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Top 10 Spots for Bird Watching in Uganda

Are you looking for exciting destinations for bird watching in the world? Besides mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, Uganda offers refuge to over 1061 birds. During your Uganda tour, you can go birding in a diversity of habitats ranging from forests, swamps and agricultural lands to Lakes and savannas. This incredible country is crossed by the Equator and the Albertine Rift Valley. Here are the top 10 spots for bird watching in Uganda;

1. Kibale Forest National Park

Besides tracking chimpanzees, Kibale Forest is also popular for bird watching. If you are a bird enthusiast, travel to the jungles of Kibale for remarkable sight at unique wild bird species that are rarely seen in the world. With over 375 birds including the 4 Nahan’s francolin bird species, Cassin’s spine tail, blue headed bee eater and masked apalis that are not seen in any of Uganda’s remotest national parks, Uganda is undoubtedly the loveliest destination for bird enthusiasts. Kibale National Park is the perfect spot for birders with its varied habitat and intense vegetation cover. While at Kibale National Park for a safari, the most spectacular and sought after bird for you not miss out in life is green breasted pitta. Other remarkable bird species to sight include Red winged francolin, red chested fluff tail, white napped pigeon, African pita, joyful green bull, grey winged pigeon, Abyssinian ground warbler, chestnut winged, scaly francolin, marsh Tchagra, Afep pigeon, olive long tailed cuckoo, black bee eater, narina’s trogon, blue breasted kingfisher, crowned eagle, little green bull, yellow throated nicator, yellow spotted barbet, blue shouldered robin chat, sunbird, dusky flycatcher, grey throated fly catcher, black billed Turaco among others.

Bigodi wetland sanctuary near Kibale Forest National park cannot miss in this list. This is one of the perfect birding spots which come with 4 hour trail walk for visitors to explore numerous bird species. While at Bigodi, you will sight at black billed Turaco, white spotted crake, Blue headed Coucal, blue breasted kingfisher, scaly throated honey guide and black faced Rufus warbler.

2. Queen Elizabeth National Park:

Besides the big five game, Queen Elizabeth National Park is equally birders paradise right from water bird species along the Kazinga channel to dense forest at Ishasha. Expect to glimpse of extraordinary bird species while in a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. With more than 600 birds that are found in the park, visitors are assured of incredible experiences from the 11 types of kingfisher, 54 raptors, flamingoes, shoebill stork, African skimmer, white winged warbler, papyrus gonolek, black bee eater, red necked falcon, black billed barbet, leaf love, black chinned quail finch, African pygmy goose, blue breasted bee eater, lesser swamp warbler, African mourning dove, sedge warbler, pin tailed whydah, collared pratincole, martial eagle, slender tailed nightjars, verreaux’s eagle owl, pink backed pelicans, white headed barbet and yellow bishop.

3. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park:

Besides the mountain gorillas, the Bwindi Park is also credited for its abundant flora and fauna forest in East Africa. With more than 350 incredible birds, visitors have wide range of opportunity to have remarkable experiences of a life time. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park was voted as Africa’s perfect birding spot by Africa Bird Club owing to the unique birds that live within the park. Visitors also have a chance to see the 23 endemic species of Albertine Rift and about 14 species that are not seen anywhere else in Uganda. Visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can have a glimpse of the following bird species, African green broadbill, Chapin’s fly catcher, Shelley’s crimson wing, handsome francolin, mountain masked and collared apalis, white bellied robin chat, black billed Turaco, Kiev gerund thrush, black faced Rufus warbler, pale breasted illadopsis, Pettit’s Cuckoo shrike, black bee eater, equatorial akalat, regal sunbird, purple breasted, Fraser’s eagle and western bronze napped pigeon.

Ruhija (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest):

Further still, Ruhija is undoubtedly one of the most inspiring birding areas for visitors who get into Uganda. It is credited for its 20 birds that are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley and mostly the rare African green broadbill and Grauer’s rush warbler. Other birds that visitors can have sight at include the white starred robin, grey cuckoo shrike, strange weaver, banded prinia, brown chested Alethe, slender billed green bull, yellow streaked green bull, white browned Crombec, mountain Illadopsis, luehder’s bush shrike and grey green bush shrike.

4. Budongo Forest:

This forest is of significance to birders given the fact that it is a home to over 366 birds of which comprises of 60 west or central African birds that are popular to only fewer areas about 5 in East Africa. One of the notable birds include the yellow footed fly catcher which in many occasions is associated with ironwood trees and it is not famous anywhere except Uganda. Other birds to have a glance at while on a safari to this magnificent forest include of Ituri Batis, Rufus crowned Eremomela, forest Francolin, yellow and grey long bills, yellow spotted barbet, red tailed ant thrush, dusky long tailed cuckoo, banded snake eagle, African pied horn bill, brown backed scrub robin, black bishop, brown twin sport, spotted green bull, black bellied fire finch, chocolate backed king fisher, white thighed horn bill, Cameroon somber green bull, slender billed green bull, black capped apalis, lemon bellied Crombec, green hylia, pale breasted illadopsis, forest flycatcher, fire crested alethe, yellow long bill, yellow browed camaroptera, crowned eagle, yellow footed flycatcher and African dwarf kingfisher. Birding in Budongo takes place between Kaniyo-padidi and Royal Mile as well as Busingiro just as you are in your safari to Murchison falls national park.

5. Semuliki National Park:

The park lies in western Uganda just within the Albertine Rift Valleys. Semuliki is a true haven for birders; it is credited for its 462 birds. A game safari along its open plains comes with Abyssinian ground hornbill and distinct raptor species, its Mugiri river forest is perfect to explore exclusive leaf love-in Uganda whereas places that are covered by vegetation come with marsh tchagra and African crake while the night game drives are equally better for nocturnal bird species. Besides, visitors can have a glimpse of spot breasted ibis, northern bearded scrub robin, capuchin babbler, lyre tailed honey guide, yellow throated green cuckoo, white bellied king fisher, Maxwell’s black weaver, black winged oriole, red eyed puff back, crested and red bellied malimbe, brown crowned eremela, zenker’s honey guide and African piculet, Nkulengu rail, piping hornbill, great blue and Ross’s Turaco, purple breasted sunbird, orange weaver, white crested hornbill.

6. Mabamba swamp:

This is another exciting area for birders in Uganda. It offers refuge to more than 157 bird species.  While in a safari to Lake Victoria, never miss to get a glimpse of elusive shoebill stork in this swamp and if you fail that means you have to take a safari to Murchison falls national park. Mabamba bay is ranked as one the perfect places in Africa and even globally for over 38% of the world’s population of the blue swallow, and globally threatened papyrus yellow warbler and other birds that are of world conservation concern and habitat to unique plant species. Other notable birds to excite the mind include swamp flycatcher, purple swamp hen, common moorhen, African water rail, lesser jacana, African jacana, African pygmy goose, white faced whistling duck, squacco heron, blue breasted bee eater, winding cit cola, goliath heron, blue breasted kingfisher, Wayne’s weaver, white spotted fluff tail, blue shouldered robin chat, lemon dove, grey parrot, black billed Turaco, fire crested althea, snowy headed robin chat, dusky long tailed cuckoo, hair breasted barbet, woodland warbler, olive green bull, sooty boubou and black crake and many others.

7. Lake Mburo National Park:

The park is a home to over 315 birds and preferably the perfect destination in Uganda to sight acacia related birds and a few lake and swamp related birds as well as African fin foot, brown chested lapwing, lilac breasted roller, black bellied bustard, helmeted guinea fowl, coqui francolin, Rufus napped lark, morning dove, dideric cuckoo, grey capped warbler, black headed weaver and ring necked dove. The perfect birding areas are next to the swamps at Warukiri and Rwonyo.

8. Murchison falls National Park:

This is Uganda’s oldest and biggest national park, it was named after the mighty Murchison Falls, the world’s powerful waterfalls. It is popularly known to be a home to more than 450 bird species and interested birders can catch a glimpse at the dramatic birds in the park while on their game drive or on a boat cruise along the Nile or alternatively while in nature walks. The major habitats to find these incredible species ranges from forests, swamps, river rine woodland, savanna to plain areas of acacia trees. While in your safari, never miss to spot an exclusive shoebill stork.

9. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

The park protects over 180 bird species with most of the remarkable Albertine Rift endemics. Besides tracking gorillas, visit this remarkable park in Southwestern Uganda and have the most spectacular bird viewing sites along the gorge trail, bamboo trail and community trail. The notable birds to spot at the park include kivu ground thrush, cinnamon bracken warbler, white starred robin, Rwenzori batis, archer’s robin chat, olive pigeon, black headed waxbill, western green tinker bird, cape robin, white starred robin, brown woodland warbler, stripe breasted tit, brown crowned tchagra and scarlet tufted, greater double collared sunbirds.

10. Rwenzori Mountains National Park:

This incredible park offers refuge to more than 177 bird species and 19 of them are endemic to Albertine Rift Valley. These tremendous mountains are found in western Uganda with remarkable snowcapped peaks whose highest peak that stretches up to 5110 meters. Birding safaris are usually conducted while hiking through the forest. The birds that visitors are most likely to sight include Rwenzori Turaco, long eared owl, archers’ robin chat, Lagden’s bush shrink, blue headed and golden winged sunbird, white starred robin, slender billed starling, cinnamon chested bee eater, bearded vultures and swifts.

In conclusion, Uganda is a true birders paradise. There are numerous birding spots where tourists can catch a glimpse of spectacular bird species right from forests up to plain savanna. A variety of Uganda’s habitats offer visitors with wide range of choice and at end fills them with life time experiences.

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Popular and Incorrect Car Hire Myths in Uganda

If you are looking for the most cost-effective and flexible option on your next road trip in Uganda or any part of East Africa, then renting a car should be a must-do. This is regardless of whether you are hiring it for short-term or long-term travel. But there is need to have adequate knowledge or information when it comes to car rental services.

A lot has been said about rental cars –some are true while others are false. This article looks into some of the most popular and incorrect car hire myths. If you plan to rent a car in Uganda, endeavor to avoid most of the myths and make an informed decision.

Some of the most popular and incorrect car hire myths;

Only few caws are available

There is often myth among travelers regarding car hire services that the user is restricted to the types of cars he/she can rent. But this is absolute false. Hiring a car in Uganda with us presents to you variety of rental car options. We have a range of rental cars suiting the travel needs of all kinds of travelers on Uganda safaris. This is whether you plan to hire a van, land cruisers, coaster buses, trucks, Super custom, 4×4 Toyota Rav4, Land Cruiser Double Roof Tent, 4×4 Land Cruiser TX/TZ/V8, 4×4 Land Cruiser Prado, and more. With more options at visitors’ display, renting a car with us guarantees you some level of flexibility, especially when deciding on the category/type of a car that you plan to travel in while on Uganda safari.

Book a car with big international/national car hire service provider

Often travelers are left to think planning or booking a safari with an international company is the best way compared to local agents/companies. The fact is that dealing with a local car hire company is a great thing one can do. First, as a local tour operator, we have knowledge not only on the rental cars a visitor can hire but also the destinations, their terrains and suitable vehicle worth hiring for your road trips regardless of the region in Uganda.

Booking your car hire with an independent car rental company like ours comes with numerous benefits which you may not enjoy if you opted for a bigger corporation. In case there are issues, you won’t know who will be providing road assistance. We offer road assistance and other services like upfront service free of hidden charges.

No difference between car hire companies

Most clients think that car hire service providers operate under the same conditions. Each and every car hire company has its set terms and conditions, except they share sections but still you can easily have a clear differences.

You can be charged for full excess for minor damage

This is one of the commonest myths and it doesn’t happen that way. Usually, very minor damage won’t be charged completely and if it does happen, can be at lowest amount. Amazingly, all our fleets of rental cars are ever fully services and they are in their better mechanical conditions.

You will incur a cost for full day even if you pick up the car late

There is always misconception about car rentals that you can be charged for a full day even if you pick up the car late. The fact is this isn’t true. Unlike others, for our case, we do things differently whereby if you pick up the vehicle at 5:00pm, your day fee runs up to 5:00pm the next day. We don’t charge you for the day you have not used the car. We can also provide half day hire on week days and this is perfect for travelers with limited time.

You can book even on last minute-simply walk in and hire a car without pre-booking

While it is possible to book a car even on a last minute, there are higher chances of not finding one considering the high demand. There is a lot to be put together including correct paperwork, and other process. This is why you must pre-book your vehicle to avoid any chances of missing your rental car.

Car rental companies don’t check for driving convictions

This is false—driving convictions are always checked for. Just ensure that you are honest from the very start. Drivers will be required to present their national insurance number plus valid driving license. Be aware that some convictions may lead to cancellation of your rental car booking. Take note that insurance cover most companies provides only caters for the vehicle excluding visitors.

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Uganda’s Olympic and Commonwealth Games Medalists

Olympic Games medalists

1968:  Mexico City, Eridadi Mukwanga, Boxing, Silver
1968:  Mexico City, Leo Rwabwogo, Boxing, Bronze
1972:  Munich, John Akii-Bua, Athletics, Gold
1972:  Munich, Leo Rwabwogo, Boxing, Silver
1980:  Moscow, John Mugabi, Boxing, Silver
1996:  Atlanta, Davis Kamoga, Athletics, Bronze

Commonwealth Games medalists

1954:  Vancouver, Patrick Etolu, Athletics, Silver
1958:  Cardiff, Thomas Kawere, Boxing, Silver
1962:  Perth, George Oywello, Boxing, Gold
1962:  Perth, Peter Odhiambo, Boxing, Gold
1962:  Perth, Francis Nyangweso, Boxing, Bronze
1962:  Perth, Kesi Odong, Boxing, Silver
1962:  Perth, Amos Omolo, Athletics, Bronze
1962:  Perth, Benson Ishiepai, Athletics, Bronze
1962:  Perth, John Sentongo, Boxing, Bronze
1966:  Kingston, Alex Odhiambo, Boxing, Bronze
1966:  Kingston, Mathias Ouma, Boxing, Bronze
1966:  Kingston, Benson Ocan, Bronze
1970:  Edinburgh, Judith Ayaa, Athletics, Bronze
1970:  Edinburgh, James Odwori, Boxing, Gold
1970:  Edinburgh, Leo Rwabwogo, Boxing, Silver
1970:  Edinburgh, Deogratias Musoke, Boxing, Silver
1970:  Edinburgh, William Koskei, Athletics, Silver
1970:  Edinburgh, Mohamed Muruli, Boxing, Gold
1970:  Edinburgh, Benson Masanda, Boxing, Gold
1974:  Christchurch, Silver Ayoo, Athletics, Silver
1974:  Christchurch, Men’s 4x400m, Athletics, Bronze
1974:  Christchurch, James Odwori, Boxing, Silver
1974:  Christchurch, John Byaruhanga, Boxing, Bronze
1974:  Christchurch, Ali Rojo, Boxing, Silver
1974:  Christchurch, Shadrack Odhiambo, Boxing, Silver
1974:  Christchurch, Ayub Kalule, Boxing, Gold
1974:  Christchurch, Mohamed Muruli, Boxing, Gold
1974:  Christchurch, Benson Masanda, Boxing, Bronze
1982:  Brisbane, Ruth Kyalisima, Athletics, Silver
1982:  Brisbane, Peter Rwamuhanda, Athletics, Silver
1982:  Brisbane, Victor Byarugaba, Boxing, Silver
1990:  Auckland, Justin Juuko, Boxing, Gold
1990:  Auckland, Godfrey Nyakana, Boxing, Gold
1990:  Auckland, Abdu Kaddu, Boxing, Bronze
1990:  Auckland, Charles Matata, Boxing, Bronze
1994:  Victoria, Frederick Muteweta, Boxing, Bronze
1994:  Victoria, Charles Kizza, Boxing, Bronze
1998:  Kuala Lumpur, Jackson Asiku, Boxing, Bronze
2002:  Manchester, Joseph Lubega, Boxing, Silver
2002:  Manchester, Mohamed Kayongo, Boxing, Silver
2006:  Melbourne, Dorcus Inzikuru, Athletics, Gold
2006:  Melbourne, Boniface Kiprop, Athletics, Gold
2006:  Melbourne, Martin Mubiru, Boxing, Bronze

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How Safe is Self Drive in Uganda

Are you thinking of undertaking a self-drive tour in Uganda and wondering whether it is safe to do so? Do you have “safety” questions lingering in your mind regarding road trips in this beautiful African Country known as the Pearl of Africa? Well, let’s settle that doubt today. Uganda is one of the best places in Africa you can undertake a self-drive tour and this is because of the well-maintained and not-difficult-to-navigate roads. Thanks to the improvement in the road network, many travelers are now opting to undertake self-drive tours and explore the beauty of the Pearl of Africa. However, undertaking a self-drive tour in Uganda isn’t a piece of Cake and not for the faint-heated, considering the intense and chaotic traffic that will put your defensive driving skills to test.

Also, the remote areas of Uganda still prove challenging and dangerous for drivers to navigate owing to their poor nature (loose-surface roads with no signs). While we say Uganda is safe for self-drives, there are still high-crime rates especially in the Urban Centers, wildlife on the roads, and other hazards which when being careful can be avoided.

When undertaking self-drive tours in Uganda, there are a number of things that you need to consider. Most importantly, you will require an International Driver’s License and if you are a resident, a Ugandan Driver’s License is required.

Speed Limits

Depending on where you are driving, follow and observe the speed limits. The speed limit for driving in urban places or Trading Centers is 50 kilometers per hour, while on Ugandan highways it is 100 kilometers per hour and if you are driving on rural and gravel roads, the speed limit is 80 kilometers per hour. Even with these set speed limits, it is very common to find other drivers/riders going against these limits and hence end up on the bad side of the law. Also, driving against the speed limit means blowing your car Insurance covers hence you will be liable for any damages that will happen in case of accidents.

Transport Safety

When we mention transport safety, we mean three main factors that include the Rental Car you intend to use for the self-drive tour, the condition of the road, and the advisable speed on the road. While there are some Rental Cars without Speed Trackers, it doesn’t mean you won’t get into trouble with the roadside traffic officers. If you decide to drive a Car in dangerous Mechanical Conditions, go against the set speed limits, or don’t consider how bad the road looks before driving recklessly, you won’t guarantee your safety and that of other road users. Some road users (especially motorists) ignore traffic lights while others drive alone the pedestrian lanes. If you aren’t used to left-hand driving, it is also advisable to hire a driver.

The Condition of the Road

While most of Ugandan roads are well-maintained and relatively stress-free to navigate, there are those you will feel uncomfortable driving through. For instance, potholes on urban roads or rugged terrains in some regions require caution during the self-drive tour. Even though you have used those roads for so long, it shouldn’t be the reason for overspeeding as you might get more problems than you bargained for.

Safety of the Car

Before you hit the road for your self-drive tour, the safety of the Car should be evaluated because it is another thing that will determine whether the self-drive tour is safe or not. For this reason, your self-drive Rental Car should be checked for stability, braking systems, steering wheel, and wheel alignment among others prior to embarking on the trip.

Additionally, don’t allowed to be deceived by attractive rates because not all that glitters is gold. Pay more attention to the service quality because sometimes those low rates come with hidden costs that you aren’t aware of.

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Long Term Car Rental in Uganda

We are flexible with our services and when it comes to lengthy or long rentals our prices becomes low. We give discounts on clients taking the car monthly or more. Clients also who rent a car in Uganda and then extend for more days. We can also give a discount for such rental. It is possible to extent your rental while on safari. Just send us an email, our representative will answer promptly, you may decide to communicate by phone or send a whatsapp.

With Monthly rentals, we do the car servicing, in case of mechanical breakdown, we fix the car and then continue with the journey. Our services are not only for clients going for safaris, we also cater for conference clients, NGO, different offices and etc.

In case the rental is around Kampala, even the 2 wheel drive cars can work. We have cars that can fit for long rental starting from Toyota VTZ to bigger 4×4.Our cars are equipped with the Jack, Wheel spanner and the spare tyre.

It is also possible to hire a driver on long rental, our driver guides can also drive office, or conference people, and they are knowledgeable about different cities and the roads. Enjoy our cheapest prices when you rent with us for long period.

We also give discounts for our returnee clients, depending on the number of days you prefer to rent the car. We book accommodations for our clients and also activities like gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking. This can be done by purchasing the permits prior to the rental.

It is optional, some clients decide to drive to Uganda wildlife Authority and purchase permits and book activities for themselves. We give information about different destination where clients want to go and also suggest accommodation for budget, Midrange or luxury on request.

When we purchase permits for our clients, we deliver them with the car at the airport, office or airport.  We wait our clients at the airport with placards written on their names.

Extended car hire can be a camping safari, rooftop/ground tent, self-driving or with driver, any type of car can work depending on the destinations and activities, It can be group tour or solo.

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The Ultimate Northern Circuit Road Trip in Uganda

Uganda a renowned safari destination accommodates both travelers on fully guided and self-guided safari. Today, several travelers however have wished to test their capabilities of driving in a foreign country. So, hiring a car for Uganda self drive adventure is another amusement to consider when planning for a safari in Uganda.

Among the amusing moments on a safari to Uganda is taking a drive through the Northern route. The northern route remained for unique encounters of which some are not seen with other adventure routes in Uganda.

Considerably, other major safari adventure routes include; northeastern route, western route, Southwestern route and the Eastern routes. All these routes are blessed with unique features as may be we shall discuss in our next write-ups. Now we’re to concentrate and focus this write-up to the northern safari route.

The northern safari road trip is an adventure packed route, when taking this amazing route on your self-drive road trip safari expect to encounter; the big five, world’s most powerful waterfalls, magnificent colorful waterfalls, abundance of wildlife. There are amazing people, one Uganda’s biggest cities of Gulu among many other considerations.

Where the northern safari road trip starts

The route as usual starts from Kampala taking the northern directing through Bombo road, then it turns to be the Gulu-Kampala road. The northern safari route will not branch to west Nile region, continue to Kabong to Kidepo Valley National Park.

Here are the Major tourist destinations to explore while on the Northern Uganda Trail;

Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda’s top visited tourist destination, Murchison falls National Park is among the special places where many tourist don’t wish to have it missing on their travel. A self-drive to Murchison is among the ease to drive places which even needs fewer hours of driving about 5 hours. Murchison is Uganda’s largest protected areas among the 10 National Parks in Uganda.

The park has unique and amazing features that has kept it most loved and most visited park in Uganda. However, though it’s magnificent, Murchison Falls National Park is not the most famous among tourist destination in Uganda, but comes second after Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Murchison Falls National Park is unique with mighty Murchison Falls which is almost the major attraction at the Park. The Murchison Falls are arguably the world’s most powerful falls due to their thunderous rapids that force into a narrow gorge of about 7m wide. The rapids rush to roughly pour 45m down forming the humus brownish bubble flow of the Victoria Nile.

The Victoria Nile continues forming a calm flow which bisect the park into the north and southern sections. The Victoria flow offer one of the best waters for the wild game cruise that leads to the bottom of the falls. The 3 hours boat drive starts from Para ferry dock point leading through the nature rewarding cruise.

The northern section of the park feature the open savannah woods accommodating largest concentration of wildlife. Majorly at the Delta point where the Victoria Nile meets with Lake Albert to make one of the largest deltas in Uganda that host larger numbers of animals, birds and others. The northern section of the Murchison Falls National Park is majorly known for adventure packed game drive. Take a guided-drive here expect to watch prides of lions, herds of elephants, buffalos, antelopes, giraffes, warthogs, leopards on rare occasions, Marabou stork etc.

Taking a kind of self-drive in Murchison you expect to take adventures like game drives, boat cruise, sports fishing, nature walks, and visiting of the falls, bird watching, and chimpanzee tracking in the nearby Budongo forest reserve.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Africa’s remotest national Park according to CNN report 2017. Kidepo is Uganda’s remotest park to access by road. The remote Kidepo Valley Park was rarely visited by tourist due to changes with accessing the park. However, the accessibility of the park has become easy still by road due to improved road facilities. There is no longer worry of taking a self-drive safari road trip into this far designated tourist destination.

Kidepo Valley National Park is among Africa’s amazing destinations which displays the real authentic African. The best landscape view with the endless savannah plain views packed with abundance of wildlife species. Kidepo is divided into the Kidepo Valley and the Narus Valley, and Narus Valley that starts around Apoka is the famous with animals.

The park has one of the highest concentration of wildlife species. The animal sights are decorated with zebras, giraffes, buffalos, elephants, several antelope species, lions are common. All these are common with the immediate Narus Valley. Unique birds are counted among are the ostrich, the secretary bird among many other species.

Kidepo is a special place to see and visit communities of real African people who still hold to their ancestor’s backgrounds. The Karamoja people are unique people and the Ik who live in the mountains of Karamoja sub-region. Among adventure activities done in Kidepo Valley National Park include the game drives, community visits, nature walks, mountain hiking and wild camping.

Driving to Kidepo Valley National Park in the recent years was one of the hectic undertaking. However, the narrative has changed with improved road infrastructures, longer distances are now driven on paved roads and reaching the region the unpaved roads are not such bad. Having your stronger 4×4 safari cruiser makes you wander the regions faultlessly.

Aruu Watefalls

These magnificent waterfalls are located in Padar district en-route to Kidepo Valley shorty after Gulu city. Aruu waterfalls are unique and beautiful waterfalls that give an awesome breathtaking moment of relaxing after your long journey drive. A short drive to Aruu falls takes a minimum of one and half hour. Reaching here have to slope down on sharp stones, and cross ponds by a lop which a great moment in the forest.

Gulu City

One of the major cities in Uganda, Gulu is the major city for the northern region. When driving through the city can take a moment and visit some special places within. Can take up a walk into the main market of Gulu city, or even tasting on the some local dishes prepared in restaurants within gulu city.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The only natural area to find rhinos in Uganda. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary makes Uganda the only place you visit and see rhinos. Uganda didn’t have rhinos for a period of about 20 years since when the last rhino was hunted down until 2005. The Ziwa rhino sanctuary is also located alongside the northern safari circuit. When wishing to visit Uganda and track all the Big Five list, then Ziwa should not miss on your travel plan.

The sanctuary is found en-route to Murchison Falls National Park. When visited the sanctuary expect to watch several bird among is the Shoebill stork birds, several antelope species. One of the amazing places in Uganda to track wild species on foot.

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Planning a Self Guided Safari in Uganda

Uganda is one of the most interesting places to visit in Africa. Most people especially from Europe opt to do it themselves because they think it easy and soft to do it. Yes it’s true, but still you have to take caution of certain things when you choose a self drive safari in Uganda. Getting the best car that will suit your vacation comes in everybody’s mind when sending an e-mail to the would be company in help. Always they choose the 4 wheel drive vans this is good but reliability also has to matter here in terms of break-downs.

Take an example when you are stuck in the most beautiful but remote Kidepo Valley National Park in North Eastern Uganda! You got no rescue in the next 12 hours and when it’s availed in the shorter hours it’s costly because you got to use the UWA vehicles. This is not the point but always try to find out those people who got experience in the game, they know which car can much with every situation and any road in Uganda. Always they look a bit more costly but still reliable because they know where to turn. The vans may not necessarily look new as the ones you left home but at least have been tested on the journeys they are up to; so don’t question the model of the car but ask the reliability.

You got time at your budget because you choose what to see and where to go as you have unlimited mileages to cover on your safari; that’s at self drive safari Uganda. Here we aim at a client’s satisfaction because they always need to cover more but time cannot always be on their side. In this case we give you space to find the best you can cover as you pay a visit to Uganda.

Never book a lodge by yourself because you will always get a “Muzungu” rate which is not the case if we made it for you. We know that you got a budget when you plan your vacation stay in Uganda, but we love it if you did not run past it, that’s why we want to come in not because we like a commission but because we like you recommend our services to other would be visitors to our country. We always define for you the best accommodations where you will have excellent services and value for money and where your interests lie depending on what you like to see. For any memorable vacation, you always long to return because you got more than you expected at less than you planned.

This does not only apply for Uganda only but also in Rwanda. When you got to cover Rwanda and Uganda at once then the terms still apply. Rwanda Safaris are almost the same like in Uganda, the differences is that you got many rolling hills in Rwanda and change the diving side from left to right, but this does not seem very tusky to most visitors who tour both countries. You can have slight changes in the cultures of the people short routes to tourist areas like gorilla trekking points, Genocide sites, and the physical appearance of the two countries has got a difference. A self guided tour is all one would need but still depends on ones desire.

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Exploring Queen Elizabeth Game Park in Just 3 Days

Several Uganda tour operators offer a popular 3-day safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular national park. This is the best adventure for travelers with limited time in Uganda who want to take advantage of wildlife drives, beautiful scenery, and boat rides on the Kazinga channel.

One of the largest and most well-known national parks in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth Game Park is best visited year-round for activities like chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura canyon, boat excursions, and game viewing. It is situated in western Uganda. In Kampala or any other small town in Uganda, the safari begins and ends.

What to expect

You will travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is situated at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda. Two Ugandan bodies of water, Lake Edward and Lake George, which are joined by the Kazinga channel, are found in the park.

You’ll spend time touring Uganda’s most popular conservation area, which is home to around 100 animal species. 600 species of birds, 9 kinds of primates, including chimpanzees, and 5 types of habitats, including forest, shrub, wetland, savannah, and maritime, are all known to exist. With almost 600 hippo schools in the lazy channel, and a 45-kilometer-long river connecting lakes Edward and George, the park is renowned for having the highest concentration of hippos.

Additionally, the surrounding area of the park is breathtaking. A game drive and boat trip will put you extremely near to the park’s nature. It wouldn’t be a terrible idea to decide to go on a crater drive around the crater lakes belt, and meeting up with locals in Katunguru or Katwe kabatooro will also be a wonderful option.

Day 1 Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park

To drive to the park (QENP), you will be picked up from your lodge or hotel in the early morning. Our tour operator will give you a briefing on what to expect, and the driving time, and make sure you have the necessary gear for your three-day safari. You will pass through the tiny settlements along the Kampala – Mbarara road on your travel. Along the trip, you will get the chance to view royal drum makers, and tiny markets and an equator break will be worthwhile for stretching and taking photos. Lunch will be provided en route, and then you’ll head to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a little break and, if time permits, an evening game drive.

Dinner and overnight stay at Elephant Hab Lodge, Parkview safari lodge, and Tembo safari lodge.

Day 2: Game drive and Boat cruise to Kazinga channel

After a pleasant breakfast, you will go to Kasenyi Plains for your 3-day wildlife safari game drive. Kasenyi Plains is home to a variety of wild creatures, and whether you see any of them depends on the luck of the day. On a good day, you might see small mammals like warthogs, buffalo, elephants, many antelope, and big cats like lions and leopards hunting. After lunch, head back to the lodge before making your way to Mweya Peninsula for a two-hour boat tour on Kazinga Channel. The channel is where most animals congregate to drink water and boasts the biggest number of hippos in the entire globe along with over 400 different bird species. There is a good probability that you may see hippos, elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and many more animals. Return to your lodge to spend the night and have dinner.

Overnight stay and dinner at Elephant Hab Lodge, Parkview safari lodge, and Tembo safari lodge.

Day 3 Transfer to Kampala and end of a safari

Depending on your flight out of Uganda, you might choose to go on another wildlife drive before making the drive back to Kampala. En route, you might choose to stop and see some crater lakes, the rift valley floor, and escarpments. You’ll arrive in Kampala in the late afternoon after having lunch.

End of the Tour

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Cross Border Car Hire in Uganda and Rwanda

Do you have plans of crossing the border of Uganda into any of the neighboring East African countries-Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania? Mum and Dad Uganda Tours can make it happen because we understand that most travelers wish to combine tours/safaris between countries. For instance, you might wish to enjoy game drives in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Later, proceed to Rwanda’s Kigali City, Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Park. We totally understand that the idea of crossing the border with a hired car is daunting but once the fine print is read and properly understood, you are likely to go farther than expected.

While the option of Uganda Car Hire with cross border is offered at Mum and Dad Uganda Tours, we only allow it for selected car types and to specific countries. One of the mistakes that most travelers do is crossing the border without informing the company but once you do this, you might be risking because third party insurance isn’t covered in another country. Also, if you fail to inform us of your plans to cross the border to another country, you will be breaking our contractual terms and conditions, in addition to voiding your insurance thus lose any accident or breakdown cover. For this reason, you will need approval from the Company and should be done at least 48 hours prior to the pick-up date of the Car hire.

With most Car Hire Companies in Uganda, a certain cross border fee is required to allow you drive the Car to another country. Also, remember that a number of travel restrictions will be put in place and they include how long you will be allowed to drive the Car out of the country and this varies from one Company to the other. Another important thing to note is that the type/category of Car you rent will have an effect on whether you are allowed to cross the border or not.

Do you know why most Car Hire Companies charge cross-border fees? Well, this is mainly charged to cater for any additional insurance that would be important for driving the Car outside Uganda. This fee will ensure that your insurance covers remains valid and the Company will provide the appropriate documentation. The amount will depend on the vehicle type and where you are heading to (be it Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania) but varies from $10 and $50 per day.

Requirements for Hiring a Car with Cross Border

Whatever country you are crossing to, you will be requested for documents and these include;

Permission letter from the Car Hire Company

Before you cross the Border to another country, you will be requested (at the passport control at the border) for a letter of permission from the Car Hire Company. This should bear a signature and stamp of the Company, plus the National Identity Card.

Vehicle log book

Besides the permission letter from the Car Hire Company, you will need to present the vehicle log book and this is a proof that you are legally crossing the border with a rented Car.

Reflective sticker on the Rental Car

Besides permission letter and vehicle log book, another important requirement for car hire with cross border is having a reflective sticker on the Rental Car.

Your National/International Driving permit

You will also need to have a valid National or International Driving permit before you can be allowed to cross the Border with the Rental Car.

Is it possible to drop-off the Car in another country?

Yes, it is possible to cross the border with the Rental Car, but this depends on the Company and even those that do offer it at a high rate. All in all, most Companies aren’t so flexible when it comes to dropping cars in other countries than when it is with temporary crossing and returning back into the country.

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