Traditional Marriages: Ankole Style
..among the Bahima (section of the Banyankole) girls who were about the age of marriage were forced to feed on milk until they were very heavy. “They could barely walk,” an Ankole elder once joked during an introduction ceremony.
One of the few remaining spectacular cultural things to talk about the Banyankole of South-Western Uganda is their culture-rich marriage ceremony of the once very prestigious lake kingdoms of the present day Great Lakes Region.
Because of influence from other cultures and lack of a cultural institution to ensure continuity of the culture following the abolishment of the Ankole monarchy in 1966 by the then Uganda Prime Minister Apollo Milton Obote, other cultures died out.
The traditional marriage has despite this influence survived the test of time. Although a few things could have changed because of religion and modernity, many Banyankole still embrace their traditional marriages because the elders still emphasize and control cultural marriage.
Indeed, many people intending to marry usually go for consultations from elders. So, what are the key spectacular elements of the Ankole marriage?
Marriage Arrangements:
The common thread in the Ankole marriage like many African traditional marriages is to create closeness to the bridal family. This is done through a third party called the Kateraruume (literally meaning somebody who will remove the dew from the path).
Even today when couples go for the official introduction and marriage after they have been co-habiting, this go between is key in initiating the marriage negotiations.
The Kateraruume is a highly respected person representing the groom’s interests and is charged with facing the bride’s family and ensuring that the bride’s family is willing to accept the groom’s family to formally discuss the marriage.
In case the proposal is endorsed, the man’s family approaches the girl’s family with the Kateraruume leading them there. At the home of the bride’s family, the go-between knocks at the gate and is invited in with the groom entourage after some teasing. The entourage usually comes with beer.
The Kateraruume then indicates to the girl’s marriage panel that he is on a marriage mission. The go-between then explains his mission and is asked many questions by the girl’s family. Later, they discuss the marriage payments, which can be picked anytime after the two families have agreed, sometimes on that same day.
This is followed by preparations for marriage. In Ankole tradition, the marriage payment included cattle, which may go to over 10. These gifts are presented to the bride’s family symbolizing the ability of the groom to take care of his woman.
The bride and groom to be:
During this ceremony, the bride and the groom are not party to the discussions. The bride is usually hidden while the groom has to keep quiet throughout the discussions and wait for the outcome. In this case however, the groom-to-be is ‘king’ because everything is done on his behalf.
In traditional Ankole society, a man marries a woman. A woman never marries a man. It is taboo if a woman seeks out a man’s hand in marriage. Also, it is the man who chooses not the woman. Therefore the woman has to be ‘marry-able’.
Unlike today where men treasure small sized women for marriage (I hope you have heard of words like portables and songs like obukazi obutono bulimu ekyama– “those small women last longer” or literally “those small women have years in them”), in the Ankole tradition, slim girls were unfit for marriage.
That is why among the Bahima (section of the Banyankole) girls who were about the age of marriage were forced to feed on milk until they were very heavy. “They could barely walk,” an Ankole elder once joked during an introduction ceremony.
The Give Away (Okuhingira)
Unlike today where the men feel cheated by paying bride price, in the typical Ankole tradition, a groom gains from the marriage.
Actually, the gifts (the emihingiro) that the bride comes with sometimes are more than those paid by the groom as bride price. For example, among the Bahima-Banyankole, the aunties and uncles give cows to the bride during the kuhingira.
Younger girls and boys called the enshagarizi then escort the bride to the groom’s place after the blessings from the elders. Today, the groom’s side has to organise the transport for these people because they are very important for any marriage ceremony in Ankole. Going back is not necessarily the role of the bridegroom.
After the kuhingira, the bride’s side is still is control though. The bride according to the culture is not supposed to do any work until the cultural initiation. This is done after about ten days from the giveaway day.
During this initiation, the bride is made to light fire in the kitchen in the tradition called okukoza omumuriro (helping the bride to start toughing fire).
Because of modernity however, some brides have left the bridal room (orusika) the day after marriage to continue looking for a living in the competitive world where every minute lost contributes a lot to poverty in the homes.
So, many people in Uganda may find it hard to understand the Ankole culture and language but many know the words okwanjura, okushwera and okuhingira irrespective of the language they speak.
The Abduction of Dr. James Makumbi
On this day, the 5th of April, in the year 1995, the nation of Uganda stood in collective shock and relief as Dr. James Makumbi, the then Minister of Health, emerged from the grips of a five-day abduction by the Federal Democratic Alliance Forces, a rebel faction led by the enigmatic soldier, Maj. Hebert Itongwa Kikomeko Ssedyabane. The events that unfolded during those dark days in April left an indelible mark on the nation’s history, unraveling a tale of terror, resilience, and political intrigue.
Dr. Makumbi’s abduction sent shockwaves through the corridors of power and echoed across the country, as citizens grappled with the brazen audacity of rebels targeting a high-ranking government official. Alongside him were his colleagues, Dr. Margret Nakafero Mugerwa, and Steven Kayiwa, then a student at Makerere University.
Their abduction, orchestrated by Maj. Itongwa and his cohorts, unfolded on the dusty roads of Magere, along Gayaza road in Wakiso District, a chilling reminder of the precariousness of life amidst the turmoil of rebellion.
As Dr. Makumbi faced his captors, Maj. Itongwa delivered a stark message, a blend of defiance and desperation. He implored Dr. Makumbi to convey to President Museveni the grievances that fueled their insurgency. It was a plea born out of frustration, a cry for attention to the plight of the federal leadership and the dismal working conditions endured by army officers.
In the midst of chaos, Maj. Itongwa sought to amplify their voices through the medium of Dr. Makumbi, leveraging his position to relay their demands to the highest echelons of power.
The aftermath of Dr. Makumbi’s release saw the wheels of justice set in motion, as the courts embarked on the arduous task of prosecuting the seven men implicated in collaborating with Maj. Itongwa and accused of treasonous crimes. It was a trial that captivated the nation, a testament to the resilience of the rule of law in the face of insurgency and rebellion
Yet, amidst the courtroom drama and political maneuvering, the scars of those five days lingered, etched into the memory of Dr. Makumbi and the nation at large. His ordeal served as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the ever-present threat of conflict lurking on the fringes of society.
As we reflect on this pivotal moment in Uganda’s history, let us not forget the bravery of Dr. William Makumbi, who emerged from the shadows of abduction with fortitude and resolve. Let us heed the lessons of the past, striving for a future where the echoes of rebellion are but a distant memory, and peace reigns supreme across our land.
Read MoreMeet Ugandan Herbalist Victor Kiwalabye
Herbalist Victor Kiwalabye claims to cure different diseases from his clinic in Kireka including the cancer, Hepatitis B, epilepsy and many more using herbs he gets from the forests of Mabira, Imaramagambo and other areas like the Rwenzori mountains, Kotido, Sudan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and South Africa with the help National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO). He says NARO has given him transport support to get herbs outside Uganda.
Unlike other herbalists, Kiwalabye cannot treat a patient without medical results showing the kind of disease one is suffering from. “I cannot treat patients who have not been tested and diagnosed in hospitals because I first want to know the type of disease I am dealing with,” he told us.
His strong curing herbs have attracted many researchers from within and outside Uganda. “Students from Makerere University are always here at my Kireka clinic carrying out their researches. And also I work with the botany department of Makerere University,” he says.
In his office, which is full of sacks of herbs, Kiwalabye pauses in photos with Doctor Samuel Dishe who works with the World Bank and Doctor Joseph Green an American doctor researcher on HIV/AIDS in Africa who have carried out research on his herbs.
Kiwalabye says these officials have been wooing him to go and work in America and be given US citizenship but he has refused, fearing they would use his medicine to make money and also snatch ownership of his medicine.
“Why should they take me away from home?” the bearded Kiwalabye asks jokingly.
After all there is not much to regret staying and working at home in Uganda. He is becoming more popular daily and now treats over 30 new patients, that is excluding the old ones who come daily to collect medicine from different parts of the country.
A boy we found at Kiwalabye ‘clinic’ on Friday December 9th having come to Kiwalabye for recue from the visible disease.
Kiwalabye says there are many diseases, which medical doctors cannot treat but for him he treats them and that patients have tested negative after his treatments.
One of the former patients is Edison Mukimbiri. Edison says he first suffered abdominal pains before his eyes turned yellow and he started passing orange urine.
He went to Mengo hospital and carried out a medical check up and the doctor found he was suffering from Hepatitis B, a liver disease. “The doctors told me the disease had no cure and that he should avoid sweet and fattening foods. They (doctors) told me not to eat salt, meat and avoid drinking milk,” he says. Mukimbiri says the doctors also advised him to stop smoking and taking alcohol. The doctor also recommended to him that he should start on Anti-Retroviral Drugs in order to boost his body immunity.
Frightened on hearing this, he started thinking he was HIV positive. “I was confused and at first I thought it was AIDS but later I realized I had carried out all the tests,” he said. Another medical check up at Mulago hospital produced the same results.
Thanks to Sam Kamurinde, his friend who told him about the herbalist in Kireka who cures such different diseases, Mukimbiri says he no longer suffers from the disease.
Mukimbiri immediately went there and Kiwalabye first took his photos with his orange eyes. “When you reach there, he takes your photo in order to easily monitor changes as you get cured,” Mukimbiri says. Kiwalabye has albums of photographs of people who have recovered completely from the different diseases as evidence of his success in medicine.
Photos from his clinic: One of Kiwalabye’s patients before and after treatment.
Mukimbiri says he was given two types of medicine. One was a five-liter jerry can, which he used as water to cook food instead of the usual water and the other he would take a ½ liter cup early in the morning and another in the evening. Mukimbiri took the medicine for two weeks and his eyes and urine cleared but he continued with the medication for two months when he got cured completely.
To confirm his recovery he went back to the same doctor in Mengo hospital and carried out the medical tests and the results were normal but the doctor could not believe and said she had made a mistake during the tests. Mukimbiri never told the doctor that he used herbal medicine. This is one of the many patients who have got healing from Kiwalabye.
Kiwalabye has realized that many patients do not want to be known that they go to his place to get medicine. He says people do not want to be associated with traditional herbal medicine and some come hiding when they come to collect the medicine.
He says for traditional medicine to be known internationally, Africans must feel free with it and urges Ugandans to be proud of their own medicine. “You see many of our people do not want to be identified with their own things and it is a very big problem for us because we shall not develop with such a fearful attitude,” he says
At the time when we visited Kiwalabye’s clinic, there were two catholic nuns who had come to collect medicine but declined to reveal their names.
One said that she brought a kid who had a brain tumor and could not speak or blink but he was put on Kiwalabye’s herbal medicine and is now speaking.
Kiwalabye has a heap of books in his office with testimonies of people who have recovered from his medicine. In one of the books, there is a testimony of an Italian nun who was suffering diabetes and got healed after taking 10 liters of Kiwalabye’s herbal medicine.
Kiwalabye also claims to treat lymphoma (throat), Osteoporosis (borne), Carcinoma (vaginal) and Eczema cancer. The ‘doctor’ like many patients call him also treats kidney, Asthma, skin rashes and Sinuses.
He uses plant roots, leaves and tree peelings to treat the diseases but he refused to reveal the names and types of the trees he uses to treat his patients.
He says he is limited by problems of finances for transport and space but hopes to construct a hospital where he can admit people.
He says it is expensive to transport medicine from different parts of the country and appeals to government to provide him with a vehicle. “Identify with us as herbalists and lets promote our own medicine which is very strong to even illnesses like cancer,” Kiwalabye says.
Uganda’s Inspectors General of Police
Uganda has been served by several Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police. Here is a list of Inspector Generals of Police since the country attained its independence in October 1962.
Michael J. Macoun, 1959-1964
Lt. Col. Wilson Erinayo Oryema, 1964-1971
Benjamin Othieno, 1971-1974
Luke Ofungi, 1974-1975
Kassim Musa Obura, 1975-1977
Odria, 1977-1979
David Nsubuga Barlow, 1979
William Musoke, 1979-1980
Boniface Aaron Okoth-Ogola, 1980-1985
Luke Ofungi, 1985-1990
David Psomgen, 1990
Apollo Byekwaso, 1990-1992
John Cossey Odomel, 1992-1999
John Kisembo, 1999-2000
Lieutenant-General Edward Katumba Wamala, 2000-2005
Major-General Edward Kale Kayihura, 2005-2018
Martin Okoth Ochola, March 2018 to March 2024
Geoffrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, March 2024 to date
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Sir Edward Muteesa II’s Speech on Independence Day – 9th Oct 1962
Sir. Edward Fredrick Luwangula Muteesa II is the first president of Uganda. He was also the Kabaka of Buganda Kingdom, the largest ethnic group in Uganda. Here is his first speech as the president of Uganda.
Ever wondered how the founder of Modern day Uganda was/has been honored and
commemorated? Well, well, thanks to Buganda Archives, the writing is on the wall. We commemorate the Founder of modern day Uganda every year since 9th
October 1962. Enjoy the history
*Sir Edward Muteesa II Independence Day Speech at Kololo*
*Fellow Countrymen,*
*It shall go down in history, that, it was on the 9th October, 1884, when Ssekabaka Walugembe Muteesa I, the founder of Modern Day Uganda, breathed his last. Ssekabaka Muteesa I was buried in his palace at Nnabulagala, Kasubi on 25th October, 1884.*
* *
*Therefore, I feel both honoured and humbled, to be named after my great grandfather Ssekabaka Walugembe Muteesa, and also because I have lived till this day when the British have relinquished power into our hands, after being under their protection for a period of 68 years.*
* *
*During that period, we have experienced moments of sadness. However, there have also been moments of joy. Nevertheless, we thank the good Lord for His grace, love and, all the efforts made by the Missionaries to develop our nation and country, Uganda.*
* *
*Now, that we are independent, I appeal to you all to work with all your might in whatever you shall do, so as to bring glory to both our kingdoms and the State of Uganda. Let us not allow our differences in nations, religion and colour to be a divisive factor among our people.*
* *
*God Bless Uganda,*
* *
*Sir Col. Edward Muteesa II *
* *
*Kabaka*
* *
*9th October 1962***
Courtesy of Nviiri
Read MoreList of Uganda’s Attorney Generals
The attorney general of Uganda is the principal legal advisor of Uganda’s government. The office of the attorney general is a cabinet level position. Here is the list of the different attorney generals that have served Uganda since independence.
P.J. Wilkinson, 1954-1961
C.G.F.F Dreschfield, 1961-1962
Godfrey Lukongwa Binaisa, 1962-1967
Lameck Lubowa, 1967-1971
P.J. Nkambo Mugerwa, 1971-1974
Godfrey S. Lule, 1974-1977
Matthew B. Matovu, 1977-1979
Dani Nabudere Wadada, 1979
George W. Kanyeihamba, 1979-1980
Stephen Omoding Ariko, 1980-1985
Samuel K. Kutesa, 1985-1986
Joseph N. Mulenga, 1986-1988
George W. Kanyeihamba, 1988-1991
Abubakar Kakyama Mayanja, 1991-1994
Joseph Kalias Ekemu, 1994-1996
Bert Magunda Katureebe, 1996-2000
Francis Joash Ayume, 2000-2004
John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, 2004-2005
Edward Khiddu Makubuya, 2005-
What is the Easiest Car to Maintain in Uganda?
4×4 Toyota Rav4 is the easiest rental car to maintain in Uganda. Toyota Rav4 is among the best Toyota models available for hire. Premio car is also popular for its easy maintenance. Compared to most cars, at least Toyota Rav4 and Premio rental cars have spare parts available and also mechanics with vast knowledge with such models.
When choosing the rental car in Uganda for your road trip, it is always important to put into consideration the ease to find the spare parts, especially when you encounter breakdown en-route to your destination. Hiring a car that is easy to maintain is essential, especially on self-drive tour. It can save you from getting stuck.
Toyota Rav4
Toyota Rav4 is not only the easiest car to maintain in Uganda, but also the best alternative for visitors with plans to go on a self-drive rental. The maintenance costs for Toyota Rav4 car rentals are low compared to luxurious vehicles. It costs less to maintain a 4×4 Toyota Rav4 for over 10 years than any average SUV. This makes it the most favorite options not only for travelers but also car hire service providers. Toyota Rav4 rentals provide value-packed experiences.
Toyota Rav4 are compact and come with diverse features. 4×4 Toyota Rav4 features include FM radio, luxurious interior for guests to freely stretch their legs and also to pack their luggage safely. Hiring a 4×4 Toyota Rav4 presents you enormous benefits including unlimited mileage, road assistance, ultimate comfort, eco-friendly, cost effective and many others.
The technical specifications of Toyota Rav4 cars include automatic transmission, capacity of 4-5 pax, powerful engine of 2.0cc, and fuel consumption rate of 8.2 L/100km.
Why rent a 4×4 Toyota Rav4 in Uganda
Enjoy unlimited mileage: A road trip in Toyota Rav4 provides visitors ultimate freedom to explore the wonders of Uganda less of restrictions. With unlimited mileage, you can travel to any part of the country.
Fuel economy: Toyota Rav4 rentals are popular fuel economy vehicles among the Toyota models. With the less fuel consumption, you can spend less.
Cost effective: Toyota Rav4 cars are among the cost-effective model unlike most SUV options such as Land Cruisers, or Prado TX.
Comprehensive Insurance: Toyota Rav4 like most of our rental cars are comprehensively insured. This guarantees you peace of mind as most of the expenses are covered in the comprehensive insurance package.
Versatility: The Rav4 rental cars are full time 4×4 wheel drive vehicles. This makes them the best choice for off-road trip or getting around tough terrain destinations. This is especially if you have plans to travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking. These iconic primate parks are situated in the far Southwestern Uganda, hillside of the country.
Eco-friendly: Toyota Rav4 are known to have low fuel consumption as well as minimal emissions. This makes them environmentally friendly.
Toyota Premio
Toyota Premio is another easiest car to maintain in Uganda. Premio cars are known for their lower maintenance cost and generally, they are reliable in a long run. It comes with multiple specifications including engine displacement 1496cc, 4 cylinders, manual transmission, and fuel type is petrol. Premio rental cars are also FWD vehicles, with horsepower as well as 4 speed automatic transmission.
Toyota Premio come in a unique style and offers ultimate comfort. When it comes to maintenance costs, reliability and fuel economy; the Toyota Premio rental cars are notably the most balanced option.
Benefits of hiring Toyota Premio
Luxurious interior: Premio rental cars are spacious with adequate room available for visitors to put their luggage.
Smoother engine: Toyota Premio cars have smoother engines which make them comfortable rental options. They are built with highest quality tech with noise, vibration and harshness all contained.
Stability: Premio cars boast of their highest level of stability even at high speeds. It is possible to comfortably negotiate a corner at 80 km per hour. Even if you plan to go off-the road, Premio vehicles are the best.
Fuel efficiency: Toyota Premio cars feature 2000cc engine and they are fuel efficient even if you plan to drive along the highway or urban traffic.
Reliability: Toyota Premio car rentals are among the very few most reliable rental cars. They are ideal for urban road trips.
Affordability: It is possible to find a comfortable Toyota Premio rental at the most affordable rate. They are the cheapest rental car options among most car hire service providers or companies in Uganda.
Toyota Rav4 like premio rental cars can be hired in Uganda with a driver or you can rent it for self-drive. Talk to our expert to have your rental car booked in advance for your road trip in Uganda.
How many days should you a Toyota Rav4 or Premio?
Toyota RAV4 rental cars are available for hire at any time and visitors are not restricted on how many days they want to use it. You can hire a RAV4 car for short road trips that is from 1 day to 4 days or even 10 days plus. Toyota RAV4 rentals are suitable for park safaris, leisure vacation, business trips and more.
How to get the easiest car to maintain in Uganda?
Wondering how you can get the easiest car to maintain in Uganda? The simplest way to rent a car that is easy to maintain on Uganda safari is by booking your car with a reliable car hire service provider or company.
Consider hiring a car outside the airport. Many car hire options are available in most car hire companies outside the airport for instance Entebbe city, Kampala capital, Jinja and others.
Book your car in advance; finding the easiest car to maintain can be challenging and you can be on a safer side if you booked your ride earlier before the actual visit to Uganda.
Specify the kind of the car you want to use. If your target is to drive the easiest car that is easy to maintain, or you want to cut down on maintenance cost for car hire, then disclose to your car rental company about your desires.
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Hidden Dangers of Booking Hotels and Lodges Online
In most cases, tourists book for Hotels or Safari Lodges on the day of visiting the destination which sometimes can be disappointing. However, the trend has changed because tourists are now opting for Online Hotel bookings for accommodation facilities in Uganda which is faster but also challenging in some other ways. In this country, booking for Hotel or Lodge Rooms is done directly at the front desk or use of online services of platforms such as Jumia House, Trip Advisor, Travelocity and Expedia among others and what we all look for is the best deal with better prices.
However, the challenges of these online booking services is that sometimes the pictures online do not match with what you might find on-ground. Not only that, the websites of these Online Booking services mentioned do not give details on the Hotel that you might want to know such as details on services, general cleanliness and ambience, quality, food offered, offer wrong hotel location in-line with the activities you wish to participate in hence lack the right location depending on your needs.
There are some hidden dangers or pitfalls to expect when booking for hotels or safari Lodges online and these include;
What you may see online will not be the exact detail on ground. This is a common incident for tourists who visit East African countries especially Uganda and Rwanda. Most of the pictures put online are either photo-shopped. Worst of all, even the reviews online about the Hotel are written by the employees of the Hotel themselves, friends or some people paid to write good reviews about the establishment. This is very common in Trip Advisor which has not been able to weed-out the problem.
Not only that, these Hotels can be in wrong location with the tourist activities you intend to participate in. For instance, you might do a mistake of booking a Lodge within Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park yet you intend to track the mountain gorillas from Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors or vice versa. Imagine booking a Lodge in Ishasha sector (Southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park) yet you intend to participate in a launch cruise within the Kazinga Channel (Northern sector). Trip Advisor or Expedia will not tell you that you have booked for the wrong location of a Hotel or safari Lodge.
It is also common for good Hotels or safari Lodges not to appear Online. The numbers of Hotels or Lodges you see online are not the only ones in Uganda because there are those that don’t appear online or don’t even have Facebook accounts especially the smaller ones yet they provide quality services at affordable rates.
The rates that appear online are always not the actual prices. In most instances, you will see discounted prices yet in actual sense it is just bed and breakfast. When you then add lunch and dinner, you will end up with a higher price that it appeared on the websites. Therefore, don’t allow to be deceived unless if it is half board or full board rate.
Conclusively, Online booking for lodge or Hotel rooms is faster yet has a lot of hidden dangers such as the difference in the actual appearance of the Hotel and how it appears on the websites and possibility of booking the Hotel or Lodge at a wrong location with the tourist activities.
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Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking in Africa
Are you wondering exactly where to go for chimp and gorilla trekking in Africa? Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo have the best chimp and gorilla trekking tours with high primate population concentration that you can never imagine. Trekking gorillas and chimpanzees is one of the most amazing adventures in Africa and top on most travelers list to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. For many years now chimpanzees and mountain gorillas are the prime attractions of Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo attracting thousands across the globe for gorilla and chimpanzee safaris. The three countries have also done a great job to keep and protect primates though several conservation programs hence maintaining gorilla and chimpanzee tourism in the region. Sensitization has been done to surrounding park communities for gorillas and chimpanzees that today all value the life and survival of primates including the Batwa people of Bwindi forest who sacrificed their ancestral home for mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking in Africa
The silverback eyes look bright than the camera flash light in Bwindi forest national park, Virunga national park, Volcanoes national park, Mgahinga national park and Kahuzi beiga national park the only gorilla trekking parks in East Africa. The biggest primate species on earth and the most impressive –the gorillas can be trekked and seen in just a day and seeing them in their natural parks is a grantee of about 98%.
All tourists who go gorilla tracking are allowed to spend only one hour with the gorillas for observation and photography after enjoying the forest beauty and other forest habitat encounter during the search of the silverback and its family members.
Gorillas are only tracked by adults above 15 years of age due to challenging hikes during the trekking process. Somehow it’s for the fit not those with healthy problems since the trek is estimated to last between 2-6 hours. One is also allowed to track gorillas twice provided he or she has two free days around the park since treks are done one a day.
However, Uganda has opportunities for mountain gorilla habituation so one can spend more time with the gorillas just like researchers. Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 year round, $800 in Uganda and $450 for Congo, the same price that goes down to only$200 in Congo from mid march to mid May and $450 in Uganda for April, May and November. All gorilla trekking destinations are open year round for those looking forward to trek gorillas in their natural habitats.
Chimpanzee Trekking & Habituation
Looking at first moving primates in their conserved home is a great experience in Africa especially if done in Nyungwe forest, Virunga national park, Kibale forest, Kyambura gorge, Kalinzu forest and Budongo forest the best chimpanzee viewing spots in East Africa.
The sight of a populated chimpanzee family as they play and jump across tree branches is a greatest primate display on earth found only in Africa. The chimpanzee trekking, viewing and habituation experience can be enjoyed year round depending on the availability of chimpanzee permits in your favorite location.
However, chimpanzee permits for Virunga and Nyungwe forest cost $100 per a trek,$150 in Kibale forest in Uganda.$80 for Budongo low season,$110 Budongo high season and $50 in Kyambura gorge plus Kalinzu forest.
Chimpanzee habituation goes for all day from the time chimp’s wake up to the time they retire while trekking lasts between 2-4 hours. Those interested in Chimpanzee feeding and viewing at Ngamba Island, make sure you get the necessary vaccinations before heading to the island to spend time with the beautiful amazing primates. To sum it up chimpanzee and gorilla trekking go hand in hand when it comes to primate safaris in Africa.
Read MoreGuided Self Drive in Uganda
Uganda is a pearl of Africa, endowed with many tourist attractions. The country is among the list of the most visited countries in Africa because of what it offers to visitors. Uganda is rich in wildlife, birds, culture, water bodies, mountains, and not forgetting the primates. Self-driving and Renting 4×4 cars are not uncommon. Some visitors find it easy to hire cars and self drive Uganda on their own. themselves with a lot of freedom. There are many destinations in Uganda where different attractions can be seen on car hire and self-drive basis.
Primates.
These involves many categories including the great primates ie, mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Places where these primates can be seen in Uganda include, Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga national park, kibale National Park, Kyambura gorge, Budongo forest, Kalinzu forest reserve and Ngamba island for chimpanzee orphanage. Visitors rent cars and drive to these places to witness human cousins. Primate destinations are not wildlife parks where game drives are conducted. They are explored on foot. Cars are left parked at the park headquarters.
For Ngamba Island, the place is accessed by boat, its located in Lake Victoria. Visitors Park their cars at safe place near the beach and get into the boat to the Island.
In Uganda here, to track primates especially for gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga, and also chimpanzees in kibale and Kyambura, it is necessary to book permits in advance because they are subject to availability, car rental company can purchase the permits on behalf of the clients.
Wildlife
Uganda is endowed with many wild life destinations where game drives are conducted. Some of them include, Queen Elizabeth, lake Mburo, Murchison falls, semiliki and kidepo national parks. The big five can be seen is such destinations which include, lions, leopard, buffaloes, and elephant. driving in national parks is easy, visitors can hire park guides at the headquarters to give them explanations and tracks as they do the safari.
Different bird species can also be spotted in the mentioned destinations, birders rent cars and explore both migratory and resident birds. Birding guides are available who can explain types of birds and also identify track known for different species of birds.
Most self-drive clients who are not on camping, prefer a car with pop up roof which gives a wider view of attractions in the national park. Cars with pop roof include, land cruisers, vans, and others.
Mountains
Uganda harbors the third highest mountain in Africa that is mountain Rwenzori with its highest peak margarita, among other mountains include, Mount Elgon, Mt Moroto and many others, hikers tend to visit these mountains to explore different peaks. It’s possible to drive a car and hike a mountain. Cars are left parked at accommodations near the starting points or at park headquarters. Visitors find the cars after the hiking and continue to other different destinations.
Water bodies
Water sport activities are available in Uganda on water bodies like River Nile, Lake Victoria, kazinga channel and many more. Self-drive clients either start with such activities or end with them on their itineraries, for instance jinja is known to have the source of the Nile the longest in the world, Lake Victoria and activities like white water Rafting, bungee jumping, boat cruises and many more are done.
There are national parks with water bodies and activities like boat cruises are conducted to view different attractions and wildlife, some include, Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, River Nile in Murchison falls, Lake Mburo and others.
How to locate destination on self-drive.
– Destinations in Uganda can be located using Uganda travel maps
– They can be located using google map.
– Also, some clients use Maps. Me app on phone where Ugandan map is downloaded on phone.
– GPS can also act as a navigation system
How to book accommodation on self-drive basis.
– In Ugandan destinations there are different types of accommodation ranging from camping, budget (basic), midrange (standard) and luxury (upmarket).
– it is possible to rent a car and also book accommodation directly or there is also an option of using a car hire company to reserve the accommodation.
– visitors on camping safaris look for accommodation types with camping grounds, with wash rooms and clean toilets and not forgetting security.
– some of the accommodations in Ugandan destinations include, Gorilla most camp, 4 gorillas, Buhoma lodge, Bush lodges, Mweya safari lodge, Paraa, Nile safari lodges and many more.
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