7 Best Places to Visit in Western Uganda
Western region consists several districts including Mbarara, Bushenyi, Kasese, Kiruhura, Kabarole, Rubirizi, Mitooma among others. When it comes to tourism, western Uganda out competes other regions due to its tourist attractions and activities that offer memorable experience.
A combination of beautiful land scape, rivers, lakes, variety of bird and primate species and many other wild animals offer you a fascinating experience when you visit western Uganda.
Western Uganda attracts many tourists because of its major tourist destination below:
Queen Elizabeth National park.
It is located in western Uganda spanning the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi and Rukungiri, extending from Lake Edward and Lake George separated by Kazinga channel. It is located along Mpondwe road in Rubirizi district and Uganda’s second largest National park covering a land of 1978 square kilometers.
Queen Elizabeth National park is the most popular destination well known for its concentration of wild animals, bird species and primate species. The activities in Queen Elizabeth National park include game drives in the Kasenyi sector, Mweya peninsular, Katwe salt mines, Bunyaruguru Crater Lake, Munyanyanga Crater Lake, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge, nature walks, cultural encounters to Kikorongo community village, leopard village, the Equator, launch trips on Kazinga channel.
Queen Elizabeth National park shelters over 600 bird species and more than 95 mammal species including elephants, lions, leopards, warthogs, antelopes, buffaloes, water bucks, bush bucks, chimpanzees, monkey species, hippos, Uganda kobs, Elands, Topis, tree climbing lions which are only found in Ishasha sector, birds like whited winded, swamp nightjar, Africa fish eagle, African kingfisher, white egrets, African morning dove, weaver birds among others. There are chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge in Maramagambo forest.
All these wild animals can be viewed during day and night game drives, boat cruise on Kazinga channel, guided nature walks, birding and cultural tours.
Queen Elizabeth National park has beautiful accommodations which exceptional and wonderful services where visitors spend their time when they visit the park including; Mweya safari lodge, Queen Elizabeth bush lodge, Buffalo safari lodge, Ihamba lake side lodge, Kyambura game lodge, park view lodge, Enganzi lodge, Katara lodge among others.
Kibale National park.
It is located in western Uganda in Kabarole district characterized of lowland, montane and rain forest type of forests. Kibale National park is the most popular destination for chimpanzee trekking, however there other areas where chimpanzee trekking is done including Budongo forest in Murchison Falls National park, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National park, Toro Semuliki game reserve in the west and Kalinzu forest close to Queen Elizabeth National park but Kibale National park is the leading chimpanzee destination with over 1500 chimpanzees that consist of habituated and non-habituated chimpanzees. Besides chimpanzees, Kibale National park also hosts several wild animals like forest elephants, warthogs, bush pigs, duikers, African buffaloes among others, then monkey species like black and white colubus, olive baboons, blue tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, Red tailed, L’Hoests monkeys among others.
Kibale National park also hosts over 325 birds species which include yellow potted nicator, African King Fisher, weaver birds, African grey parrot, pigeons, little greenbul and so on which can be viewed Kibale forest and others in Bigodi swamp sanctuary during nature walks.
Kibale National park has several accommodations including crater, safari lodge, Kyaninga lodge, Ndali lodge, primate lodge, chimpanzee safari lodge, Isunga lodge, Rweteera safari park among others which offer fascinating services.
Bwindi impenetrable National park.
Bwindi impenetrable National park is situated in south western Uganda in the district of Kanungu covering an area of 321 square kilometers. It is characterized with a thick tropical rain forest which shelters mountain gorillas which are Uganda’s major tourist attractions.
Bwindi impenetrable National park is well known destination for gorilla safaris in Uganda done in 4 sectors; Buhoma sector in the north, Ruhija sector in the east, Rushaga and Nkuringo sector in the southern part of the park.
Bwindi impenetrable National park consists of 18 habituated gorilla families that are being trekked. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable National park is the major tourist activity in western Uganda and in Uganda generally due to its highest population of mountain gorillas. Bwindi impenetrable National park shelters over 449 mountain gorillas which are half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas which attracts the biggest number of tourists from all parts of the world.
Mountain gorillas are endangered primate species that are found in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo in the whole world. A trip to western Uganda offers you the breath taking and memorable experience of gorilla trekking that you will not encounter anywhere else in Uganda. Gorilla trekking starts from the park headquarters with briefing in the morning guided by the ranger guides then they lead you to the forest for trekking, depending on how far the gorillas are, trekking may take 1-8 hours though not predictable.
Trekkers are advised to go with their trekking gears like rain jacket, trousers, long shirts and blouses, hiking boots, insect repellant, hut to protect from direct sun and rain, warm sweater and they should be above 15 years.
Lake Mburo National park.
Lake Mburo National park is located in Kiruhura district few kilometers from Mbarara city. Lake Mburo National park was formerly a hunting area but later gazette in to National park in 1963.
There are tourist activities done in Lake Mburo National park which attract travelers include game drives both day and night game drives, boat trips, nature walks, horse riding, fishing among others.
The park is the smallest savannah National park with a variety of animals like Antelopes, Zebras, Giraffes, hyenas, warthog, Eland, Uganda kob, impalas, Jackal and many others with over 300 bird species that attract travelers.
The park also has a variety of accommodations including Mihingo lodge, Arcadia lodge, Mburo safari lodge, Mantana tented camp, Rwakobo rock resort, Rwonyo rest camp and so on.
Mountain Rwenzori National park.
Mountain Rwenzori National park is located in western Uganda situated within the mountains of the moon in the East African Rift valley bordering Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain Rwenzori is the third highest mountain In Africa with 5,109 meters high and its highest peak Margherita which is snowcapped.
Rwenzori National park and also a conservation area of the mountain is a UNESCO heritage that covers of 995 square kilometers shared by the districts of Kabarole, Bundibigyo and Kasese. It can be accessed via Fort Portal Kasese road to Rwenzori National park for 5-6 hours.
Rwenzori National park consists of several activities like mountaineering which is the major activity that attracts a number of travelers that come from different countries to hike mountain Rwenzori. Over 7500 travelers each year visit mountain Rwenzori especially to the highest peak of mount Stanley Margherita.
There is also hiking and nature walks done around Lake Mahooma and Buraro chimpanzee forest, Bundibugyo area through Bwamba pass where you come across wild animals like forest elephants, giant forest hog, duikers, leopards though rarely seen, the three horned chameleon which is only found in Rwenzori because it only stays in places which are 3000 meters above sea level, it is always fascinating on sighting it. Cultural encounters with the Bakonzo people and learn more about their cultures, daily activities, traditional dances, storytelling among others, the visitors also enjoy birding in Rwenzori National park with over 217 bird species that can be traced in the montane forests on the slopes of mountain Rwenzori.
Semuliki National park.
Semuliki National park is located in Bwamba County in Bundibugyo district in western Uganda on the border with Democratic Republic of Congo. It is one of Uganda’s newest National park and second last smallest National park covering an area of 220 square kilometers.
Semuliki National park has a variety of plant and animal species with ever green vegetation for game viewing activities, the park has over 40 mammal species and 600 bird species mostly enjoyed by birders.
Semuliki National park consists of wild animals including leopards, elephants, civets, hippos, forest buffaloes, primate species like chimpanzees, monkey species like olive baboons, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, de brazzas monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, black and white among others.
Semuliki National park has variety of activities that travelers enjoy while on your safari to western Uganda including game drives which are done in the savannah grasslands of the park which offers views of wild animals like elephants, leopards, bush pigs, warthogs, birds and so on, then the sempaya hot springs which is the most popular tourist attraction in Semuliki National park. It is also said a safari to Semuliki National park with a visit to sempaya hot springs is incomplete, the hot water at sempaya hot spring is more than 100 degrees Celsius that is boil eggs until they are ready. Hiking and trails through the red monkey trail where you spot the monkeys buffaloes, elephants on the river and kirimia trail where you see a variety of bird species.
Cultural encounters to the Bambuti community where you learn more about their life style as the people of the forest, hand craft making, enjoy their music and dances and the birding at sempaya and Ntandi sites which offer excellent views of the white crested horn bill, pipping horn bill, yellowed throated nicator, great shoe bill among others. Semuliki National can be accessed via the shortest distance from Kampala Fort Portal via Mubende for 4-5 driving hours. It can be accessed via Kampala Masaka Mbarara Kasese Fort Portal for 7-8 hours which is quite long.
Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is located in western Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale districts and close to border with Rwanda. It is also referred to as a bird paradise where it derived its name Lake Bunyonyi meaning a lake of small birds in the native language. It is the second deepest Lake in Africa.
Lake Bunyonyi is close to Kabale town in south western Uganda, it is about 6-7 hours drive from Kampala to Kabale and around more 8km from Kabale to Lake Bunyonyi on your way to Bwindi forest.
Lake Bunyonyi is also known to be with over 29 islands with 5 major ones that include Bushara island, Akampena (punishment) island, Kahungye island, Bwama and Njuyeera (sharp’s) island and Bucuranuka (upside down) island and each island has its history attached to it for example the punishment island is where the girls who got pregnant before marriage were thrown to die.
There are several activities at Lake Bunyonyi while on your safari to western Uganda and after hectic activities like gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable like canoeing and visit the different islands to see wild animals, birds, swimming since the lake is bilharzia free, relaxing at the beach, visiting the batwa village among others which offers travelers with experience of breath taking nature of Lake Bunyonyi.
Western Uganda is naturally blessed with exceptional tourist attractions worthy visiting like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi impenetrable forest, Kibale National Park, Mountain Rwenzori National park, Semuliki National parks, Lake Bunyonyi and many more that attract a number of travelers to Uganda each year which offers remarkable experience.
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What to Pack on a Self Drive Safari in Uganda
Self drive in Uganda is one of the most desired car rental services by travelers in Uganda. It is where travelers explore the country at their own time. Driving your self does not mean that you should come to Uganda with only what you are wearing on your body. It requires planning and preparations because it is not a one day-three days tour. However much it could be, parking some items is necessary for every trip. You may be pissed off with what to park but be relaxed; car rental companies in Uganda have experienced team that will guide you in what to park on your next safari trip. How is it done- never give up your Uganda self drive trip, you can ask any question related to camping and car hire in Uganda will give a feed back to your question. Uganda has various car rental companies that will provide you with a full camping gear for your trip. Below are a few major selected items that would not miss out to park on your journey.
The passport. You may forget each and everything but the passport should be the first thing to be put in your handy bag. It is your entrance key to the pearl of Africa and indicates when you are to arrive in Uganda.
Driver’s permit and identity card. This is necessary to everyone who wishes to be behind the wheels of the car and experience the bumpy roads of Uganda. However, you should note that your country’s driving permit may not qualify you to drive a car in Uganda but only an International driving permit may access you to drive in Uganda.
Enough clothes; while going for a self drive safari in Uganda, one should carry enough clothes for the trip, as sometimes you may not have time for laundry. Laundry services do exist at the lodge but come with a fee. One should also carry light clothes due to the hot climate of Uganda but these should not be skimpy to respect the culture of Uganda. The traveler should also carry a coat for the cold weather in the evening and a rain jacket in case it rains. The sunglasses and hut or cap should also not be forgotten for the sunny days.
In case you are allergic to some diseases, you are advised to come with your medication for the period to stay in Uganda.
The international passport, drivers permit and the medication forms are compulsory items to first think of when you want to travel Africa. Whereas items concerning seeking assistance from car rental companies in Uganda majorly includes the camping gear if you do not wish to sleep in one of the hotel rooms around places of interest like the game parks, sanctuaries. This will not necessitate carrying the whole camping gear on board but rather find them in Uganda from different car rental agencies though a few portable things can be put in your travel bag. Among the things you will inquire, include; A mid-sized tent, sleeping bag, camping chairs, barbecue stove, a portable table, portable mattress, plates, cups cutlery and any other domestic item used at home.
While you think of going it alone, children are the best companion to travel along with on a self drive in Uganda.
Read More5 Tips To Make Successful Uganda Travel Plans
Uganda is a new undiscovered destination in East Africa. Situated across the equator Uganda has the best weather and climate and receives sunshine 365 days a year thus majority of the tourists travel to Uganda to escape winter from North America and Europe. So when the winter arrives you might be looking forward to some holiday to Africa. While there are many destinations in Africa, Uganda can offer you the chance to have enriching holiday experience.
The locals are friendly and welcoming and its one of the reasons why tourists love Uganda because of its people. Uganda is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and the country is becoming a popular destination for gorilla trekking safaris. However, there are lots of good reasons for visiting Uganda. There are things anyone planning to travel to Uganda for a holiday should know.
Have a plan of things you want to do on safari in Uganda
Even if you are to self-drive or backpacking, don’t fail to get advice from a Ugandan travel expert. You have a plan of the activities and destinations but you need to know what to expect on ground. For instance, will you hire a car with a guide or travel from one place to another by public transport. It is important to get in touch with a tour operator will pay attention to all the details of a trip, from booking accommodation to crafting an itinerary that is tailor made to your budget and time. It’s good to get organized before you arrive in Uganda.
The Wildlife
Uganda has 10 national parks, 13 wildlife reserves and several sanctuaries which are home to a diversity of flora and fauna. It has more than 1000 species of birds, half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, big 5 African mammals and highest concentration of primates including chimpanzees. In fact game viewing activities such as gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking, birding, game drives, boat cruises are on top of the things tourists come to do in Uganda. If you happen to travel to Uganda for other reasons, the shortest time you ever get can be utilized for 2 days wildlife safari in Lake Mburo national park. As well as there are many short break safaris in Uganda. If you are planning extended or week-long safaris in Uganda, there are tailor made itineraries taking in the western Ugandan tourism circuit that includes Murchison Falls National park, Kibale forest national park, Queen Elizabeth national park and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.
Beautiful scenery
Uganda is blessed with a variety of spectacular landscapes. From tropical forests, snowcapped mountains and volcanoes, semi-arid, savannah wilderness, to wetlands, lakes and rivers, you can expect to find any kind of environment. Such a collection of breathtaking landscapes means that Uganda a paradise for outdoor and nature photographers.
Activities
You will never run out of things to do when you visit Uganda. With the diverse wildlife national parks, rivers and lakes, mountains and rainforests, it means that there are a lot of activities to enjoy on a safari. The best of all, Uganda offers the chance to hike on foot through rainforests like Bwindi and Kibale in search of the great apes; the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. In the Southwestern side of Uganda tourists can walk the trails of some of the ancient forest hunter gatherers- BaTwa pygmies the elders of civilization. In the central part of Uganda, there’s Lake Victoria- the largest fresh water lake in Africa which offers access to its tropical islands and beaches. Lake Victoria is believed to be the source of River Nile, the world’s longest river located in Jinja city eastern Uganda. Visitors to Jinja can enjoy rafting or kayaking the river Nile.
Snowcapped Ruwenzori Mountains towering 5109 meters above sea level offer world class mountaineering experience. For avid hikers, reaching the summit of Ruwenzori can take 8-12 days. Those who prefer low altitude hiking can try climbing the Virunga volcanoes in Mgahinga gorilla national park southwestern Uganda.
Straddle the Equator
Uganda is situated across the equator. This is an imaginary line that divides the earth into northern and southern hemispheres. There are three equator monuments in Uganda. The most popular is located in Masaka district along the tourist route to south western Uganda. It is about 1-2 hours’ drive from Kampala thus it’s easier to access and take pictures while standing at the equator. The other equator monument is found in Queen Elizabeth national park and in Entebbe.
Read MoreInteresting Activities to Engage in while on a Safari
Below is a list of a few activities and places to consider visiting while looking at a Uganda safari.
Visit Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary; Hidden on an Island that sits on the water of Lake Victoria in the central part of Uganda, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary was intended mainly to provide home to the rescued Chimpanzee primates.
It is now a shelter to over forty nine chimpanzee individuals that breathe life in the available tropical rainforests and fenced cages. You can get to this protected area by boat or plane.
The speed boat sets off early in the morning from Entebbe waters front. Once there, visitors engage in Chimpanzee feeding, care giving and collection of feeds.
Chimpanzee Trekking; this is one of the top captivating pursuits in Uganda. It involves an encounter with the Chimpanzee face to face in the Jungles. Its offered in a group and includes trekking in the Jungles via rugged trails until you locate the communities of chimps.
In Uganda, you can do the tracking excursions in Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo forest, Kalinzu Forest reserve and Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Gorilla Trekking, unlike chimpanzee tracking, this experience also awards a grand chance to meet with the mountain Gorillas face to face in the Jungles.
Gorillas are rarely seen and it is everyone’s dream to at least get a close encounter with these giants of the jungle.
It includes trekking in the Jungle and once you locate the Gorilla family you are tracing for, only one hour is allowed while in their presence. After descend back to the starting point or your lodge of stay.
In Uganda, you can only do the Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in the south western part of Uganda.
Visit Jinja town; Jinja is one of the most iconic towns in Uganda, it is positioned in the Eastern part of Uganda. You can only get there by a car via Kampala – Jinja – Mbale highway.
The main highlights for most of visitors to this riverside town are; boat cruise along the waters of river Nile, White water rafting and local market hopping.
Cultural encounters; without doubt, diverse culture is amongst the motives for most travelers who reserve some time for a visit to Uganda. This country consists of numerous tribes and each with its own cultural norms that impress visitors.
If you are after culture, you can visit some prominent tribes in the country such as the Batwa people in western Uganda, Matheniko in north eastern Uganda, Baganda in central Uganda, Bagishu for traditional dances and more.
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Hiking in Uganda: A Few Reminders to Know
Uganda has a lot of mountains and forest lands with different trails and hikers from natives who first explored the terrains to those that were discovered and developed for urbanization and commerce. Uganda has a variety of hiking destinations for all sorts of hikers.
With all the hiking options Uganda has to offer, it is wise to be prepared too. You may find that this area has a lot in common with other areas popular for hiking but you would also discover lots of differences that are both wonderful and mystifying.
There are a few reminder guidelines you could follow to help you get prepared for the hike. See to it that your back pack is complete with all gears and items you would need during the hike. Unnecessary items must be left behind. As a rule of thumb the following should be found in your bag before you leave the camp:
- First aid kit which includes an insect repellent, sunscreen lotion and toilet paper.
- Food and drink enough for the entire trail and camp. Estimate your supply according to the length and distance you would be hiking.
- Pocket knife, flashlight, water-proof matches or lighter, candles, a whistle, duct tape.
- Enough clothes for the entire tour and extra clothing appropriate for both sudden rise and drop of temperature.
Refrain from going off the trail. Switching to a new trail might help increase erosion while detouring on a muddy trail would likely destroy the surrounding vegetation. Always stay in the company of your guides. Uganda highlands or forests are home to a variety of wild animals which may attack you in case you are alone and with no help.
Always travel in three or more. This will ensure that there are enough people to act on different circumstances. Say in case of accident, the injured person could be attended to while someone goes for help.
Never drink untreated water, always boil the water you get from streams and lakes. For most Uganda hiking tours, water is mostly got from the streams and hikers are expected to travel with some water purifiers.
Be sure that nothing is left behind, including your garbage and other materials you have brought with you.
Do not feed wildlife, interfering in their natural food chain might disturb the balance of nature. Monkeys can be expected along the trails and trekkers are forbidden from giving them food.
Always have these in mind each time you are on a hiking trip to make sure you are safe and also sustainability of the destination.
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The Best 10 Things to Do in Jinja
Jinja is the adventure capital of East Africa. Located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Eastern Uganda, Jinja is a prime destination for tourists taking adventure safaris in Uganda. There are lots of things to do in the adventure capital of Uganda. Here are the best 10 things to do in Jinja;
Visit the source of the Nile
Visiting the source of the Nile will take you through a life of adventure. There is a golf course unwinding along the banks and the source of the Nile provides a pretty focal point to the flow of water from Lake Victoria’s only outlet. A boat ride out to Samuka Island is another trip of itself, not counting the beautiful fauna you will see along. The Nile is one of the world’s longest rivers and it flows up to the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.
Bungee jumping
Plunge about 44m from a platform above the Nile River. If you want adrenaline pumping action, this is your call.
White-water rafting
Explore the Nile by taking on its rapids. Some of the rapids are intense Grave IV and V rapids. The Nile is one of the best white-water rafting destinations in Africa. This has been rated the most memorable wild adventure and activity in Uganda and East Africa at large. You can never forget the experience of rafting on the Nile in Jinja. Start with a pre-safety training before the rafting experience to make sure you will know what to do once you get into the water. A safety boat is always provided for those who fear & are scared of the grade 3 & 5 trips. Age limits are 14 & 16 years for the grade 3 & grade 5 trips respectively. Kayakers are always there to save you in-case you don’t know how to swim & also take photos and videos of you. Family rafting is also available.
Horseback Riding Safaris
This gives you a unique ride through a typical Ugandan Village and a stunning section along the banks of river Nile. Horseback riding safari experience offers you the views from the hills overlooking the Nile valley, canter through the stunning plantations and relax in the tranquility of Mabira forest.
Quad biking
All-Terrain Vehicle Quad biking along the River Nile taking in the sights and the local cultures as you ride through various villages. Visitors to Jinja find this an exhilarating experience. This activity is Ideal for small groups and families.
Jet boating
Take your family or friends for a motorized trip on the Nile in a speedboat reaching a speed of 90km/hr. The jumps, the wind, the spins, the sprays are unforgettable.
Kayaking
Experienced and first time kayakers have a lot to experience on the Nile. There are instructors too who coach first time paddlers before they take on the untamed waters of the Nile.
Boat cruise
Take in the beautiful landscape through day cruises on River Nile. Sunset cruises over the lake are magical. Take a beautiful sunset Cruise with dinner and drink to the source of the Nile and Lake Victoria. It is one of the most enjoyable experiences. You get to enjoy the amazing food and endless cocktails while you watch sun go down.
Fishing
Test your fishing skills in one of the best fishing spots in East Africa. Fishing tours are offered on the Nile and on Lake Victoria. Your best catch ought to be the Nile perch. jinja features the waters of the Nile and those of Lake Victoria offering the perfect haven for the mighty Nile Perch and other indigenous species like the Cat fish types. This is the perfect option for you who loves to cast a line in the water but also want to share a great day out on the lake with family and friends. With all the fishing equipment supplied including GPS, Fish-finder, the latest rods and reels, all the latest lures, you won’t miss catching the Big Fish.
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5 Mistakes People Do When Booking A Uganda Safari & How To Avoid Them
Planning African safari or road trip Uganda like any new destination can be that frustrating and in most cases, visitors make lots of mistakes when booking for their lifetime trips. They include among others;
Selecting the wrong group
Group trips are exciting and amazing but it becomes a main issue when you land into a group that doesn’t accommodate your interest especially those with varying age groups. What is usually important if you want to travel as a group is for you to ensure that you are all of the same age bracket, have the same travel interests and a common goal of traveling. That said, make sure that when booking for a group trip, you choose the right group and definitely, you will have enjoyable safari in this pearl of Africa. Group tours usually come with advantages especially if are such a person who wants to cut down costs it is the best option the fact that you and other members can easily share some of the costs compared to if you booked your trip alone.
Not picking the best travel plan
A travel plan is a complete guide for your tour in Uganda and even in any country; you need one to have an organized road trip. Avoid short trips and make sure that your travel plan is flexible and allows you to engage in different activities. Uganda features diversity of attractions and unique destinations that are worth exploring while on your safari. That said; make sure that you at least book for a safari of about 7-14 days to allow you enjoy variety of attractions in this stunning country.
Booking a safari that has many smaller trips
Most people do not know that the 21 day tour comes with many smaller trips in between although it allows you to meet people, enjoy variety of attractions. The disadvantage with it is that it can be too exhausting. While it is everyone’s wish to explore activities, make sure that they are well planned to allow you rest and relax as some activities can be exhausting for instance gorilla trekking, mountaineering a mention but a few.
Booking a safari personally
While you may book a trip in Uganda on your own, this may come with much stress as well especially if you do not find that dream accommodation or if you miss a flight. To avoid being stressed at the end of the day, make sure that you book your trip with a ground tour operator and you will be at a safer hand. That said, we are one of the best ground tour companies that can take you through Uganda’s stunning destinations that include among other the ten national parks-Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park which are popular for wildlife safaris as well as Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park which are famous for mountain gorillas.
Not getting the fine print
While booking for a safari, visitors tend to be excited and they forget even to carryout research on the costs. Usually, majority of travelers get attracted to websites with low prices because they want to cut down the costs. However, note that some tour operators tend to display low cost with hidden costs which later are added and you get surprised when the figure hikes. That said, make sure that you cross check your travel plan well otherwise what you look at as budget tour may turn to be a luxury safari which you may not be prepared for. When planning for a trip, the cost is very key for one to consider before you make a booking.
Conclusively, while planning for a safari to Uganda or any African state, make sure that the above mistakes are avoided and you will have an ultimate safari experience.
Read More7 Important Factors to Guide You When Choosing a Rental Car in Uganda
Do you have any plan to take a safari in Uganda? If yes, have you thought of which car hire company to deal with to get that dream car to help you get your dream destination? Let this not be the last thing for you to think about but should be among the first because how you are to get to that dream destination does matter a lot. Also, with ever cropping car rental companies in Uganda, it may not be that easier for you to find that trust worthy car rental company to deal. Most importantly, you need to deal with a trust worthy, reliable car hire agency in Uganda to help you realize your dreams. The advantage with car hire is that, you have a chance to have a successful, flexible and above all a trip that leaves lasting memories in you. For others, they opt to borrowing from relatives or public means, however, while this may be one way to find a car to get that dream destination, they may not be reliable and yet your plan is to spend short time. The best alternative is a car hire as it offers you with total comfort and come at pocket friendly prices. With many car rental companies that are distributed in Uganda, choosing one to deal with is very challenging and a number of factors need to be looked at that include among others;
1. The price of car rental
Every car hire company attaches a price to his or her cars just like it is a case with any business entity. Before you think of making any payments, ask yourself how much is it to hire a car or how much does that company you intend to deal hire out its cars. That said, price becomes a critical factor for anyone to consider while choosing which car rental company to deal with. It is better that you need to carry out some research, Google out a number of car rental companies that offer a similar service and make comparison on their prices and see which one has better costs with more offers to help you have enjoyable trip.
Make sure that the car rental company’s rates are not exploitative but favorable to your wallet. As well, be keen on those with low costs as they also come with perhaps poor services especially car with bad mechanical conditions, giving you totally a different vehicle from that you booked and even they might be poor in time management. However, some of them may offer low costs with better services meaning it all depends on the car hire company you choose and don’t associate high prices to better offers otherwise some of them can be worse. As for our case, our prices are really pocket friendly and our clients are always our major priority. It is our joy to see you realize your dreams in Uganda and Rwanda.
2. Fuel
Some car hire companies provide car hire quotes which cover fuel costs and others make quotation with excluding fuel cost. While others provide a car with fuel with expectations that you return it with the same amount of fuel in the tank and for any breach of this means that you will be fined and extra cost will be levied on you. Therefore, ensure that you make necessary inquiries from different car hire companies on fuel payment to avoid any kind of inconveniences.
3. Additional costs
When you think of hiring a car for your trip ensure that you make an inquiry on what car rental company you intend to deal with includes and exclude and also if there are any hidden costs. And if there are extra service offers for instance child seat, camping gear or GPS hire then inquire how much you need for each and don’t assume that perhaps they are covered in the package unless you have confirmed about this with car Rental Company itself.
4. Insurance
Equally, every car rental company has its own insurance policies and terms for their cars on hire. That said, don’t think that a given car hire dealer provides comprehensive or 3rd party insurance and the best alternative is for you to make an inquiry and understand which policy do they use. To other car hire dealers, insurance policy plays a significant role especially when it covers costs of the car and even those of the visitors’ life and property and to other car rental companies, you might be required to purchase your own insurance both life and car. This means that you have to be careful while making choice on which car hire company to deal with. If you are the one to insure yourself then ask how much you will need to cove this cost.
5. Mileage offers
Although the other car hire service providers offer unlimited mileage for their car rental packages, on other hand, others offer limited mileage just in case you exceed it, then you will be the one to make payment for the additional kilometers you will cover. Make sure that you have up to date information on what mileage that company you intend to deal with has in offer and then make your booking when you know it favors you to avoid any additional and unplanned expenses.
6. Reputation of the car rental company
The reputation of car Hire Company matters a lot too. Don’t just bump into any car rental dealer on internet instead take your time and go through their company profile, reviews and see what other visitor who could have used dealt with the same company have said about their offers or services. This will help you know if there is any contradiction that may perhaps have an impact in case you booked with them. In case, there isn’t any kind of sort then go on and make your booking.
7. Road assistance
Prior booking with that car hire company, inquire more especially for cases of breakdown if there is any alternative to rescue a vehicle and it is you to pay the additional cost for such cases or not. While most car hire companies in Uganda and Rwanda offer 24 hour road assistance, on other hand you shouldn’t take this for granted and perhaps make inquiries to have a clear view of it just to cover the other part of in case of anything happens on your way.
Read MoreDriving Around the Big Bend in Western Uganda
Our car shuddered to a standstill beside a wooden sign on a deserted western region part of Uganda road. “This is fountain of the pearl of Africa”, I read as I stepped from the car into the shimmering mid day heat. We’d been heading through Queen Elizabeth National Park towards the Uganda-Rwanda border, to a town called Kisoro which boasted of a very conducive climate for a night. Unfortunately as we rounded a bend I was faced with a rock slide in progress and totally misjudged the clearance of my rented car from Uganda Self Drive, a reputable car renting company in Uganda opting to try and drive over the bouncing debris. There were a series of sickening thuds and bangs which caused my partner and I to cringe, and the car to grind to a standstill after around a hundred yards, with an alarming flow of unidentified liquid pouring onto the road surface.
We both looked under the car at the damage, then at each other then down the long straight road ahead of us. On average we’d been passing another vehicle about every half an hour and we were around an hour’s drive from our isolated hotel. Around ten miles back down the road, we’d passed a small garage at a cross roads, with a sign which read ‘this shop protected by a sawed off shot gun 3 days per week. You guess which days’. We’d also seen a hand painted sign pointing to the hills reading ‘Ghost Town Road’. That was the only sign of life and it looked like we could be waiting for some time to be rescued.
After about 20 minutes, with my partner berating me for my lack of driving judgment as we sat in the now roasting car, the air conditioner having failed with the engine, I notice a speck on the horizon, tailed by a large dust cloud.”Told you we wouldn’t wait long”, I said, trying to sound optimistic. It took around 10 minutes before I noticed that I had to do some thing very fast. I reached for my mobile phone, called the car rental company from which we had hired the car. This company is so generous that it contacted it’s area agent and with in a blink of an eye a rescue car was at our footsteps and we were 0ffered another car and off we proceeded with our journey.
Eventually we arrived Kabale town which is at the border of these two countries for at least a night before embarking on our journey. Reclaimed by a hardy bunch of artists, musicians, loners and eccentrics. Today, Kabale boasts a couple of eating options, some shops and lodgings and as we trudged, sweating into town we were greeted by the site of a graveyard with tumbledown tombstones, a few scattered dwellings in various states of disrepair…and the Starlight Theatre. An incongruous sight in this far flung corner of western Uganda, the Starlight had once provided entertainment for the miners and their families. Now it had been converted into the Ghost town’s only bar, and its appearance was so unexpected I almost expected it to fade, mirage like, from view as we approached.
There are some meals that stick in your memory. Sometimes because of their quality, but often because you were so hungry that whatever you ate would seem like a sumptuous banquet. Similarly with drinks. On an occasion where your mouth is parched and dry and you feel that you’ve perspired every last bead of sweat from your body, an ice cold beer can live as long in the memory as a bottle of the finest champagne. And so it was with the icy bottle of Shiner Bock which I threw down in one gulp in that strange little bar.
The room was populated by a number of bewhiskered characters who all looked strangely similar to the mailman… in fact one of them was the mailman! He raised an arm in greeting, while some of his drinking buddies glanced in our direction but barely raised a bushy eyebrow. It seemed that two sweaty, red faced, stranded travelers stumbling into their local bar was a regular occurrence. We sank a couple more cold beers and began to consider how we’d get back to the hotel to await delivery of the replacement car. It seemed that no one was making a water run that day so we headed back to the Main Road and continued with our journey to Rwanda the land of a thousand hills. After crossing the Rwandan border everything turned different.
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Bespoke Uganda Safari Holidays
Planning for a holiday should be everyone’s expectations after a long hustle for a full year; this can be well organized for you by Nature adventure Africa Safaris limited. Uganda is the best country to travel to for a tour due to the incredible adventures found within her national parks located in the different regions of the country. Uganda has got ten national parks all suitable for paying a visit due to the diversity of the wildlife including the floras found in them that has acted as a habitant to wildlife.
Besides national parks, visitors can take a tour to the different leisure parks within the country including other cultural centers found around the city of Kampala. Lake Bunyonyi- is another place to go for a hideout, while in Uganda one cannot miss enjoy the un disputable river Nile which is found in Jinja another amazing city in the eastern Uganda.
This is known to be the longest River in Africa, those who wish to do white water rafting can do it from this river as there are many service providers. One cannot leave the river minus visiting the Bujagali falls alongside the Itanda falls which is known for being bad waterfalls around the Nile and this is one of the discovery tours to be made in Uganda.
Enjoy the best Kidepo Valley National Park and Murchison Falls National Park while on your Uganda safari and start with Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo and then you can pass via the Pian Upe Reserve in Moroto.
Murchison falls national park is located in Murchison Falls Conservation Area which is comprised of Bugungu and Karuma Falls Wildlife Reserves, the park is crossed by the Longest River in Africa that’s River Nile forming an explosion of a great Waterfall within the Park. This park was later named after this great river; it is characterized by a savannah and Riverine forest with some dominant woodland with abundant wildlife. The park has got a number of activities that can be performed while here and these include,
Boat safari at the Nile River, this is taken up to the falls, this trip is one of the best enjoyed trip while at the park since visitors get a chance of disembarking from the boat and take up a hike to the top of the main stream and also come back to the boat for more wildlife viewing. While at the boat, visitors take a glance to see the herds of hippos bouncing off the bottoms of the river, Crocodiles are also another water residents, these are seen alongside the waters sun bathing and elephants flock to the river for water hence giving visitors a nice stunning photographic scene.
Hiking to the falls, Murchison Falls is regarded as the world’s most powerful waterfall, visitors spare around 45minutes of hiking to the falls, while towards the falls, one will experience the ground shake and vibrations surrounds the place due to the powers exhibited by the flowing water from a cliff of around 50fts. From here visitors can proceed to the Nile Delta on a boat ride where river Nile joins Lake Albert and it is also another supplement for seeing an abundance of wild animals and the birds.
Hot air ballooning safaris, this is another activity that is done from Murchison Falls National Park and it is one of not to be missed by every tourist who visit the park. While up in the sky, visitors enjoy seeing almost every wild animal that is within the park since the balloon takes around the park, herds of elephants, buffaloes, a glide above the trees within the park early in the morning will enable you to see the sun rising while seeing the herds of wildlife enjoying their territories.
Birding, for birders this is another birding option due to the vast numbers of bird species found around the park, this can be done while on boat or on a safari vehicle. Here the possibilities of seeing a number of birds are endless, guides will take you around every bird spotting corner where you will see a number of them in different locations. The savannah vegetation and the Riverine forest plus the swamps within the park offers a great habitat for a number of bird species, this is the reason as to why the park is a birders choice while on a trip to Uganda.
Game drives, there is no way you can escape taking on a game drive while on the park, this is the greatest mechanisms of seeing a variety of wildlife including the Uganda Kobs, Oribi, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeests among others, the park rangers are always available to guide you throughout the activity. Game drives can be done during the morning hours, afternoon, evening and at night but the best spotting time for the various animals is during the morning hours as the animals are always awake to start looking for food.
After a long experiential tour around Murchison falls national park, visitors can proceed to Kidepo valley national park for another experiential tour in addition to the various activities,
Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the north eastern Uganda and it is on the border Uganda with South Sudan, the park covers 1442km²; the park is one of the best places to hide due to its magnificent scenery. This makes it a visitor’s centre for over and over again, though the park is the only isolated park among the top ten national parks. This park offers spectacular Savannah landscapes that end in rocky horizon, reaching this park from Kampala takes around 10-12hours of drive hence visitors usually set early in the morning to reach the place at Apoka where the Park Headquarters are. Kidepo has got a number of sightseeing and attraction
Hiking and Sightseeing in Kidepo, this is one of the best interesting activities within Kidepo; hiking is done around Mountain Lamoj which is a few kilometres from the park headquarters. During this hike, visitors may have a chance to see the Kidepo river valley with its borassus palm forest, a hike can take you to Kanangorok Hot Spring that is 11km from Kidepo river valley. The savannah landscape of this park is a breath taking one and it is one of the best leading landscapes suitable for hiking.
Game viewing in Kidepo, this park is endowed with abundant wildlife with a nice landscape suitable for game drives that can be done in the morning and evening hours, during your game drives, you cannot escape seeing animals such as cheetah, caracal, aard Wolf, Oribi, Jackson’s hartebeests, bush pigs, eland, buffaloes, elephants, Warthogs, black-backed jackals, stripped hyenas, bat-eared fox, leopards, lions, and some spotted hyenas. All this makes the park a better place to be since visitors on different occasions don not want to leave the park due to the herds of wild animals seen here.
Cultural performance, the surrounding local communities have got numerous cultural performance groups that entertain visitors at a given fee, a wider range of traditional dances and songs such as the Emuya and Nyangia plus the Naporre Ethnic groups. Larakaraka and the Apiti are among the performed dances and songs from the Acholi culture, visitors on their wish can participate while the performers are doing what they know best.
Bird Watching in Kidepo, the park is renowned for its exceptional variety of birds. Out of the Fifty eight recorded birds of prey, fourteen are thought to be specifically endemic to the Kidepo as well as the Karamoja region. Included in these are: the pygmy Falcon, Verreaux’s Eagle plus the Egyptian Vulture just to mention but a few as many more are seen depending on your time of stay.
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