

·         Uganda Visa (USD50.00 which can be paid on arrival at the Airport

·         Personal items for example drinks and laundry

·         Tips and Gratuity

Gorilla habituation experience safari

When you want to spend more hours with the mountain gorillas in their natural home, gorilla habituation experience is the best decision for you. This activity was introduced in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in 2014 where tourists were to interact with the mountain gorillas for four hours, unlike the gorilla trekking encounter which takes one hour.

On this safari, visitors move under the guidance of the experienced researchers who habituate gorillas, spend more time and see how gorillas are habituated. During this activity, travelers get to visit semi habituated mountain gorillas which can hide in case they are not comfortable with their environment and behave in a manner that’s not usual. Each group going for gorilla habituation consists of four members and the participants should be 15 years and above.

What is gorilla habituation experience?

Gorilla habituation experience is currently the biggest tourism activity in Uganda. The strong demand for Gorilla habituation, therefore, offers the possibility of sustained wealth generation from wildlife for Uganda. In the Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can now opt for a gorilla habituation experience. Each day under this program will cost you USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents per person per day, two groups of four shadow primatologists and rangers habituating wild mountain Gorilla troops will lead you to the forest to see the great African Giant Apes.

How to get there

Gorilla habituation experience is carried out in Rushaga region southwestern part of Uganda can be accessed both by road transport and air transport. You can fly to Kigali in Rwanda then we pick you from the airport then bring you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or pick you at Entebbe international airport /Kampala then we drive you to Bwindi impenetrable national park but this takes 8 hours to reach the Park. There’s also a possibility of flying from Entebbe airport then land at Kisoro airstrip, where our driver will pick you from then, take you to the lodge we book with

As soon as you pick interest in the gorilla habituation experience, feel free to contact Adyeri creations so that we can check for you if there is the availability of gorilla habituation permits in Rushaga sector and if there is space, we will request you to send us the required travel documents which are required before gorilla habituation permits are issued out. We can organize for you an 8 days safari or more as you wish.

We also book accommodation in Rushaga depending on your budget and interest.

The Rushaga sector has several lodges within and around it which can provide you with good quality service during your stay in Bwindi national park-like Gorilla safari lodge which is an upmarket, Rushaga gorilla haven lodge, Ichumba gorilla lodge, Clouds mountain gorilla lodge among many others.

UWA to increase Gorilla Trekking Permits

Gorilla trekking is worth the money it costs, it is the most expensive tourism product both in Uganda and Rwanda. This is mainly because these gentle creatures are very rare and can only be found in four national parks in three African countries like Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. National parks with mountain gorillas include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Gorilla permits still cost 600 dollars for tracking and 1,500 dollars for habituation but starting on 1st July 2020, gorilla trekking permit will cost 700 dollars per person after Uganda Wildlife Authority decided to increase its price. This is because of the increased costs Uganda Wildlife Authority is meeting in the conserving these gentle creatures and the habitat where they live.

Rwanda has the most expensive gorilla permit which costs 1500 dollars each followed by that of Uganda which costs 600 dollars then lastly that of DR Congo costing 450 dollars. Gorilla permits in Congo cost less compared to other places because of low demand for gorilla permits and it’s because of the civil conflicts and political fights. Sometimes rangers are kidnapped and killed in the Virunga national park which scares away tourists from going there hence the high demand in Rwanda and Uganda.

Gorilla trekking is an adventurous activity which involves going through difficulties through hiking but when you set your eyes on these gentle creatures, you don’t regret as to why you paid your money for the experience. In order to go for gorilla trekking, you should be physically fit because the activity involves hiking the high altitudes of the mountains where these mountain gorillas stay, visitors should also expect discomfort since hiking is done in the tropical rain forests in Bwindi, Volcanoes, Mgahinga and Virunga. Clients should also expect to use a lot of energy and time when looking for these gentle giants. However the load of work is reduced by the porters at the destination who are hired to carry some luggage for the clients so clients shouldn’t be worried about anything because the experience is worth it.

Here are the reasons as to why we convince our clients that gorilla trekking is worth the money it costs.

The social interaction of these mountain gorillas is amazing to see especially when they are all together as a family. These mountain gorillas are human-like in behavior. For example, they groom each other, feed their young ones, play with their baby gorillas, silverbacks protect their families since they are the leaders and protectors of their families. All sorts of interactions among the gorillas is amazing to see when you are close to them. Observing the mountain gorillas while interacting amongst themselves makes the experience worth the cost.

Secondly setting your eyes on a silverback/male gorilla is so amazing. This is because it’s physically different from the other family members like the mother gorillas and young ones. This is because it has a silver stripe on its back fur which it acquires when developing to adulthood. They are also big in size as compared to other family members.

In Uganda, 20% of the revenue generated from tourism is taken back to the communities neighboring these attractions which are used to start up projects where community members can benefit from like in terms of jobs creation, social services hence improving their standards of living and realizing the importance of these gentle creatures. In Uganda, 20% is diverted back to communities neighboring these parks. The rest of the revenue is used by the government to improve on the medical services, schools, improving on road infrastructure among others.

The reviews we get from our clients also convince us that the gorilla trekking experience is worth the cost because they are always positive.  In conclusion, the one-hour interaction with the mountain gorillas starting from the time you set your eyes on a gorilla family and it’s designed for our clients to carefully observe the social interaction of these creatures, take photos, record videos and also enjoy the company of the mountain gorillas in their natural home. Kindly contact Adyeri Creations Limited or visit our trip advisor page for information about gorilla safaris in Uganda.