MABAMBA WETLAND
Where is Mabamba wetland located? Situated in Kasanje village and about 40km from Entebbe town, the Mabamba wetland and swamp is a true definition of Uganda’s natural beauty. The name Mabamba is in Luganda meaning… MABAMBA WETLAND
NYERERE NATIONAL PARK.
Where is Nyerere national park located? Initially known as Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park carries pride as the largest national park and Game Reserve in Tanzania situated in the southeastern part of the country.… NYERERE NATIONAL PARK.
TANZANIA TRIPS
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what is gorilla trekking?
All about Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is a thrilling adventure through dense forests to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Trekking gorillas in Rwanda happen in volcanoes national park where experienced guides lead small groups of eight and encounter with these majestic creatures providing a unique wildlife experience. It is a conservation success story contributing to the protection of these primates. Volcanoes national park is in Rwanda; a haven for bio diversity with lush landscapes and endangered mountain gorillas. The park encompasses a chain of volcanic mountains including Karisimbi and Bisoke, it is also a primate location where visitors get chance to witness these creatures within their natural environment as they enjoy beautiful views of the stunning scenery of the Virunga massif. Trekking gorillas in volcanoes is a captivating adventure of guided hikes through the lush terrain to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The activity starts in the morning with a short briefing of the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking, experienced guides accompany you and help in identifying your assigned gorilla family. It takes about 2 to 3 hours and once you get to encounter these creatures, you get one hour to observe and learn their feeding ways and take a few snaps to keep for future memories. After trekking, you ought to go back to the starting point. In Uganda, gorilla trekking happens in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national parks are in south western part of Uganda. These destinations provide awesome and adventurous gorilla trekking experiences where you get to encounter gorillas in their natural habitat. while Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park starts early in the morning with a short briefing about the dos and don’ts of trekking, into groups of eight and accompanied by experienced guides through the jungle in search of these creatures. Trekking takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on where gorillas will be found and once you get to encounter your respective family, you get to be with them for about 1 hour as you closely observe and learn about their daily activities. You are free to take a few snaps to keep for memories, once you finish, you head back to the starting point for your certificate of participation. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park offers a unique and intimate experience because it is home to one habituated gorilla group namely Nyakagezi. If you are looking for a quieter, less crowded and private trek, Mgahinga should be your number one choice. Trekking begins early morning with a short briefing of trekking guidelines and later guides accompany you through the jungle, dense forests and volcanic terrain searching for these incredible creatures. Gorilla Trekking takes about 2 to 3 hours and you get chance to see other primates along the way like chimpanzees and monkeys, and once you get to find the Nyakagezi gorilla family, you are given one hour to learn about their feeding habits as you take a few snaps to keep for memories. Once the trek is done, you can go back to the starting point and receive your certificate of participation.
How to book gorilla trekking permits?
In Uganda
Gorilla trekking permits are available through the Uganda Wildlife Authority through their email or physically contacting them. A tour operator can be the most efficient way to get these gorilla trekking permits.
In Rwanda
One may reach out to the Rwanda Development Board which is responsible for issuing gorilla permits through their contacts, website or email, you can as well book physically.
You can as well book through a tour operating company.
Best time to do gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
June to September, December to February are the best seasons for gorilla trekking. Here the rains are less, shrubs are shorter and trails passable.
Budget safaris for gorilla trekking
A budget safari is also possible when the rains are heavy. the demand is low and accommodation is available at discount prices.
Cost of gorilla trekking permits
In Rwanda
Gorilla permits cost USD 1500 to spend a precious hour in the company of gorillas. You can BOOK WITH US so we make your gorilla dream come true.
In Uganda
Foreign non residents pay USD800, Foreign residents pay USD700 and East African citizens pay UGX 300,000
Gorilla trekking packing list.
• Long sleeved shirts and trousers • Waterproof jackets • Hiking boots • Water proof back pack • Garden gloves • Sunglasses and hat • Insect repellent • Sunscreen • First aid kit • Camera or binoculars • Passport • Trekking permits • Packed lunch and water • Batteries • Torch • Exchanged money • Hiking stick • Portable charger.
Gorilla trekking rules and regulations in Uganda and Rwanda
Flash photography is strictly not allowed as it may disturb gorillas
Always keep distance of at least 7 meters away from gorillas
Visitors have one hour of visit to gorillas to reduce on stress of the gorillas
Eating and drinking or chewing in the presence of gorillas is not allowed to prevent potential contamination
Always follow the instructions of the guide or ranger to ensure a safe encounter
Stay in your group to avoid splitting away to maintain safety
Always cover your mouth and noise while sneezing, coughing and yawning to reduce transmission of diseases.
Dispose of litter appropriately and follow the “leave no trace principles.”
Respect the wildlife and their habitat to avoid unnecessary noise, and respect the natural environment at large
Gorilla trekking often has a minimum age requirement to participate of 12 years and above.
Game Drives in Uganda
Game drives in Uganda are typically guided tours often in wildlife reserves and national parks where visitors observe and encounter animals within their natural habitat. Popular destinations where one is able to encounter adventurous game drives are Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison falls, Kidepo valley and lake Mburo national park. During these drives, you are able to encounter different animals and bird life providing insights into the eco systems and ensuring a memorable safari experience. Some of the destinations where you can experience awesome game drives are; .
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth national park.
Queen Elizabeth national park is located in southwestern Uganda spanning districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rukungiri and Bushenyi. The park is situated near the border with DRC and is part of the western rift valley closer to Kasese town providing a gateway for visitors exploring this diverse and wildlife rich area. Game drives in Queen Elizabeth national park happen within especially in the Kasenyi plains and Ishasha plains offering excellent opportunities to sot a vary animal species. The Ishasha sector is famous for tree climbing lions and both areas provide visitors with a chance to experience the park’s diverse flora and fauna. Some of the animals that you can encounter is African elephants, antelopes, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, hippos, lions and leopards. Some of the birds you get chance to see are African eagle birds, saddle billed stork, pelicans, pink flamingos, grey crowned crane and martial eagle. Apart from game drives, you can participate in boat safaris, chimpanzee trekking, nature walks and bird watching.
Game drives in Murchison Falls national park.
Murchison falls national park is the largest national park located in northwestern part of the country named after the powerful falls where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge creating a spectacular waterfall. During game drives, you are able to encounter diverse landscapes and explore savannah and woodland areas that are blessed with a variety of wildlife. Game drives are usually conducted in the Delta area since it's known for its large concentration of wildlife sighting offering an adventure filled with encounters with Uganda’s iconic fauna against the picturesque backdrop of the Nile. Some of the wildlife you get to encounter are African elephants, lions, leopards, waterbucks, giraffes, buffaloes, Oribis, and hippos. Some of the birds you get to see are shoebill stork, African fish eagle, yellow billed stork, giant kingfisher, African skimmer, and herons. Other activities to do apart from game drives are boat cruises, visit to top of the falls, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking and cultural encounters.
Game drives in Kidepo valley national park.
Kidepo valley national park is located in northeastern part of Uganda bordering South Sudan and Kenya, its known for rugged landscapes and unique bio diversity and considered one of the hidden African gems. Kidepo is characterized with mountain ranges, expansive savannah and river beds providing a dramatic backdrop for wildlife enthusiasts. Game drives are usually done in the Narus valley and the Kidepo valley each giving different eco systems and different wildlife species. You get chance to encounter cape buffaloes, lions, elephants, giraffes, antelopes and zebras. Birds that you get to see are ostrich, Kori bustard, secretary bird, Abyssinian roller, yellow billed hornbill and Egyptian vultures. Other activities to do are hiking, Karamojong cultural tours, guided nature walks, and night game drives.
Game drives in Lake Mburo national park.
Lake Mburo national park is located in western Uganda known for unique combination of savannah, woodland and wetland eco systems named after lake Mburo one of the numerous lakes within the boundaries. Game drives in lake Mburo is one of the exciting ways to gate through the park offering a unique safari experience in the heart of western Uganda. Some of the animals you get to encounter are zebras, Impalas, elands, buffaloes, giraffes and elephants. Some of the birds to encounter are African fish eagle, malachite kingfisher, African fin foot, shoebill stork, Hammerkop and African grey hornbill. Other activities to do are boat trips, horseback rides, guided nature walks, fishing and cultural encounters.
When to do game drives.
You can do game drives either in the morning, late afternoon, evening and late in the nights. Game drives are best done in the months of June, August, December and February because they are considered to be dry months and present perfect sightings and ease of navigation.
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrival and Nairobi national park visit (1 night)
) Depending on where you will have an overnight stay, the driver guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the lodge as you prepare for an evening game drive in Nairobi national park in search of, rhinos lions, giraffes, and many others, you will also have an option of visiting the giraffe center or go for shopping in the city malls.
DAY 2-5: Masai Mara (4 Nights)
Prepare and transfer to Mara plains, where you have the best wildlife game viewing, enjoying a friendly Sarova camp with babysitters, swimming pools, a spa for the old, and entertainment for both ages. Have a standalone Masai Mara photo as you stand in the middle of endless landscapes have plenty of fun with complimented bush picnics, and sundowners, and follow the sunrise catch-ups early in the mornings. Explore the Mara River as you may witness the world's renowned spectacle depending on the months of June-late September as the wildebeest and zebras roam the yards. Have the aerial of the Mara reserve as you use the air balloon to have the best drama. Explore the Masai Mara warriors to enjoy the high jumps, unique dressing codes, bracelets, and unique stories.
DAY 6-9: Mombasa (4 Nights)
Have an early morning breakfast and transfer back to Nairobi for your next flight to the Mombasa coastline, have lunch at the famous carnivore restaurant before your departure, and transfer to the coastline as you enjoy the endless dry plains of Tsavo and magnificent sceneries. Check-in at Sarova white sands beach resort where you will have the rest of the 4 nights. Have yourself a good time during this 10 day kenya family safari, swim, play beach soccer, enjoy the health spa has early sunrises, take a short city tour if you wish, and see the chaotic tukutuku and historical monuments, have that coconut as you bask in the white sands. It’s a place your family will have the best time on warm Indian Ocean waters with your family.
DAY 10: Kenya Family Safari Ends
Perhaps have the last stroll of the white sands and the low tide before you proceed to Nairobi on your scheduled flight. Have breakfast and say farewell to the historically second largest in Kenya’s city
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Ol Pejeta Conservancy is Located between the foothills of Aberdares and eye-catching snow-capped Mount Kenya with a great biome system of semi-arid grassland, woodland, riverine and wetlands is the Laikipia plateau’s prime sanctuary. Ol Pejeta offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities with all the big 5.
The conservancy’s highlights include the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, southern white rhinos, and a refuge of the only 2 living northern white rhinos in the whole world. However, there’s also sweet waters chimpanzee sanctuary housing both abandoned and orphanage chimpanzees, this is the only place in Kenya where you can get a chance to at least see these apes. Ol Pejeta is among Laikipia’s bigger Ecosystems with excellent views of Mount Kenya and with several activities such as night drives, nature walks, birding day game viewing, birding, and lion tracking any travelers would consider participating in.
Ol pejeta conservancy is an avian center with over 500 bird species recorded and birding-watching activities are always operated both morning and evening. This bird watcher’s paradise has notable bird species such as.
Abyssinian scimitarbill
Amethyst Sunbird
Black-winged Lapwing
Blue-naped mousebird
Buff-crested bustard
Cinnamon-chested bee-eater
D’Arnaud’s Barbet
Kenya-rufous sparrow
Long-billed Pipit
Montagu’s harrier
Nubian woodpecker
Rosy-throated longclaw
Rufous chatterer
Taita fiscal
Temminck’s courser
White-bellied go-away bird
White-eyed slaty flycatcher
Yellow-necked spurfowl
Best time for birding watching.
The best time for bird watching in the Ol pejeta Conservancy is yearly, however, European migrants and North Africa are more active between November and April. This will coincide with the wet season as you enjoy birds with different plumages.
The overall wildlife viewing is between the months of July-September and January -march.
Getting there
It takes 3-4 hours from Nairobi to the conservancy, and taking a local flight to Nanyuki airstrip is the easiest way just 45 minutes’ drive away. 4*4 vehicles are recommended during the wet seasons.
Karibu -welcome
Kampala is the commercial and national capital of uganda, at the margins of the biggest lake in africa; lake victoria is a rich area to explore as you enjoy both history and day-to-day life. it’s famous for its major 7 hills that are rich in history such as mengo, makerere, old kampala, rubaga, kibuli, namirembe, kasubi, and nsyambya; however, it has spread to fourteen more. also known as the capital of entertainment both day and night, monday to sunday traffic and music playing from both sides of the capital, motorcycles, finding the easiest means to avoid the traffic, all this buys your attention.
Principle Areas of Interest Around Kampala Town, A must visit (Landmarks, Monuments, and Buildings)
Baha’i temple
Introduced in 1951 to the pearl of africa and the worship building completed in 1961, the faith is open to all people. this beautiful mashriqu’i-adhkar sits on 21.5 acres of land a place to hold your breath, read a novel, and enjoy the beautiful birds. beautified by the flowers and greener trees and the calmness, it’s a place to visit. the faith is believed to have started in 1844 may 23 by a young man called bab who claimed himself as god’s messenger and had holy offices in israel.
MENGO PALACE
Mengo palace was built in 1922, the former home of Buganda’s king, the palace has stayed empty after Prime Minister Obote ordered a dramatic attack on the road land where the Kabaka Mutesa II stayed in 1966, led by the forces of Idi Amin Dada, the president was stormed and the president was forced out into exile. The Torture chamber or the notorious prison is still for tours though the king’s palace interior is out of reach. Famous for the 1900 Buganda agreement signed between the British colonialists and Buganda’s kabaka (king).
RUBAGA CATHEDRAL
Rubaga cathedral/st mary’s cathedral is a parent of the roman catholic archdiocese of kampala, which is the oldest roman catholic diocese in the country.
The famous holy land was given to the white fathers in 1889 seeking where to establish a church, the kabaka by then mwanga ii allowed these god shepherds to have a decent settlement and preached their gospel at peace.
GADAFI MOSQUE
Sits on the old kampala hill once captain frederick lugard’s camp, the mosque holds the biggest hall in sub-saharan africa, central and east africa. hosts 15000 worshipers, 1100 people in the gallery, and 3500 people on the terrace. it’s a 360 degrees viewpoint of kampala city, it brings the remembrance of the country’s colonial rule and the fact that sits on the old kampala hill. the mosque is the official magistrate of the uganda muslim council and is known to many as the gaddafi mosque due to the monetary assistance given by the late libyan president gaddafi
Namirembe cathedral
Also known as saint paul’s cathedral is the oldest in uganda. founded in 1890 and serving as the provincial cathedral of the church of uganda and the diocesan cathedral for namirembe, it’s a great place for christians and has a great history
Kasubi tombs
A great and ancient historic place within kampala sitting of kasubi hill where the decade’s kings of buganda are buried. this makes the site an active religious place in the kingdom of buganda. to the people of the buganda kingdom, the king/ kabaka is the unquestionable symbol of the spiritual, political, and social state of the kingdom.
Hindu temple
A very calm and peaceful time around the city, the hindu temple is open to all visitors during the day with a requirement of silence, removing shoes, and camera shutter sound for those enjoying photography. you will be able to see various hindu gods and watch their faithful feed and dress them.
The kabaka/king’s monument
Centered in the middle of the kingdom’s government headquarters and king’s palace, is this gigantic monument. the stretch between these two areas is known as the royal mile or the king’s way. with 11 meters above the ground and a diameter of 12.8 meters, the structure holds a spear and drum representing the emblem of the kingdom that is always seen on the buganda flag.
Independence Monument
Centered in the middle of the kingdom’s government headquarters and king’s palace, is this gigantic monument. the stretch between these two areas is known as the royal mile or the king’s way. with 11 meters above the ground and a diameter of 12.8 meters, the structure holds a spear and drum representing the emblem of the kingdom that is always seen on the buganda flag.
The Uganda Museum
Founded in 1908 after george wilson the governor called for “ all uganda’s articles of interest to be procured. the museum exhibits and displays natural-historical, traditional life collections of uganda’s cultural heritage and ethnology. uganda’s history is fluently told through collections of the early man, there are more areas like fort lugard, makerere university, and kissinger house in mengo that speak volumes.
Kampala by night
There are places in the city that stir to life all night long, and patrons tap their feet on jazz, country music, or reggae as they sip every type of spirit, beer, and wine as the street food scents hang in the air.
This is a replica in kabalagala, casinos, acacia mall, bugolobi, acacia avenue, centenary park and the garden city. nightlife is relatively safe because each bar and club has bouncers and more so ugandans are hospitable and friendly, a body search starts when entering most night spots.
Pubs and bars-clubs
Casablanca pub & restaurant
19 john bahiha (acacia) ave
Otters bar
Kings african rifles, kololo-opens 12 pm
Sideline bar
In luggage stadium
Dine-in/takeaway/delivery
Equator lounge
Sheraton hotel, kampala
Guvnor club
2nd street industrial area.
Casinos we have, kampala casino, kings casino, casino simba, mayfair casino, and many others.
Culture & arts
Kampala city is a melting pot of cultures embracing ugandan and foreign ways of life. a casual walk around and about treats a visitor to the collection at the national theatre, and craft shops, and uganda museum. have a good time while in kampala in areas like,
Ndere troupe
Is a one-stop point where one can be treated across-section of traditional dances, cuisines, folklore, and wines, enjoy the weird dance strokes as the stars and the moon are seen shying away
Theatre la bonita
just in the heart of kampala city, home of the ebonies theatre group. it’s a cool place for live music shows and stand-up comedy.
National theatre
On Monday’s, it’s when the artist entertains themselves with karaoke and drama skits. it’s a place the old songs are played and easily kicked and triggering feet tapping
Getting about
The city can easily be accessed by buses, taxis, boda bodas, and by air using the kajjansi airstrip and entebbe international airport.
Several buses connect to different areas and neighboring countries, that’s kenya and rwanda, and some to tanzania and burundi. there are also commuter vans-taxis or matatus that link you to the neighboring city suburbs, these go while stopping and always delay you when you are in a rush. boda bodas- motorcycles are the easiest and cheapest depending on where you are going, these require to board one who owns a passenger helmet to safeguard yourself, and you must be able to bargain before travel, using applications like safe boda, bold and uber are also available around town which might ease your movements.
Dos and don’ts in kampala city
DO’S
- Always have room for bargaining while in the craft shops and markets
- Drive when sober
- Wear a helmet when using the motorcycle-boda boda
- Be keen enough on your belongings and learn a few local language phrases that might help you to blend in easily
- Greet people, and avoid showing negative attitudes
DON’TS
- Do not smoke in public
- Avoid parking on city pavements
- Avoid dark corners in the night
- Avoid littering
- Use a car to explore the car to avoid much trouble
FACTS AND FIGURES
- Area size- 189 km2
- Population-4.1 million
- Major languages-english, luganda, and kiswahili
Location
- Latitude-4012’n & 1029’s
- Longitude-29034’e &3500’w
- Capital of uganda located in africa-east africa
Situated in the northern part of Tanzania just about 170 kilometers from Tanzania’s Capital City Arusha, Ngorongoro crater is the largest inactive caldera in the whole world. Ngorongoro Crater lies in one of Tanzania’s popular national parks and a protected conservation area also known as Ngorongoro conservation area.
Ngorongoro crater dominates as a key attraction in this particular conservation area. Travelers and tourists come from across the world for walking and hiking safaris in Ngorongoro holding the world’s largest inactive caldera. Reaching the summit of the Ngorongoro crater is one of the most breathtaking and thrilling moments while on Tanzania safari tours.
The conservation area of Ngorongoro where the Ngorongoro crater is sheltered is one of the world’s largest protected areas and covers about 8292 square kilometers of the land area. The protected area is dominated by savanna woodlands, forests, huge highland plains and Ngorongoro crater. The world’s biggest intact and inactive volcanic caldera has about 265 square kilometres of a bowl and is 610 meters deep with soda lakes like Lake Magadi. The Ngorongoro crater is where the park derives its name “Ngorongoro” and remains a key attraction in this area.
Hiking safaris at Ngorongoro Crater Lake shall enable visitors to encounter the salty Lake Magadi, one of the world’s popular tourist attractions that attracts both domestic and international visitors from across the globe. Visitors shall also be amused at the number of flamingo birds that this particular lake attracts. Several other animal species including lions, rhinos, elands, and leopards can also be sighted on the shores of Lake Magadi.
WHAT TO SEE WHILE IN NGORONGORO CRATER
Ngorongoro crater bears a wide range of habitats where several wildlife species find shelter and the area’s ecosystem is also exceptional. Some of the ecosystems of Ngorongoro crater may include Magadi Salt Lake, hippo pool, lerai forest, forested crater wall, Mandusi and Gorigor swamps. Ngorongoro Crater conservation area also attracts over 550 different bird species including rare and migratory bird species.
Visitors at Ngorongoro crater shall also be able to sight the big five mammals alongside giraffes in one destination.
Visitors shall also be amused by the stunning landscape of Ngorongoro crater that shelters abundant wildlife including wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, impalas, buffaloes and more. The Ngorongoro crater conservation area also shelters the highest number of lions in the world over 65 – 70 lions were last recorded in 2020 and most of these lions were born from there, grew and died in there.
OTHER ACTIVITIES TO DO IN NGORONGORO CRATER
Bird watching. Ngorongoro crater is one of the best destinations for birders in Tanzania the conservation area attracts about 550 different bird species and some of these may include forest buzzards, golden-winged sunbirds, horn bills, vultures, ostriches, starlings, storks, crowned cranes, kori bustards, to mention but a few.
Walking safaris. Walking safaris are one of the best ways to explore and have the best out of Ngorongoro crater and conservation area as it offers a closer experience between visitors and key attractions surrounding the area. Several wildlife species can be seen while on walking safaris including elephants, buffaloes, elands, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes and more.
Game drives. Game drives are a popular tourism activity while visiting Ngorongoro crater and enable visitors to explore the area and have ultimate wildlife experience. Game drives enable visitors to descend into Ngorongoro Crater about 600 meters and a variety of wildlife species can be seen on the grassy plains of the crater including leopards, lions, rhinos, gazelles, cheetahs, elephants, antelopes, water bucks, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, to mention but a few.
THE BEST TIME FOR HIKING SAFARIS AT NGORONGORO CRATER
Ngorongoro conservation area is very rich in abundant fauna and flora species hence remaining open for tourism all year around. However, the dry season of the year remains the best time for exploring the Ngorongoro crater. The dry period of December to February and June to September is the most exciting time to visit the world’s largest inactive caldera.
The roads to the destination are absolutely dry and very accessible during the dry season unlike when it’s wet season when they are slippery hence making the whole walking and hiking safari experience a stressful one. The wildlife of Ngorongoro is also more visible compared to the rainy season when animals try to hide from rain and coldness.