On safari it’s easier for the client to travel either on the self-drive or to hire a car with a driver. its much easier and less expensive to hire a car in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania for a self-drive
Why Shouldn’t you Miss Uganda on your Holiday package
- Mount Gorillas
gorillas are the most special creature on this earth that are almost 99% human beings. Uganda is known to have the highest population of the gorillas.gorillas in Uganda can be found in two national parks ie Bwindi Impenetrable national park in western Uganda and Mgahinga national park on the border of Uganda and Rwanda
Gorillas are located in different sectors so it’s always to decide the sector and the family you want to habituate. gorilla trekking in Uganda is $700usd per day. The permits are always booked in advance 3month before the trip.other countries in Africa where you can find the gorilaaas are Rwanda and Cong
Can I Take a Pet In a Rental Car In Uganda?
Are you planning to take your pet as a companion on your next road trip? If yes, it is important to understand the important procedures of renting a car when you have a dog or any other pet with you, for a memorable road trip and avoid unexpected expenses. Many Car Rental Uganda Companies are pet-friendly and normally have no or fewer restrictions with travellers carrying dogs in their cars.
Most Car Rental Companies that allow pets to be carried along during road trips indicate that they have to be contained in a cage with specific Terms and Conditions. Basically, the most important policy for a smooth Car rental deal is to drop off the vehicle in the same condition as it was when you picked it up. Therefore if you are travelling along with your pet, just make sure that you return the vehicle clean and without any new damages. Additionally, it is important to first thoroughly check the car for any damages and even take photos before finally taking it to avoid taking the blame for damages you didn’t cause. Ensure that the pets are crated and also return the Car in the same condition you took it, free of pet hair or poop to avoid paying extra fees (cleaning and detailing).
Preparation and more preparation is required when renting a car for a road trip with your pet because most Companies don’t provide any dog equipment hence it is okay to bring kits to make sure your pet is safe and comfortable.
How do you know that the Car Rental Company allows pets?
The majority of the Car Rental Companies or Agencies in Uganda allow pets in their cars, hence first check and clearly state it to the Company before you finally travel. This also helps to avoid any unpleasant surprises when you finally go to the Company to pick up the Car.
Thoroughly read through the Company’s Rental Car Terms and Conditions or better still the FAQs section on their website for any relevant information.
How much will I be charged to take my pet in the Rental Car?
The good news for pet lovers is that most Car Rental Companies in Uganda don’t actually charge extra fees for taking along your Pet because you will be in charge of cleaning the car and making sure it is free from any hairs, smell, poop, and muddy paw prints. However, you might be charged just a small cleaning fee. This also applies to damages, where you will only be charged in case of damages caused by the pet.
Important Tips for travelling with pets in Rental Cars
The following are the important tips for travelling with pets in Rental Cars;
- Rent the right type and size of the car
The right size of car largely depends on the size of a pet because you will not squeeze your beloved companion in a small car trunk/or boot. We offer a wide range of cars ranging from the Toyota Rav4 for small groups and tiny pets to the large Coaster buses for group travellers with a lot of luggage.
- Drive safely
It is a known fact that safe driving is important during a road trip but keeping the dog in a comfortable place, especially at the back of the car reduces distraction and any chances of accidents.
- Cover car seats/boots with a clean blanket
A blanket will protect the car seats or boots from any pet hairs, muddy claws and poop hence saving extra money on cleaning fees.
- Regular breaks are required
It is always important to plan and schedule en-route breaks for the driver and pets, to enjoy meals and answer calls of nature.
- Avoid leaving your pet in the car on a hot day
How would you feel being left in a car on a hot day? So horrible and therefore it is risky to leave your beloved companion unattended to in a car, worse of all during a hot day.
Is Uganda Really Worth Spending Any of Your Money?
As with everything in life, travelling to Uganda for a refreshment or business trip may be worth a tray or a pain in the ass. You never know at all what will happen in the future we just plan ad predict that our plans will go well.
Am a Uganda travel consultant but at the same time a traveller in Uganda. How would you think that Uganda is worth spending your money at all in visiting it? Will it deliver to your expectations or just like any other African countries?
Well Uganda is the pearl of Africa with little bit of everything in the world I may say apart from the snow and bears. It is a true gem that you longed for in ravel for Avery long time.
Truth is told the beauty of something will always lie in the eyes of the particular person. Here what I mean it is so magical for me to visit Uganda seeing all these kind of things this motherland has its breathless but is it really worth visiting at all.
What are those travel things worth spending on in Uganda?
- Gorillas
Uganda has got over half the worlds remaining number of gorillas in the world. Bwindi impenetrable national park and mountain Mgahinga gorilla national park in the southern parts of the country are the home to these giants here in Uganda,.
They are quite protected with guns in fact in the dense forests of Bwindi. At a cost of $700 dollars you can do a gorilla trekking in either Bwindi impenetrable national park, or $1500 for gorilla habituation on either of these national parks in Uganda.
A gorilla is one of the five apes on planet earth including man, and is so close in the DNA at about 98% with humans and it is worth everything to see your closest relative sin their natural habitat for.
- Climate
Tropical rain forests, waooo. Uganda’s climate is largely tropical with two rainy seasons per year, March to May and September to December. The northern region, which forms one quarter of the country lies outside the tropical belt, and hence experiences only one rainy season, March to October.
Literally this means you can visit Uganda like the whole out if you choose too. You do not have to wait for seasons to come on a self-drive Uganda safari. It is very magical experience that even with our rains they come magically like a few hours in a day and it’s done for someone to do what they want the other hours of the day.
Uganda is ranked as the best friendly country in the whole world I guess this was passed on to us from our great grandfathers who chooses to allow the other people into Uganda for a good cause. A combination of the good climate and weather makes us worth visiting who does not want to see what is in the pearl of Africa surely.
With ten national parks all over the country, worlds half remaining gorillas, a lot of primate and wildlife, the beauty of our flora and fauna made by our tropical climate Uganda has got a lot more to offer that what you would actually expect.
But what makes us stand out in the crowd is not basically all the above but us and what surrounds us as Ugandans.
The #1 Thing People Get Wrong About Uganda Car Rentals
If you’re planning on a luxury Uganda safari but will be on a budget car rental during your trip and have the flexibility to go where and when you want, you’re probably going to need to rent a car on your vacation.
Depending on where you are going Uganda car rental should not be a problem if you understand and follow their car rental rules and regulations, so you don’t make costly rental car mistakes. You may think that you have travelled enough and know more of the car rentals; you will be making a great mistake.
The number #1 thing people get wrong about Uganda car rental is thinking that they know more and better. But there’s always something that surprises and confounds you. Below are some of the facts to consider before you get it all wrong.
Mistake #1.Not Talking to the Rental Car
There are special rules that apply any time you drive a rented car. Reading and understanding all the car rental rules and regulations saves you a lot of troubles in the near future on your Uganda safari.
Dropping the car in a different country or place the costa that come along with it, the customs at the borders posts, where the car a can go and at what time should you stop and start driving you rented car.
And make sure you’ve disclosed all of the locations you will be taking the car. One country may require an International Driver’s License, while the other doesn’t, or the car might require special permits to enter. All of these issues will be costly if you’re caught.
If you rent a car on Saturday and return it on Monday, you very well may be charged for 3 days, rather than 2. Most companies charge on a 24-hour basis, so if you keep the car for 26 hours, you’ll be charged for 2 full days. Remember when you reserved the car online and you put in what time you’d pick and return the vehicle?
These may be very same issues but they may end up costing you a lot in the end.
Mistake #2: Asking for Extra Services
You’re in a new city and you don’t know how to get around. A GPS offers great peace of mind that you’re heading in the right direction and won’t get lost down somewhere in Uganda where even the network may not be there.
But also renting a GPS will cost you from as low as 10$- 40$ a day. Will this be worth paying or getting a maps me on your phone to help you get around Instead of paying these costly rental fees, you could just use Google Maps on your mobile phone, even if you don’t have a sim card or data.
Gets up to speed with what is happening with the car with the rental agency contacts they gave you would be a great saver. Other services are also a costly car rental mistake. I know it’s terribly inconvenient to take along a child’s car seat, but doing so could save you $100 over a week-long car rental.
Did you know that you can actually rent a driver guide daily from as low as $30- $80 per day to save you the trouble? Getting some cash with you as you travel as Uganda car rentals mostly prefer cash and all credit cards may be faulty.
Surely you’ve made a few of these mistakes yourself a time or two on any safari car rental all around the world travelling. But all put in mind we can always have the best Uganda safaris at all cost.
Self Driving Uganda is a Dream Come True
Not like anywhere you have partaken the experience, this simple East African country has proved a perfect rewards for self-driving safaris. Ever dreamed of the best self-drive experiences and found yourself just in well branded and marketed destinations?
This time let your dream of a natural self-drive hover over to letting it come true. A self-drive safari in Uganda means to rent a customized safari vehicle and seat behind the wheels deciding your own paths. It’s a great idea that is doubled with benefits and great joy of experiencing the wild.
Better ways to do self-drive safaris in Uganda;
There are a number of travel tips for travelers opting to take a self-drive in Uganda as they are drawn below;
Rent an all-terrain cruiser
Safari destinations in Uganda are spread to the remotest reaches and one must have a steady vehicle to cruise through these areas. There are a number of car rental service providers who have availed a number of safari customized vehicle for all terrain reach. Among the fleets to consider from include 4×4 Rav4 and Land cruiser TX/TZ for budget travelers, however the land cruiser VX/GX and V8, Nissan Patrol and Land Rover are fit for luxury and mid-range. The land cruiser hardtop/ 70 series is named African all terrain rambler though this fleet sometimes is not rented out for self-drive consideration.
Consider wild outdoor camping
Another marvelous style of encountering with the wild on self-drive to Uganda. As the trend takes, hire a car with a rooftop tent and experience the wild in an adventurous way. Almost in all safari destinations in Uganda let’s say national parks and game reserves there is an option of outdoor camping into the camps that are run by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and these camps are considerate for superb safaris. Make your self-drive safari to Uganda out of the comfort, but make it so colorful and spend your night into the wild amidst a number of night roars and melodies. Renting a car with a rooftop tent has become one common way travelers are opting to encounter the wild. Would you prefer the experience there a number of 4×4 car rental fleets availed and customized for roof camping.
Travel in a group
A solo travel idea seems boring, should consider taking a group self-drive, then you will discover how best this looks to share moments on a safari. Some safari destination are far to reach and driving alone in the vehicle makes the trip more boring them finding yourself even missing out some of the en-routes. Have a company of 3 or 4 tune your favorite music, consider every interesting moment and can make a change who to drive, this is unlimited joy on your self-drive safari to Uganda.
Best recommendable accommodation for self-drive safari in Uganda
There are various accommodation recommendation to use upon your self-drive safari in Uganda. Most of the self-drive travelers are adventurous travelers who are always seeking out for something more adventurous undertaking. Try this accommodation recommendation when opting to experience a different self-drive safari while in Uganda.
Rooftop camping
Renting your preferred safari vehicle with a rooftop and all camping gear makes you deserve the right treatment of living into the wild. The rooftop tent though may seem complicated but it’s the easiest way of spending a night when considering camping rather than ground camping. Simply devour to secure an enhanced razed abode to square your car and stretch out the rooftop tent for your uncompromised outdoor wild night. With money reflections, renting a car with a rooftop tent for a self-drive safari in Uganda rewards with the most cost subsided way of exploring the pearl. Which deal sometime you win double slots with a single bet, covering accommodation together with transportation and bypassing other costs.
Camping at lodges
A number of lodges across many tourist destinations have reached a level of providing camping requirement to a number of travelers. Already set camping sites with camping tents in place in relatively cheaper and better practice of an adventure consideration. The rates for camping may range right as low as $25 raising depending on the amenities on the campsite.
Basic accommodation
Basic lodging is available anywhere Uganda beside deluxe. The basic accommodation that one can consider taking can range from as low as $30 depending the facilities but considerably decent.
How to enjoy a remarkable self-driving safari in Uganda
Behavioral reflections for that remarkable self-drive safari in Uganda. Bring you dominating than surfacing of embarrassments. Let’s put in consideration the following tips as we drive through the pearl to accelerate the experience of a self-guided trip.
Consider taking stopovers
Whenever seated behind wheels on safari in Uganda, there various destined stopovers for relaxation and these are almost spread to all highways. This is an advantage to stretch off for the so far long journey traveled, these stopovers are sometimes traveler’s stop-offs at Gas stations, restaurants or locally built for roasted chicken and meat as well, roasted banana and soft drinks. These stopover are okay for easier accessing for the en-route refreshments.
Eat like a local
Try tasting the local dishes, fresh fruits along the way. Instead of going for the international dishes prepared in many of the restaurants within national park, just outside the parks are the local restaurants wish cheaper dishes rating between 3dollars. The taking the en-route stop off and buy those eats or even this cheapest street snack of the Rolex. These few consideration in a sure way your self-drive safari colored with a number of varying encounters.
Consider community moments.
To any of your traveling destination try to match up with the locals. This is much done in locally gazzetted places for tourists, where local try to display their culture to the well-wishers who are design for a flash with the local. Just put in mind that Ugandans are the world’s most hospitable people considering the BBC survey, and these are as well ready to render any hand to help in case of any need.
Take en-route attractions
All en-route to major safari destination in Uganda are packed with marvelous attractions and activities which most of them have kept infamous. These to mention are Jinja city packed with the Nile adventures of rafting, kayaking, boat rides, bungee jumping, the Sipi falls, Nyero rock paintings on the eastern route. The northern route has the Kapeka gun shooting practices, Ziwa rhino sanctuary, Aruu falls, and northern cities of Lira and Gulu etc. southern route with cultural sites of Buganda kingdom (Buddo) coronation site, Equator
RECOMMENDABLE PARKS ON A SELF-DRIVE TO UGANDA
Uganda has a total of 10 national parks plus 12 national reserves that offer a tremendous safari. But, in this piece we concentrate on the few national parks and game reserve that we think can draw an attention on your self-drive safari to Uganda. In a statement let’s discuss through how these selected safari destinations make your self-drive safari in Uganda coming true.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park the park has featured in the number of international best parks accolades with the recent one being the WTA though didn’t emerge the best. The park according to CNN is the most Africa’s remotest park, and UWA recommends it as the True African wildness. The northern route to this park is one of the few opening of encountering the big five on a safari to Uganda. Everything about the park is amazing, great concentration of wildlife, wider open landscape view of the savannah and the real African still intact with their culture. Kidepo is one place where any traveler on a self-drive would not miss taking safari.
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is branded as the birder’s haven, the park is located in western Uganda sharing borders with DR Congo. It’s one of the rare visited tourist destination in Uganda yet there is great of attentions. It’s mainly known for the two hot springs which are locally named the male and the female hot spring, great number of wild species, birding spot and cultural rewarding.
Pian Upe Game Reserve
Pian Upe game reserve is one of the few remaining reserves that still have the guts of competing for a seat in the race of safaris. The reserve has a bigger concentration of wildlife especially antelope species, a place to secure a sight on the rare tigers, ostrich, elands. With the local community encounters of some of the tribes in the Karamoja region.
Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda’s largest protected areas and the current most tourist visited park. Endowed with almost the highest concentration of wildlife and another park that offer chances of seeing the big five in combination of the Ziwa rhino sanctuary. The park is most famous due to the tremendous Murchison Falls along the Victoria Nile, the falls are shout more with thunderous roars with a perfect moist top of the falls view and the bottom view on the boat cruise watching rapids forcing into the narrow gorge. one of the parks with an easy schedule on a self-drive and considerately most safari rewarding park.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s smallest parks, the easiest accessed national park in Uganda located in southwestern Uganda just few miles to Mbarara city from Masaka city. The most rewarding park on a safari as far as predators are concerned. Among the activities done here include game drives, boat rides, nature walks, night game drives, birding, horse riding, spot fishing etc.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi National park in the rolling landscapes that offer the best ever rewards for short hiking experiences, however the park is home to the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and accommodates about half of the species. One of the possible and most rewarding self-drive safari in Uganda as far as gorilla trekking is concerned. There are two gorilla experiences at the park these are gorilla habituation and gorilla tracking experiences. For the ever the best apes tracking experience, there are limited opportunities to consider, but at the park penetration into the rush forest becomes the order of the day.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda’s most popular national park, with unique encounters which can’t be hosted in any other park among which are tree climbing lion tracking and experiential tourism center in Uganda. For experiential activities include lion tracking, bird counting, hippo census, mongoose tracking. One of the best safari rewarding parks with a high concentration of wildlife. When on a self-drive safari in Uganda and consider a safari to Queen Elizabeth game Park among the things to do include game drives, boat launch, birding, tree climbing lion tracking chimpanzee tracking, and community visits among many other considerations.
5 Budget Lodges in Queen Elizabeth national park for Self Drive Tour
Exploring the pearl of Africa is everyone’s dream come true but many people question how to do it. Wayback, guided tours were the order of the day but recently, self-guided tours have taken over. Self drive safaris involve travelling to different tourist destinations at your time interval, travel plans with unlimited freedom.
One of the places to visit on a Uganda self drive trip is, Queen Elizabeth national park, located in Kasese west of Uganda. This savannah park is ranked the oldest national park and the most visited in the pearl of Africa.
The park is embraced by a diverse ecosystem that is captivating before the eyes of its visitors. The park is positioned in the great lakes region dominated by Lake Edward and Lake George.
The park is a renowned destination for tree-climbing lions in the famous Ishasha sector which is its hidden gem. This magical wonder of nature has the largest percentage of wildlife game compared to other parks and a variety of vegetation types ranging from savannah, moist forests and wetlands mothering different species of wildlife.
A self drive to this Mother Nature land is great exposure to plenty of Uganda’s ecosystem and its natural wonders. In your own private car hire Uganda, you face the steering wheel and get exposed to what nature has to offer at your own pace and reach every corner of Uganda’s best big 5 gaming empire. While planning for your safari at Queen Elizabeth, accommodation should also be put into consideration. A relaxed mind and good sleep call for the next perfect day on your travel plan. Self-guided safaris require standard Uganda car rental services and facilities to cater for all your accommodation needs. Popular accommodations that you should consider booking on your self-guided tour in Queen Elizabeth national park include;
Pumba safari lodge
Pumba safari lodge is a budget, standard and friendly lodge situated in Kyambura overlooking the open savannah wilderness along the rims of the western rift valley. It offers cosy, spacious and well-furnished rooms with the standard lodge services to reach your pocket size. Pumba safari lodge is part of the woodland lodges and brings you to nature at close range. The lodge offers stunning views of wildlife species and the fresh greenery of the surrounding.
Pumba safari has a fancy restaurant that prepares delicious cuisine so you should not worry about where to get what goes in the stomach. Great opportunities await at the park for you to engage in and these include game driving in search of the big 5 games, launch cruise at Kazinga channel, bird watching, Ishasha lion tracking, chimpanzee trek, community walk among others.
Kazinga channel resort
Kazinga channel resort is positioned in Queen Elizabeth national park in Katunguru region facing the Kazinga channel. It is a budget hotel that looks forward to providing the best services and facilities to its clients ranging from clean and comfortable rooms, hot water and a delicious mouth-watering meal served from its restaurant. The resting units at the lodge are self-contained double rooms and cottages Camping is available for tourists in need of adventure and on a budget.
Simba safari lodge
For friendly, affordable and comfortable accommodation, Simba safari lodge will meet your tastes while on a self-guided tour in the famous Queen Elizabeth national park. It is located on a hill and the closest lodge for game drives in Kasenyi plains the park’s mating grounds. The lodge has a variety of spacious rooms consisting of dormitories, guest rooms and a well-furnished campsite. The lodge offers spectacular views of lake views such as Lake Kironkoro, Lake George and the rolling savannah plains of the park.
@The River Ishasha
It is a budget accommodation situated in the Ishasha sector in the southern region of Queen Elizabeth national park. It is 4km from the Ishasha gate close to river Ntungwe. The lodge is subdivided into three categories including self-contained cottages, non-self-contained cottages and lazy camping rooms overlooking the river.
Tembo safari lodge
It is an excellent centrally located budget lodge overlooking the Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth national park. The rooms are simple, clean, comfortable and pleasant offered at the lowest cost to meet budget packages. The lodge is divided into standard rooms which are single and double. Lunch and dinner are served at an affordable price but breakfast is included in the room rate charges. Get ready to be served continental and local dishes with the taste of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on request.
A variety of accommodations awaits you in the tree-climbing lion destination with stunning facilities at a low cost. The choice you make will determine a perfect wilderness experience.
Birding In Uganda: Your Quick Three-Point Guide
Destination Uganda is a mind-blowing avi-tourism hub located in Eastern Africa. A plethora of approximately 50% of the continent’s bird count and 11% of the world’s bird species.
The birds are dotted in a wide range of habitats from forest, swamps and wetlands, savanna, to the waters and air.
The Pearl of Africa, as she is often labeled, is one destination every ardent birdwatcher needs to visit to update their checklist.
There is nothing quite rewarding as the thrill of seeing new bird species, or spotting some that you least expect to find in this part of the world, from the elusive prehistoric dinosaur lookalike, the Shoebill; blue swallow, short-winged nightjar, green breasted pitta; to the largest bird on earth, the common ostrich.
The best spots for a birding tour in Uganda
Some of the famous birdwatching sports in Uganda include, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Semuliki National Park and Wildlife Reserve, Mt. Elgon National Park, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Matheniko and Bokora Wildlife Reserves, Kidepo Valley National Park, Budongo and Mabira forests, Lutembe and Mabamba Ramsar sites; among others.
Birding can happen pretty much anywhere in Uganda.
From the moment you walk off the plane at Entebbe International Airport, your birding count begins.
While in Kampala, Uganda’s Capital City, you just can’t get bored since there are a number of rewarding birdwatching sites that surround the city and can also be even accessed by public transport means, a taxi or a Boda Boda (motorbike taxi). These include the forested Makerere University, Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Chakig Ecotourism Site, Mpanga Forest and Mabira Forest all of which can guarantee a checklist of over 20 different bird species in a single excursion.
Uganda’s Lutembe Wetland Ramsar Site located on the shores of Lake Victoria is one of such spots close to town for a quick one-day Uganda birding trip. The wetland is a special stopover for European migratory species like the White-winged Terns, Caspian terns, Grey-headed gulls and the Spotted flycatchers which travel from Europe escaping from winter and arrive here early October and stay until late March. The Ramsar site also houses some pretty rare species that include the Hottentot teals, Termnicks stint, water thickness among others.
Birds that will catch your eye during a birding safari in Uganda.
Some of the eye-catching bird species that can be found in Uganda include the Levilliant’s Cuckoo, Karamoja Apalis, Grey-crowned Crane, which is also the national bird and is on the Uganda flag.
You can also look forward to seeing the Abdm’s Stalk, Night Herons, Ituri Batis, Northern Carmine Bee-eaters, Martial Eagle, Giant kingfishers, Ostriches, Black-billed Turaco, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Regal Sunbird, African Quail-Finch, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Pink-backed Pelican, Flamingoes, Archer’s Robin Chart, Green Breasted Pitta, Yellow-spotted Barbet,White-spotted Flufftail, Long-eared Owl, Nubian Woodpecker, the African finfoot, African Fish Eagle, Nahan’s Francolin, Brown twinspot, Dwarf Kingfishers; the list does on and on and on.
What to expect while on your Uganda Bird Watching safari
Birding in Uganda is mostly done in designated wildlife conservation areas that are located in almost all regions of the country categorized into National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, Ramsar Sites, Forests, and Sanctuaries.
These areas have a variety of wildlife ranging from mammals, reptiles, amphibians, vertebrates, invertebrates and rodents, insects, plants and people.
You can certainly expect to record over 500 species of birds over a period of only 2 weeks. But as you marvel at Uganda’s beautiful feathery population, you will quickly realize that this country is not only about staring at Shoebills and Turacos, but also a top big game safari destination.
Prepare to be wowed by the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, track the chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park or hike the mountains of the moon while on your ornithology safari in Uganda.
Three key points as you plan for your birdwatching safari in Uganda.
1. Contact a professional Tour Operator.
While planning your safari to Uganda, please ensure to contact a professional, registered tour operator with a specialty in birdwatching safaris. The companies are listed on the Association of Uganda Tour Operators website. You The process of putting the package together is extremely flexible and the tour operator can help you tailor your itinerary as well as to offer professional advice on how, and when to travel to Uganda for your birdwatching safari.
Among other things, an experienced tour operator will help plan for you should you be interested in migratory species or rare species or information about recent sightings.
2. Ask for an experienced local guide
For a stress-free and enjoyable Uganda birding trip, you will want to contact a tour operator to find you or to recommend for you a good and experienced local birdwatching safari guide. This is crucial since such people have mastered the art, and they will know all the must-see birdwatching hotspots.
An experienced local guide also comes with a wealth of knowledge in the dynamics of the birding industry, since their specialty is largely in birdwatching. You can also contact the Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA) for recommendations.
A very good place to look for an excellent guide as well is, especially for a Uganda birding safari is the Destinations Birders Uganda, a group of enthusiastic, knowledgeable, skilled and professional safari guides based in Uganda with a great passion for ornithology as well as working hard to revolutionize bird watching in the country. You can visit the Uganda Birders Guide to keep up with their frequent adventures.
3. Get the Field Guide Book
Remember to purchase or rent the Birds of East Africa Field Guide to get conversant with some of the species in the country before you travel to this gorgeous country. The books have a detailed analysis of over 95% of the recorded bird species in Uganda and increase your scope of what to expect while birding in Uganda.
DID YOU KNOW that there is a smartphone application for this? You might also want to consider buying the app version of the book; that way you don’t necessarily have to carry the heavy book, haha! Here is a link to where you can buy the eGuide right now, or you can simply click on the image below
Bonus Tip: Birding Equipment
While binoculars can be found in Uganda and your birdwatching guide will definitely have a pair or two, it is most advisable to pack your own pair which you will be most comfortable with. Of course, there are other personal items that are recommended on almost all packing lists for a safari to Africa, but I will emphasize having a camera and note pad or anything which you can use to record the birds identified.
There’s no place like Uganda, for those looking for a rich and rewarding birding experience.
At the Top Of The Murchison Falls, You See It All
The essence of the might in the world’s longest river (The Nile River) is captivatingly dramatized within Uganda’s Largest Area of a National Park; the Murchison Falls National Park. The Park is located in the northeastern part of Uganda crowning the upper shores of Lake Albert, topographically bisected by the Nile River and christening the northern ends of the Albertine Rift Valley.
The waterfalls from which the park got its moniker are perhaps the most magnificent of all geographical formations in Murchison Falls National Park. They were named after one of the most active members of the Royal Geographical Society called Sir Roderick Murchison who also served as its president at the time when the falls were named.
The waters of the Murchison Falls are birthed by the source of the Nile in the world’s third largest fresh water lake (by area) called Lake Victoria in the southern part of Uganda, and shared among the three giants of East Africa; Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. The Nile flows north until it reaches the Murchison area where it struggles through the weird geology in a relentless campaign to share its waters with the northern Nation States of South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt; eventually feeding the Mediterranean Sea with mirror-clear water.
The Nile’s itinerary in Murchison Falls National Park involves beating upon large static rocks, squeezing through a tight 8 meter gorge and then violently plunging for a record 43 meters (141 feet) with foamy water into what is called the Devil’s Cauldron; where the waters form a mirage in rainbow colors. The waters then drift on for several kilometers rallying upon rocks; forming entertaining rapids after which the river innocently streams-on broadly with relaxing calmness.
At a traveler’s cost of 15 US$ for Foreign Non-Residents (FNR); 10 US$ for foreign residents (FR); and 10,000 Uganda Shillings for citizens of the East African Community (EAC), tourists can enjoy a hike to the top most part of the falls in which they get to see it all; a complete waterfall safari that lasts for a minimum of two (2) hours.
Tourists may either approach the falls from the front after an early morning boat cruise upstream, that ends at the bottom of the falls from which tourists disembark the sea-going vessel to begin the hike up to the top of the falls. Alternatively tourists can make a mid-morning or afternoon detour from the Masindi – Paraa road along a more slippery and challenging 15 kilometer road to eventually arrive at a footpath that continues from the top to the bottom of the falls. Along the way, they will be fortunate enough to see several wildlife species like the buffalo, several antelope species and a couple of bird species.
At the top of the falls Uganda Safari guests will individually experience the power of the falls. Tourists will feel the solid rocks below their feet shaking like a continuous earth quake and light showers from the splashing and whirling waters will bless their faces. This deafening sound may not allow you to hear many of the other jungle sounds but you will be assured of continued vistas of the unspoiled wild environment while countless muted birds fly past.
A trek to the top of the falls is a worthwhile adventure while in Murchison Falls National Park because “At the Top of the Falls, You See it All”.
Ayo Teerocks Thrills Fans in Lagos at Oraimo Green Backyard Party
Ayo Teerocks, Nigeria’s newest Afro-pop artist performed at Oraimo Green Backyard Party held in Lekki Lagos on 6 March.
The sensational singer did not disappoint music lovers as she performed back to back some of her songs such as Sweet Loving and Gamble.
After her twenty long performances, the singer took to her official Instagram page to share the atmosphere buzzed with exciting moments from the event.
The truly extraordinary lineup showcased emerging talents alongside well-established figures in the music industry, taking the audience on an exhilarating musical odyssey.
Ayo Teerocks who is already enjoying airplays from airwave gurus spoke to this portal to express her appreciation to Araimo Nigeria for organizing such an event.
” Thanks to the management of Oraimo for this exciting event and hope to see this happening every year. Music is a universal language which unites and blends people together, such events keep us united and get closer to our fans,” she stated.
Ayo Teerocks is already hitting the sounds of every home with major collaborations with Skuki on Little Botties Matter and I want to with Efe Irele and Vavavoom.
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